2008 Ford Taurus X Preview DC

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What it Is

Ford Taurus X Preview - 2007 Chicago Auto Show: Just when you think the Freestyle is gone, well, it is -- sort of. Ford announced at the Chicago Auto Show that the Freestyle is getting a new lease on life thanks to revised styling and more horsepower under the hood. Oh, and it has a new name: Taurus X. Regardless of what we think of this marketing move, the fact is that if you're shopping for a family car the new Taurus X is among the better rides available. No, it's not flashy. Nor is it fun to drive, sporty, goofy, or any of those weird things that makes auto journos go giddy. Nah. The Taurus X is just roomy, good old-fashioned transportation. And judging from these improvements, it looks like the new emphasis is squarely set on good.

Why it Matters

With a new look and more power, the Ford Taurus X may well be the kind of family car that families appreciate most. The only question is whether car-buying families are still paying attention after the dismal sales record of the Ford Freestyle, or if they've moved on to more stylish crossovers. It certainly doesn't help that Ford dealerships are crowded with crossovers and SUVs like the new Edge and the Explorer. Based on the improvements that we've seen at the Chicago Auto Show, we're rooting for the Taurus X to get some attention from car buyers.

What's Under the Hood

Based on the recent introduction of the Five Hundred sedan at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show (which has now been renamed Taurus), the 2008 Ford Taurus X will get a new, PZEV-rated (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 3.5-liter V6 engine that yields 260 horsepower. That's up from the existing 3.0-liter's output of 203 horsepower. A new six-speed automatic transmission handles power delivery. Also new for 2008 is an improved all-wheel-drive system.

What it Looks Like

Sometimes, there's only so much you can do to make something pretty. But you can try, and in the right light, the Taurus X looks more modern, but still not as stylish as some of its competition. Updates include a new three-bar grille and headlights -- ala the Ford Edge -- as well as a restyled hood and revised front and rear fascias. Also new is a more integrated roof rack, and chrome accents throughout.