2008 Ford Taurus Review

After being killed off by Ford, the Taurus is back. A midsize car that revolutionized the auto industry in the '80s, it received little attention from Ford in its later years. The Ford Five Hundred was introduced as a replacement in 2005. But the Five Hundred didn't capture the imagination of car buyers, and Ford soon realized their mistake. The Five Hundred has been updated and rebranded with the familiar Taurus name for a 2008 "comeback." The new Taurus has been chosen as one of the IIHS' "Top Safety Picks."

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Ford Taurus, while not exactly being a Taurus, vastly improves on what flaws the Five Hundred had. The engine is now respectably powerful and the car itself is built better than ever. Its high command seating, great safety, and available AWD make it a great alternative for SUV drivers.

What's New For 2008:

The Taurus is "all new" for 2008. But the new Taurus is more than just a rebranding; it offers significant improvements over the 2007 Five Hundred. A new 3.5-L, 263-hp V6 offers dramatically improved performance. Not only that, but over 500 changes were made for the new Taurus, improving fit and finish, as well as ergonomics and safety. The new Ford Sync feature allows drivers to seamlessly operate cell phones and portable music players.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$26,670

Rebates & Incentives:
no

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
18/28

Engine:
3.5L V6

Horsepower:
263@6251RPM

Torque:
249@4501RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
20

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power data is not yet available. No recalls or technical service bulletins have been issued. The Five Hundred held a respectable reliability record. J.D. Power gave it three and a half stars for initial reliability. Few problems were reported, and most were isolated to the 2005 model year, including brake, speaker, and suspension noise, as well as cold-starting problems. The 2005 Five Hundred was recalled once, for possible breakage of the gas tank straps. Expect average to above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Five Hundred and the Taurus were built using Volvo components, and its safety record reflects that. It earned perfect scores in both government and IIHS crash tests. As mentioned before, the Taurus is one of the IIHS' "Top Safety Picks" for this year. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and traction control come standard. Adjustable pedals, parking sensors, and stability control are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Safe
+ Spacious
+ Powerful engine

Cons
- Many safety features optional
- A bit pricey for its segment
- Taurus in name only

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Hyundai Sonata Limited, for $800 more offers a CD changer and leather seats, but it has 25 less hp and lacks a six-speed transmission. The Dodge Avenger R/T is similar, offering a CD changer at the cost of 25 hp. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, the new Mercury Sable is mechanically identical and costs the same.

What Others Are Saying:

"The new Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are rated the safest full-size sedans in America based on crash test ratings, but can safety sell a vehicle?" - The Auto Channel

"The big upgrades for the 2008 Taurus start in front and back, where Ford adopts the three-bar grille found on the new Fusion and Edge. The hood is sculptured, with a slight edge applied to the chin spoiler. In back, fresh taillamps give the sedan's tail a more modern look, with Limited editions donning a splash of chrome trim." - The Car Connection

"Ford is bringing back the Taurus, but don't expect to see any of those familiar oval shapes in this new version of what not that long ago was the best-selling car in the United States. While the badges may say Taurus, this new version is really just the Ford Five Hundred with some visual and mechanical updating." - New Car Test Drive

Read more about the 2008 Ford Taurus at the Ford manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - Email to a friend

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