2008 Ford Taurus X Miami FL
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2008 Ford Taurus X
November 18, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2008 Ford Taurus X
DriverSide Overview
Ford’s crossover lineup has grown a tad confusing of late. Between the Edge and the hot new Flex , there’s not a whole lot of room for the Taurus X to differentiate itself, and once you factor in the Explorer and Escape SUVs, the situation becomes even more confusing. Originally released as the Freestyle in 2005, the Taurus X is a front- or all-wheel drive, seven-passenger vehicle that combines the conveniences of a wagon with the versatility of an SUV. While it resembles a shorter version of the Explorer, the Taurus X is designed more for daily urban activities than it is for winter ski trips over snowy mountaintops and gravel access roads on the way to your favorite fishing hole.
What's to Like
There’s plenty of room for both passengers and cargo inside thanks to the fold-flat rear and passenger seats and third-row seating. SYNC adds some technological flair and a six-speed gearbox keeps the engine in the sweet spot at all times.
What's Not to Like
Interior styling feels bland and dated when compared to Ford’s newer models such as the Edge and Flex. The mixture of a 3.5-liter V-6 powerplant and all-wheel drive don’t bode well for fuel economy numbers.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
While the Taurus X is no athlete, it’s got more than enough power to move itself down the road, and will only feel sluggish if you’ve filled all seven seats with passengers, in which case you’ll have to use all six forward gears to your advantage. While the car itself is relatively low for its size, the driver sits in a high, SUV-like position for a better view of the road, a product Ford calls Command Seating. The Taurus X doesn’t drive like an SUV though, and remains as nimble as a large wagon, making city parking a breeze compared to a full-size ‘ute. The suspension is smooth and shuffles out any bumps or potholes the road throws at you.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Ford Taurus X is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine which produces 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. Power can be driven to either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on the chosen drivetrain, both of which work through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control system comes standard on the Taurus X, ensuring maximum grip should you find yourself in a bad situation. All of the rear seats and even the passenger seat can fold flat, allowing for maximum cargo capacity. A DVD-based in-dash navigation system is available for $2,000, but unfortunately its last-generation technology and has become obsolete when compared to Ford’s new, real-time SIRIUS Travel Link system featured in the new Flex.
Key Technology Evaluation
The Ford/Microsoft co-developed SYNC system is available o...