The Taurus SHO is the high-performance variant of Ford’s mass-market Taurus sedan. It’s got a long history; indeed, almost as long as the model it’s based on. It features a host of upgrades on the base model that make it a fun sports sedan, in a departure from the run-of-the-mill base model.

You might not recognize it if you see one on the street, but it’s a powerful car that can perform. Ford discontinued the model when it canceled the Taurus in 2019, but later models can offer a good deal on a relatively new performance sedan on the used market.

10 There Are Four Generations

taurus sho 1989
via BaT

Though the modern version might be better-known today, the SHO trim debuted on the Taurus in 1989, three years after the Taurus itself debuted. This first generation model could hit 143 mph, with 220 horsepower on tap from a V6. The second generation continued in 1992 the run with a redesign of the Taurus itself, with the same engine.

Taurus SHO 2017
via: Ford

Once again, the SHO trim continued through a Taurus redesign for the third generation in 1996, this time with an engine change. When the Taurus was again redesigned for the 2000 model year, Ford cut the performance trim, which had been selling poorly. However, the company resurrected it for the final generation in 2010.

9 Some Sport A V8

taurus sho 1996
via Mecum

The engine change in the third generation was a headline: finally, the Taurus SHO featured a V8. However, the setup was underwhelming. Power remained similar, with 234 horsepower on tap, and the engine came with some rare, but expensive, issues.

taurus sho v8
via Wikimedia Commons

Beyond that, the fun factor just didn’t extend beyond the brochure. The engine wasn’t particularly well-developed, especially compared to previous models, and it was only available with an automatic transmission that tended to bog down the experience.

8 Yamaha Developed The Engines

Ford Taurus SHO V6 engine
via BaT

The V8 just didn’t live up to the excellent reputation of the engines in the previous generations. These were developed by Yamaha. This engine was well-made, and Yamaha bikes were legendary for their reliability, something that continued in the cars.

Ford Taurus SHO V6 engine 1989
via BaT

That engine is where the SHO name comes from, too. It stands for ‘Super High Output,’ according to Motortrend, which was Ford’s designation for the engine.

Related: Why Yamaha Is Developing A 5.0-Liter V8 Hydrogen Engine For Toyota

7 Reliability Meets Performance

taurus sho chassis
via BaT

Still, despite a few problems with the V8, the Taurus SHO was praised for its reliability. Compared to rivals, the Taurus SHO was more reliable and easier to maintain with its parts-bin Ford supply.

taurus sho exhaust
via BaT

And it wasn’t slow. It outpaced the BMW E30 M3 by a factor of about 30 horsepower, reports Driving Line, making it genuinely quick for its day, period.

6 It Mostly Had A Manual

taurus sho manual
via BaT

When the automatic option was added to the car for its second generation, Ford marketed it as a positive, making the car more approachable to everyday drivers. As the car has become a sought-after classic, and a modern performance sedan, many buyers want the fun of a manual.

taurus sho interior 1989
via BaT

That manual was largely available. The first generation was only available with one, and most second generation cars were sold as manual, as per Motortrend. However, the third generation only featured a sluggish automatic, and sales were down. The modern generation offered the best of both worlds, with a selectable manual mode using either the stick or paddles.

Related: These Are Some Of The Best Cars To Learn How To Drive Manual

5 Handling Was Optimized

taurus sho 2010
via Ford

Ford didn’t just stick a big engine in and call it a day, though, at any stage. The company always stiffened up the chassis and added independent suspension, coupled with sports seats inside for an engaging ride.

taurus sho wheel
via BaT

In 1996, the company fitted an electronic system to control the ride. This Semi-Active Ride Controller System could determine how stiff the body should be at the time: advanced for its day, and especially considering it was in a Taurus. Mercedes didn’t fit a similar system until years later. The final version expanded that active body control further.

4 It’s The Ultimate Sleeper

taurus sho 2013
via Ford

The big appeal with the SHO was just how much it looked like a standard Taurus, at least until it accelerated away. To that extent, Ford made minimal changes to the car, though it is always possible to tell the performance version apart if you’re looking for it.

taurus sho rear quarter
via BaT

Originally, Ford added unique wheels, trim, and bumpers to differentiate the powerful cars. From 1996 onward, though, SHO cars were virtually indistinguishable, says Motortrend, minus the badge from the outside, looking like a high-specced standard Taurus.

Related: 10 Awesome 90s Sleeper Cars You'll Never See Coming

3 Inside Is A Nice Place To Spend Time

Taurus SHO 1995 interior
via BaT

The interior was never really the focus on the SHO. It’s ultimately the standard interior from the Taurus, with a few performance touches. All generations added in sports seats and a sportier steering wheel, which was upgraded to Alcantara for the final generation.

Taurus SHO interior 2018
via Ford

Still, the inside of a Tuaurus was still a nice place to be. Mac Haik Ford noted the “high quality of materials” to ensure “the most comfortable ride possible,” which was always the goal of the cruiser Taurus.

2 It’s Niche Enough To Be Rare

taurus sho 1989 front quarter
via BaT

Part of what appeals to enthusiasts is rarity, and the Taurus has enough of that while still being available at a good price. Plenty of examples were sold: in three years, the first generation managed 15,000 sales. However, few are left in good condition.

taurus sho rear
via BaT

The cars pictured here from Bring A Trailer, all in good condition, sold for no more than $12,000, and good examples can be found for considerably cheaper. It’s a car that’s deservedly beloved, but just by a small group of fans. It does make it a great deal for you, though.

1 It’s The Police Car To Replace The Crown Victoria

nypd taurus
via Wikimedia Commons

Following the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria, and thus the removal of its police spec, Ford replaced its bestselling police car with the Taurus. It offered a version of the standard car in front and rear drive, but the focus was on the SHO-derived all-wheel-drive version.

dc police taurus
via Wikimedia Commons

Called the Police Interceptor, not Taurus, it was the fastest police car in America, according to Business Insider, with a recorded top speed of 150 mph and able to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, faster than the competitive Dodge Charger.