Ford Taurus X

Infobox Automobile
name = Ford Freestyle
Ford Taurus X


manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
production = 2005-2009
platform = Ford D3 platform
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
predecessor = Ford Taurus station wagon
class = Mid-size crossover SUV
successor = Ford FlexThe Ford Taurus X is a 6 to 7-passenger mid-size crossover SUV produced by Ford in the United States. This vehicle was originally introduced in 2005 as the Ford Freestyle, before being renamed Taurus X for the 2008 model year. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station wagon, and for 2007, it slotted between the Edge and the Explorer. It is sold in the United States and Canada, as well as South Korea and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

First Generation (2005-2007)

Infobox Automobile


name = Ford Freestyle
manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
production = 2005-2007
assembly = Chicago, Illinois, USA
predecessor = Ford Taurus station wagon
body_style = 5-door SUV
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = Ford D3 platform
related = Ford Five Hundred
Mercury Montego
Volvo S60
Volvo S80
Volvo XC90
transmission = CVT
wheelbase = 2870 mm (112.9 in.)
length = 2005-06: 5075 mm (199.8 in.)
2007: auto in|200.1|0
width = 2005-06: 1890 mm (74.4 in.)
2007: auto in|74.4|0
height = 2005-06: 1670 mm (65.9 in.)
2007: auto in|68.2|0
engine = 3.0 L convert|203|hp|abbr=on V6
fuel_capacity = Convert|72|L|usgal impgal|1

Initially going to be called the Ford CrossTrainer in development before adopting the Freestyle name as part of Ford's then-naming strategy of naming all cars with the letter F, the Freestyle was previewed at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show with a Freestyle Concept before entering production for the 2005 model year. The vehicle was assembled at Chicago Assembly.

The vehicle used the Ford D3 platform, which it shared with the Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and various Volvos including the XC90. Although it shared its platform with the XC90, the two vehicles are significantly different. The Freestyle has three rows of seats with seating for seven, like many larger SUVs (e.g. Ford Explorer) and minivans. The Freestyle features what Ford describes as "command seating," seating with a higher H-point, to increase driver visibility and ease of entry and exit.

The Freestyle, along with the Five Hundred and the Ford Escape Hybrid, were the first American Ford vehicles to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). To Ford's surprise, 55% of buyers selected the Haldex Traction-equipped all-wheel drive model rather than the expected 40%. However, overall Freestyle sales were below Ford's original projections, though sales were increasing every month. Some buyers selected the Freestyle as an alternative to the best selling Ford Explorer.

Although the Freestyle resembled the larger Australian Ford Territory crossover SUV, that model is based on the different rear-wheel drive EA169 platform, used by the Ford Falcon. The physical resemblance may cause the two to be confused as the same car; however, the engineering differences are almost total.

The Freestyle was nominated for the "North American Truck of the Year" award for 2005 (second behind Escape Hybrid).

1.5 Generation (2008-2009)

Infobox Automobile
name = Ford Taurus X


manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
production = 2008-2009
assembly = Chicago Assembly,
(Chicago, Illinois,USA)
engine = 3.5 L "Duratec 35" V6
platform = Ford D3 platform
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
related = Ford Taurus
Volvo S60
Mercury Sable
Volvo XC90
Ford Flex
Lincoln MKS
transmission = 6-speed 6F automatic
wheelbase = Auto in|112.9|0
length = Auto in|200.3|0
width = Auto in|74.9|0
height = Auto in|67.4|0

This vehicle was initially unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show as a 2008 model, alongside its siblings the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, re-badged, restyled versions of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego. The Taurus X is an alternative to the Ford Explorer.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally said that Ford's scheme to make all its cars names start with the letter F was a bad move, as it made Ford's new cars easily forgettable. As a result of this issue being addressed, the Ford Freestyle was renamed the Taurus X, the Ford Five Hundred was renamed the Ford Taurus, and the Mercury Montego was renamed the Mercury Sable.

The design of the Taurus X closely resembles that of its sibling, the Ford Edge, creating a family face for its crossover segment. The Taurus X wears Ford's new corporate grille, featuring three horizontal, chrome bars with center mounted blue oval. The car features chrome accents, an aggressive front fascia, and crystal-like LED taillights. The Taurus X also receives a new Eddie Bauer trim-line, similar to that of a Ford Explorer. The vehicle, like its predecessor, features three rows of seats with seating for seven, like many larger SUVs (e.g. Ford Explorer) and minivans.

The Taurus X is based on the Ford D3 platform and the updated powertrain includes the discontinuation of the CVT transmission previously used by the Freestyle, as well as the 3.0 L V6 in favor of the newly developed six-speed 6F automatic as well as the all-new 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6. The vehicle also receives new power options, including power-folded seats and a power lift gate.

The Taurus X features what Ford describes as "command seating," seating with a higher H-point, to increase driver visibility and ease of entry and exit.

Along with the Mercury Sable, the Taurus X is expected to end production in 2009.

External links

* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/taurusx/ Ford Vehicles.com Official Website]
* [http://www.autoweb.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/1/article_id_int/2567 Preview website for Ford Taurus X]
* [http://www.myfordfreestyle.com Ford Freestyle enthusiast website]
* [http://www.lemonfree.com/reviews.php?rid=1322 2006 Ford Freestyle Review]