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The Ford Taurus X succeeded the Ford Freestyle in 2008, and offers a host of improvements inside, outside, and underneath when compared to the old Freestyle.

Like the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans, the Ford Taurus X is loosely based on the same architecture as the Volvo S80 luxury sedan and Volvo XC90SUV and it uses the same Swedish Haldex all-wheel-drive system as the Volvo on AWD versions. It is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 and comes mated to a new 6F six-speed automatic. This powertrain makes the Ford Taurus X a whole lot more fun to drive than the Freestyle crossover was.

The Ford Taurus X fits into the product lineup above the five-seater Ford Edge crossover SUV that's built on the same platform as the Fusion, and under the Ford Flex, a larger, more luxurious, square-cornered family truck.

For 2009, all Taurus X models get Ford's SOS-Post Crash Alert System, which unlocks the vehicle doors and activates the horn and emergency flashers in the event airbags are deployed.

The Ford Taurus X is designed to compete with the Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Outlander, Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia, among others.

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The 2008 Ford Taurus X comes in three models and each offers all-wheel-drive versions: SEL ($28,270), SEL AWD ($30,120), Eddie Bauer ($31,330), Eddie Bauer AWD ($33,180); Limited ($32,325), and Limited AWD ($34,175). (All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include the destination charge of $825). Simple math tells us that makes the Haldex all-wheel-drive system an $1,850 option on all models.

Ford Taurus X SEL comes with cloth upholstery, manually controlled air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, six-way adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power locks, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Eddie Bauer edition adds leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power adjustable pedals, six-disc changer, front consoles, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with memory, woodgrain applique trim. Eddie Bauer carries a distinctive two-tone paint job, plus 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and tires, wiper-activated headlamps, and Eddie Bauer logos inside and out.

Ford Taurus X Limited adds premium audio system with subwoofer, second-row consoles, chrome interior trim, auto tilt-down in reverse for outside mirror, heated front seats.

Options for the Taurus X include voice-activated DVD navigation system ($1,995), reverse sensing system ($295), power liftgate ($475), auxiliary HVAC system ($650), DVD entertainment system ($995), power moonroof ($960), heated seats ($240), Sirius satellite radio equipment ($195), and 18-inch seven-spoke chrome wheels ($695).

Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, and AdvanceTrac stability control. Ford Taurus X has been awarded five-star ratings in all four crash categories and a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All-wheel-drive is optional. LATCH child seat anchors and rear safety locks are standard.