2008 Ford Taurus: Road Test
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2008 Ford Taurus ▼
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- MSRP: $23,635 -$29,470
- Invoice: $21,801 -$27,053
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Related to Ford Five Hundred/Taurus
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Our road test for the 2008 Ford Taurus includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Ford Taurus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Ford Taurus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Ford Taurus help you decide if a 2008 Ford Taurus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
It's no hot rod despite the larger, torquier 3.5 V6, but Taurus feels stronger and more relaxed overall than Five Hundred. The automatic transmission is a smooth operator but can be reluctant to downshift for passing. It also tends to "hunt" between gears in give-and-take traffic. Some testers bemoan the continued lack of a manual shift control.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive Taurus averaged 22.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. An AWD model averaged 18.5 mpg in city/highway use. Taurus uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Still firm yet absorbent, but Taurus's retuned suspension and other changes reduce harshness over sharp bumps and potholes. SELs have standard 17-inch tires, Limiteds 18s, but there's little difference in ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
Feels steady in sweeping turns, especially with AWD, but Taurus is too tall and heavy for real agility in tight low-speed corners, where moderate body lean prevails. Available AWD is a boon on wet and snowy roads. Ditto the antiskid system, which should be standard rather than optional. The brakes have fine overall stopping control.
QUIETNESS
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Refined for a mainstream family car. Wind rush is modest at highway speed. Tire noise intrudes only on coarsest pavement. The engine makes an audible but nice-sounding growl at full throttle but is unobtrusive in routine cruising.
CONTROLS
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Clear, simple gauges, but audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use. The navigation system suffers from a slightly undersized dashboard screen and could be more intuitive; it absorbs most audio adjustments but doesn't complicate them. Some testers say stalks for wipers, turn signals are still too far from the steering wheel.
DETAILS
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Taurus's cabin materials are nothing special but are appropriate for the price and include many soft-touch surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
Occupants sit higher than in most cars, which combines with a low dashtop and tall windows for a take-charge driving feel. Visibility is very good. Headroom and legroom are both six-footer ample, but some testers still want more rearward seat travel. Once situated, the seats are comfortably supportive, and the high positioning is a boon for entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
More chair-height seating, generous headroom, easy ingress and egress, plus near-limousine leg space are all hallmarks. Three adults will fit but may feel cramped on longer trips.
CARGO ROOM
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
The voluminous trunk has a flat floor, usefully cubic shape, a large opening, and non invasive strut-type lid hinges. It has a split folding 60/40 rear seat, but the pass-through narrows at the bottom from angled bulkhead supports. A standard fold-flat front passenger seat allows carrying nine-foot-long objects with the trunklid closed. Small-item storage, however, is unexceptional.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
The Taurus makeover fixes most of the old Five Hundred's deficits, particularly when it comes to acceleration. This stronger performance also brings with it similar fuel economy and greater refinement, all at prices comparable to the Five Hundred. It might still trail the Chrysler 300 for eye appeal and the Toyota Avalon for build quality, but this Ford is a Recommended pick for all it has to offer.
Total Score
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 71 | 69 |
Total Score: 71
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