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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  Versatile Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By etx - March 25 - 5:33 pm

  This is the quietest vehicle we have driven. The vehicle has excellent cargo space. Third row seating is adequately comfortable. Sound is good. We are happy with the mileage. We have gotten over 24 mph on road trips. We are not happy with the myriad of heater/ac controls that are hard to see and control from the drivers seat; hard to remember and control from any seat.

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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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  New to me new - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By mstire1 - February 23 - 1:16 am

  Just got my car in April, has about 90,000 miles on it. Love it! I traded in a Cadillac STS for it, wish I would have found this before the caddy. It all around is a better car than the cadillac was. I am getting usually 24 mpg highway, so very pleased with that. I cant believe just how much storage this car has, its awesome! Really quite noisy when going over bumps-my mechanic doesnt know why(thats a bad thing) and seats are not very comfy for longer trips :(

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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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  Changed from a van - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Jane Hullinger - June 26 - 6:50 am

  I went looking for a van, but found this Taurus X with 8,000 miles on the lot. After driving it, I bought it. The second row seats are an easier height to get into than a van, but I miss the armrests, as my Taurus X doesnt have them. I was told mileage would be 25-30 on highway, but I dont get that good. About 23.3 catches me most of the time as I live in a rural area, and do small-town driving plus some highway. I have only driven about 4000 miles so far, and have had no problems.

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  Bad choice for gravel roads - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bertajean - June 24 - 12:27 pm

  I own a 2008 Taurus X SEL & prior to that owned a 2006 Freestyle SEL. If you are looking for a great value on a AWD crossover style vehicle, this is your best option. The other vehicles in that category are VERY over priced. The T-rex (as we call it) is an overall good value, but is not a good choice for gravel roads. I drive 3 - 8 miles of gravel one-way to work. The brakes & wheels hold gravel like you wouldnt believe. The tires are always going out of balance because of that. The body moldings also hold a lot of dust, so difficult to wash as it always leaves streaks of wet gravel running out.

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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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  Very Pleased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Richard M - February 13 - 9:16 pm

  We bought a 6 month old vehicle and have driven 12000 miles to date. Very pleased with the comfort, reliability and flexibility. Fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size too, particularly on the hwy. It is easy to drive, and great at lugging 4 adults and two teenage kids about. Just a little dissapointed with the stock tires and a small amount of lag in the AWD system on snow. Perhaps a decent set of Michelins will rectify that next year.