Generation 5 - 2008 to 2009

[ Compiled by: Stocker ] [ First Posted: May 12, 2009 ] [ Last Modified: February 17, 2010 ]

Thank you to everyone who contributed information for this section.

All Gen 5 Models

Taurus trim levels: SE (see 2009), SEL, Limited
Sable trim levels: Base, Premier
The Taurus and Sable returned as full-size sedans after hiatuses of 6 months and two years, respectively. They replaced the Ford Five Hundred and the Mercury Montego. A crossover utility, the Taurus X, replaces the Freestyle and is the "wagon" offering.
The dome lamp is the only item carried over from the Gen 4.
The 3.5 liter Cyclone V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain.
All-Wheel Drive is available on all models.
The Taurus features Ford's new trademark three-bar grille, while the Sable has Mercury's slightly trapeziodal "waterfall" design.
All Tauruses and Sables feature woodgrain trim on the dashboard. Higher-trim models are available with woodgrain on the door panels, steering wheel, and shift knob as well.
The Taurus has the license plate in the trunklid, while the Sable's is in the bumper.
Taurus Limited has chrome accents on the side mirrors, SE/SEL models do not.
Taurus and Sable interiors are essentially identical.
An analog clock is standard on Taurus Limited and all Sables.

A rear-seat DVD Entertainment System for the rear seat is available on any non-moonroof series except the base Sable. It features an 8-inch screen and includes two sets of wireless headphones and a remote control.

The Taurus SE is (re)introduced as an entry-level model. It is only available with AWD as a fleet order.
An electrochromatic rear-view mirror is now available.
The rear seat DVD player is discontinued.
Navigation system is no longer available on the Taurus SEL.
Chrome wheels are now standard on Limited and unavailable on SEL.
The last Sable was built May 21, 2009.