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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Ford Taurus X

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Overview

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2009 Ford Taurus X Review

By KBB.com Editors

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

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 85 Ratings for the 2008 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.6/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.6/10

Great Buy

By Stevie B (WA) on Friday, January 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great Value, great power, AWD, versatile"

Cons: "Finicky seats, brakes wore early."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"We bought this car used with about 23,000 miles and currently have about 47,000. So, it's still in the early stages but it's been great so far and we paid about $8,000 less than we would have for a similar Honda Pilot. This car is easier to drive than the Pilot or the minivans we were looking at -- it offers great packing/space options and is easier to drive than the vehicles I mentioned. It has plenty of power too. The AWD works fantastic as we head to Stevens Pass over 30 times a year and we see some good storms there. I was surprised but the AWD works better than the Subaru Forester I used to have and the Toyota RAV4 4wd that I still have. Highway MPG is about 22 and it seems a little more like 20.5 during the winter. It could probably go better but we have a box on top and the tires need replacing. Brakes needed replacing at around 40,000 and sometimes the seats are tricky to get them to fold. Other than this it's been great. We take a 4,000 mile road trip every summer and this is a dream. Cruise at 80 mph and it's not breaking a sweat. I think this car has great value potential for families looking for a utility car."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great Buy

By Stevie B (WA) on Friday, January 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Excellent Vehicle

By JOE SP (GA) on Monday, January 07, 2013

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: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Space, comfort, general features"

Cons: "ride quality can improve"

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

"Reliable, comfortable and above all, fits my need. Very few cars or SUVs can seat 7 adults comfortably and still retain enough cargo room for suitcases and luggage. This CUV can do it. Its a shame FORD replaced this design with the ugly looking FLEX...I would get a new one if you bring this design back."

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Not a good vehicle for the long haul

By ww6 (MO) on Sunday, October 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Seats 6 and 24 mpg highway"

Cons: "Transmission, power steering, brakes,sound system."

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

"Purchased this vehicle new from a dealer that has sold us 6 new Fords in the past 20 years. The first thing about the vehicle, the dealer did NOT prep the car. Between our 3-day test drive, (our new Ford Ranger was totaled so we were loaned this vehicle on the premise of purchase), and bought it our salesman was no longer with the dealership so they NEVER prepped the car. That means the plastic on the wheels stuck and would not come off (the salesman had asked us not to take it off ourselves until purchased), the antenna was not installed... The PS pump began moaning shortly after warranty expired, dealer said over $1K to fix so we nursed it along. The transmission went out at 105K ($3.8K to replace). Totally forgettable style but the good news is it does seat 6 people. We replace brakes every 35K miles, tires at ~45K miles, and now we have to totally replace the power steering parts (diy estimate is $600). When it was new it drove well and it does get 24 mpg on the highway and combined 21.3 mpg daily."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great ride, handling and comfort good

By kellmarr (VA) on Saturday, October 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice family wagon."

Cons: "sluggish on take off when fully loaded."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Great Ford Wagon, even tho Ford won't call it a wagon. 2009 last year produced. Great family car. Plentyof room for 7 adults. Great ride handling and comfort. Gas mileage averages about 22-24 mpg hwy and town combined. Good visibility. Nice styling and easy access even for 3rd row. Has been very reliable so far. Too bad Ford droped this model. It's so much more stylish and family friendly than the new Explorer, Edge, or Flex. The Sync System is not all that user friendly."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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ford taurus x eddie bauer

By mike (MI) on Friday, September 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

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: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "quiet, dvd player, comfy seats in winter/summer"

Cons: "not awd-cant go up my drieway in winter 30wk gas"

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

"I love my car allot faster then any other suv out there.. i dont think of it being a suv..it seems like a sport car.. I love it allot..the tv keeps the kids quiet, you can hook up video games(we don't but it is possible for when my kids are older) it holds my 3 kids my wife and me plus another person so it seats 7 people. very fun car to drive but in winter i have to have my wife dump salt under my tiers as i spin up my drive way i get up after 3 or 4 tries but we have a steep driveway... a note i would like you to take from this is get a AWD taurus x not fwd.."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 85 reviews