most cars from the late 90s had the bubbly look. it was the look of the decade - just like giant braces and fins of the 50s, and now, the ~sculpted curves~ and ridiculous suv/sedan cars like the bmw m6.
-forgetsnip-
the diesel was reliable but slow as forget.
Yeah, they all had curves, but that melted look of the taurus was extreme. I mean look at the windows. Even they are circle!
It seemed to be a bit of a trend during those years with Ford cars in America, and even some non-Ford cars.

Hell, even some non-American cars have it too, but not as many:

Aweful.
Australian Ford Fairmont.
I guess we didn't get it as extreme over here.