The 1991 Ford Taurus sits in an important moment in Ford’s front-wheel-drive family-car story, blending mainstream sedan practicality with the distinct styling that made the Taurus such a recognizable American car of the era. Tire fitment on this model is not one-size-fits-all, because the Taurus uses three radial sizes depending on trim and wheel package: 205/70R14, 205/65R15, and 215/60R16. That creates different buying paths, from whitewall and redline choices in the 14- and 15-inch sizes to the SHO’s separate 16-inch fitment. The right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then matching the tire’s appearance and road-use goals to that setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Ford Taurus
Three tire sizes apply to the 1991 Ford Taurus, and the correct one depends on sub-model and wheel diameter. The L uses a 14-inch setup, the SHO uses a 16-inch setup, and GL and LX models may use either 14-inch or 15-inch tires. Before comparing brands or sidewall styles, the first step is confirming the exact trim and the actual wheel diameter currently on the car.
In 205/65R15, the 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. This size is one of the primary radial fitments used on certain 1991 Ford Taurus GL and LX models. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial products with either a 2-inch whitewall or a redline sidewall treatment. It is a useful size for owners who have the 15-inch wheel setup and want to balance correct fitment with a more restoration-minded or customized visual presentation.
In 205/70R14, the 205 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter. This radial size appears on the 1991 Ford Taurus L and on certain GL and LX configurations, making it one of the most broadly used Taurus fitments for the model year. Product choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual redline, and raised white letter styles from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin across several tire series. It gives buyers the widest range of appearance choices, but only for cars running the 14-inch wheel package.
In 215/60R16, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is the distinct primary fitment for the 1991 Ford Taurus SHO, separating it from the 14-inch and 15-inch tire packages used on other Taurus trims. Its role is less about choosing among multiple trim-wide alternatives and more about confirming the SHO’s correct wheel setup before moving into product selection. Buyers should treat it as a trim-specific fitment rather than a general Taurus size.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1991 Ford Taurus because tire size changes across the range, and some trims can use more than one wheel-and-tire combination. Identifying whether the car is an L, GL, LX, or SHO is the clearest starting point before choosing a tire.
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1991 Ford Taurus GL
The 1991 Ford Taurus GL uses either a 205/70R14 or 205/65R15 radial tire, so wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before anything else. Once that is settled, tire selection becomes a matter of choosing the right sidewall style and product character for the car’s intended appearance and use.
The 1991 Ford Taurus L uses the 205/70R14 radial size, which keeps fitment relatively straightforward. That lets the focus shift from size identification to choosing among available sidewall styles and series that suit a stock-looking driver or a more period-style presentation.
The 1991 Ford Taurus LX uses either 205/70R14 or 205/65R15 radial tires depending on wheel setup. Confirming the wheel diameter is important here, because the tire options and sidewall treatments differ between the 14-inch and 15-inch fitments.
The 1991 Ford Taurus SHO uses a 215/60R16 radial tire, giving it a separate fitment from the rest of the Taurus range. Tire shopping for the SHO starts with preserving that 16-inch setup and checking that the wheels on the car still match the original size category.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1991 Ford Taurus Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Ford Taurus tire choices vary mainly within the 205/70R14 and 205/65R15 radial sizes, with options from BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Michelin. Buyers can compare series such as Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and XWX, along with whitewall, redline, dual redline, blackwall, and RWL sidewall treatments.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 205/65R15
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1991 Ford Taurus, how fitment changes by sub-model, and how to sort through radial tire choices, appearance options, wheel compatibility, and pre-drive checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Ford Taurus?
The 1991 Ford Taurus uses three primary tire sizes: 205/70R14, 205/65R15, and 215/60R16. The correct size depends on the specific sub-model and wheel package, with the L using 205/70R14, the SHO using 215/60R16, and GL and LX models using either 205/70R14 or 205/65R15.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or sidewall style, but confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter on the car. A GL or LX may not still wear its original wheels, so checking the actual rim size before ordering tires helps avoid choosing a correct Taurus size for the wrong Taurus setup.
What size rim does a 1991 Ford Taurus use?
A 1991 Ford Taurus can use 14-inch, 15-inch, or 16-inch rims depending on sub-model. The 205/70R14 tire mounts on a 14-inch rim, the 205/65R15 mounts on a 15-inch rim, and the 215/60R16 mounts on a 16-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment check on this Taurus because the model year spans three different wheel sizes. Even if the trim points toward a likely tire size, the safest approach is to verify the wheel itself, especially on cars that may have had replacement wheels, dealer-installed accessories, or later owner changes.
Why does the 1991 Ford Taurus have more than one tire size?
The 1991 Ford Taurus has more than one tire size because the model line includes different sub-models and wheel packages. The L, GL, LX, and SHO do not all share the same wheel diameter, so their tire sizes differ as well.
This matters because tire size on the Taurus is tied directly to the wheel setup, not just the model name on the trunk. A buyer looking at a GL or LX should verify whether the car has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, while SHO owners should stay focused on the separate 16-inch fitment that belongs to that trim.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1991 Ford Taurus?
Start with the correct size for the exact car: 205/70R14, 205/65R15, or 215/60R16. From there, compare radial construction details that affect selection, including rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, load figures where stated, and the overall look you want the Taurus to carry.
A stock-appearing family sedan may call for a blackwall or narrow whitewall, while a period-style build may lean toward redline, dual redline, or a wider whitewall depending on the size. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter already on the car and the visual direction of the vehicle usually narrows the choice faster than comparing brands alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Ford Taurus tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1991 Ford Taurus include Wide Whitewall, Narrow Whitewall, Redline, Dual-Redline, RWL, and Blackwall, depending on tire size. The broadest variety appears in 205/70R14, while 205/65R15 centers on whitewall and redline options.
That sidewall range gives the Taurus owner room to shape the car’s presentation without changing the basic fitment. A whitewall can push the car toward a softer traditional look, while redline or raised white letter styling creates a stronger period flavor. The important step is making sure the preferred sidewall treatment is available in the exact size the car uses.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Ford Taurus?
BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Michelin all offer tires within the sizes used on the 1991 Ford Taurus. BFGoodrich appears across multiple series and sidewall treatments, while Maxxis and Michelin add narrower but still useful choices within the 205/70R14 fitment.
Brand should be considered alongside the actual tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than as a shortcut to the right choice. A buyer may find that the preferred appearance points toward one brand, while the desired series or rim-width specification points toward another, so the best comparison is always made within the correct Taurus size first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Ford Taurus?
A period-style 1991 Ford Taurus tire choice starts with keeping the correct trim-specific size, then selecting a sidewall treatment that matches the car’s intended presentation. In the available sizes, that can mean narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, dual redline, blackwall, or raised white letter styling depending on the wheel package.
The most convincing result usually comes from matching the tire’s visual character to the way the car is being restored or preserved, not from choosing the most attention-grabbing sidewall by default. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare any appearance decision with marque references, old photos, or build-related documentation before settling on a final combination.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1991 Ford Taurus restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1991 Ford Taurus restoration because the model uses more than one wheel diameter and more than one tire size across the range. Keeping the right 14-inch, 15-inch, or 16-inch fitment helps preserve the car’s proportions and prevents the finished look from drifting away from the trim’s intended setup.
Appearance is only part of the story. Correct size selection also affects how the tire sits in the wheel opening and whether the car retains a balanced, believable stance. Even on a driver-grade restoration, confirming the sub-model and actual wheel diameter before choosing a sidewall style keeps cosmetic decisions from creating avoidable fitment problems.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Ford Taurus?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Ford Taurus. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body and brake changes can all influence whether the car still has the wheel diameter, width, and clearance needed for its original 205/70R14, 205/65R15, or 215/60R16 fitment.
A Taurus that has been changed from stock should be checked at the wheel, not assumed from the badge or trim level. Measuring the actual rim diameter and looking for clearance at the fender edge, strut area, and steering sweep helps confirm whether the intended tire size still suits the car’s current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Ford Taurus on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Ford Taurus on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the right size, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also wise to look at valve stems, lug hardware, alignment condition, and any signs that the suspension or steering components need attention.
A short first drive should include listening for rubbing and watching for vibration, pulling, or uneven tracking. Collector-era cars and lightly used survivors can hide age-related issues in bushings, shocks, and wheel components, so the tire change is a good time to make sure the rest of the chassis is ready for regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1991 Ford Taurus be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1991 Ford Taurus should be kept at the proper pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and checked for slow air loss. Cars that are driven infrequently deserve extra attention because low annual mileage can make an older tire look usable long after age and storage conditions have started to matter.
Storage also plays a role in long-term condition. Keeping the Taurus away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls and casing, while periodic movement of the car helps avoid long stationary loading in one spot. Any sign of age-related deterioration deserves closer inspection before road use.
