The Taurus wagon officially returns! Sharp new styling, a mighty new V6, a new 6-speed transmission and dozens of other refinements make for one very slick wagon.

Sporting a fresh restyling that moved away from the traditional Ford truck look, the revamped Freestyle became the Taurus X for 2008. Besides the bold new nose and crystallized taillamps, the Taurus X was further sleekend by a new set of roof rail. Also added were new wheels, including optional chromes. The former base SE was dropped and the new car started at the SEL level. Limited was still the top range, but a new Eddie Bauer model was slotted in between.
     Inside, there was more bling. The gauges were dressed up with chrome rings and chronograph styling, and the leather seating was classier. Door panels were dressed up with two-tone schemes and woodgrain appliqués. Really new was the new Ford Synch entertainment system, an integrated, voice-activated communication and media system with Bluetooth. But the best news was retirement of the 3.0 Duratec engine for the more appropriate new 3.5 Duratec. The new powerplant put out 263 hp, and was coupled with a new 6-speed manual. The Taurus wagon was back with a roar!

The new, bolder Ford 3-bar grill really spruced up the nose.

The cockpit was a very nice place to be with a commanding view of the road and superb ergonomics.

The highly versatile interior remained, but the monotone colors were replaced with two-tones to add richness.
 

Crystallized taillights and available chrome alloys upped the bling quotient.
 

A real bold head-turner in Dark Ink Blue, the Limited model is a plush and powerful crossover.

A real cargo-carrying beast, the Taurus X rivals or exceeds many mid- to full-size SUV for capacity.

With this many seating options, the Taurus X could replace both SUVs and traditional minivans in a more car-like platform.

The engine that saved Ford. The new 3.5 Duratec engine put out 263 hp and 249 lb. ft. of torque, a major increase.