The mirrors and side moldings will be black only, instead of matching the paint color as they do in other Taurus models.

Each configuration was offered in both Taurus models (see below).

When Ford rearranged the Taurus models for 1998, the Vulcan became the standard engine, and the Duratec became optional on all models.

For the mid-July period, Ford's car sales fell 24.6 percent, to 50,803 units, as sales of the company's Escort and Taurus models declined far below last year's levels.

Nationally, Ford is offering $600 cash rebates, or 2.9 percent financing, on all Taurus models through July 15.

Ford is making few changes in it Taurus model, apparently reluctant to tamper with success.

Ford is reportedly offering discounts of as much as $2,600 on its Taurus models, which currently run a close second to Honda's Accord.

The company's new multidisciplinary team approach to product design was patterned after a process used in the development of the Ford Motor Company's successful Taurus model.

All the price increases will seem much steeper in the showroom, since current Taurus models carry a $1,000 rebate.

The Essex was optional on all other Taurus models.