[kjw86ca]

Hello,

Well, I know this kind of stuff has been done before...but I wanted to do it myself. I know once before I talked to a dealership manager and he was telling me about all these new SVT vehicles coming out in the next couple of years. (Turns out it will be the Futura, not the Taurus...

) special edition Sables...(uh, he was talking about the Platinum Edition.) etc.

So today I called the Ford Customer Service Center and asked them about the Taurus. The lady was really helpful. She went and talked to some people and said there is no plans to discontinue the Taurus. She said if there was, it should come up, as if they do plan on discontinuing something it is usually on her computer. She said there is no plans for redesign in the next year (for 2005) as it was just updated for 2004. She said that the computer says to inform the customer that there are alternatives. I asked what they were, and she said the new "Ford 500." She said all it says is that it's also like a full-size four door, similer to the Taurus.

Well, anyway. The main reason I called was to see what she had to say about the Taurus SHO. I said, "Do you remember the Taurus SHO? I had one and it was a great car." She said "Oh, yes. I most certainly do remember that car." I said, "Can you tell me if there are any plans to bring that car back?" She said "Well, there are no plans to bring it back by 2005. Things like that [bringing back old models] are based on supply and demand. If a customer calls in requesting a certain model, we will put it down on a file. It gets transfered to another department. Eventually, if enough people are requesting a certain vehicle, they take notice and usually they will do something about it."

I don't know if anyone else has ever called in asking about it. But if you have like 10 minutes and feel like it, the number I called was: 1-800-232-3673 or 1-800-565-3673 should also work in Canada and the U.S.

I wish we could bring the SHO back. I loved my SHO. <_<

 

[Guest]

I have done this same thing before, but heck, it's probably about time to do it again. With the new ST line of performance vehicles coming out soon from Ford, I think if they heard of enough interest they would make an ST Taurus.

We have 2000+ members in this club. If we want to see a Gen 4 SHO, I think we all need to call a couple of times.

1-800-232-3673 or 1-800-565-3673 should also work in Canada and the U.S.

Even if they don't (they probably won't) bring back a SHO, it's worth a try - it's a free call that I'm sure we all can spare 10 minutes of our time to make.

 

[kjw86ca]

Yeah, right. I wish. Everyone likes to complain about how Ford doesn't do anything but no one else will do anything about it. They just sit and complain.

 

[sabledale]

I'll be sure to make the call when I have some extra time on my hands!

 

[alex_perry]

as cool as that car was, at the time it didn't have very much competition. Now, the SHO has competition from every car maker. Nissan Maxima, Acura TL, Pontiac GP, etc. It wouldn't be worth it for them to make another.

 

[dant98]

Originally posted by Alex_Perry@Jan 21 2004, 01:53 AM
as cool as that car was, at the time it didn't have very much competition. Now, the SHO has competition from every car maker. Nissan Maxima, Acura TL, Pontiac GP, etc. It wouldn't be worth it for them to make another.

Well if they produced a new SHO, they would have to make it competitive. I think that's kinda the point. The current model of Taurus with the duratec engine used to be one to high end for mid sized sedan power, but now you have other manufacturers with 240 - 260 HP Sedans... If there were to be a Gen 4 SHO, they'd have to push it up to the 260+ HP range to be compeditive. I'd expect a sticker price in the mid to high 30's for a car like that (too rich for my blood). I do however think there are enough people who remember the legacy of the SHO who might be interested in buying a new SHO putting down that 250 - 300 HP range. In addition to power, the SHO was a luxury vehicle of it's time as well, so I would have to imagine they'd have to include stuff like an LCD screen, heated leather, GPS nav, etc in order to be compeditive.

-Dan

 

[Guest]

If they can hurry it up with the 3.5L Duratec I think a Gen4 SHO could put up some tough competition. Most of the cars competing in the "sport sedan" arena don't have LCD's and whatnot for the most part AFAIK. With the range of features already available w/ the Gen4 I don't think it would be much work to compete feature wise. Features available, that I know of: Climate Control, Floor shifter, rear A/C vents, leather, heated mirrors, power seats, moonroof, rims (SES Sport Edition

), traction control, abs, airbags, upgraded audio. I would say add: but warmers, cup warmers/coolers, rear A/C CONTROLS as seen in teh Explorer SportTrac and you've got a good competitor IMHO.

btw... I plan to make my calls today

 

[Guest]

Plus I have to add (going off what Dan said) - the SHO has a Legacy and a history of paving the way for Sport Sedans, Ford started it and should stay competitive with it. Like Dan said, there are enough people who remember the SHO and how aggressive of a competitor it was/is that it would most definitely spark an interest. This would help lure people back into domestic cars and way from Maximas, etc.

 

[DrinkMore]

Not to be a buzzkill or anything, but everyone keeps talking about ford and sho having a legacy. What legacy are we talking about here?

The one with the Gen2's persistent tranny and engine problems? Maybe its the legacy of the Gen3 sho's failing camshaft problem? No, wait thats not it. It must be the other 100 or so problems that ford is so actively aware of, yet they don't care.

Granted I have owned many ford cars and trucks, I doubt I will own another for the sheer fact that ford does not take care of its problems or its customers. Why on earth would you want to support a company that does that?

Its like anything else. If you purchase something and it breaks and you want to take it back, damn the person that tells me no! There are many great companies out there that take care of their customers. For instance, Logitech. I purchased the new wireless mouse/kb combo and have had trouble with it for a while. I called them up and told them what was going on. They sent out a brand new set at no charge and told me to keep the old set as a spare. That is customer service.

Ford = No customer service. The almighty dollar is their drive.

 

[Guest]

I honestly cannot see them bringing it back...They took it off the essembly line for a reason (i don't know that reason) but also, they're bringing out the new redesigned Mustang, all those SVT models, the Freestar, 500, GT...i doubt bringing back the SHO is on their priority list. It would be nice to have a SHO back, just don't give your hopes up for ford to do it. What would a SHO look like anyway?? hmmm...



just my .02 cents

 

[n2_space]

Originally posted by MySablesNameIsBruce@Jan 21 2004, 11:08 AM
I honestly cannot see them bringing it back...They took it off the essembly line for a reason (i don't know that reason) but also, they're bringing out the new redesigned Mustang, all those SVT models, the Freestar, 500, GT...i doubt bringing back the SHO is on their priority list. It would be nice to have a SHO back, just don't give your hopes up for ford to do it. What would a SHO look like anyway?? hmmm...



just my .02 cents

Agreed. I already read something (which I think may have been on here) that there are no considerations for another SHO or anything. SVT will become more exclusive and there will be another "line" if you will of a little faster beefier than stock cars (but not so much as an SVT). Focus will get dropped from the SVT line up and get that treatment. They mentioned other cars like the Mustang, Lighting, and Futura. I can't remember what they said on the 500.

 

[Guest]

Yeah, they are starting an "ST" line that will be the performance line that isn't quite as "l33t" as SVT

They most likely will not make a SHO, I certainly don't expect them to but what does it hurt to show our passion for the Taurus by letting Ford know our feelings. I'm sorry to hear that some people have had a bad experience with Ford, but my entire family has had nothing but top notch treatment. They've always stood behind the cars and any troubles we have had. Unfortunately I think it all depends on the dealership. They can make or break a customer's relationship with Ford. On the occasions I have called Ford directly they have always been very receptive and courteous and willing to help. It all depends on the circumstances and who you talk to as to whether you get good treatment or not. Each auto comany has falling outs and problems with certain vehicles as does any comany with any product and you shouldn't make your judgement about a company based on one experience or vehicle. At any rate, I love Ford and plan to own nothing but Fords for life.

Ford Rules!

OK, I'll get off my soap box.

 

[Twilight]

Expecting a new SHO is a waste of time IMO. However, you certainly can expect an ST model of the Futura. Considering the market these days it would not make sense not to produce it. Imagine the performance and features of a Maxima in a slightly smaller package and more affordable. weeeeeee

 

[kjw86ca]

The SHO DOES have a legacy. You know, ANY SHO, ANY year, has more HP than a Corvette before 1990? (I believe that's when it got like 350Hp.) At the time of it's introduction, the SHO cost less than $20,000.

Saying it has no legacy is like saying there is no such thing as McDonalds.

Some facts about the SHO:

It was the fastest four-door in U.S. automotive history. It is quicker than the Mercedes 560SEL and the Tokyo-Osaka bullet train.

In track tests, writers for Automobile magazine found that the SHO was 1.9 seconds-per-lap faster than the BMW 535. It was more nimble during slalom runs.

The Taurus SHO was quicker than the $70,000 Ferrari Mondial. You would have had to buy an Enzo to match it's power back then. The SHO cost $19,000.

It could accelerate on par with the Porsche 911 Carrera.

No legacy?

-Kyle

 

[majisto]

Guys, it is futile to ask for a SHO Taurus. There is no market for it anymore. The car market is full of buyers who buy off image and name. They don't want to brag that they own a high performance Taurus anymore. Tell me, why in the world would you EVER waste your money on an H2? Come on, the thing has independent front suspension and gets under 10 MPG. What kind of an off-roader is that? Well it has the name Hummer. Had Chevrolet called it what it really was (Extended Tahoe with un-aerodynamic body) it wouldn't sell at all.

I hate that too, but for Mercury to be at the top of the expectations list and Ford to be at the bottom, when they are the SAME platforms, shows that the buying public knows absolutely nothing about the car markets, and will purchase a car based upon the look and the general public opinion of it. I would like to see an SVT 500, since I think it looks to be a better car anyway. I'm just waiting for that 3.5 Duratec. Ford needs a strong car motor; especially with the new cars becoming heavier and heavier. AWD will be a HUGE selling point for that 500, and that alone will make people shop for it versus the Maxima. Hell, Lexus is just starting to use AWD, and they are supposedly the pinnacle of automotive engineering.

 

[silvapain]

From what Iv'e read, the futura and the 500 are to be the replacements for the taurus by 2007. I wish I could remember where I read it.

And why buy a SHO when you can mod up to one.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by kjw86ca@Jan 21 2004, 03:59 PM
The SHO DOES have a legacy. You know, ANY SHO, ANY year, has more HP than a Corvette before 1990? (I believe that's when it got like 350Hp.) At the time of it's introduction, the SHO cost less than $20,000.

Saying it has no legacy is like saying there is no such thing as McDonalds.

Some facts about the SHO:

It was the fastest four-door in U.S. automotive history. It is quicker than the Mercedes 560SEL and the Tokyo-Osaka bullet train.

In track tests, writers for Automobile magazine found that the SHO was 1.9 seconds-per-lap faster than the BMW 535. It was more nimble during slalom runs.

The Taurus SHO was quicker than the $70,000 Ferrari Mondial. You would have had to buy an Enzo to match it's power back then. The SHO cost $19,000.

It could accelerate on par with the Porsche 911 Carrera.

No legacy?

-Kyle

Amen!