Vehicle: 2008 Ford Taurus X Limited AWD
Price as tested: CDN$41999

Performance: Just like its Taurus sedan silibing, Ford has ditched its underperforming 3.0 in flavor of a 3.5 liter Duratec V6. This engine is finally got the power it deserves. As it provides 265 horses and 249 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. The result is significant even with only 62 more hp and 42 lb/ft more than the outgong motor. All the outgoing car’s inheritant sluggishness and unrefined demanor have gone for a much improved ride. Not only does the throttle response really mean something, especially with 6 persons on board. The extra 42 pounds feet help Taurus a whole lot more merging on the freeway or going up a slope. Another smart move is the ditch of the questionable CVT in Freestyle in flavor of a 6-speed automatic. Although the outgoing CVT wasn’t a terrible unit, it doesn’t work as efficiently as one expected from a continuously variable transmission. The 6-speed auto, however, works exceptionally well with the newfound power on the X. That means excellent ratios for cruising on the highway and shifting is smart enough for city driving.

Handling: Given the Taurus X’s status as a crossover, its dynamic abilities are simply a surprise. With the recalibrated suspension and springs, it no longer absorbs bumps like an unleaden truck on washboard pavement as with the Freestyle. It finally rides like a very comfortable crossover. Although the steering lacks feedback and precision, it tracks the pavement pretty well. There are safe understeer and body rolls as one expected from a crossover. The AdvanceTrac stability control remains an instrusive unit. However, the X is not designed as an enthuisastic driven sports car. We shouldn’t expect it to be totally uninstrusive.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the X’s braking performance is another surprise. The distance is short while pedal feel is better than average.

Interior: With the recent facelift, Ford finally addressed another shortcoming of the outgoing Freestyle. All the materials on the center console, door panels and dashboard are much better to the touch and feel than the outgoing plasticky unit. The leather material is soft and comfortable, with a touch of suppleness. The fit-and-finish is something Ford can only dream of in the last couple of years.

Along with clear and analog instrumentation gauges, it also got adjustable pedal for those who aren’t tall enough for proper driving position.

Conclusion: Ford’s crossover family is on-a-roll lately. With the introduction of the new Escape, Edge and this new Taurus X; as well as the upcoming Flex, all of these crossovers have been a homerun for Ford. As with this Taurus X, its a much improved ride over the unremarkable Freestyle. Not only does it got a better powertrain, a recalibrated suspension and significantly improved interior materials; its lower price would ensure Ford won’t lose any customers to some newcomers.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 FORD TAURUS X
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5