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2008 Ford Taurus Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2008 Ford Taurus Review:
5.
6.
Ford Taurus Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Ford Taurus Review
Ford's Five Hundred is renamed to become the 2008 Ford Taurus. For '08, this large sedan gets more power, freshened styling, and revised suspension tuning. It shares a basic design with the similarly updated 2008 Mercury Sable (formerly Montego) and the Ford Taurus X SUV (formerly Freestyle). The old midsize Taurus/Sable sedans are history. Ford again offers SEL and Limited models with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 replaces a 203-hp 3.0 V6 as the only engine. A 6-speed automatic is now sole transmission; the continuously variable transmission is dropped. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system and DVD entertainment are optional. Newly available is Ford's Sync, a voice-activated interface for cell phones and digital music players.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
News
No further news yet, but keep checking back with us.
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2008 Ford Taurus Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Available AWD | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Passenger and cargo room | Audio and climate controls |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Taurus's cabin materials are nothing special but are appropriate for the price and include many soft-touch surfaces.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| SEL | AWD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
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
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.
| 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 | 69.2 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 77 |
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2008 Ford Taurus Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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|||
| SEL 4-door sedan | $23,635 | $21,801 | $800 |
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| AWD SEL 4-door sedan | $25,485 | $23,467 | $800 |
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| Limited 4-door sedan | $27,620 | $25,388 | $800 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door sedan | $29,470 | $27,053 | $800 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SEL
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, 2-way power fold-flat passenger seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 215/60R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to SEL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power fold-flat passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Interior Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
SEL
|
$895
|
$779
|
|
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights.
|
||
|
Safety and Security Pkg.
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||
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SEL
|
$695
|
$605
|
|
Antiskid system, heated power mirrors, mirror-mounted puddle lights, perimeter lights, alarm.
|
||
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Limited Convenience Pkg.
|
||
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Limited
|
$475
|
$413
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals w/memory, universal garage door opener, cargo net.
|
||
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Safety |
||
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Antiskid system
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||
|
Limited, SEL
|
$495
|
$431
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
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SEL
|
$295
|
$257
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
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Limited
|
$1,995
|
$1,736
|
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Requires Limited Convenience Pkg. NA w/iPod adapter.
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Sync
|
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SEL
|
$395
|
$344
|
|
Wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter. Std. Limited.
|
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DVD entertainment system
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Limited
|
$995
|
$866
|
|
NA w/power sunroof, satellite radio. SEL requires Interior Convenience Pkg.
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Power sunroof
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Limited, SEL
|
$895
|
$779
|
|
SEL requires Interior Convenience Pkg. Limited requires Limited Convenience Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
|
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SEL
|
$895
|
$779
|
|
Heated front seats
|
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SEL
|
$240
|
$209
|
|
Requires Interior Convenience Pkg., leather upholstery.
|
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Power-adjustable pedals
|
||
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SEL
|
$120
|
$102
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
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Limited, SEL
|
$195
|
$170
|
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iPod adapter
|
||
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Limited, SEL
|
$340
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$295
|
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Remote engine start
|
||
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Limited, SEL
|
$395
|
$343
|
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Wood Pkg.
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||
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Limited
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$195
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$170
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Woodgrain/leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain shift knob.
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Rear sunshade
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Limited, SEL
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$225
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$196
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Rubber floormats
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Limited, SEL
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$75
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$57
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Chrome alloy wheels
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SEL
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$895
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$779
|
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Limited
|
$695
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$605
|
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SEL includes 225/55R18 tires.
|
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Ford Taurus Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Taurus 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 61.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3643 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 260 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 245 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 18/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Taurus 4-door sedan |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Ford Taurus Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Taurus Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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