<& /articles/carImage.comp, make => 'Ford', model => 'Taurus X', KWP => '2008 Ford Taurus X Review' &> The Taurus X is a brand-new crossover SUV that replaces the Freestyle this year. Mechanically, it's an improved version of the Freestyle, but features exterior styling more akin to the Edge. Like the Freestyle, the X can carry up to seven passengers.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Ford Taurus X is a significant improvement over the Freestyle, which was already a pretty good model. The new Taurus X gets a significant performance boost that is mixed with the Freestyle's versatile design. The Taurus X is the ultimate crossover to challenge the minivan-offering all the space, but without a boxy look or clunky handling.

What's New For 2008:

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power information is not available. Problems with the Freestyle included brake noise, failing seat heaters, suspension noise and cold start issues. It was recalled twice due to weak fuel tank straps and water leaks. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Taurus X earned perfect government and IIHS crash test scores. It's been chosen as one of the IIHS' "Top Safety Picks" for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, a rollover sensor, and stability and traction control come standard. Parking sensors and adjustable pedals are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Improved engine performance
+ Safe
+ Standard third row

Cons
- Uncomfortable seats
- Cargo space smaller than some
- Edge-like exterior, not for everyone

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Honda Pilot includes a CD changer, but costs a few hundred more, and lacks a third row. The Saturn Outlook cost a little over $1,000 more, but has better ground clearance and headroom. The Toyota RAV4 Limited has standard AWD and a CD changer, but lacks a third row.

What Others Are Saying:

"Even as Ford's SUV stable swells to bursting, the mpg Taurus X is the best of the bunch: reasonably frugal, perfectly practical, wonderfully comfortable and thoroughly modern. But Ford's stunning lack of situational and self-awareness condemns the Taurus X to obscurity. Thus the mighty have fallen." - The Truth About Cars

"The Taurus X offers SUV versatility with sedan handling and room for seven. It is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive...The rear seats need more lumbar support, a telescoping steering wheel would be handy and the cargo space is not very tall." - The Family Car

"If you can stomach the exterior, the 2008 Ford Taurus X presents a practical solution for hauling people or cargo. Equipped with Sync and navigation, you get a good range of tech with some standout features." - C|Net

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

The Ford Taurus: the vehicle that saved Detroit and then put the nation to sleep. When I stopped by my local Ford Dealership, I didn't expect much of the Taurus crossover. Sure I'd rented Taurus' for years, but both my grandparents drove them. How boring. So I went into this test drive expecting to see mediocrity at its finest.

I test drove the Ford Taurus X SEL Limited. The MSRP for this crossover was $34,720. The Taurus X is divided into two categories: front-wheel drive and all wheel drive, and three trim packages. The Limited I test drove had all the bells and whistles like dual heated seats, all wheel drive and DVD entertainment system.

From a distance I thought it was a bit too station wagon for my tastes, but when I approached, I noted a more aggressive stance. The three bar grille makes this car look more like it's ready for the ski slopes than the soccer field. The interior was beautiful black leather, matched with flamed wooden accents. Initially, all the buttons seemed overwhelming, but the salesman showed me the logic to the controls, making me feel less like an airplane pilot. The heated seats warmed up instantaneously, and the six stereo speakers sounded great.

After getting used to the very powerful breaks, I took to the freeway. Acceleration was very good (263 hp) from a dead standstill. What I loved was the passing power. While on the freeway, I came behind another vehicle going along at a...ahem...legal speed. When I stepped on the gas to pass, the RPM went immediately to the six-thousand range and before I knew it I was plastered back into my seat and approaching ninety! WOW! This is a Taurus?

I was shocked when the salesman said the Taurus X was selling slowly. It had power, comfort, seating for 7, five-star safety on everything, and started under $27,000. The salesman said it is starting to get a following among "road warrior" sales people who need to take clients to lunch, haul product and get good gas mileage. Gee, seating and hauling versatility, good enough gas mileage, and the best safety ratings possible sound pretty good to even non-road warriors. Hopefully for Ford, the word will start spreading that the Taurus X really offers a lot to satisfy a nice cross-section of buyers; that way the Taurus can avoid dying a second death.