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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  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!!!!

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  Initial Impressions - Great Car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By ACarr - November 25 - 9:16 pm

  We upgraded an 04 Tribute for the Taurus X. The X is quieter, has more cargo and people space, has all the safety features standard, and gets about the same mileage - we got 25 mpg on our 40 mi drive home with the car. Fit and finish look fine. Nice ride.

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  More than you expect - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reg - October 14 - 6:13 pm

  I am a longtime Ford buyer, but throughly shopped all the available crossovers. Import nation, wake up! I have had 5 Fords now for well over a total of over 300k miles and nary anything ever to fix, including my 06 500. So I knew this vehicle would be top notch in terms of reliability. When I got my 500 I passed on the Freestyle because it lacked power but I loved the package. The new v6 and 6 speed makes up for that sin. Smooth, powerful. This is one of the very few crossovers that drives like a sedan. Steering feel and ride is dead on. All seating is comfortable and firm. Ergonomics are spot on. Controls are easy to use. Vehicle feels like billet on the road. Your search ends here!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bandyt74 - May 27 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I needed a vehicle that offers great amount of space, but still remains practical. After two weeks of looking, we saw the light! The Taurus X limited. This vehicle offers great space, performance, and looks. Gas mileage isnt bad considering the amount of cargo this can carry. We also like the fact that it is not the big bulky SUV that is hard to park or fit into the average parking spot. All in all, the great thing about the Taurus X is the amount of standard features that are included. Wow! Lets just say for the competition, they are just base models for the price we paid. Great bang for the buck. Thanks Ford!

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  Great car, terrible marketing by Ford - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By BNSF616 - April 14 - 4:23 pm

  Our beloved and generally reliable 99 Dodge Grand Caravan had 135K mi and was beginning to worry us on road trips. I had been aware of this Ford design since it debuted as the 05 Freestyle. Found a pristine 08 (19K mi) at the dealer, test-drove it several times and finally bought it. Its hard to imagine a more versatile daily driver -- RAV4 and CRV, maybe. What is just amazing to me is how incompetently Ford marketed and advertised this vehicle. Weve received nothing but compliments and admiring questions from total strangers, and they invariably say "Never heard of it." Sadly, Ford is killing production in Feb 2009 after only two model years. This is tragic and stupid.

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  Eh...Its OK - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rob - January 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have had this one for just over a year now. It kept stalling at low speeds. The dealer kept saying it was a calibration issue. We took it in 3 times for it to be properly calibrated. The Continental Touring tires that came OEM are bald at 14000 miles. They only come with a 12 month 12000 mile warranty and trust me...they wont last much longer than that. I would think after paying this much for a car that I could get some better OEM tires that I wouldnt have to replace in one year. The transmission is just plain goofy. It jumps all over the place at the wrong times. The front bumper is starting to come off. Dealer doesnt know why, but will try to fix it. Overall, the car is just..OK

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  I love this car! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Chris Jeffries - January 20 - 2:13 pm

  I got the car new and now have over 50,000 miles on it. It has been better than I expected based on reviews of the Freestyle. The engine is very powerful. My wife has an 08 Merc Mariner and I hate road trips in it b/c I miss the power of the X. Another surprise was that I have taken it off- road in CO and never gotten stuck. I dont recommend it, since the ground clearance is like a sedan, but the power and the AWD didnt let me down. Drives great on snow and ice. I love the way the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats fold flat. I have heated leather seats and they have been great. I also love the rear proximity warning when youre about to hit something in reverse. Not one maintenance issue yet!

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  Freestyle to an X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Bama - December 19 - 12:36 am

  I traded a 2005 Freestyle for this program 2008 Taurus X and other than the gas mileage being worse the car is much improved, the ride is so much better and to me that more than offsets the difference in the gas mileage. Have taken one trip in it so far and it was without any flaws, ran very well on the interstate and back roads! Only thing I really dont like about it is the price it will cost me to replace the tires, they are very expensive.