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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  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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  09 taurus x sel review - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By robert - October 2 - 10:00 pm

  The overall experience with this car is that its adequate. I would rate it better, but for a few glaring shortcomings, mostly associated to poor dealer service, which may not apply to those who have better dealers. The SYNC system is complicated and buggy. Does not interface with certain ipods well. The phone feature has glitches too. Can receive calls but not place calls. SYNC phone reps and dealer cannot figure it out. I dont recommend SYNC. Next problem: half way through model year, Ford changed the oil filter size without notifying aftermarket publications. All books in auto parts stores will direct consumer to get wrong filter if their car was made after 1/16/09.

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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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  This is a Ford? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rob - July 30 - 4:56 pm

  I have stayed away from American cars for the last 20 years. This car changed my mind after six test drives at 6 different dealers. I could not belive this was a Ford. Its not the best looking car on the road but it sure does its job. I have 3 big kids. One of which is 6 ft 5. He fits! Plus we still have room for our stuff. Plus, we can take a friend and still fit. The ride is really nice and it has just enough power to move us a a decent speed. I was more than pleasantly surprised with the standard options. The price was fantastic and it feels like its a well built car. No rattles, the doors close nicely, then engine sounds good. I cant belive this is a Ford.

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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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  2008 TaurusX - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By JRNFL - March 22 - 1:46 pm

  Before I got serious about my car shopping, Id never heard of the TaurusX and I swore I would never own a Ford. The TX changed my mind and I got a great deal in 2009 on a left over 2008. Too bad for Ford that they didnt bother to advertise and tout this vehicle as it is a great vehicle. I really love the power and although I really tried, I couldnt find any major faults with the car. Its been over a year and about 17,000 miles and only routine maintenance. It was a good buy and one I would repeat if it were needed. I recommend it to others.

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  Love the get up and go - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By 65mustang - March 9 - 6:13 am

  This little unit really goes and I love that. I guess the trade-off is poor MPG. It is a disappointment there is no space under the seats in the back for storage. Bench seats not so comfortable for long rides. One of my other favorite things is that is doesnt beep when you lock it - I HATE that! I bought this because the Flex is about the ugliest thing Ive seen but I like being up higher and dont like SUVs. The Tauras X provides pretty good visibility all around. I will also miss the read heat controls of the Windstar I LOVED. I dont like the gear shifter where it is but if it provides a much higher level of safety, I will adjust.

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  fun, safe family car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dan - February 8 - 7:10 am

  This is a great car. Just dealt with, meaning put 110 miles in a Michigan blizzard yesterday. We traveled all over west Michigan in a certified blizzard. The all-wheel drive was flawless! I have never felt safer. Braking ABS worked great. Warm, comfortable. My only complain was the washer fluid nozzles froze quickly. My last VW had heated nozzels, but I also have no idea what kind of fluid was in them. Putting the better winter washer fluid would probably solve that. We really did well. Even when our highway shut down. I had my pregnant wife with me the whole time. She was worried but that is mostly my fault for going in the first place. I am really happy I bought this car for her.

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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.