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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  Love the Taurus X crossover - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By seumit - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  Chose Taurus X because it is IIHS Top Safety Pick (2007 & 2008) and has better space for the 2nd/3rd seats and its much cheaper after rebates. Very good ride. Excellent crossover.

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  Workhorse in all weather conditions - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By CoachBob - March 31 - 7:33 am

  The vehicle is very practical in all situations. I am a part time coach, and need the room, because it is hard to estimate how many players I need to get to and from the games including their equipment. I have the 7 passenger seating. The fold down seats make it a breeze for all seating/cargo possibilities. Plenty of power, (even fully loaded), the AWD is has never let us down, (even in a raging blizzard of snow and ice). Terrific road manners, SYNC provides the kids the opportunity to use MP3 players so that I can concentrate on the road, and not having to find appropriate radio stations.

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  08 Taurus X review - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By flufflebug - October 13 - 2:10 am

  We purchased this vehicle after our 2005 Ford Freestyle lease was up. The Taurus X is the Freestyle with a lot of improvements. After 4 months of driving it, I am very pleased with our purchase. I thought I would miss the smoothness of the Freestyles CVT but I dont miss it at all. The Taurus Xs transmission is very smooth, the ride is very quiet and the engine is very peppy.

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  Why doesnt Ford market the X better? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By FORD FOR LIFE - August 20 - 5:33 pm

  All I can say is wow. What a great CUV, but why doesnt Ford market it more? Although at first I was a bit bummed when the wife said she would rather have the Taurus X than the AWD Limited Edge we both really loved, I am happy to say that I am very glad I bought her a Taurus X. So far, this is one fine CUV. The day after we got it we took it up north with 3 other people and stuff for the 5 of us and still had plenty of room. The only thing I regret not getting is the DVD Nav.system. So far avg 18.5 city and 24hwy MPG. Very pleased considering it has less that 1k miles on it

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  Love at first drive - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Victoria - June 21 - 10:40 pm

  First of all, Ford Motor Co., why are you keeping this vehicle under wraps? It is fantastic. I drove the Edge and while its a nice car, as an aging baby boomer, the Taurus X was easier on my bad back and knee. I love everything about this car. The ride, the performance, the ease of positioning the seats so the car can be a heavy duty utility carrier. I love the interior and exterior design and keep getting plenty of inquiries and compliments. I enjoy SYNC and I love my navigation system which makes life a lot easier. Taurus X is a make over of the Freestyle. With its bigger engine and 6 shift transmission, its a sure winner and I highly recommend it. Congrats to Ford!

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  Great For Young Families - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Elizabeth - April 17 - 9:06 am

  We looked everywhere for a car that got decent gas mileage and held lots of car seats. This is the only crossover or SUV on the market with the lower anchors in the third row. For that matter there are only 2 mini vans that have lower anchors in the third row. I love the safety features and the car is easy in and out. As far as the gas mileage, on highway trips its great, on many short little runs to the pool etc. not so great. We got this more for long trips with our little babies and our dog. Also the price, we got the SEL it came nicely equipped in a very affordable range. It allowed our young one income home to have a new car that would fit everone.

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  Taurus X - Amazing - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Ron Davis - February 4 - 1:46 am

  The Taurus X was an instant wow! Luxurious ride, refined interior, exclusion of road noise. You cant hear someone standing outside of the vehicle talking to you even when the vehicle is shut down and all systems are off! This thing floats over the bumps with its extended wheelbase and handles better than any vehicle that we test drove with the exception of the Landrover LR2 which also handled equally as well. My wife whos afraid to drive anything too big says it drives like a large sedan. We bought the limited version for just a few hundred over invoice and have no regrets. If you must fit 3 in the second row of the vehicle this is the only vehicle that can make everyone comfortable.

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  We enjoy it every time - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By FR@NK - January 30 - 12:23 pm

  I really like my crossover. It has space, safety, and looks. Very smooth drive and excellent for the kids. All I need now is a DVD to complete the package.

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  Just a great car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reeger - January 29 - 11:20 pm

  We purchased a used 2008 X Eddie AWD for a song. I guess Fords poor decision not to market this car is a big plus for the pre-owned market. My wife loves it, period. Other than the noisy Perelli tires the car drives great. It is far and away a much better and versatile car than the 05 Murano it replaced.

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  I LOVE MY TAURUS X - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Ellen - January 6 - 8:43 pm

  I studied, read reviews and visited many show rooms before purchasing my Taurus X. This was the best purchase of my life! The vehicle is economical, reliable, beautiful, roomy, and comfortable. I take many vacations with my family of 5, making this vehicle perfect for our needs. The seating configuration of 2 front, 2 middle and 2 3rd row, opens up the available space and allows passengers to see/communicate well. I am thrilled I had the opportunity to purchase this car and am saddened that Ford has decided to discontinue it. BIG MISTAKE FORD!!!!