2008 Ford Taurus X
Test drove: 8/02/2007 to 8/14/2007
Freestyle Powers on Over to Taurus X
My journey to Mother Proof began with the Ford Freestyle. I bought one in the summer of 2005, and being a supreme internet surfer I stumbled across the site while doing a post-mortem on my recent automotive purchase, trying to find more information to confirm what I thought was a good buying decision. When I arrived at Mother Proof, I found affirmation that although it lacked “pizzazz,” my new car was a versatile one for a family looking for something other than a van or SUV that still offered plenty of seating and a carlike ride. I love my Ford Freestyle, and I would argue that where the original reviewer saw a lack of pizzazz, I see simple and clean design.
So I was a little hesitant when asked to review the 2008 version of this car, which has been renamed the Taurus X (apparently more people recognize the name “Taurus” and associate it with family cars, though I kind of associate it with rental cars). I was truly afraid that driving it would make me want to go buy the new version. Before I was in the car-testing business, I used to get the new-car itch about every two years, so the timing of this test drive was unnerving and ominous. My husband even asked, “Do you really think it’s a good idea for you to drive that?” Fortunately, sense won out; I am happy to report that I still love my Freestyle, and am even happier to report that Ford has improved on an already great car in the Taurus X.
Let’s start with two complaints about the Freestyle: the styling and lackluster engine performance. Although I liked the unadorned design of the previous generation, the addition of some serious chrome (bling!) has done wonders to dress the car up. I’m also fond of the new engine in this car. I never felt hesitant in a passing situation, and the engine noise was so minimal I didn’t hear it above the satellite radio that played throughout my test drive.
The day-to-day features that make my Freestyle so functional and flexible remain in the Taurus X. The third-row seat is my favorite feature by far. The 50/50 split allows you to arrange and organize at a moment’s notice with just a couple of pushes and pulls. It’s so easy, during a recent video shoot another mom-reviewer claimed to enjoy it so much she wanted nothing more than to fold and unfold the seats all day. The cargo area is welled out to accommodate a good amount of gear when the seats are up, and when you fold one or both of them down you have a large flat surface that will fit two or three kid’s bikes. With the third-row seats up you can install an additional Latch-equipped child seat back there. In the second row, the seats recline at several angles, which makes installing car seats properly loads easier.
Probably the single greatest upgrade in the Taurus X is the power-fold middle seats. With just the touch of a button, access to the third row is made painless. If you happen to have car seats in the second row, climbing over the second row console isn’t too bad, especially for the junior set. If you prefer not to have foot marks on the console, you can opt out of it in favor of a passageway to the way-back. Rounding out the new feature set is the extremely convenient power liftgate.
Last but not least, the Ford Taurus X is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and offers its entire safety package standard on all models.
Because I established up front that I’m slightly biased when it comes to this car, it will come as no surprise to anyone that I found the Taurus X to be one fantastic crossover. I’d even buy one myself!
*For more information on the 2008 Ford Taurus X and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 3
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 6/7
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair – Great
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2008 Ford Taurus X AWD Limited | |
| Base price: | $31,800 |
| Engine: | 263-hp, 3.5 liter V-6 |
| Fuel: | 15/22 mpg |
| Length: | 200.3” |
| Width: | 74.9” |
| Ground Clearance: | 8” |
| Turning Radius: | 20.0’ |
| Cargo space: | 15.8/47.4/85.2 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 4 Stars |
Comments
Good point about our perception of "underpowered". I do have to say that in the Freestyle, the problem is finding adequate power from a stop. I am not talking about having to be the first off the line, but sometimes it feels as if I am trying to move an 18 wheeler with a lawnmower engine. Once I am traveling at a normal rate the power is fine. As far as gas mileage, I get about 18-ish in the city and 22-24 highway in my Freestyle. The published mileage ratings for the Taurus X look similar, but I didn't actually calculate them for myself during this test drive.
Posted by: Emily | Aug 20, 2007 10:19:35 AM
I also own an all wheel drive Freestyle which I like a lot. I agree with the reviewer that at start the power isn't the greatest. At speed though it is quite good and develops a good pull in passing situations. I pay attention to my MPG quite a bit and I normally see 19 city, 22-23 in combined with 24-26 on the highway depending on weather - the MPG is impacted a lot by wind in this car. The new EPA ratings for the Taurus X are 15/22 for AWD which is on par with the old car's rating of 18/24 so I would assume that they are very similar. Some things to keep in mind here are a heavier motor (worse mileage), more blunt design to front end (worse mileage) higher horsepower (better mileage - motor isn't working as hard), newer lower drag AWD system (better mileage) and the six speed tranny which is probably a wash except on the once sluggish starts.
Posted by: Martin Pulrang | Aug 26, 2007 5:15:41 PM
It's important to note that this car is basically a Volvo xc90.
Posted by: kerry | Sep 25, 2007 11:52:31 PM
Why rename it when it was great as the Freestyle!! The Taurus makes people we know think of their grandfathers car! That was a poor choice on re-using names Ford! Maybe they should sell plates that interchange the names for the people thrilled to own a Freestyle
Posted by: Meg | Sep 30, 2007 7:15:44 AM
Why did they give up on the CVT. I love it in my 2006 Freestyle, but it is not on the Taurus X. I lease my 2006 and am thinking about buying it, but if there is a problem with the CVT I do not want to do that.
Posted by: Ken | Oct 17, 2007 7:53:22 PM
I really do like the Taurus X i think its a great car for the money and we have just had the best luck with Fords (yes even better than hondas) Overall i think every family should try it out because its definitly one of the best crossovers. Although some people might not like the wagon style I DO i think its retro in a way. Im considering buying one in a few days
Posted by: John | Feb 15, 2008 4:59:41 PM
The Volvo XC90 is quite different from the Taurus X. The Volvo has worse mileage (though more powerful engine), less room (third row is simply not comparable), costs more (by a good margin), is taller, and has much worse reliability (see Consumer Reports).
Posted by: Paul | Mar 30, 2008 12:32:47 PM
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I've always kind of liked these and was considering getting one even when they were "underpowered". It's funny now how every car has to have over 250hp to be considered "adequate." Maybe that's the reason most vehicles return such terrible mileage. On that note, what type of fuel economy did you get?
Posted by: cody | Aug 20, 2007 2:39:17 AM