2008 Ford Taurus X Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Ford Taurus X is the new name for Ford's Freestyle crossover. Along with the name change, this SUV gets freshened styling and more power. Taurus X is essentially a wagon version of the Ford Taurus (formerly Five Hundred) sedan. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available in SEL, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trims. The sole powertrain teams a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. These replace a 203-hp 3.0 V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All models have revised front-end appearance and suspension for 2008. 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. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.

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2008 Ford Taurus X Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Engine noise

Ride	Interior materials

	Maneuverability

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Much improved compared to the departed Freestyle. Taurus X moves briskly from a stop and has more than sufficient passing and merging reserves. Some testers found the transmission slow to downshift for best response. It also lacks any sort of manual-shift option, which would be useful for improving transmission behavior.

Fuel Economy

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
5	4	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive Taurus X averaged 18.3 mpg in city/highway driving. An AWD version averaged a somewhat disappointing 16.5 mpg in similar driving conditions. Taurus X uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
7	7	5.5

Taurus X rides much like the sedan that shares its name; firm, but comfortable and compliant over larger bumps. Highway-speed composure is excellent.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Taurus X is arguably more car than truck, but some of our testers don't find it especially nimble. It corners with confidence, but it's let down by noticeable body lean in turns. A bulky turning radius hurts close-quarters maneuverability. The brakes feel strong, but pedal action is a bit heavy and wooden. Simulated panic stops induced some moderate nosedive.

Quietness

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Wind noise is kept well in check, but road noise rises as speeds climb. The cabin is otherwise serene, though a coarse engine note intrudes during acceleration.

Controls

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Clear and simple gauges are easy to read, 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 available 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 the wipers and turn signal are too far from the steering wheel.

Details

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Cabin assembly mostly top notch, but materials disappoint. Hard plastics dominate the interiors, with precious few soft or padded surfaces to be found.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
9	9	7.1

Despite its car-like stance, Taurus X's low dash top and tall windows combine for a take-charge driving feel. Visibility is generally good, though the view to the rear corners is hindered by roof pillars. Headroom and legroom are both six-footer ample, but some testers still want more rearward seat travel. Once situated, the seats are comfortably supportive with the high positioning a boon for entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
8	8	6.1

The large rear doors afford easy entry and exit to roomy 2nd-row with comfortable chair-height seats. Taller passengers may want for head clearance beneath intrusions from the sunroof housing/DVD combo. Available fore and aft sliding 2nd-row buckets allow favoring leg space or cargo room. The 2nd-row seats fold and tumble for good access to the 3rd row. Our testers are divided on the 3rd-row accommodations. Some say it's surprisingly spacious, other call it adequate at best. All agree, though, the bottom cushion is too low for long-distance comfort.

Cargo Room

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
9	9	8.6

All rear seats fold flat. Wide load deck stretches to 9.5-ft with the right-front seatback folded down. The 3rd-row seat converts more easily than most, disappearing into a floorwell that provides handy storage otherwise. Useful console and dash top bins swallow lots of small stuff.

Value within Class

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
8	7	5.8

The oft-overlooked Taurus X earns our praise for being a pleasant and practical family wagon with class-competitive power and roomy accommodations for people and cargo. A crude-sounding engine and cheap-looking interior trim are our only major complaints. Like the idea of an SUV but don't want all the bulk? Your "crossover" may have just arrived.

Total Score

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
75	73	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76

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2008 Ford Taurus X Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 09/03/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD SEL 4-door wagon	$27,030	$24,942	$800

AWD SEL 4-door wagon	$28,880	$26,607	$800

2WD Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon	$29,770	$27,408	$800

AWD Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon	$31,620	$29,073	$800

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$30,750	$28,291	$800

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$32,600	$29,955	$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, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, fold-flat passenger seat, 2nd-row bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable bench seat, heated 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, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, conversation mirror, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rack, 215/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Eddie Bauer adds to SEL:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, 2nd-row adjustable bucket seats, 2nd-row center console, 3rd-row stowable split seat, 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

225/60R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:

Safety

Rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 2nd-row center console, upgraded sound system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Interior Convenience Group
SEL	$595	$518
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic headlights.

Interior Power Pkg.
SEL	$295	$257
8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals.

Ultimate Pkg.
Limited	$825	$718
2nd-row heated and power folding seats, power liftgate.

Convenience Group
Limited	$255	$222
Power-adjustable-pedal memory, universal garage door opener, cargo net.

Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
SEL, Eddie Bauer	$295	$257


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$1,995	$1,736
Includes voice recognition. SEL requires Interior Convenience Group. NA w/iPod adapter.

Rear air conditioning
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$650	$566
SEL requires Interior Convenience Group.

Power sunroof
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$960	$835


Leather upholstery
SEL	$895	$779
Requires 3rd-row stowable split seat.

2nd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$0	$0
Limited deletes 2nd-row center console. NA w/Ultimate Pkg., 2nd-row center console.

3rd-row stowable split seat
SEL, Eddie Bauer	$115	$102


Heated front seats
SEL, Eddie Bauer	$240	$209
SEL requires Interior Convenience Group, Interior Power Pkg., leather upholstery.

2nd-row center console
SEL, Eddie Bauer	$95	$83


Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
Limited	$195	$170


Satellite radio
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$195	$170


iPod adapter
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$340	$295


Sync
SEL	$395	$344
Wireless cell phone connection, voice recognition for cell phone and sound system. Std. Eddie Bauer, Limited.

DVD entertainment system
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$995	$866
SEL requires Interior Convenience Group.

Power liftgate
SEL, Eddie Bauer	$475	$413


Remote engine start
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$395	$343


Rubber floormats
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$75	$57


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Mud guards
Eddie Bauer, Limited, SEL	$65	$22


Chrome alloy wheels
Eddie Bauer, Limited	$695	$605

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2008 Ford Taurus X Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Taurus X 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	112.9

Overall Length, in.	200.3

Overall Width, in.	74.9

Overall Height, in.	67.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	4112

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	85.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.8

Rear Head Room, in.	39.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.8

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	15/22

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 X 4-door wagon

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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2008 Ford Taurus X
Trim Level: SEL
Arrival Date: 10/08/2007
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $35,520
Price as Tested: $36,170
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3150
Mileage at End of Test: 3715
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 34.232 gals.

Major Options: SEL Interior Convenience Package (Auto Headlamp On/Off/Delay, Dual Zone Auto Climate Control, Door Trim Applique), Navigation System, SEL Interior Power Package (Power Driver Seat Recliner, Non-Memory Adjustable Pedals, Power Passenger Seat), Power Moonroof, 50/50 3rd Row Split Seat, Power Lift Gate, Sirius Satellite Radio w/6 Months Service, Heated Front Seats, Reverse Sensing System, Leather Seating, DVD Family Entertainment Center

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.51 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta How Ford can muck up such an appealing concept is a distressing mystery. Its roomy inside without being bloated outside, handsome in an understated way, available with all-wheel drive, and controlled from a nicely elevated driving position. The Taurus X should be the thinking family's wagon of choice. Sadly, a crude-feeling powertrain, arthritic ride and handling, inferior build quality, and a cynical indifference to seating comfort render the Taurus X an unsound automotive investment, even at thousands off the sticker price.

Jennifer Geiger Taurus X is a fine, if somewhat boxy and awkward-looking vehicle, but not for the $36,000+ our tester listed at. I don't really see anything that sets it above the competition in this crowded class.

John Biel The all-wheel-drive Taurus X SEL in this test offers a lot of equipment for its $28,465 price, and it's a fairly good performer. However, as broadly optioned as this test vehicle was, it was priced a trim level--or two--up. Careful scrutiny of the options list will be required to keep a Taurus X a good buy for the budget-conscious.

Tom Appel Special note to Ford: Chrome vent bezels do not entirely convert a $25,000 interior into a $40,000 interior. I like Taurus X a lot, but this interior seems a wee discount given the mighty large sticker on our test car. The good news is that Taurus X is a better car than the Freestyle it replaces. The new powertrain fixes 80% of what was wrong with the old car. Carryover complaints include engine noise and the aforementioned interior decor. Ride, handling, and passenger accommodations are top notch however--making this forgotten crossover a should-see for family conveyance shoppers. This options list is your worst enemy here, as our bloated test car shows. Keep your purchase in the $30,000 range and you've got a great vacation truckster on your hands.

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Also in the 2008 Ford Taurus X Review:

Ford Taurus X

Ford Taurus X Road Test

Ford Taurus X Prices & Equipment

Ford Taurus X Specs & Safety

Ford Taurus X Photos

Ford Taurus X Full Review

Ford Taurus X New Car Quote