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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  Taurus X Review - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Terry - November 17 - 4:53 am

  Fantastic car. My wife and I drive it and love it. Very comfortable ride and very quiet. If I stay off the pedal the mileage aint too bad.

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  The Name Sold Me - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By julie - June 26 - 12:16 am

  Owned a Taurus sadan for 10 years, looked for replacement, found X, love it. We have had it just over a year and wouldnt have changed it. When it is clean it sparkles (Black shows everything) We added a tow hitch and it is great to tow small trailer for vacations. We have owned a Ford for the past 20 years and will continue it quality continues. Gas mileage runs about 21-24 mpg, with living in a rual area.

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By mike - January 7 - 8:06 am

  Owned a Honda Pilot and the Taurus X by far is a better vehicle. Ride, interior quality, and fuel economy is good. the all wheel drive is great.

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  Just Purchased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Todd A - December 24 - 9:26 pm

  Ive only had it a couple of days but I am really happy I purchased it. Holds my kids and all our junk. Comfortable seats and driving position. Enough power for passing. Much quieter than 04 CR-V and 98 Camry. Havent used SYNC yet, but will soon. Im adding a trailer hitch for light towing (Only rated for 2000lbs). Good looking interior. First American car Ive ever had, owned VW, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota. I hope it hold up well.

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  Love the Taurus X and our 06 FreeStyle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Navycpowif - March 3 - 1:56 am

  We have owned this car for 3 weeks now and love it just as much as our 2006 Ford FreeStyle. We have owned an Explorer,Windstar and traded our 2005 F150 extra crew Lariet for this Taurus and now have the Freestyle and the Taurus X in the driveway. These cars hold a $400 to 500 shopping spree to Sams club and still the 2 kids. with a breeze. We just have to decide which one to take. Gas mileage has been great. Pickup is wonderful can really tell the difference on the Taurus X. Love my push button back lid opening. And my husband loves the Freestyle as much as his truck- Loves the gas mileage even better. You have to get the Taurus X. Will tow and packs a lot!

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  Wonderful Family Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bluex - February 12 - 4:10 am

  With the family expanding, we needed to add some space. After driving mini-vans and other large SUVs/CUVs, the Taurus X was a great alternative. It feels like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. Visibility is great as you sit higher than a sedan or wagon, but the center of balance is still low enough so stability and handling are good. The Taurus X is quiet which is great for babies naps and coversations. Sync and the built in DVD are awesome.

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  The best crossover nobody knows about. - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By UltimateX - January 27 - 10:43 am

  I really like this vehicle, it drives like a car, has room for 6 adults. The kids really like their heated seats and 2nd row center console, and I really like the Sync and power liftgate. The AWD system is seamless, really the only indication that it is working is the fact that you are accelerating effortlessly in heavy snow when everyone else is spinning. This vehicle is an ideal blend of car, mini van, wagon and SUV. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Lynn Aquilina - November 9 - 9:30 pm

  I routinely buy or lease a new car every three years; I have had a lot of cars over the years. The Ford Taurus X is my favorite so far. The ride is smooth, the handling and braking exceed my expectations, and it is so comfortable.

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  My Wife Loves Her Taurus X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Wilson - April 11 - 1:20 am

  We purchased our Taurus X last month and immediately loved it. We took a 500 mile round trip and received many compliments along the way. Kids love the interior, especially the third row. Comfortable ride, roomy, and peppy. Would have liked the DVD option, but couldnt find one in a low optioned SEL model available on a dealers lot. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for combined driving currently, but I anticipate that it will get better in the summer after the engine is broken in.

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  High five Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By jigmaster - January 7 - 4:26 am

  Had my TX for a month now, 1500 miles on it. Very happy with purchase, did lots of research on crossovers and test drives ( tested Acadia,Outlook,Suzuki XL7, Mazda CX9 ) and TX was the best handling and most fun car to drive. Plus price and fuel economy is the best as well. Dont understad how some drivers are driving if they geting lower MPG than advertised? Hello, whats about using cruise control and other fuel saving tips? I am getting 24mpg average, althought I must admit I drive 70-80% on highway. But even in city never got less then 18.5MPG. But of course if you like to push gas pedal to the floor and strain that new 3.5 lt engine all the time, than thats what you get;)