Nostalgic Finale as Last Ford Taurus Rolls off Production Line
ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2006 — -- An American success story comes to an end this week, as the very last Ford Taurus rolls off the assembly line in Atlanta.
When it was first sold in 1985 with innovative designs, the Taurus quickly became the top-selling vehicle in this country and held that spot for five years.
"The Ford Taurus is the only No. 1 car, in the history of the auto industry in [the] United States, that was relegated to the scrap heap by a combination of ineptness and just pure neglect," said automotive analyst Peter DeLorenzo.
Analysts say that Ford was shortsighted when it placed all its hopes in gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles that were much more profitable at the time.
The Taurus went years without any significant improvements, and consumers went elsewhere.
One Taurus supporter says Ford took its most loyal customers for granted.
"They did cost-cutting measures, trimming small features that can really make the car, such as glove-box lights, rear disk breaks, things of that nature," said Jason Kennedy, a member of the Taurus Car Club of America.
In 2005, Taurus sales were under 200,000, less than half of its all-time high.
It's easy to forget that the Taurus was quite an achievement in aerodynamic design when it was first produced by the Detroit automaker.
It was the first American sedan with headlights built flush to the car to reduce drag and make the vehicle more efficient.
Today, these lamps are everywhere -- even the doors were designed to make the interior airtight.
Ford dealers say the Taurus was always a much better vehicle than anyone admitted.
Popular Reads
ABC News Live