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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  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 Got it Right! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Steve in PA - June 12 - 9:00 am

  I bought this because I wanted more space to move whatever I have to when necessary, but I dont need to drive around in a huge truck. I have three small kids, and they fit in here very nicely. Its easier to buckle them into the back seats than in my girlfriends minivan. So far the car has been reliable, comfortable, and very practical. On the other hand, the OEM Continental tires handle sloppily- had the same issue with my 03 Mercury Sable, switched to Goodrich, wow! I did have a problem where the Check Engine light would come on; diagnosed as bad camshaft sensors, replaced under warranty and they gave me a loaner car. Timing chain guide was noisy, same deal.

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  Love the T-Rex - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By IMFletch - May 23 - 11:36 pm

  We sold a wonderful Saab wagon because we needed more room after the birth of our second child. Having never owned a domestic car, we were reluctant to even consider the Taurus X, but the specs - interior room, decent fuel economy, safety - were compelling, particularly at this price point. After living with it (admittedly a short time), I am blown away. Its solid as a rock, with great build quality, a very spacious interior w/o being huge outside, good ride/handling balance, amazing seating flexibilty. Leather quality is outstanding, and there are numerous thoughtful touches, such as the covered storage bin atop the dash. Not as much fun to drive as the Saab turbo, but were thrilled.

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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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  Taurus X - good car but - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Rae - October 7 - 8:13 am

  Feels solid, comfortable, flexible, enough muscle for family care, very safe, fair mileage (18 mpg), nice ride, low wide stance very attractive. Found reliability problems with battery dying, trans computer malfunctioned disconnected trans while running, front end strut connectors poor quality. Been driving Fords since early 70s. Not as reliable now. Wish Ford focused on reliability longevity and had more comfortable steering wheel (bigger diameter please with thinner ring).

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  Great Car, Horrible Customer relations - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By rbuse46 - August 6 - 10:26 am

  This car is everything I was looking for, I love it. Shortly after buying it I went on a trip and noticed a burning electrical smell, turned out the passenger side mirror mirror frame rippled and melted. Got it fixed under warranty when I got home. 2 months later, it happened again. This time, they took pics and sent them to Ford. While awaiting the outcome, the drivers side mirror started to do the same thing. Ford will not fix it.They say its vandalism! After hours on the phone and sleepless nights, Ive gotten nowhere. Ive taken it to an independent body shop and they are positive that something is overheating on the inside and causing the problem. Next step is Consumer Protection.

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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).