The 96 Taurus came with the AX4N transmission which was not a CVT. I had a 96 and also a 2003 and they were both standard 4 speed automatics. The CVT started with the Freestyle and 500 I believe. (sorry this is referring to Curtis's post).
This nonsense and the lack of Fusion means my next vehicle will not be a Ford. I have purchased 10 4 wheel vehicles and all of them have been Fords. No more. I'm out. (Sorry Fuzzy)
Cyberdman,
My son picked up his Bronco Sport on Monday. Really excited as this is his first purchase and it is a Ford! I bought him a 2008 Focus manual that just turned over 200K miles and is still running strong. Thanks for your help tracking it.