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Ford Taurus

1996-99 models

results also apply to: 1996-99 Mercury Sable

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable were redesigned for the 1996 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, and its head hit the B-pillar.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low.

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
Crumpled sheet metal in front of the occupant compartment indicates where the crash energy was absorbed. A strong safety cage helped keep the tire out of the driver footwell area.
The head restraints are poor. Even when they're adjusted to the highest position, they're too far below and behind the top of an average-size male's head to provide adequate protection.

Additional features:

Antilock brakes (optional)

Tested vehicle specifications:

1996 Ford Taurus GL 4-door
Class: Large family car
Weight: 3,331 lbs.
Side airbags: none
Wheelbase: 109 in.
Length: 198 in.
Width: 73 in.
Engine: 3.0 L V6
EPA ratings: 20 mpg city | 29 mpg highway

See all test results for Ford Taurus | Mercury Sable

Last updated: September 2, 2005