- Source: Ford DN5 platform
The Ford DN5 platform is an automobile platform that was produced by Ford Motor Company. Serving as the front-wheel drive replacement for the mid-size sedans of the Ford Fox platform, the DN5 chassis was produced in its initial form for the 1986 to the 1995 model years.
Developed as Ford transitioned its mid-size Ford and Mercury sedan ranges to front-wheel drive, the long-wheelbase FN9 variant of the platform was used by Lincoln; the 1988 Lincoln Continental was the first front-wheel drive vehicle ever sold by the division. As Ford developed its second generation of minivans, the WIN88 variant was used by the 1994 Ford Windstar.
In the late 1990s, the DN5 chassis was gradually replaced through model revisions and retirements.
Models
1986–1995 Ford Taurus
1986–1995 Mercury Sable
1988–2002 Lincoln Continental
1995–1998 Ford Windstar
Replacement
For 1996 production, the DN5 chassis underwent a substantial revision, receiving the DN101 chassis code for the third-generation Taurus and Sable. For 1999, the Ford Windstar retired the WIN88 chassis (derived from the DN5) in favor of the Ford V platform. Retaining an identical powertrain configuration (and wheelbase), the V platform was developed specifically as a minivan.
Following a substantial revision of the FN9 chassis for 1995 (to accommodate the 4.6L DOHC V8 for front-wheel drive), Lincoln produced the front-wheel drive Continental through the 2002 model year until the withdrawal of the model line.