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2009 Ford Taurus X Review

February 23, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Little appeal for the image-conscious and...aesthetically flawed inside
Cars.com

Shape says SUV...but ground clearance is about the same as the Taurus sedan's
Car and Driver

Clear and simple gauges are easy to read, but audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons
ConsumerGuide

For those who have fond childhood memories of their family station wagons, the 2009 Ford Taurus X might help you revisit your past.

Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com mention some relation between the 2009 Ford Taurus X and the station wagons that were so prevalent decades ago. Cars.com reviewers report that "[to] someone who was ferried to day camp in a Ford Country Squire station wagon, it still looks like an overgrown wagon," despite Ford's claims that this is not a revised wagon. Autoblog reviewers point out that, compared to the Ford Freestyle, the new Taurus X features a "new chrome face" that has "utterly transformed the character of the Freestyle by actually giving it some." Once again, though, the reviewers refer to the Ford Taurus X as a "big wagon."

Regardless of the label that ultimately sticks, this 2009 Ford's exterior has some visual appeal, which the Washington Post sums up succinctly: "Head-turning quotient: Strong, substantial, proud, Middle America-attractive." Not all reviews are quite so upbeat, however, and Cars.com feels that the 2009 Ford Taurus X offers "little appeal for the image-conscious." Autoblog contends that "the Saturn Outlook still has a more modern and stylish appearance overall, but the Taurus finally wears the face it should have had from day one." MyRide.com reviewers forgive the fact that the Ford Taurus X is "not the hottest ride on the crossover scene" since it offers "convenience and gobs of storage space and cubbies," noting that "in this segment that may be considerably more important."

Moving inside the sheetmetal that adorns the 2009 Ford Taurus X brings you to an interior that offers a mixed bag in terms of styling. Autoblog reviewers mention that "the design is attractive and functional," but even though "the plastic wood trim has been changed to simulate a different style of wood...it's still plastic." On the positive side, MyRide.com loves that the "standard steering wheel-mounted controls are illuminated and easy to use," but ConsumerGuide points out that while the "clear and simple gauges are easy to read...audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use."

Conclusion

A wagon by any other name is still a wagon, and the 2009 Ford Taurus X fits neatly, if not a bit more stylishly, into that category.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Little appeal for the image-conscious and...aesthetically flawed insideCars.comShape says SUV...but ground clearance is about the same as the Taurus sedan'sCar and DriverClear and simple gauges are easy to read, but audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttonsConsumerGuide For those who have fond childhood memories of their family station wagons, the 2009 Ford Taurus X might help you revisit your past. Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com mention some relation between the 2009 Ford Taurus X and the station wagons that were so prevalent decades ago. Cars.com reviewers report that "[to] someone who was ferried to day camp in a Ford Country Squire station wagon, it still looks like an overgrown wagon," despite Ford's claims that this is not a revised wagon. Autoblog reviewers point out that, compared to the Ford Freestyle, the new Taurus X features a "new chrome face" that has "utterly transformed the character of the Freestyle by actually giving it some." Once again, though, the reviewers refer to the Ford Taurus X as a "big wagon." Regardless of the label that ultimately sticks, this 2009 Ford's exterior has some visual appeal, which the Washington Post sums up succinctly: "Head-turning quotient: Strong, substantial, proud, Middle America-attractive." Not all reviews are quite so upbeat, however, and Cars.com feels that the 2009 Ford Taurus X offers "little appeal for the image-conscious." Autoblog contends that "the Saturn Outlook still has a more modern and stylish appearance overall, but the Taurus finally wears the face it should have had from day one." MyRide.com reviewers forgive the fact that the Ford Taurus X is "not the hottest ride on the crossover scene" since it offers "convenience and gobs of storage space and cubbies," noting that "in this segment that may be considerably more important." Moving inside the sheetmetal that adorns the 2009 Ford Taurus X brings you to an interior that offers a mixed bag in terms of styling. Autoblog reviewers mention that "the design is attractive and functional," but even though "the plastic wood trim has been changed to simulate a different style of wood...it's still plastic." On the positive side, MyRide.com loves that the "standard steering wheel-mounted controls are illuminated and easy to use," but ConsumerGuide points out that while the "clear and simple gauges are easy to read...audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use." ConclusionA wagon by any other name is still a wagon, and the 2009 Ford Taurus X fits neatly, if not a bit more stylishly, into that category. 2009 FORD TAURUS X STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "Little appeal for the image-conscious and...aesthetically flawed inside" Car and Driver: "Shape says SUV...but ground clearance is about the same as the Taurus sedan's" ConsumerGuide: "Clear and simple gauges are easy to read, but ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Saturn Outlook is one of a group of 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 Taurus X, and its third row is tight. The same goes for the Honda Pilot, which also rates well for safety and has a tight third row of seating. Some may find the Pilot's faux-rugged, boxy appearance alluring. Otherwise, the Subaru Tribeca is another alternative, with a style that, to some, says SUV while actually serving as a station wagon. The Tribeca handles much better than the Taurus X and is more exciting to drive, but it also has a cramped third row.

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See the Ford Taurus X in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Kevin Brown #1, Posted: 10/14/2009

    I purchased a 2009 Taurus X in ealry April 2009. As of Oct 09 I have driven it >15,000km's. I simply love this car. The comfort, quality, ride, and driving characteristics are superb. In Canada, even in base SEL FWD trim, the car is exceptionally well equipped- two tone paint, CD-6 changer, satellite radio, IPOD/MP3 player jack, three zone A/C and heat, power pedals, power front seats, fog lamps, cruise control and back-up sensors.
    This summer we drove the car over 2500 kms fully loaded with 5 passengers and all out luggage. Although I purchased the roof racks from Ford and a Thule bag it was not needed as there was just enough space behind the second row with the third seat folded into the floor.
    To date, not a single defect and I have not a single complaint. An awesome family vehicle!

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