Overview & Reviews

The Ford Taurus X was a crossover wagon SUV that was produced for just two years. Technically, it first arrived in 2005 as the Freestyle, changing monikers a few years later when Ford revived the Taurus nameplate. The "X" differentiated this large wagon from the Taurus sedan, and Ford probably also meant it to signify an active outdoorsy lifestyle.

Whatever the case, the Taurus X flew under the radar while its flashy Flex platform-mate got all the press. It was actually a wholly competent crossover with three rows of seating, good cargo capacity, plenty of options, excellent safety ratings and a zesty if slightly raucous power plant. If your family doesn't need a hulking SUV with boat-towing V8 capabilities, and you can't imagine driving a minivan, then the Ford Taurus X is an excellent, though little-known, candidate.

Past Taurus X Models
The Ford Taurus X crossover SUV was produced for just the 2008 and '09 model years. It seated six by default, but adding an optional second-row split increased that to seven. The standard (and only) engine was a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission directed power to either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.

The well-equipped base model came with alloy wheels, a power driver seat, an in-dash CD changer, cruise control and a trip computer. Higher trim levels offered accoutrements like two-tone leather upholstery, Ford's Sync entertainment and communications system, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium sound and reverse park assist. Options, depending on trim, included larger wheels, a moonroof, adjustable pedals, Sync, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a power liftgate and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've found that the Ford Taurus X accelerated briskly, but the V6 made unrefined noises at higher rpm, and the transmission was reluctant to downshift when extra power was needed. On the bright side, the Taurus X's ride quality was smooth and more carlike than traditional SUVs. In terms of functionality, the Taurus X managed to accommodate all seven of its potential passengers in relative comfort. Adults in the third row had adequate head- and legroom, a rarity in non-minivans. Furthermore, the Taurus X's low step-in height and optional button-activated flip-and-fold second-row seats made getting in and out of the third row easy. Interior materials overall were unimpressive, although storage space was abundant and there were cupholders galore. Even with all the seats up, the cargo area still provided a generous 16 cubic feet of space. With the second- and third-row seats folded, there were 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

For the 2008 model year, Ford replaced this vehicle's "Freestyle" name with Taurus X, even though the vehicles remain functionally similar. More information about the Taurus X's earlier years can be found in our review of the Freestyle.

User Reviews:

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  A good vehicle to consider - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By mdc78 - September 18 - 7:20 am

  I purchased the Taurus X a month ago. The mileage is accurate from the EPA sticker. I get a little more than 24mpg straight highway driving. My shorter commute of 19 miles with one stop to drop off the kids gives about 20.5mpg. I cant fault the mpg for a large car. I would recommend this car if you wanted a people mover and wanted to buy American. My Taurus will seat 7 in comfort. While not as roomy as a true minivan, it gets the job done. I find this car to be capable in snow and icy conditions. I love the ESP; this keeps the rear end from sliding out when turning. This car feels very secure and well planted in adverse conditions. Consider this or the similar Flex for your next purchase.

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  Well kept secert - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rick1951 - September 15 - 2:53 am

  I orginally was looking at the Ford Edge. I saw the Taurus X and was very impressed. After a test ride and long hours of research I decided on the Taurus X. Fun to drive, quiet and completely comfortable. Handles fantastic. Performance is amazing. The seating designed really sold me. The 2nd row bucket seats are amazing. Every crossover should have these seats. I was never a Ford person, but I love my new Taurus X. Ford needs to get it to the public, lots more advertising and it will be a great seller. This is a quality American made car.

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  Fords Best Kept Secret - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dennis - August 26 - 5:50 am

  We just made a 2100 mile trip with sun, rain, and wind on steep winding roads. The handling was great with the AWD. Easy and comfortable to drive in town and on the interstate.

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  Taurus X-tra - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Mr Leight - July 10 - 9:30 pm

  Just three weeks and 1200 miles into our journey with the 2008 Taurus X. First, this is far better vehicle than last Taurus I drove. This Taurus comes equipped with confident steering and a much improve ride and enough cup holders for three families. Ride and feel are improved, fit and finish is generally very good. The all wheel drive will be welcomed when the weather changes and much to my surprise we averaged almost 25 MPG on a quick road trip, covering 600 miles. First impressions are important and so far we like the Taurus X so much we’ve got to give it an A. So, chalk one up for the blue oval guys, they’ve made a good first impression with the Taurus X.

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  I really like this car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By barmisho - May 2 - 4:59 am

  I did buy this car 6 month ago with 75K miles on it. No problems at all. Great engine and confortable interior. A little noisy in high RPM. I had 7 different vehicles in the last 2 years including Mazda, Toyota, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Ford, but this is the car I like the most. I really good CUV

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  Small on the outside - big on the inside - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By John - January 27 - 4:13 pm

  I use this vehicle for business (it is licensed as a truck) Having driven Econoline vans for the last 30 years, I was looking for something that could haul every thing I needed and get better mileage. The Taurus X does everything I was hoping for and more. Its fun to drive with more than enough power and superb steering and handling. The mileage is better than I expected 23 overall and 29-31 on the highway (cruise control set at 60). I opted for the cloth seats and put sheepskin covers on them- I find them to be as comfortable as my Mercedes. Putting everything you need as standard as opposed to options and locating the controls where they are intuitive to operate is great.

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  Timely Repairs? Come on Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By MamaD - January 17 - 8:00 am

  Purchased this lovely vehicle about a month ago. However, we have now discovered that two valves are leaking and the rotors need repair (@ 18000 mi.). I find it "interesting" that these were not repaired by the original selling dealership and we must now have it repaired under warranty by a Ford dealership! AND it is taking way too long for repair - 3 day repair time! Without even an offer for a loaner! What kind of customer service is that?!

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  My car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By iamsparky - November 7 - 2:20 pm

  It is an awsome car with seating capacity for seven and performance of a sports car. It really feels like 300 hp under the hood and everybody believes it must have a turbo. Mine is loaded and everbody is empressed with from Sync to the nav system and satellite radio. The Eddie Bauer comes in two tone and has a distictive look. I love the car but one has to understand that with all this it is not going to get 30 miles to the gallon, I am seeing what they say around 24 on the road. I find the car very comfortable and handling is a crisp and with sports like suspension. These are truely nicely engineered cars, and I can find nothing that I dont like.

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  Taurus X, good car - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By AndyB - October 11 - 12:30 am

  We really like this car. Family of four, two major mileage vacations, comfortable and still liking it after a year. Lots of room and has lots of power. Compared to many including Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia and found this to be the best value for the money. No regrets. Andy B

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  Found - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Randy - August 28 - 10:16 pm

  I heard the Taurus was back. It is one sweet ride! The engine has good power & the ride is comfortable. A bit heavy on fuel, but it is a heavy vehicle. One pet peeve: The keypad mastercode is NOT user changable! It is permanent! Protect this code or one may face a security risk. Even if you program another code, the master code still works. Thieves may not be able to steal your car, but can steal what ever is inside. Ford needs to make the mastercode user changable and resetable in the event one forgets the programmed master code. You can change the module to get another code, but it costs around $700 cdn.