Which oil filter for any Taurus will depend on which engine, and what year.
In general for this 'generation' of Taurus / Sables, the "Vulcan" engine uses the Motorcraft FL400s, and the "Duratec" uses an FL820s
Of course, those are the numbers for just the Motorcraft brand - other brands will use similar, or even totally dis-similar product numbers.
In terms of what brand of filter to use, there are many sources of in-depth analysis and reviews - see "Related Links" below
Also, see "Related Questions" below for more
On my 1998 Taurus the oil filter is on the front towards the bottom.
Motocraft Oil Filter
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide ( 5W-30 )
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide ( 5W-30 )
Fram Oil filter PH3600 Air Filter CA10242
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : ( 5W-30 is used in all the factory engines )
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : With engine oil filter change : The 3.0 L " Vulcan " V6 engine takes ( 4.5 U.S. quarts ) The 3.0 L " Duratec " DOHC ( 5.5 quarts ) * 5W-30 is used
According to one of the Ford websites : For a 1993 Ford Taurus : 3.0 liter " Vulcan " V6 engine and 3.8 liter V6 engine ( Motorcraft FL-400-S engine oil filter )
According to the 1996 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : The 3.4 liter V8 engine in a 1996 Ford Taurus SHO takes : ( 6.5 U.S. quarts of 5W-30 engine oil with engine oil filter change )
3 liter Ford Ranger, Taurus, Windstar.
According to the 1999 Ford Taurus owner Guide : For the 3.0 " Vulcan " V6 engine ( Motorcraft FL-400-S engine oil filter ) For the 3.0 " Duratec " V6 engine ( Motorcraft FL-820-S engine oil filter )
it takes 5 quartsAnswerThis information is detailed in the Owners Manual - See "Related Questions" below for more============================================================According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide :With engine oil filter change :The 3.0 liter " Vulcan " V6 engine takes ( 4.5 U.S. quarts )The 3.0 " Duratec " ( 5.5 )