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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Ford Taurus X

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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

4.3

Out of 5

Based on 75 Ratings for the 2008 - 2009 Ford Taurus X models.

Review this car

Value

4.1/5

Quality

4.3/5
Reliability

4.4/5

Performance

4.4/5
Comfort

4.4/5

Styling

4.3/5

Awesome Car

By uwpalum (IL) on Friday, January 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,500

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

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

"I purchased this car used with 27000 miles on it, and it has been the best car I owned. I was a previous Dodge guy owning 2 mini vans prior, but this Taurus X was a perfect replacement. I am 6 ft 5 tall, and can sit in the 3rd row very comfortably. This car has cost me very little other than routine maintenance. Change the oil and go. I am sorry that it was discontinued by Ford, but the flexibility and comfort of this vehicle is outstanding. If you are looking for a quality used vehicle, this vehicle should definitely on your short list of vehicles to check out. I get an average of 19 MPG city driving and 23 on the highway. I just cannot say enough about it. The 3.5L engine has plenty of get up and go, and was a great change from the 3.0L engine of the Freestyle."

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Pretty good car...would get fwd next time

By someguy2020 (MN) on Saturday, January 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Nice ride, comfortable and plenty of get-up-and-go"

Cons: "Poor gas milage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Good horsepower but terrible gas milage with the AWD model. Rear windows fog up when it gets cold out and the defrost doesn't seem to get them clear. Great car other than those two items."

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