Driving Impressions

The 3.5-liter engine and six-speed double-overdrive automatic transmission in the Ford Taurus X have really put some performance in the package. That's especially true when compared with the old 3.0-liter engine and CVT transmission, which was awful. The 2008 engine is quiet and smooth at idle, with a pendulum mounting system that separates its motions and vibrations from the rest of the car. It sounds healthy, powerful and smooth at full throttle, and the Taurus X has very good acceleration for passing. And, as mentioned, the Taurus X is very quiet inside at freeway speeds. No complaints on the steering and suspension. The Taurus X has pretty good steering feel for what it is, a family hauler, with plenty of steering assist for easy driving around town and decreasing assist at highway speeds so it doesn't wander or get sloppy. The ride is soft and compliant, with plenty of suspension travel and damping to soak up bumps and potholes. There's not much body roll (lean) in the corners. We'd prefer to have one size wider tires for more aggressive cornering, but that would probably eat into the gas mileage. The brakes are very solid and nicely progressive from top of pedal to bottom. We never felt the standard ESP system go on, but it's always there, and now it's standard on all models.

Final Word

The Ford Taurus X is a much better vehicle than the Freestyle. The acceleration, shifting performance, powertain smoothness, and fuel economy are of a much higher order now. The instrument panel is more interesting and prettier to look at. The space, and use of space, is excellent. Taurus X is a solid crossover SUV, it's practical and it's affordable. Loaded with navigation, satellite radio and the DVD entertainment system, the Taurus X is a really good long-distance traveler as well as an around-town family hauler. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Dearborn.