The Ford Vulcan V6 is a 3.0 L (2982 cc/182 in³), 60° V6 engine, first introduced for the 1986 model year and originally designed to be the optional engine in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. It has since become the base engine in the Taurus, and has also been used in the Ford Probe, the Ford Tempo/Topaz from 1992 to 1994 (optional), the Ford Aerostar and Ford Windstar minivans, and the Ford Ranger and Mazda B3000 pickup trucks; it also replaced the Cologne 2.9 engine (which it is not related to) as the base V6 in the Ranger. The Vulcan is built at Ford's Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio.

The Vulcan is a straightforward pushrod design, with 2 valves per cylinder. Bore is 3.5 in (88.9 mm) and stroke is 3.14 in (78.74 mm). The engine was designed to use electronic fuel injection from the start (there was never a carburetor-equipped version), and is also sold in a "flexible fuel" configuration that can burn either normal gasoline or E85 (a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol).

It was updated with lower-friction pistons, a strengthened block, and other changes for 145 hp (108 kW) and 170 ft·lbf (230 Nm) for front-wheel drive vehicles, and 1998 for rear-wheel drive vehicles. Output after a new intake manifold in 1998 was 155 hp (115 kW) and 185 ft·lbf (251 Nm).A composite (plastic) upper intake was added in 2001.

It is likely that Ford chose this name in homage to Vulcan, the mythological Roman god of fire and ironworking, as the engine is a fully cast iron design.

This engine has become very well-known for its durability, and it is not uncommon to find engines running strong at 300,000 miles and beyond.

The Vulcan will probably be discontinued after 2008, as the Ranger will likely cease production.

Applications:

• 1986-1997 Ford Aerostar
• 1986-2007 Ford Taurus
• 1986-2005 Mercury Sable
• 1990-1992 Ford Probe
• 1991-present Ford Ranger
• 1992-1994 Ford Tempo
• 1992-1994 Mercury Topaz
• 1994-present Mazda B-Series
• 1995-2003 Ford Windstar