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2008 Ford Taurus X Review

July 2, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Edge-inspired exterior styling
Autoblog

it still looks like an overgrown wagon
Cars.com

cloth upholstery in SEL models is unimpressive
Edmunds

looks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yore
Jalopnik

Head-turning quotient: Strong
Washington Post

If you’re nostalgic for the traditional station wagon, the 2008 Ford Taurus X crossover may be the car for you. This year, the Taurus X has a new face--with more chrome--and a new taillamp design relative to the Freestyle, along with a spruced-up interior.

Most of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com's experts compare this 2008 Ford to the family station wagon many drivers grew up with. Cars.com notes, "[to] someone who was ferried to day camp in a Ford Country Squire station wagon, it still looks like an overgrown wagon." Jalopnik concludes that the 2008 Ford Taurus X "looks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yore."

Nonetheless, this 2008 Ford's exterior has some visual appeal, which the Washington Post sums up succinctly: "Head-turning quotient: Strong, substantial, proud, Middle America-attractive." Autoblog, noting its family resemblance to the 2008 Ford Edge, states that "the new chrome face has utterly transformed the character of the Freestyle by actually giving it some" and adding that "the single color is a more handsome, upscale look” (a reference to the two-tone Eddie Bauer trim).

The interior of the Ford 2008 Taurus X, on the other hand, elicits mixed reactions. Autoblog says "the design is attractive and functional," but adds that even though "the plastic wood trim has been changed to simulate a different style of wood...it's still plastic." Their last quip here resonates with many of us: "If you're not going to use real tree parts, please don't bother."

Edmunds also finds this Ford 2008's interior appearance lacking: "cloth upholstery in SEL models is unimpressive." Automobile comments on the "plastic" wood, saying that the "interior could be more refined...a quite nice, if imperfect, interior. The faux wood trim is a bit too shiny, but the plastics and the trim in general are pleasing enough, and the interior panel fits are good."

Conclusion

Attractive on the outside, less so on the inside, the 2008 Ford Taurus X reincarnates the station wagon under the “crossover” label.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Edge-inspired exterior stylingAutoblogit still looks like an overgrown wagonCars.comcloth upholstery in SEL models is unimpressiveEdmundslooks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yoreJalopnikHead-turning quotient: StrongWashington Post If you’re nostalgic for the traditional station wagon, the 2008 Ford Taurus X crossover may be the car for you. This year, the Taurus X has a new face--with more chrome--and a new taillamp design relative to the Freestyle, along with a spruced-up interior. Most of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com's experts compare this 2008 Ford to the family station wagon many drivers grew up with. Cars.com notes, "[to] someone who was ferried to day camp in a Ford Country Squire station wagon, it still looks like an overgrown wagon." Jalopnik concludes that the 2008 Ford Taurus X "looks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yore." Nonetheless, this 2008 Ford's exterior has some visual appeal, which the Washington Post sums up succinctly: "Head-turning quotient: Strong, substantial, proud, Middle America-attractive." Autoblog, noting its family resemblance to the 2008 Ford Edge, states that "the new chrome face has utterly transformed the character of the Freestyle by actually giving it some" and adding that "the single color is a more handsome, upscale look” (a reference to the two-tone Eddie Bauer trim). The interior of the Ford 2008 Taurus X, on the other hand, elicits mixed reactions. Autoblog says "the design is attractive and functional," but adds that even though "the plastic wood trim has been changed to simulate a different style of wood...it's still plastic." Their last quip here resonates with many of us: "If you're not going to use real tree parts, please don't bother." Edmunds also finds this Ford 2008's interior appearance lacking: "cloth upholstery in SEL models is unimpressive." Automobile comments on the "plastic" wood, saying that the "interior could be more refined...a quite nice, if imperfect, interior. The faux wood trim is a bit too shiny, but the plastics and the trim in general are pleasing enough, and the interior panel fits are good." ConclusionAttractive on the outside, less so on the inside, the 2008 Ford Taurus X reincarnates the station wagon under the “crossover” label. 2008 FORD TAURUS X STYLING | [7 out of 10] Autoblog: "Edge-inspired exterior styling" Cars.com: "it still looks like an overgrown wagon" Edmunds: "cloth upholstery in SEL models is unimpressive" Jalopnik: "looks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yore" Washington Post: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The slow-selling Chrysler Pacifica, which has been discontinued after this model year, has been the Taurus X's closest rival, though the Pacifica has slower acceleration and doesn't handle any better than the 2008 Ford Taurus X; it's also won top crash-test results across the board. At the back, the Taurus X's third row is roomier, with easier access. The Outlook is one of a group of new GM crossovers that includes the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia; it performs well and has a more refined ride than the Taurus X, though it feels smaller inside than the Pacifica and Taurus X, and its third row is tight. The same goes for the Honda Pilot, which is also rated well for safety and has a tight third row of seating. Some may find the Pilot's faux-rugged, boxy appearance alluring.

Next Steps:

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See the Ford Taurus X in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

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