Before naming it as Taurus X, Ford rejected five hundred names. The 2008 Ford Taurus X has undergone several changes. However, the general body shape of the new Taurus X is the same as that of the previous Ford Five Hundred, a large, front-wheel-drive family sedan. This family sedan is, in some aspects, based on the same design and architecture as the Volvo S80 luxury sedan with some thorough changes to the suspension system. It also uses the same Swedish Haldex all-wheel-drive system that is on offer with the Volvo as an option. The previous 3.0-liter V-6 engine is replaced with a new 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine that makes 30 percent more power. It is the same engine that powers the larger and heavier Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers and MKZ luxury cars. The CVT transmission has been replaced by a new 6F six-speed automatic transmission. The newly designed powertrain energizes the Taurus X and makes it a favorite car for many. Its 0-60 mph acceleration performance has been reduced by more than a second and a half, from 9.2 seconds down to 7.6 seconds, which is a huge chunk of performance. The new engine not only generates more power, but it also offers better fuel economy, even after adjusting for the new, stricter testing procedures EPA has mandated for 2008 models. With a powerful engine, a new design, and fine amenities, Taurus X takes on other larger sedans in the market and its main competitors are Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. Changes for the new Taurus X include a larger and more powerful V-6 engine, new front and rear styling and new suspension tuning. The Taurus X is available in SEL and Limited trims with a lot of amenities and a host of safety features.

Ford Taurus X is available in two trims: SEL and Limited. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration comes standard on all trims while the all-wheel-drive is available as option. All trims are powered by a Duratec 3.5L DOHC V-6 engine that cranks out 263 hp @ 6250 rpm and 249 lb ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm. The new V-6 teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Taurus X can tow up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped. Mileage ratings are 18/28 mpg (city/highway) for the FWD configuration and 17/24 mpg (city/highway) for the AWD

When compared to the Five Hundred, the 2008 Taurus X surprises the on-lookers with its new design and better looking silhouette. It also reminds you of the Lincoln Town Car in a smaller size. In the transition from Five Hundred to Taurus X, Ford completely reshaped and redesigned the front-end with a large horizontal three-bar chrome grille that is flanked by new rectangular headlights. This unique grille gives the Taurus X a distinctive look. It is altogether a more contemporary design for the Taurus X with large driving lamps under the new bumpers. Some necessary changes have also been made to the hood and fenders. The tail lamps, rear quarter panels, and decklid have also been redesigned. The sides remain mostly unchanged, but the Limited trim level comes with chrome side vents, door handles, and side-view mirrors. New clear-lens taillights adorn the rear of the car. In order to make this sedan provide a smoother ride, changes were made to the four-wheel independent suspension that include 10 more mm of front suspension travel, new dampers and springs, and tweaks to the rear suspension. SEL trims come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels where as the Limited trims have 18-inch aluminum rims. 18-inch chrome wheels are optional on all trims. Auto on/off halogen headlamps with wiper-activated headlamps come standard on Limited trims and are available as optional on SEL trims. Heat feature on power outside mirrors and puddle lamps are some standard features provided.

The Ford Taurus X has secured the highest 5-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front and side crash tests. This spacious and comfortable family sedan is equipped with a host of standard safety features such as dual-stage airbags, a safety canopy system with rollover sensor, front seat side-impact airbags, a lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system, a 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), remote keyless entry, and a SecuriLock passive anti-theft system. An AdvanceTrac (R) electronic stability control system is optional on the Taurus X model.