2008 Ford Taurus: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.