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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  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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  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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  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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  Wife and I pleased with the X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By George Skeirik - August 8 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased our X a month ago. Loved it on the test drive but now even more so. We traded a 2004 Mountaineer AWD V8 which we enjoyed quite a bit, but was heavy on gas ( it avg. 14.8 mpg winter - 16.5 mpg summer ). Were averaging 21.4 mpg with the X. Straight highway driving the X gets 26+ mpg and its very spirited. There are a lot more storage bins and cup holders and getting to the rear seat is very easy. Love the way the seats fold down. Ford has a winner here and I do hope they continue to make this model. But Ford also has winners with the Edge and Flex. My feeling is, the Taurus X is much better looking than the other two.

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  Ford Needs to Promote this Car! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Doug - April 16 - 12:50 pm

  I have never owned a Ford product before but was drawn to the safety features and interior room, Very roomy for kids and gear. I think this car has a lot of Volvo in it but at a Ford price. Car feels very luxurious and solid on the road, too. I dont understand why Ford is not promoting this car more-its a bargain given the features it has.

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  Love the Taurus X crossover - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By seumit - March 16 - 12:46 am

  Owned the T-X for almost three months and it is a great crossover. I bought it for my growing family and it does its job perfectly. Runs very quiet and handling is like a car which is much better than a minivan. However the interior space is much less than a minivan. 6 speed transmission is very smooth. Have 2500miles on it and got 21~22 mixed average MPG. Tested highway MPG is about 28 at 70MPH. 3rd leg room is among the best. Unless you need minivan space, otherwise this is a great family vehicle.

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  Favorite Car in Senior Years - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By rcoogan1 - January 21 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 2006 Ford Freestyle and loved it, but after about 35,000 miles the CVT transmission started acting up. I had it fixed, but I didnt trust it anymore...so I traded it in on the new Taurus X and Im now in heaven. This car is even better than the Freestyle with new improvements like the better horsepower, 6 speed transmission on the AWD, heated seats in the back, easier access to the third row seats, better styling, and many other improvements. This car is my personal space for long drives to my cottage or any other excuse to drive somewhere. The sound system and navigational system is great and the comfort is the best for my bad back. Ive tried Mazda & Cadillac, and Taurus X wins.

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By cllgmom - October 21 - 11:10 am

  With our last child in college, we were looking for something besides a minivan with decent cargo space. I stumbled onto a review for the Taurus X in Consumer Reports 2009 car issue and was impressed with what I read. Other CUVs and SUVs were either too small and/or too expensive. It had all the features I was looking for - comfortable, reclining rear seats and safety. The reported mpg was about the same as our old minivan. I cant speak to mpg yet as Ive only had it a week and Im sure it will take a little time to break in. It drives like a dream and feels like a tank!

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  Our New X-Car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By DrRick54 - July 18 - 2:03 pm

  We wanted a car to replace our old Villager that was more sedan than minivan but w/ more seating than a SUV - the answer was the Taurus X. 3rd row seats are real and fits our family of 5 perfectly with lots of room for the gear (ski, scuba, camping, etc) for the long haul (Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, etc). The new engine is smooth and does not hesitate. Good mpg for the type of car (beats 8-12 for most SUVs).

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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.