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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  Nice - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By A Carr - July 11 - 8:20 am

  We bought this car to replace our 04 Tribute. It gets marginally less gas mileage - about 22 overall vs 25 for the Mazda. But it has much more room, is much more comfortable, rides more smoothly, and carries more cargo/passengers. It all - a hit, a palpable hit. Like other raters, I wish mileage were better, but this is a large vehicle, rather boxy, with a big engine. If you need 30 mpg, get a smaller car...or wait for the hybrid.

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  Safety! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By fordcrap1 - May 14 - 7:38 am

  I am the original owner. I got a powersteering failure when it reached 38000 miles, immediately after 3 year/36000 miles warranty.I had it fixed with $850 from Ford Dealer with OEM parts. Six months later, power steering failed again with the exact same problem. Not recommended.

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  Great family car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By raezmom - May 8 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle without even test driving it or looking at it. I was overseas and had no choice. I was a little worried about buying it without even a glance at it but I am totally happy. We drove it from Florida to California with a family of 5. It was a great ride and we absolutely love our car. I was very impressed with the look and feel of it. Great family car!

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  Overall a good family vehicle. - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Susan - March 15 - 7:36 pm

  I swore I would never be an M&M, a Minivan Mom). This vehicle kinda looks like a station wagon. Not a big fan, but the chrome helps. I own a 2000 Ford Taurus sedan. I was set on buying another one until I saw the Taurus-X. 2 problems so far. The first is the knocking sound that comes from the engine. Ive been told that this is normal. The second is the manual latches on the seats. Ive had nothing but problems w/the 2nd row driver side. It is very difficult to release and does not operate properly. They have not fixed or replaced the seat. I think they are waiting for my warrantly to run out. Other owners have had the same issues. Im hoping enough people will complain to prompt a recall.

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  Great Family Car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Ford Family - February 6 - 2:06 am

  I recently purchased about the most basic Taurus X with 7 seats. I am amazed at all the features that are standard. Every safety feature I know of is standard and the highest crash test rating. I think these are important to all families with children. I dont feel I need any other features. Car is very comfortable and spacious. I recently went on a 5 hour trip with 4 adults and 2 kids (in car seats). Packed the car full, but enough room all and plenty comfortable. Should be room enough for 6 person family with luggage. Having 7 seats is also useful around town. This was the best vehicle (SUV, Minivan, Crossover) for the money. Paid just over $22k for all I needed and more.

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  Tranny Trouble - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By fordnotfun - January 28 - 7:11 pm

  We pruchased used in June 2011, in August 2012 had to replace the water pump which was costly ($2100) due to the location of the pump, making labor cost HIGH! Then in December 2012 the transmission was replaced, talk about expensive--plus needing to rent a car for the 2 weeks it took to get it back. Since then, the transmission still is not right, jumping all over--now they are thinking the computer is not working correctly. So, $6200 spent in 6 mos, now looking at more problems--would definitely NOT recommend!!!

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  MPG update - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By cllgmom - January 9 - 8:16 pm

  Mileage has risen from 13 to 16 for primarily city driving with 1100 mi. on odometer. Im hopeful that when we drive 400+miles roundtrip on highway soon it will rise further. No negative issues have cropped up, but I have now noticed some rather cheap finishing on exterior trim. Other than those two things, Im still very happy with it.

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  I love it, too bad no one knows about it - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Max D - January 6 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in an Outback for a 2008 w/ 14,500 miles. Though exterior styling is bland (this doesnt have too be a bad thing) everything else about this car is great. It handles well with good power. The interior is very sharp and the third row seating is actually usable and accessible. I consider AWD a must for Wisconsin winters and the seats fold easily for tins of space. there is even enough room for a decent amount of stuff with the seats up.