- 1999 Taurus Offers Unprecedented Levels of Value,
Quality and Safety
The 1999 Ford Taurus is the only sedan and wagon priced under $20,000 to
earn the federal government's top safety rating - a double five-star rating in government
frontal crash tests. Both the passenger and driver side earned the five-star rating.
Nearly half of all vehicle occupant injuries occur in frontal collisions. "Taurus has
been our most popular family car, and we are pleased that the government also has found it
to be one of the safest," said Ford Division President Jim O'Connor.
BETTER VALUE FOR 1999
Taurus is an even better value in 1999 with key refinements and a price cut of $1,000 on
the Ford Taurus LX The manufacturer's suggested retail price on LX is $17,995, while the
Taurus SE wagon will be priced at $19,995, down $1,840 from the 1998 model. The
well-equipped SE sedan is priced at $18,995 MSRP, down $1,080 from 1998, with the same
level of equipment.
"We've been able to become much more efficient in recent years, and . at has allowed
us to cut costs. Now, we're in a position to pass the savings to consumers, making Taurus
an even greater value," O'Connor said. "We're offering the same level of
equipment on Taurus in 1999 that we offered last year. We're also
demonstrating our commitment to the environment by dropping the charge for emissions
equipment on all of our 1999 vehicles, which was $170."
BETTER LOOKING OUTSIDE, NEW FEATURES INSIDE
New for 1999, the LX and base SE model receive a new 15-inch, five-spoke
wheel cover. The newly designed wheel is standard on the Sport groupings and is optional
on the LX and base SE. A new 16-inch machined aluminum, five-spoke wheel is standard on
the SHO and optional on the Sport Group packages.
Changes continue with the inside with improved cabin appearance with a more harmonious
color coordination of interior components. The interior door release handles have been
changed to a larger paddle handle, which makes it easier to open the door with two fingers
and will accommodate longer fingers and nails. The LX seat is made of solid velour fabric,
and the SE will have a patterned insert on the cushion. The front door net pockets have
been replaced with hard map pockets providing increased storage. The optional power
driver's seat now includes power lumbar support, and the LX now has speed control as an
option.
The Taurus LX and base SE seat five and have a center console that includes revised front
cup holders, a rear-seat cup holder and a second power point access for cellular phone
users. New exterior colors for 1999 are Tropic Green and Graphite Blue.
Taurus customers can choose either the base Vulcan 3.0-liter engine, which provides 145
horsepower, or the Duratec 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6, which delivers 185 hp at 5,750 rpm.
Driving enthusiasts will find more performance with the Taurus SHO, featuring a
235-horsepower V-8 engine. Duratec has been a proven performer for more than 100 billion
miles. The award-winning engine goes 100,000 miles between tuneups. Taurus is also
available as a flexible fuel car running on ethanol or gasoline.
A LEADER IN SAFETY
Taurus offers 40 safety and
security features including dual air bags, side impact protection, rear-door child safety
locks and optional anti-lock brakes.
|