2008 Ford Taurus X

When Ford introduced its roomy new full-size Five Hundred sedan for 2005, it also brought forth a kissing-cousin crossover-utility vehicle (CUV) on the same Volvo-derived architecture, and they named it Freestyle. Problem was, the generally fine Five Hundred quickly got lost in America's sea of look-alike sedans, and the space-efficient three-row Freestyle found itself too often confused with Ford's slow-selling Freestar minivan.

Styling

So, despite game-changing interior packaging, surprisingly good dynamics and generous content at very reasonable prices, the Five Hundred and Freestyle have not sold very well. The reasons, most agree, have been indistinctive styling, uninviting performance and an efficient but odd-feeling continuously variable transmission (CVT). By contrast, Ford's boldly styled and more powerful all-new Edge two-row crossover has been doing quite well.


Meanwhile, many wondered why the once-magic Taurus nameplate has languished on rental cars for the last couple of years instead of being bolted onto Ford's new flagship sedan, which might have helped its acceptance. Good question, and Ford's leaders have agreed. So now it has been and, at the same time, the Freestyle becomes Taurus X.


This is much more than a name change. With bolder styling, significant content, quietness and safety upgrades, a much more powerful engine and a smooth six-speed automatic replacing the CVT, it is the next best thing to a whole new vehicle.

Seating

The most visible changes are the chrome-bar grille and Edge-like step-up headlamps that bring it in line with the Ford brand's new signature face. Also new are front and rear fascias, a restyled hood and fenders, Edge-like taillamps and twin chrome-tipped exhausts. The Eddie Bauer model also wears two-tone paint and 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels.