Introduction

What’s New: Formerly the Freestyle, the Taurus X makes its debut alongside the renamed Taurus sedan. Besides updated styling cues like the chrome grille, the X is available with six standard airbags, powered second-row seats, Sync, and a rear DVD system.

Competes With: Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander

What We Think: There are larger, more attractive, and more capable crossovers on the market. But when it comes to family-friendly utility, the availability of all the commonly-desired features and a fully-loaded price thousands less than some of its competitors, the Taurus X makes a strong case.

Ford Taurus X – 2008 Review: X. There are few things more generic in their use. In the old days it was the signature of the illiterate. It’s the spot where we put our John Hancock (or X, as the case may be), the symbol widely representing “incorrect” or “no,” the symbol for a cartoon character’s black eye, and the name of a now-aging generation. Oh, sure, there are cases where X is more specific – think X marks the spot – but those instances are few and far between.

It’s with that mindset that we curiously ponder the 2008 Ford Taurus X. With its forgettable styling, the X’s predecessor, the Freestyle, already faced an uphill battle in terms of public recognition. Naming the successor after a sedan that lost its appeal decades ago was bad enough, but tacking on the X was like putting the car on dealer lots with four slashed tires. Maybe it’s just honest marketing to reflect the Taurus X’s bland appearance.

Thankfully, for this Ford’s sake, there’s true substance to draw in potential buyers who get past the name and ho-hum looks. Features are plentiful, like Ford/Microsoft’s Sync system that makes hands-free calling and iPod integration a snap, seating for up to seven passengers, a quiet and comfortable ride, a spacious and expandable cargo area, and a fully-loaded price that undercuts many competitors. Come to think of it, maybe the X signifies a checklist – of all the categories in which the Taurus X has been designed to satisfy its intended audience.