Short Take Road Test
When you peel away all the Gen-X pandering and celebrity worship of today's new-car marketing, the heart of the U.S. business is still family transportation, and this revitalized Ford wagon is as well conceived for that market as any other.
Consider the attributes: First-rate crash ratings. Enough airbags to cushion a Mars lander. Seats for six or seven. Lighter than an Explorer, with a bit more cargo room. Minivan utility minus minivan stigma. Quiet interior. Rigid front-drive unibody. Ride quality that irons out lumps but maintains a hint of Euro firmness. Excellent all-around dynamics (although diluted by long stopping distances). All-wheel drive availability. Stability control standard.
With the exception of stability control, which is new for 2008, all these attributes applied to this vehicle when it made its 2005 debut as the Ford Freestyle. But if it was so terrific, why was it almost invisible? Could it have been the name, so easily confused with the Freestar minivan?
Ford has obviously thought better of that moniker, but there were more substantive issues—power, for one. A two-ton wagon was more than a 203-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 could propel with any zeal (0 to 60 in 8.2 seconds). And although our January 2005 road test gave the Freestyle’s continuously variable transmission a passing grade, this device was not loved by all. Then there was the bland styling, with its generic Ford face and cheap-looking wire mesh grille.
Behold the Taurus X. The powertrain issues have been addressed with Ford’s 3.5-liter V-6 (263 horsepower) and a six-speed automatic, a combo that propels this tall wagon to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds with none of the irritating engine crescendos that come with CVTs. The forgettable fascia has been refreshed with Ford’s Edgey three-bar grille, the rear end gets a power-liftgate option, and the interior sports improved materials and textures.
All of this adds up to a more desirable vehicle, albeit one that still defies easy classification. The shape says SUV, a message enhanced by a high seating position. But ground clearance is about the same as the Taurus sedan’s, and even with all-wheel drive (add $1850), off-road isn’t part of the deal here. Nor is there much towing capability (2000 pounds).
But if towing isn’t on your family menu, this X might mark your spot.
