2008 ford taurus sel vs limited 2008 ford taurus sel vs limited

One thing led to another and I dug this Taurus sitting on the. The transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly. Research, browse, save, and share from 575 Ford models in Mesquite, TX. The Taurus X is built just a few miles from Cars.coms Chicago headquarters at one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in North America, and I wish I could rave about it. 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with Sport Mode and shifter activation button. Ford is also offering a new "Sync" system for hands-free access to audio and phone functions. Going & StoppingOne of the main complaints about the Freestyle and Five Hundred models was that they were underpowered. New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by, Ford models up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles. # 7 Best 2019 Full-size Sedans View all Based on 8 rankings. The Freestyles wasnt the best executed. 2008 Ford Taurus AWD 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Automatic 6-spd Regular Gasoline: View Estimates How can I share my MPG? Research the 2011 Ford Taurus SEL in Gastonia, NC at Tindol Ford. Compare side by side the SEL vs SHO in terms of performance, pricing, features and more It gives the Taurus a much snazzier look than the minimalist black-wire mesh adorning the Five Hundred, and although there might be too much bright stuff on this car, there's no denying its improved appearance. I dont consider that a bad thing, but many people do which explains the SUV craze and the stigma associated with minivans. The Taurus has been through its paces, that's fer sure. Find aused certified pre-owned Fordfor sale. While the great outward visibility might be very reassuring to little old ladies who like to watch The Golden Girls on cable, the satisfaction of the height-challenged Estelle Gettys of this world might be balanced by the consternation of the statuesque Bea Arthurs, who will find that their hair brushes the roof of a car that supposedly has best-in-class headroom. With a six-speed automatic (the unloved CVT is no longer available) powering the front wheels (all-wheel drive is also offered), the Taurus hustles to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, 1.1 seconds quicker than that uninspiring test car of '05. Replacing it is the 3.5-liter V6 recently introduced by the Ford Edge crossover sport-utility, and it pumps up the Taurus' muscle to 260 hp and 245 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the backrests, the whole chair adjusts forward and back, allowing you to share legroom with the third row. Though practical, it never quite caught on with the public. To me someone who was ferried to day camp in a Ford Country Squire station wagon it still looks like an overgrown wagon. weather as we had AWD. Find cars for sale near you, Interior trim a step behind in look and feel. And they add, "No one will ever call the Taurus quick, but it now has the gusto needed to get up highway on-ramps and pass pokey fellow motorists without breaking a significant sweat." The 2008 Ford Taurus is a large sedan that is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. There are three Taurus X trim levels: the SEL, Eddie Bauer and Limited, each of which comes with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. In a fit of hyperbole, they claim, "the ceiling is so high you half expect to look up and see Michelangelo lying on his back doing a paint by numbers. ", Perhaps not as fond of all things shiny, MyRide is a somewhat less enthusiastic fan of the new look, but does say that the front-end styling "gives the Taurus a huge dose of character that the Five Hundred lacked." The shiny metal latch bar is clearly visible through a gap along the top of the glove box door, and theres a trim piece at the base of each A-pillar that looks like it was slapped on as an afterthought. All-new in this context accurately describes the powertrain, the styling from the A-pillar forward, and the rear fascia. Find aused certified pre-owned Ford Taurus Xfor sale. Last winter the car performed well for most of the winter in the Falken All Season Radials but a couple deep snows convinced me to go with a dedicated Snow tire this winter. The sonar Reverse Sensing System, a stand-alone option, is helpful for parking. ZDNet is impressed with the "very advanced navigation system and voice command, a feature we haven't seen on a Ford until now." More disappointing is the interior craftsmanship especially because it hasnt been improved since 2005, despite complaints. This engine offers a max 288 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft of torque. To me the drivers seat feels overstuffed; it makes me wish Ford had also borrowed seats from Volvo. Every 2008 Ford Taurus X includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac stability control. Though the steering ratio is slightly slower than last year, we expect the wagon's steering will still feel well-weighted and accurate. Otherwise, save the weight and the lower fuel economy and stick with front-wheel-drive versions. The next question they have is, is it a wagon, SUV, what? 8-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) BaseCARE EV Warranty coverage. We got great mileage, up wards of 34 mpg. Just as important, the V6 still preserves this car's green-friendly identity, because fuel-efficiency has improved 10 percent and the air emissions are so squeaky clean that the Taurus qualifies as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California. Braking, 70-0 mph: 187 ft View Ford Taurus X and other new and used cars, trucks, and SUV's for sale. In addition to the backrests, the whole chair adjusts forward and back, allowing you to share legroom with the third row. Specifications Fuel Economy City 18/Hwy 28/Comb 22 MPG Fuel Type Gas Basic Warranty 3 years or 36000 miles Max Seating 5 Horsepower 263 @ 6250 RPM Cargo Space 21.2 cu.ft. What Ford describes as an orbit of chrome stretches from the increasingly ubiquitous Ford three-bar grille to the rear license plate mustache. The folks at Edmunds are easier to please, saying the 2008 Taurus has "a handsome and functional cabin with solid materials quality, plenty of storage areas and eight cupholders"--perhaps coffee proximity makes up for other design flaws. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the car a 14 percent chance of rollover for the FWD and 13 percent with AWD. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety. This was a great car. That, the large switchgear, and a comprehensive package of airbags, stability control, and available all-wheel drive make the Taurus one of the safest cars on the road. Inside the Taurus, the overall layout of the Five Hundred remains in place, but details like revised gauges, classier wood trim and chrome touches here and there liven things up. Great engine and confortable interior. In the 2008 Taurus, Ford offers its 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 powerplant, which delivers 265 hp. Simply research the I purchased this car used at 80k miles and now have put on another 80k miles. One month later after some rather sobering market research followed by some corporate soul-searching, the same car was reintroduced at the Chicago auto show as the 2008 Ford Taurus. Cons: It's abundantly dull to drive. ", Cars.com reports that all but one of the five seats has head restraints. That they didnt now suggests that they never will. Crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration returned perfect five-star ratings across the board, making the 2008 Ford Taurus one of the safest cars on the road. 2008 Ford Taurus X for sale in Provo, UT on KSL cars. Taurus X were built on Volvo XC chassis. Other enhancements include unique upholstery and trim, alloy pedals, and shift paddles on the steering wheel. ", Similarly, ConsumerGuide says, "audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use. Stability control, power-adjustable pedals and rear parking sensors are optional. will help you decide. On the plus side, the button that lets you close it without the keyfob is on that pod, where shorter people can access it. **2008 Ford Taurus X Limited*$2499 OBO*4X4 LOW MILES! I stress that everyone is different in this regard, but to me it felt like the two ends of the manual lumbar adjustments range could be labeled Too Much and Even More. Plus, its all-wheel-drive option gave it the all-weather security typically associated with an SUV. MyRide says these changes "pay perceptible dividends compared to the Five Hundred, and the overall experience is one of refinement and quality." The 2008 Taurus boasts interior dimensions larger than all its competitors, and it offers 107.1 cubic feet of interior passenger volume. On the upside, it and many other options are served a la carte, not locked into packages with other features you might not want. 0. you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find While the Taurus X still isn't a ferocious performer, you can expect solid acceleration from both low and high speeds, and families should be able to load up this wagon on road trips without causing it to strain on highway grades. Together with the wagon's fairly lightweight body, it should make the 2008 Ford Taurus X feel especially carlike compared to the larger crossover SUVs in this price range. Some exterior remodeling, a larger engine and a conventional automatic transmission have improved the Taurus X, whose main selling points are a Top Safety Pick designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a very roomy. The trunk measures a cavernous 21.3 cubic feet, which Ford says is big enough to hold eight golf bags. Around town it gets 15 to 19 MPG. What are the differences between the Ford Taurus X Limited and SEL? My test car had a remote-controlled power liftgate, kindly offered as a stand-alone option. new car every three years or so. 204,000 miles now in two weeks and still going strong! When you park the car or pull it into the garage is when you realize this is a full size car. The steering wheel tilts but doesnt telescope, a shortcoming. There are three different engine choices along with four trims and many options. Adults in the third row are actually presented with decent legroom -- children, teenagers and average-sized adults alike will find the the rearmost quarters perfectly comfortable and fully usable. Theres no need to be, since the new 2008 Ford Taurus represents what the old one didan exceptional value in big sedans, if not a sporting one. MSN, which says that the "Taurus rebirth also assumes that fuel efficiency isn't a high priority for buyers," points out that while fuel economy in the Taurus "is about the same as a front-wheel-drive Camry with a 268-horsepower V-6, it's lower than the 21/30-mpg rating for a 158-horsepower, four-cylinder Camry with automatic." Though the cars. In addition, some reviewers report that "stalks for wipers, turn signals are still too far from the steering wheel." With its rename came a nose job that replaced the Freestyles dated look with new stylized headlights and the bolder chrome grille Ive come to like on most of Fords recent models. A large sedan can also undergo an identity crisis and become the 2008 Ford Taurus. Whenever my friends get inside my car, they are shocked that they are in a TAURUS. Search from 8 Used Ford Taurus cars for sale, including a 2008 Ford Taurus SEL, a 2014 Ford Taurus Limited, and a 2016 Ford Taurus Limited ranging in price from $8,500 to $24,759. At 3862 pounds, our Taurus Limited test car weighed in 108 pounds heavier than the Five Hundred Limited we tested a couple years back ["$30,000 Family Sedans," July 2005]. Safe and (a Lack of) SoundIt's hard to argue with Ford's assertion that a comfortable ride and quiet cabin are of paramount importance to buyers in the full-size sedan segment. 2008: Ford: Taurus: SEL Sedan 4-Door: 3.5L 3496CC 213Cu. . For a safe family car, the 2008 Ford Taurus is hard to beat, especially when the optional electronic stability control feature is added. But there were two distinct flaws that held the Freestyle back. 2008: Ford: Taurus: Limited Sedan 4-Door: . I was comfortable in these chairs, thanks mostly to exceptional legroom. These numbers are on par with rival crossovers like the Mazda CX-9 and Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook triplets. The 2008 Ford Taurus came in both the sedan and wagon models. All-wheel drive is an option; fundamentally sound handling is standard. V6 FLEX DOHC Naturally Aspirated . The engine still sounds a bit gruff for our tastes, but its 263 horsepower brings the Taurus X's performance up to par with competing crossover wagons and SUVs. Roomy, decent performance, OK gas mileage: 23-24 mpg. ), MyRide does point out that with the 2008 Taurus, Ford "surpass[es] the emissions requirements of California and other 'green' states. The continuously variable automatic transmission also was poorly received. The SEL comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, two-tone exterior paint, privacy glass, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat, an in-dash CD changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and heated mirrors. He loved cars, car people, and words but most of all, he loved racing. Tags: 2016 Ford Taurus, Berglund Ford, Berglund of Bedford, Roanoke Virginia, Salem Virginia, 1824 Williamson RoadRoanoke, VA 24012 There were also great pains taken to make the Taurus quieter, and those who equate silence with quality should be pleased. (Ford made some upgrades and renamed it after concluding that people didnt know what it was). Buyers with infants and small children will like that "the Latch child-seat anchors for the outboard seats are spaced a few inches inward of the door," which means that when installed properly, the seats will be "farther away from potential side-impacts, and the inboard anchors are close enough to easily secure a seat in the center position -- the safest spot for kids.". Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. By the numbers, the front seat isnt especially roomy, but at 6 feet tall I found it more than workable. When the Freestyle came out, I liked its color pallet, and the materials quality seemed pretty good, but the industry has sped toward higher and higher interior quality in just the past few years, and now the Taurus Xs surfaces seem hard and a bit shiny. Personal safety system-inc: seat belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat position sensing, crash severity sensing. The optional power-folding mechanism for these seats seems superfluous. That model's lousy continuously variable transmission (CVT) has also been replaced by a conventional six-speed automatic, whose operation should feel more familiar to most drivers. Overview 4.7 (58 reviews) The good: Crash-test ratings Price Ride and handling balance Backseat space Trunk space Child-seat accommodations Driving visibility. The default seating capacity is six with the second-row captain's chairs, but an optional second-row split bench seat increases capacity to seven on any trim. Pre-owned Ford Taurus models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 260 hp, depending on engine type. By 2007, it had become a rental-car special. This six-speed auto shifts up through the gears with wonderful smoothness, but it's calibrated for fuel economy at all times, so it's slow to downshift, and it often requires you to floor the accelerator just to get the tranny to drop down a gear and unleash the rather noisy 260 horses. The SHO trim is designed to boost performance and it has a unique 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine. Best Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe Lease Deals in Brownsville, TX, New Audi E-Tron Gt for Sale in Harvey, IL, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For Ford Taurus 2008-2009 Ford 9G1Z19E630B Right Instrument Panel Air Duct at the best online prices at eBay! If the sudden reappearance of the Ford Taurus name seems confusing, well, it should. higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. It was slow to react, and it seemed to bring out the worst in the 3.0-liter V-6 by causing it to rev too readily into high and noisy engine speeds. Getting into the third row isnt all that difficult, and I give Ford credit for an extremely well-designed second-row folding system. $3,400. On January 7, 2007, the vehicle you see here was introduced at the Detroit auto show as the updated Ford Five Hundred. For one, if safety is so paramount, why is Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control standard on the Taurus X SUV and optional ($495) on the sedan? Ford softened the suspension to create a suppler ride, which should please most potential customers, but we found that the Five Hundred handled a tad better. The only real gripe I have with the car is that there seems to be a corrosion problem on the alloy wheels that I can't seem to get off with anything that I have tried. 2008 ford taurus specs price mpg reviews cars com Feb 16 2022 web mercury s sable sedan is the taurus twin trim levels for the taurus include a base sel and uplevel limited both share the same v 6 engine and an . It's one of the safest vehicles manufactured in it's era, and can carry 7 with luggage when needed. The Taurus X addresses both by changing from a 3.0-liter V-6 engine to a 3.5-liter V-6 and a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. OK, it IS shorter than my '63 BelAir. It also throws in a universal garage door opener and 19-inch wheels. It went thru snow and ice very well, the traction control kept me feeling very safe. The 2008 Ford Taurus has some bold details, but its still an anonymous shape. Ford estimates a front-wheel-drive Taurus accelerates to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. LIMITED branded front floor mats; . The new, stronger engine doesnt need to work as hard to begin with, and the six-speed ensures the engine sound comes only when you expect it. Cost to drive estimates for the 2008 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.51 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota. Pros: It's been totally reliable. Row TwoTwo captains chairs are the standard second row, but a 60/40-split three-seat bench is a no-cost option. Ford's large wagon also gets some welcome technology updates, including options like a power liftgate and the Sync multimedia system. Our automotive experts then also collect and show you what other websites say about these different aspects of any vehicle. The styling update, using Ford's three-bar grille treatment, speaks for itself. The navigation system suffers from a slightly undersized dashboard screen and could be more intuitive." Regardless of name, we found much to like in this crossover even when it first came on the scene three years ago. The Limited reverts back to a monochrome color scheme inside and out. 2008 Ford Taurus Photos & Videos 1 - 3 of 3 Specifications Dimensions, Weights & Capacities Exterior Fuel Economy Mechanical Performance Warranty Entertainment DVD Entertainment System Satellite. Finally, the Freestyle Limited adds front seat heaters, a second-row center console (on six-passenger models), a premium Audiophile stereo and a rear parking sensor. They mention the new taillight lenses and, yes, chrome door handles. What are the differences between the Ford Taurus Limited and SEL? Its been a wonderful car and I love it. With , This spring, the Olin Gallery at Roanoke College will showcase works by current art students, so make plans to visit the 2023 Studio Art Exhibit , You may have lived in Roanoke all of your life, but you may have not truly been able to see all the beauty that makes , Life Is Sweeter With A Treat From Champloo Desserts, Dont BE A Square, Grab A Burger IN THE Square, Support Local Students By Visiting The 2023 Art Exhibit, Cruise The City Streets On A Star City Bike Tour. Shop this used Cinnamon Metallic 2010 Ford Taurus SEL in Monroeville, PA - 1FAHP2HW6AG119107 at Spitzer Toyota. According to Edmunds, "power-adjustable pedals and rear parking sensors" are additional safety options offered with the 2008 Ford Taurus. I really good CUV, People are shocked to see it is a Taurus. sale near. You can customize the Taurus SEL with an option package for Sync 3 infotainment, an extra speaker, power-adjustable pedals, and keyless ignition. $350 to repair. Fords SYNC in-car entertainment controller is also available. i had this exact car just a different color and i got in a bad car accident and it completely saved my life i walked out of my crash with just scratches on my foot and a little pain in my neck. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in. It too looks like an afterthought, with a substantial exposed strut spanning from the gate to a bulky, space-robbing pod on the left side of the cargo area. Ford resurrects the Taurus nameplate for 2008 by affixing it to a much-improved Five Hundred. Overall, however, reviewers are impressed with the quiet ride, and as Edmunds comments, "those who equate silence with quality should be pleased" with the 2008 Ford Taurus. Once you have identified a used vehicle Dual stage front air bags w . The Taurus X isnt a sport wagon, but it isnt a lumbering minivan either. By the numbers, the front seat isnt especially roomy, but at 6 feet tall I found it more than workable. Thank you! Ford should make them again. Browse Ford vehicles in Mesquite, TX for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $19,987. If you are looking for that big car feel GET ONE. Perhaps a golf-club salesman would find it useful. Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. (It got four stars in rollover.) Both share the same 263-horsepower V-6 engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. I've always been a car guy, but drove a pickup for the last 20+ years because of perceived hauling ability need. Wanted something to still get all the kids and animals in but was lower to the ground. The liftgate itself is the most common location and not always within reach. It's still no model of refinement when it comes to engine smoothness or interior materials quality, but otherwise it stacks up well against competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander, particularly when it comes to interior space and seating flexibility. On the downside are so-so materials and some shoddy build quality. Aside from braking and the numbish power rack-and-pinion steering, its road manners are hard to fault, its comfort index is high, its interior noise levels low, and so is its pricing$23,995 for the base SEL, $27,595 for the Limited. The car was frequently downshifting for more power. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a MSN notes that it is "even quieter than the 2007 Five Hundred," in part because "revised outside mirrors that produce less wind noise." Passing ability was pitiful, and power delivery was unrefined. The 2008 Ford Taurus is available in either front- or all-wheel drive, with two trim levels: base SEL and up-level Limited. They also find that the transmission "tends to 'hunt' between gears in give-and-take traffic" and criticize "the continued lack of a manual shift control. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Available styles include Eddie Bauer 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Eddie Bauer 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and SEL 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). The optional leather on my cars seats was average at best, and I found the perforations in the center panels peculiarly large. The Taurus X needs more. is .now that I think about it, I haven't done anything besides the usual stuff! The 2008 Ford Taurus comes in two editions: a base SEL and an up-level Limited. I dont consider that a bad thing, but many people do which explains the SUV craze and the stigma associated with minivans. Even though the thing is 6 years old, it still has a modern design. The driver has a good view of the road without being needlessly high. MSN enthuses about the Taurus Limited's "lots of chrome-colored touches, such as on the door handles. Theres little, One of the main complaints about the Freestyle and Five Hundred models was that they were underpowered. Test drive Used Ford Taurus at home in Minden, NE. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Available styles include SEL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), SEL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. What are the differences between the Ford Taurus SEL and SHO? Check out Ford lease specialsCheck out Ford Taurus X lease specials. It handles great in the snow when outfitted with winter tires, even without all-wheel drive. Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec We have almost 146000 now and still running great. All Rights Reserved. We also took issue with the lack of stability control, a critical safety feature in a family vehicle. The presence of Sync makes the rest of the Taurus X's control layout seem dated, but families should find its capabilities useful just the same. For the Limited trim of the 2008 Taurus, Ford has 18-inch wheels as standard (Cars.com notes that these are optional on the SEL). ", Edmunds, which also knocks the slow downshifting, says that it is "a result of being tuned for maximum fuel economy"; MSN comments further on this aspect, noting that "this transmission--a joint venture product with General Motors Corp.--has two overdrive gears to get the maximum out of every gallon of fuel. Powertrain Dimensions Read. Options include a moonroof, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio and the Ford Sync system, which allows voice activation of cell phones and entertainment systems. Many spring-loaded seats require no strength to raise, and some require no effort to lower, but you seldom get both. Starting with a nicely equipped base model, the 2008 Ford Taurus offers additional features for those who want to upgrade to fancier toys and more luxurious comfort. Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more! You might say the Taurus X is the ex-Freestyle. Description: Used 2008 Ford Taurus SEL with FWD, Fog Lights, Tinted Windows, Folding Mirrors, Dual Exhaust, Rear Air Conditioning, Independent Suspension, Front Stabilizer Bar, and Compact Spare Tire. Other improvements for this large family sedan include the adoption of stability control, a "Ford Sync" system (that allows hands-free use of mobile phones and digital music players), improved cabin materials and more sound insulation for a quieter ride. Despite bringing back the Taurus name on a new sedan for 2008, the latest Taurus isn't selling so well. The Taurus revival is combined with the death of the Ford Five Hundred, a large sedan introduced a few years ago that never sold like the company had hoped. VIN . . The vehicle was declared to be a total loss, but my dog and i were uninjured. Terrific vehicle, which moved our kids to and from college, plenty of room for all their stuff and it was protected from rain during the moves. Better still, more muscle doesn't seem to have hurt fuel economy: 18 EPA mpg city and 28 highway, albeit a lackluster 16 in our test. The most expensive choice, an all-wheel-drive Limited loaded with every option you can add, comes to $40,235. You can't buy the kind of brand awareness the Taurus has. The interior is extremely comfortable and attractive too. These efforts make the Taurus as tranquil as a Toyota Avalon at 30 mph. But some flaws are impossible to miss, like when the gap along the passenger-side airbag cover grows from tight to wide, and the colors of adjacent panels are slightly mismatched. ( Falken Eurowinter) . Good lines, stability. I have owed numerous vehicles during my lifetime from klunkers to luxury. Enhancements such as the last two add mass, but not a whole bunch. They credit the "multiple airbags -- two in front, side impact and curtain airbags that deploy in a rollover -- and one of the strongest structures in the industry, courtesy of Volvo." Favorite (25) Share. ConsumerGuide says the 2008 Ford "feels stronger and more relaxed overall than Five Hundred." A more powerful engine, a nicer and quieter cabin, a retuned suspension and a corporate three-bar grille are the major highlights. ", MSN likes the 2008 Ford Taurus's transmission, saying it "smoothly works through the gears with nary a shift point for drivers to notice." For another, braking performance from 70 mph to standstill has worsened by eight feet since our '05 testa longish 187 feet, aggravated by fade. Thats equal to the Pacifica and better than most crossovers and SUVs. They're not sure with Ford's claim of "Lexus levels of quietbut for a $30,000 sedan this is pretty darn good.". On the downside are so-so materials and some shoddy build quality. Cargo & TowingMy test car had a remote-controlled power liftgate, kindly offered as a stand-alone option.