Ford D186 platform

Ford D186 platform
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Ford DN101 platform
Production	1986-2007
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size (D)
Layout	FF transverse
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 3-door minivan
Vehicles	Ford Taurus Mercury Sable Lincoln Continental Ford Windstar
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Fox platform (Long wheelbase)
Successor	D3 and CD3 (Cars) Ford V platform (Minivans)

The Ford D186 platform is a automobile platform produced by Ford Motor Company from 1986 to 2007. Replacing the majority of the models based upon the rear-wheel drive Fox platform, it marked the adoption of front-wheel drive for Ford and Mercury mid-size cars. In 1988, it became the basis of an all-new Lincoln Continental, introducing front-wheel drive to the Lincoln division.

In 1995, the platform was expanded further as Ford introduced its first front-wheel drive minivan, the Windstar.

Models

• 1986–2007 Ford Taurus
• 1986–2005 Mercury Sable
• 1988–2002 Lincoln Continental
• 1995–1998 Ford Windstar

Replacement

For the 1999 model year, the Windstar was given a dedicated platform separate from that of the Taurus/Sable; after an unsuccessful rebranding as the Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey, it was discontinued in 2007.

After the 2002 model year, Lincoln discontinued the Continental.

As part of a model shift from 2005-2007, the D186 platform was phased out as the Taurus/Sable were replaced by the smaller Mazda-based Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan as well as the larger Volvo-derived Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego. The Sable was discontinued in 2005 while the Taurus ended production in 2007; both nameplates would replace the Five Hundred/Montego in 2008.