Mother Proof's view

My journey to Mother Proof began with the Ford Freestyle. I bought one in the summer of 2005, and being a supreme internet surfer I stumbled across the site while doing a post-mortem on my recent automotive purchase, trying to find more information to confirm what I thought was a good buying decision. When I arrived at Mother Proof, I found affirmation that although it lacked “pizzazz,” my new car was a versatile one for a family looking for something other than a van or SUV that still offered plenty of seating and a carlike ride. I love my Ford Freestyle, and I would argue that where the original reviewer saw a lack of pizzazz, I see simple and clean design.

So I was a little hesitant when asked to review the 2008 version of this car, which has been renamed the Taurus X (apparently more people recognize the name “Taurus” and associate it with family cars, though I kind of associate it with rental cars). I was truly afraid that driving it would make me want to go buy the new version. Before I was in the car-testing business, I used to get the new-car itch about every two years, so the timing of this test drive was unnerving and ominous. My husband even asked, “Do you really think it’s a good idea for you to drive that?” Fortunately, sense won out; I am happy to report that I still love my Freestyle, and am even happier to report that Ford has improved on an already great car in the Taurus X.

Let’s start with two complaints about the Freestyle: the styling and lackluster engine performance. Although I liked the unadorned design of the previous generation, the addition of some serious chrome (bling!) has done wonders to dress the car up. I’m also fond of the new engine in this car. I never felt hesitant in a passing situation, and the engine noise was so minimal I didn’t hear it above the satellite radio that played throughout my test drive.

The day-to-day features that make my Freestyle so functional and flexible remain in the Taurus X. The third-row seat is my favorite feature by far. The 50/50 split allows you to arrange and organize at a moment’s notice with just a couple of pushes and pulls. It’s so easy, during a recent video shoot another mom-reviewer claimed to enjoy it so much she wanted nothing more than to fold and unfold the seats all day. The cargo area is welled out to accommodate a good amount of gear when the seats are up, and when you fold one or both of them down you have a large flat surface that will fit two or three kid’s bikes. With the third-row seats up you can install an additional Latch-equipped child seat back there. In the second row, the seats recline at several angles, which makes installing car seats properly loads easier.

Probably the single greatest upgrade in the Taurus X is the power-fold middle seats. With just the touch of a button, access to the third row is made painless. If you happen to have car seats in the second row, climbing over the second row console isn’t too bad, especially for the junior set. If you prefer not to have foot marks on the console, you can opt out of it in favor of a passageway to the way-back. Rounding out the new feature set is the extremely convenient power liftgate.

Last but not least, the Ford Taurus X is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and offers its entire safety package standard on all models.

Because I established up front that I’m slightly biased when it comes to this car, it will come as no surprise to anyone that I found the Taurus X to be one fantastic crossover. I’d even buy one myself!

*For more information on the 2008 Ford Taurus X and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 3

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 6/7

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair – Great

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times

Specs

2008 Ford Taurus X AWD Limited

Base price: $31,800

Engine: 263-hp, 3.5 liter V-6

Fuel: 15/22 mpg

Length: 200.3″

Width: 74.9″

Ground Clearance: 8″

Turning Radius: 20.0′

Cargo space: 15.8/47.4/85.2 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: 5 Stars

Passenger’s side: 5 Stars

Side Impact

Front occupant: 5 Stars

Rear occupant: 5 Stars

Rollover resistance: 4 Stars