The 1987 Ford Taurus is a mid-size family sedan (also sold as the Taurus wagon) that helped redefine the American commuter car with modern styling and front-wheel-drive packaging. It’s part of the first-generation Taurus (1986–1991), positioned as a mainstream alternative to more traditional boxy sedans of the era. Ideal for daily drivers who want a roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, and easy highway manners, the ’87 Taurus was a strong value in its segment. Today it appeals to budget-minded classic commuters and collectors who appreciate its period-correct design and practicality.

1) FIRST-GENERATION AERO DESIGN: The smooth, wind-cheating body shape was a standout in the late 1980s, helping with highway stability and fuel economy compared with many contemporaries. 2) FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE LAYOUT: FWD packaging improves interior space and all-weather traction, making the 1987 Taurus a practical choice for commuters in wet or snowy climates. 3) ENGINE OPTIONS: Most 1987 Tauruses came with a 2.5L inline-4 as the base engine, with a 3.0L V6 available for better passing power and more relaxed highway driving. 4) AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS: Many were equipped with a 3-speed automatic, while some models offered a manual transmission depending on trim and configuration. 5) COMFORT AND FAMILY USABILITY: A wide cabin, supportive seats for the era, and a generally compliant ride made it competitive as an affordable family sedan; wagon models added serious cargo flexibility.

Shoppers searching “1987 Ford Taurus reliability” should expect typical first-generation, high-mileage Ford aging concerns. Many examples still on the road are decades beyond their original design life, so condition and maintenance history matter more than odometer readings alone. 1) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT ISSUES: Owners commonly report rough shifting, slipping, delayed engagement, or premature failure—often showing up anywhere from 60,000–120,000 miles depending on service history. Heat and neglected fluid changes can accelerate wear, so a smooth, consistent test drive is critical. 2) ENGINE SENSORS AND DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS: Reports of stalling, rough idle, hesitation, and poor fuel economy are often tied to aging sensors and fuel/air control components (such as throttle position and idle-related components). These issues may appear around 80,000+ miles, but age-related corrosion and vacuum leaks can bring them on earlier. 3) COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS AND OVERHEATING: Radiators, hoses, water pumps, and thermostat housings can leak with age. Overheating complaints are common on older, neglected cars, and even a single overheating event can lead to bigger problems, especially on higher-mileage engines. 4) ELECTRICAL GREMLINS AND INTERIOR ELECTRONICS: Power accessories, instrument cluster quirks, and intermittent electrical faults are frequently cited “1987 Ford Taurus problems,” often caused by tired switches, worn connectors, or degraded grounds. These are usually fixable but can be time-consuming to diagnose.