 The GL was basic, and didn't have many optional features, while the LX came with many standard features and was highly configurable.To close the price gap between the Taurus and the Ford Contour, as well as to increase sales, an entry-level G model was added midway into the 1996 model year, as essentially a slightly de-contented GL.For the 1998 model year, the models of Taurus were completely changed.