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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2009 Ford Taurus X

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Want to save money? Check out the 2008 Ford Taurus X

Overview

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2009 Ford Taurus X Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

When it comes to the Ford Taurus X, the name is familiar and so is the vehicle, but for different reasons. That name belonged to a car that radicalized the world of mid-size sedans and wagons when it first appeared as a 1986 model, but then declined over the years to rental fleet anonymity. The vehicle itself, meanwhile, made an all but invisible debut as the Ford Freestyle, its solid foundations clad in forgettable sheetmetal and propelled by an engine unequal to the task. In 2008, Ford returned the Taurus nameplate to their big wagon and along the way added a substantial list of significant upgrades, as well as earning a spot in Kelley Blue Book's list of Best New Family Vehicles. Offered in front- and all-wheel drive editions, the Taurus X stacks up as crossover worthy of attention.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need an accommodating third row or just a sizeable cargo area, but would prefer to steer clear of tall SUV territory, the 2009 Ford Taurus X is uniquely qualified to meet your needs. It also scored five-star ratings in all four National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Like most car-based crossover vehicles, the 2009 Ford Taurus X doesn't offer the towing capacity (2,000 pounds) or off-road capability of a truck-based SUV. The X even falls short of other crossovers in ground clearance, a result of the lower profile and stance that distinguish it from its competitors.

What's New for 2009

Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert system is added to the Taurus X's list of standard safety equipment.

Driving the Taurus X

Driving Impressions Thanks to its rigid unit body, the 2009 Ford Taurus X delivers responses that are gratifyingly eager for a tall vehicle weighing over two tons. Tactile information from the steering...

is vague with the wheel on or near center, and the addition of a telescoping function to the column would make it easier to achieve an optimal driving position. But in general the X's road manners are devoid of nasty surprises, ride quality has a hint of Euro firmness without being excessively stiff, and the 3.5-liter V6 engine takes the excess drama out of passing on two-lane highways. The driver sightlines are better than average for a vehicle of this type, particularly looking forward. Only the braking performance leaves something to be desired, with long braking distances chief amongst our grievances.

Favorite Features

Ford SYNC
Developed in partnership with Microsoft, Ford's voice-activated communications system makes it easier to use cell phones and iPods, for instance, while also providing access to more of those devices' functionality.

Power Liftgate
Powered rear liftgates may seem hedonistic to those who have never lived with one, but once you do, you'll understand why they're becoming increasingly popular. A must-have for anyone who's ever juggled arm loads of groceries or kids or both, particularly on a cold winter's night.

2009 Ford Taurus X Details

Interior

With the exception of a somewhat cramped front passenger side foot well the Taurus X's strong suit continues to be its exceptional roominess. A one-touch flip-and-fold feature for the second row seats enhances third-row access, and numerous sound deadening measures make the interior near luxury-car quiet. The X seats six or seven, and six-passenger versions provide an access alley to the third row. That third-row, by the way, can comfortably fit two adults and still leave a useable measure of cargo space intact. A long list of optional features, including rear seat DVD entertainment, should keep the kids occupied for hours on end.

Exterior

Last year's Taurus X update included fresh sheetmetal from the windshield pillar forward, set off by an adaptation of the bright three-bar grille that's become Ford's new design signature. The Taurus X's tall roof may be difficult to access for some, but the low step-in height makes entry and egress much easier than with a tall SUV. Returning for 2009, the Eddie Bauer trim adds two-tone paint, 18-inch wheels and wiper activated headlamps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A keyless entry keypad is unique to Ford products. Other standard features that aren't universally standard include a six-way power driver's seat, heated power side mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, 12 cup holders, and four 12-volt power points. Stability control, an option on the sedan, is standard on the X.

Optional Equipment

Notable options on the 2009 Ford Taurus X include navigation, DVD rear seat entertainment with two wireless headphones, power moonroof, perforated leather seat trim, AM/FM audio with six-disc CD changer, dual zone climate control, power rear liftgate, Ford SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, remote starting and Reverse Sensing System to aid in parking and backing up in tight spaces.

Under the Hood

Like its sedan counterpart, the 2009 Ford Taurus X has a single engine and transmission combination: a 3.5-liter V6 with a smooth six-speed automatic. This same V6 powers the Ford Edge, and with 263 horsepower, it gives the Taurus X respectable acceleration – zero to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. Federal fuel economy projections under the new and more stringent rating system are 16 mpg city/24 highway for front-drive models, 15/22 for those with all-wheel drive.

3.5-Liter V6
263 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
249 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 15/22 (AWD)

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2009 Ford Taurus X Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 79 Ratings for the 2008 - 2009 Ford Taurus X models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

8.7/10

LOVE IT!

By dmd (MA) on Thursday, April 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "EVERYTHING!!"

Cons: "NO CONS!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"nice looking, fashionable 3rd row seating lost of room comfortable JUST PERFECT!!!...AND THEY DON'T MAKE IT ANY MORE!! ARGH!!"

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I love this car!

By G (WI) on Saturday, March 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value"

Cons: "Better gas milage would be nice"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I knew I wanted a car with room, comfort, good visibilty and versatility. I get all of it in this car. We bought this after test driving almost all of the suv's that were out there and this was hands down the best of the bunch. Ours seats six and is very comfortable when we have the kids and grandkids with us. The rear heating/ac is a great options as those temps can be set apart from the front. Controls on the ceiling are a great option. No yelling from the back to turn heat up/down . Visability is good but not excellent as the rear pillars make a blind spot. The ride is very comfortable and the interior is extremely quiet. Never thought I would care if I had the multi cd option but that's great. I would upgrade to the premium sound if able. Also would have liked the heated seats but we bought this off the lot as is. The storage is great and things are well thought out there. With the ability to change seating I can turn my vehcle from a car to a mini van, station wagon or a really comfotable pickup truck! We have drivin this cross country multiple times in the last 4 years and we normally get about 22 mpg so that's pretty good for the weight but of course it would be better for that to be a little better. I would highly recommend this car to anyone and our daughter and husband bought the flex and love it also"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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