Picture Gallery: 2008 Ford Taurus X | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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Ford has taken a lot of flack for this name change; comments like: “Do they really think calling it the Taurus is going to help sales?” are heard everywhere in automotive circles. To give credit where credit is due, though, they didn’t just slap the name on it. They also revised the Five Hundred’s drive train, which by all accounts is wonderful.
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Obviously, some other changes took place besides that one made to the badge on the tailgate. The drivetrain is the same one used in the Ford Edge, pairing a wonderful Duratec 3.5L V6 engine producing 263hp and 249lb/ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Freestyle was equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine producing only 203hp and coupled to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) which didn’t inspire much excitement.
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One would think being named the Taurus “X” this vehicle would be standard all-wheel drive, but one would be incorrect on that assumption. Available in SEL and Limited trim levels in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Taurus X has a starting price of just over $35,000.
My tester is a fully-loaded Limited AWD model with voice activated navigation, Sirius satellite radio, leather seating, sunroof, seating for six and the ever-popular rear DVD entertainment centre.
All these great options of course bring the price pretty close to $50k ($47,939), for what seems like a rather roomy crossover that blurs the line between minivan and SUV.
2008 Ford Taurus X
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $47,939
For more information on Ford and the Taurus X visit Ford Canada
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In terms of niggles with the Taurus X, well, the only two I have that seem to be unique about this vehicle are the windshield wipers and the shifter. Let me elaborate: when squirting some windshield washer fluid onto the windshield the wipers activate and seem to clear everything perfectly — then about 10 seconds later the wiper will go one more time, completely messing your view. I’m sure this works great in a non salt-infested location but here it is disastrous.
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The inside of the Taurus X isn’t revolutionary in terms of design but gets the job done. If it was up to me I would do something about the multitude of small buttons crammed together; it makes finding a button in a hurry (like the “recirculate” button) a difficult task.
Pretty much the entire interior is made up of hard plastics, with some chrome accents to spruce it up a little.
Interior storage and passenger comfort are where the Taurus X really shines. Both the second and third row seats fold flat, giving ample cargo room. The third row of seats fold into the floor, leaving a rather large storage area when the seats are in the upright seating position. The Taurus X is available with a second-row bench seat if you so desire, augmenting the seating to seven. You can also delete the centre console in the second row; it cuts into cargo capacity.
Although not extremely generous on leg room, the third row seats are comfortable and more like captains’ chairs than in many other crossover vehicles. Head room in the third row is less than the first two, but I was able to fit without ducking. I find the second row leg room a little on the small side, though, which was surprising to me. The front seats are extremely comfortable for long rides the adjustable pedals made finding a comfortable position a breeze.
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Perhaps I was a little harsh on the Taurus yesterday, or at least it sounded that way. I don’t really hate the vehicle at all, and actually, I’m growing to like it quite a bit especially the fact that it is large and has an all-wheel drive system that seems to react just the way I like it.
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Here I am driving what is essentially a minivan in a way no minivan should be driven — in an empty parking lot with the traction control system off I was able to execute a four-wheel drift for what seemed like eternity. Perhaps this isn’t how most (or any) owners will drive the Taurus X, but it is a testament to how easy the vehicle is to control in an unexpected skid.
The stock tires seem to do a good job in the snow and will get you by thanks to the all-wheel drive system, which works extremely well, although in deep snow it seemed iffy at points.
On the more open and smooth roads, the Taurus X is quiet, the engine turning only 1700rpm at 100km/h. Power comes on immediately at any point and passing is a joy. Not much I can fault with the Taurus X in terms of driving dynamics, ride quality, power and comfort — everything seems great.
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Cargo space, passenger comfort and handling are excellent; the Taurus X’s only downside seems to be the price — especially when equipped like my tester (Limited AWD) for nearly $50,000.
Although the Taurus X was not spectacular on fuel, I averaged 14L/100km, which is nearly the same I averaged with the much smaller and much less powerful Volvo XC70, which I reviewed a few weeks ago. Considering its size and the amount of power the Taurus X has, plus the miserably cold and snowy conditions we have been enduring in Ottawa, 14L/100km is not so bad.
Overall, I was impressed with the Taurus X — I’d even go as far as saying it is one of the most versatile and functional crossovers I have ever tested.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Ford Taurus X
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $47,939
For more information on Ford and the Taurus X visit Ford Canada
December 20, 2007, 08:46:32 pm My buddy's Volvo had that same wiper thing!! It was easily the most frustrating thing I have ever seen in a car. They should at least provide a method to deactivate it.
December 20, 2007, 08:50:27 pm
Could be. I've never spent any time driving in the salt belt.
December 21, 2007, 05:26:20 pm
Too bad it's underappreciated in the market, because most reviewers almost sound surprised on how positive they are on it after sampling.
I'll have to climb into the 3rd row sometime. I've sat up front but nowhere else, and does appear to have great space packaging. The extra power solves the biggest gripe from many.
Agreed, I tried to get my wife to drive one after my preliminary scouting trip as I found the X was worthy of consideration.
December 22, 2007, 06:22:58 am
Agreed, I tried to get my wife to drive one after my preliminary scouting trip as I found the X was worthy of consideration.
2 guesses why she did not test drive the X, its a Ford, its a wagon not a CUV or SUV
December 23, 2007, 09:31:11 am I just returned my rental Taurus X yesterday. For the two weeks I has it, the mileage came in at 11L/100 KM. At a steady 120km/hr on the highway It dropped to 10L/100km. Not to bad for the "big brown bus" as it came to be known.
I took 5 other people out to lunch in it a few days ago, one of the fellows in the third row was over six feet and his head wasn't brushing the headliner. Everyone was completely surprised by the amount of room in it, basically agreeing that it seemed more minivan than crossover.
I'm completely surprised by the handling in snow. Initial minor understeer can be overcome with a bit of gas in some of the easiest to control "drifting" I've ever done. If things get a bit out of hand, the stability control will kick in a bit abruptly, but no worse than many others. The brakes seem to be very powerful, but I still don't like ABS in snowy conditions.
I've requested another one for when I go back to work after the holidays.
December 23, 2007, 02:25:03 pm
I've driven vehicles with it and seems to be hit or miss. Usually good in summer as it catches the stream of fluid going up from the wipers but causes streaks in Winter which just propts you to use the windshield washer fluid again... almost like you have to master something so you can time the wiper or put spray more fluid to get it streak-free.
Then again could be worse. Vehicles that only swipe once or twice when you spray, or hesitate to wipe when spraying.
December 23, 2007, 02:51:51 pm For the wiper thing, I'm not a big fan of automatic wiper activation. I like to judge when, and for how long, the wipers come on for a given amount of spray. The system in the Taurus seems to be no better or worse than the rest of them.
As an aside, "Rain sensing" wipers are pretty much useless, and I universally deactivate them when the vehicles are so equipped.
While we're picking nits, I'd prefer to have more selection than "D", "OD off" and "Low" from the transmission.
December 29, 2007, 08:35:24 pm Not a bad vehicle but about $10K out of the starting range for a "family hauler". I think Ford has overpriced this unit and is missing it's intended market as a result. I expect it will be gone in 2 years then look for one in the used market that has tanked in resale value.
December 29, 2007, 09:11:57 pm I will never understand Ford's corporate wisdom. An oversized wagon (thats all it is) would be a great idea if the States didnt burn millions of barrels of oil in the middle east and gas fell back to 60 ish cents a liter. But the reality is today its $1.05 and would be even more if it wasnt for the dollar rate. In the light of such events Ford discontinues the Focus wagon and probably watching the end of Pacifica somehow interprets it as no more competition and a green light. Long story short I dont see it sticking around for long. A good euro diesel could be the only thing to save it, as well as a price drop..
December 30, 2007, 10:40:33 pm
Some people need an "oversized wagon", commonly referred to as a Minivan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Taurus X (other than the name). It's certainly better than the gas guzzling Tahoes and their ilk that plague the roads unnecessarily...
December 30, 2007, 11:16:03 pm
It should start at $24000?
December 31, 2007, 10:15:24 am The Highlander starts at $40K. The Taurus X starts in the $33k range before incentives. Seems like a deal to me.
January 02, 2008, 11:37:54 am I wouldn't buy a loaded one, but with discounts a non-Limited holds appeal.
Also, what colour is the tester? A carbon/metallic black?
I'm into muddy grey-greens of late and the right shade of dark bronze.
January 03, 2008, 11:17:00 pm Same reason the Pacifica is a sales flop. Great interior (until the bean counters got to it in recent years, but still not bad) adequate powertrain, good size, handling and sharp looking - but way over priced. Shame...
Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Road & Track shouldn't be allowed to review 'everyman' cars.... if it doesn't have VW Materials, Lexus fit and finish, and BMW M Series handling, the car is a flop in their eyes.
January 09, 2008, 10:54:11 am I just had my first close up look at one in a parking lot. Like Jennifer Love Hewitt, it's bigger than I realized.
For what it is, I think it's priced appropriately. It's definitely larger than the Legacy/Outback, so I don't think that's a fair comparison.
If we were in the market for something this size right now, it would be a consideration, if only we could be convinced to set foot in a Ford dealership again.
January 09, 2008, 04:04:10 pm Here is a shoot out
Crossover comparo: Tribeca, Highlander, Taurus X
http://www.wheels.ca/article/50345
Making concessions and compromises would seem to be part and parcel of any purchase of a crossover-utility vehicle.
After all, they are neither as commodious as a minivan, nor as much fun to drive as a station wagon, nor as capable of towing as an SUV.
But not all CUVs are created equal. Some do a more effective job than others of when it comes to the tricky art of balancing your driving wants against your utility needs.
Here are three recent models, along with a sedan alternative from the same carmaker, just in case you'd rather not compromise any of your driving desires:
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THIRD PLACE:
2008 SUBARU TRIBECA PREMIUM
After only 24 months on the market, Subaru has dropped the B9 annotation, watered-down the styling and upgraded the motor on its Legacy sedan-based, all-wheel-drive mid-size Tribeca.
To match the Taurus X and Highlander in seating capacity, one has to pop for the $52,495 Tribeca Premium (five-seat models start at $41,995).
At 3.6 litres, the Subie's enlarged flat-six-cylinder engine is slightly bigger than the Ford and Toyota 3.5 L V6s. However, with the least juice (only 256 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of torque) and the most curb weight, the Tribeca is last in the run from 0-to-100 km/h at 8.1 seconds
Tire burning acceleration may not be high on a CUV owner's wish list. But there are also no gains in economy either as all three CUVs average about 11.0 L/100 km.
And at 1,590 kg, the Subaru's towing capacity splits the lesser Ford and greater Toyota.
Thankfully, the Tribeca's premium build quality, excellent steering feel, ride quality and overall nimbleness due to its relatively shorter wheelbase, have all been left intact.
Where the Tribeca Premium compromises most is in its bachelor apartment room versus three-bedroom condo pricing.
While the new '08 model is almost 50 mm longer than last year's model, none of the increase has added any extra interior room.
And when it comes to cargo room, the Tribeca has the least of this trio, too.
WHY BUY? Quiet ride, accurate steering, solid build quality, nimble handling.
WHY NOT? Cramped quarters, premium pricing.
SEDAN ALTERNATIVE: 2008 Subaru Legacy Limited $35,395
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SECOND PLACE:
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD V6
If you thought last year's Highlander – launched in 2001 – was too slow, couldn't tow enough, or was too petite, Toyota has addressed those concerns – big time.
All three of these pseudo-minivans' mills have similar torque, a couple of them rated under 250 lb.-ft.
But the Highlander has the most horsepower at 270. At 7.2 seconds from 0-to-100 km/h, it ends up the swiftest CUV here.
The Highlander can also tow the most at 2,270 kg.
At $39,650 for this very well equipped base model, the Toyota is undoubtedly a good value.
Inside, the Toyota is huge. All that's missing is the smell of sweat to complete its high school gym atmosphere.
Nonetheless, the stadium-like interior does come with the cost of being the tallest and weightiest here. All within a wheelbase more than 75 mm shorter than the Taurus X.
The result? It's bouncy and floaty.
With not enough rebound control in spirited driving, the big Highlander SUV behaves like a seven-seat all-wheel drive baby pram.
Hang on children!
WHY BUY? Performance, room, standard equipment.
WHY NOT? Driving quality sacrificed for utility.
SEDAN ALTERNATIVE: 2008 Toyota Camry XLE V6 $37,525
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FIRST PLACE:
2008 FORD TAURUS X LIMITED AWD
Ford is hoping the Taurus X's revised styling, upgraded drivetrain and a name change helps improve sales over its forlorn Freestyle predecessor.
At $39,999 (front-drive models start at $33,999), the loaded-with-features AWD Limited arguably represents the best value here. It shares its platform with the Taurus sedan (née Five Hundred) and Volvo's XC90.
Those Volvo bones deserve the most credit for the Ford's station wagon moves. (You remember wagons, don't you?) Comparatively, it corners the flattest and has the smoothest ride here.
The old Freestyle's weak 3.0 L V6 and continuously variable transmission whined like a preteen without tickets to a Hannah Montana concert. The new 263 hp 3.5 L V6, hooked up to a refined six-speed manumatic, is much better behaved.
Matching the Highlander in fuel economy, the Taurus X is only two-tenths of a second behind in the run from 0-to-100 km/h.
Bigger inside than the svelte Subaru, the Ford can't quite equal the capacious Toyota in overall cargo space.
It does, however, have nearly double the room when the third-row seats are erect.
Steering that's too light, cheap-feeling interior materials and the least towing capacity here (907 kg) are the only obvious compromises on the Taurus X's report card.
WHY BUY? Big value, refined and powerful drivetrain, ride and handling, third-row cargo room.
WHY NOT? Light steering, quality of interior materials, limited towing capacity.
SEDAN ALTERNATIVE: 2008 Ford Taurus SEL AWD $33,399
Toronto Star
January 09, 2008, 10:06:17 pm What?! Rated ahead of a Subaru and a Toyota? You should've posted a warning first. Entire columns of CTC members are going to need heart defibrillators.
January 09, 2008, 10:09:13 pm
January 09, 2008, 10:43:35 pm
January 10, 2008, 08:56:31 am With reference to the article I posted in the Ford Tidbits thread. This isn't surprising to me. TaurusX has been tweaked quite a bit. Platform sharing with subsidaries Volvo/Mazda has brought good results for Ford branded cars.
Fusion and TaurusX experience should be extended to other Ford vehicles. Ford-2000 is a good plan, keep at it.
January 10, 2008, 10:06:59 am Leviathan:
January 10, 2008, 01:24:43 pm ..Horked Up a Litre of RED
BOXFox on that one levi..........January 10, 2008, 09:48:29 pm Cord set it up beautifully
January 14, 2008, 08:58:29 pm See? I told you guys it was a good car. And you were all like "Nuh uh", and I was like "Yuh hun". Then barrie was all "Ford sux, Gm rulz" then articsteve was all "Nuh uh," and then barrie got up in artic's face, "Oh no you dint"...wait, what?
These 16hr x 7 days are getting to me!
March 20, 2008, 02:09:46 pm *groan*