ROUND THE BLOCK: 2008 FORD TAURUS X LIMITED AWD
Categories: Round the Block
Written By: Isaac Bouchard
THE DRIVER: Gotta admit it: I like everything about this crossover except perhaps its name. It drives great—as do most new Fords—with a well-resolved ride/handling trade-off, and plenty of poop now too, thanks to the adoption of the 263hp 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. It’s suitably emphatic in acceleration, even loaded with kit and cobber. The downside is mediocre fuel economy; one has to be very disciplined to get the Taurus X anywhere out of the teens, and while this is true of most all-wheel drive vehicles (with the greater frictional losses their drivelines suffer), it’s nonetheless worthy of pause in today’s economic climate.
As may be; the Taurus X offers up incredibly safe—based on crash testing—seven seat practicality and all-weather ability in a clean and contemporary package, though its perhaps not overtly butch enough looking for those afraid to be seen driving a wagon. Which is a shame, as its dynamics are superior to the more aggressive—and less practical—Ford Edge. Steering is well-weighted and linear, and while it’s not intended to be in any way sporting, it has a refined sensibility to its driving that is moves that is quite pleasurable.
Ford has made strides of late in interior material quality, and it shows here; soft-touch moldings and bold contrast-stitching liven up what is a fairly strait forward cockpit. And the Sync system for phone integration is the current standard for ease-of-use and voice quality.
THE BROKER: Ack! Like almost all Fords, the Taurus X suffers greatly at resale time, where it will be worth many thousands less than a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. It is also hurt by its Freestyle progenitor’s bad rep. Its purchase price needs to be in line with that reality if the cost-per-mile numbers are to make sense.
THE (ROCKY MOUNTAIN) MAN: What a Colorado mainstream family car should be! Likely to be overlooked by people going for the groovier looking Edge or more trucky offerings. If the lease or payment numbers looked good, a great proposition.
PRICE AS TESTED: $38,545
