It sounds like ffmike is on the right track but,
You need to tell us what year your car is, how many miles , and especially what engine it has.
The Taurus has 4 generations and there are many problems specific to each generation.
For instance on a Gen I or II there is a trick to replacing fuel pump and strainer basket without having to drop the fuel tank.
Anyway from what you have described a dirty fuel tank is probably the culprit.
Mike
