Ford Freestyle

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Ford Taurus X
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Also called Ford Freestyle
Production 2005-2009
Assembly Chicago Assembly
(Chicago, Illinois,USA)
Predecessor Ford Taurus station wagon
Successor Ford Flex
Class mid-size CUV
Body style(s) 5-door CUV
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform Ford D3 platform

The 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.

Contents

2005-2007

Ford Freestyle
Ford Freestyle SE
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2005-2007
Predecessor Ford Taurus station wagon
Successor Ford Taurus X
Engine(s) 3.0 L (2,967 cc, 181 cu in) 203 hp (151 kW) V6[1]
Transmission(s) CVT
Wheelbase 112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length 2005-06: 199.8 in (5,075 mm)[2]
2007: 200.1 in (5,083 mm)[1]
Width 2005-06: 74.4 in (1,890 mm)[2]
2007: 74.9 in (1,902 mm)[1]
Height 2005-06: 68.2 in (1,732 mm)[2]
2007: 68.25 in (1,734 mm)[1]
Fuel capacity 19 US gal (72 L/16 imp gal)[2][1]
Related Ford Five Hundred
Mercury Montego
Volvo S60
Volvo S80
Volvo XC90

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).

2008-2009

Ford Taurus X
2008 Ford Taurus X Limited
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2008-2009
Predecessor Ford Freestyle
Successor Ford Flex
Engine(s) 3.5 L (213 cu in, 3496 cc) Duratec 35 263 hp (196 kW) V6[3]
Transmission(s) 6-speed 6F automatic
Wheelbase 112.9 in (2,868 mm)[3]
Length 200.3 in (5,088 mm)[3]
Width 74.9 in (1,902 mm)[3]
Height 67.4 in (1,712 mm)[3]
Curb weight FWD: 4,033 lb (1,829 kg)
AWD: 4,203 lb (1,906 kg)[3]
Fuel capacity 19 US gal (72 L/16 imp gal)[3]
Related Ford Taurus
Volvo S60
Mercury Sable
Volvo XC90
Ford Flex
Lincoln MKS

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.

The Ford Flex is the successor for the Taurus X. The Flex uses the same platform as the 2008 Ford Taurus.

References

External links

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