2008 Ford Taurus X AWD Limited

Retail Price as tested: $38,545.00

Seating for up to 6 Passengers

“Voice Activated” Sync by Microsoft - Being an Apple fan I was sceptical of a product designed by Microsoft but I was pleasantly surprised. One of the best things about this vehicle is the Sync system. So far its the best radio system I have ever used that integrates with your cell phone and/or ipod. I use an iphone and it worked flawlessly. It took just a few seconds to sync through bluetooth and I was up and running with my entire phone book in the system. It makes working as you drive (something I do a lot) very easy. It also loads the entire playlist and song titles from either my ipod or iphone and then lets you control the divice through the radio head or steering wheel controls. The vehicle did not have the Nav DVD so I couldn't try the voice activation but if it worked as well as the rest of the system I’m sure its icing on the cake. (The system works well enough without the voice activation to have me sold.) If you are thinking of buying a new Ford product - don't pass up “Sync” by Microsoft.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/discoversync/?intcmp=b_edgehppromo2_synclp_20080501

The interior is well designed and very comfortable. I especially liked the way the rear seats folded down and made room for either passengers or cargo. The rear seats fold down into the floor making the cargo space flat and the middle seats also fold flat giving even more room for long/large items. It really suits well for a family that is used to driving a large SUV or mini-van.

Driver comfort is great with controls very assessable from the Drivers seat.

Rear Seats and Front Pass Seat folded down with enough room for a large ladder.

Styling is great with this crossover. It has great lines and is a fun car to drive. The 3.5 liter engine and 6 speed transmission work well with plenty of power even with 6 full size adults. Fuel milage averaged 20 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving. I was very impressed with the ride quality and its handling. Another thing I noticed right away is the quietness of its interior. It is really a luxurious vehicle with a ton of creature comforts. The interior has plenty of places to store things with most of them being very convenient and in the right place for what you are storing. The leather seats were very comfortable with plenty of ventilation  which makes driving it (even on a hot day) rather enjoyable.

One thing I always focus on is lighting. The lighting on the Taurus X is well designed. I hate driving vehicles with poor lighting and I was not disappointed by the lighting on the Taurus X. The Taurus X comes in several different trim levels and a ton of options. For a complete list click here.

3.5 Liter 24 Valve Duratec V-6 - Dual overhead cams activate four valves per cylinder with advanced variable cam timing technology, generating best-in-class standard 263 horsepower** plus 249 pounds/feet of torque. This advanced V6 is mated to an equally advanced 6-speed automatic transmission.

Powertrain

The engine and transmission combnation work well. I drove the Taurus X to dinner one evening and had 5 adults in the vehicle and it performed better than I expected. With a slight lack of power being my only complaint it worked well an had a great ride even though it was fully loaded. The vehicle received nothing but compliments from the people that were riding with me. This is a vehicle I would definitly own. It is so much better than driving a min-van or full size SUV. Ford's designers and engineers really did a great job on this vehicle!

This was a vehicle that honestly did not impress me before driving it. I guess I had glimpses of the old Taurus we had for so many years. I will say I was pleasantly surprised with the Taurus X. Ford went all out designing this vehicle. The best part is the voice activated “Sync”. Those that know me know I am somewhat of a geek. I really enjoyed how well the system worked and how easy it was to use - the sound it produces is also top notch. You don’t have to be a geek to use the system - it just works. I never even cracked open the owners manual to see how the system worked - that how easy it is.

The style of the Tuarus X grows on you. It looks much better in person than it does in  the pictures. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants the best of both the SUV and Car world. It really does replace the SUV & Mini Van and gives you a car like ride and style.

For more information visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/TaurusX/

Interior

“Sync”

John Rush - Host

Gearhead Radio & Drive Radio

For a audio version of my review - please visit www.gearheadradio.com.