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Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

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Comments

  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Well, she likes the seating position and style of the edge, and the 3rd row capability of the TX.

    So it's kind of a "do I want to look cool and sporty in the Edge or a bit more pedestrian but have a more useful vehicle with the TX" kind of thing? ;)
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    I've seen many around my area so I was surprised. Not very appealing but very practical and roomy. Oh well, those Ford SUVs may be gaining terrain again.

    http://jalopnik.com/357692/goodbye-dave-taurus-x-to-say-farewell-by-2010

    http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/19/rumormill-ford-taurus-x-cancelled-after-my-20- 09/
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    I read that Ford will no longer produce the Taurus x after 2010. I am about to buy this car and I was so excited about it because I did so much research on it and come to find out they are not happy with it. Why are they getting rid of the Taurus X it just came out? :cry:
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    I am overseas and I am about to buy one so that when I arrive it will be there for me. But now I am having second thoughts about it. I haven't driven one but my brother works at a ford dealer and says everyone really likes them. I need the room and it has great ratings. I just don't understand it just came out!!
  • humblecoderhumblecoder Member Posts: 125
    You are right in that the TX is a great vehicle. It generally has gotten good reviews from both owners and the press. It has gotten top safety honors. While it is drives like a sedan, it still has a substantial third row seat and ample cargo room.

    I think Ford's alleged decision (I say that because it is just a rumor) isn't because the actual product is bad. I think it had more to do with numbers than anything else.

    1. The Taurus X hasn't sold very well. That is due, in large part, to the lack of advertising by Ford. In contrast, the Ford Edge, which in my opinion is an inferior vehicle, has gotten the bulk of the SUV/CUV advertising, and it shows in its sales.

    2. In the next few years, Ford is planning to introduce two new vehicles that would compete directly with the Taurus X, the Flex and the redesigned Explorer (which from what I understand is being redesigned to be more car-like). There isn't much point in having three vehicles in the "3 row people mover" category, so Ford decided to cut the Taurus X loose.

    I am also planning to purchase a TX soon, but this news doesn't bother me. The car itself is still a superior product, and it's not like I won't be able to get it serviced or anything. The engine and drivetrain are used in other Ford products, and parts suppliers continue to make parts for vehicles that aren't being manufactured anymore.

    Besides, if you think about it, car manufacturers discontinue models all the time. Usually the new car has the same "name" attached to it so it doesn't feel like the vehicle is being discontinued, but somehow keeping that same name attached to it somehow gives people a different perception.

    Let's say that the to-be-redesigned Explorer was instead going to be called the "new" Taurus X. People wouldn't be talking about how Ford was dumping the TX, or worried about buying an orphan vehicle. They would be talking about how Ford was improving upon it and staying committed to it. It is all about perception!
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    When I mentioned Australasia, this is what comes to mind. I like the front grille and headlights and the fact that it is more like a wagon (I would just don't like it that tall).

    Does the car look familiar? :D

    image
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I just picked up my Taurus X Limited FWD two weeks ago. I'm going to give it another couple weeks and write a long review. But in sum, I absolutely love the car for my family of 5 with tall teens and my active mountain biking life.

    The Taurus X has got superb reviews from many magazines, and recommended buy from Consumer Reports for safety, handling, and value. More importantly, even Car and Driver gave it a thumbs up! The Taurus X is a very nice car with great price because of it's secret status among consumers. Some of this is due to Ford's complete lack of advertisement, as they neglect the car like an unloved child. But why no love?

    Here's the problem. Many car buyers want to secretly believe they're really James Bond or a Le Mans racer or a outdoors woodsman saving lost people with their comfy SUV, or something else instead of really just parents needing a practical car. Myself, I've grown past all that. For me, the spy gigs never happened, it's silly to attempt racing in the standard commuter traffic, and I get my outdoors man kicks instead from mountain biking 40 miles deep into the wilderness over logs and through muddy streams. Most people don't really need or use the excessive cars that they actually buy instead for self image.We all laugh at the Hummer or Porsche going to the convenience store for a soda (insert small dick jokes here). It's a total waste of money and makes for a poor fit to what one really needs. But the car companies make money and they encourage the self-delusion.

    In contrast, very useful cars like wagons and minivans have developed a family-oriented neutered sort of image. This stigma and people's self-delusions is probably why the Taurus X isn't selling well - it's just coming too close to the wagon/minivan styling and practicality. Ford is hoping to provide the same practicality without the stigma with the wacky box-shaped Flex, which can at least tie into the "fun" Scion or a maxi-mini-Cooper image while keeping the minivan/wagon function.

    The Taurus X is indeed a superb car with versatility, and utility. I can use the car in many different configurations from trip to trip. The car is more for people needing three row seats and/or more room, such as families. The car drives very well - I feel very stable on the road with excellent acceleration and braking. The leg room in all three seats is the best of all 3-row crossovers I've tried, important with my tall family. The new SYNC system makes the car very nice to use, especially with the hands free phone and music selection. I also have Navigation and DVD Family Entertainment system which are delightful. My kids love the car and can't wait to get in to ride somewhere.

    So the bottom line is that the car probably isn't selling well for reasons above, and Ford must go by the numbers - they're in a business. And they have other vehicles (Flex, car-like-unibody Explorer) coming that will fill the 3-row family CUV just fine with less stigma. So take advantage of the Taurus X deals. There's nothing wrong with the T-X. It's a fabulous car for super price.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    I agreed with that when they called it freestyle in '05... enjoy
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Well, that is why I posted earlier here. I don't own a Freestyle/Taurus X but I own 2 Mazda5s (yes, they sell so few I needed to get 2 :P)...

    But now, with both cars (Freestyle and Mazda5), although different, I finally started to see automakers in NA (not in Europe or Australasia, these type of cars are popular there) moving away from the typical and humongous minivans and SUVs to target the family markets.

    Now some sources say that the Taurus X will be replaced by the EDGE and/or the Boxy FLEX. It is like saying the the Mazda6 wagon or the Mazda MPV are going to be replaced by the CX-7 or CX-9 (gas guzzlers, not too much useful space, fancy but pure and tall SUVs)

    Oh well, as said earlier, Freestyles are very popular in my area and I don't like that Ford move.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    but it is based on a Rear Drive platform.

    The Taurus X is being discountinued because the Flex is a far more advanced vehicle.

    Taurus X/Freestyle a first attempt at a station wagon that didn't look so much like a station wagon.

    Originally the Flex was suppose to be built on the Fusion platform and have sliding doors like a mini van.

    Mark
  • humblecoderhumblecoder Member Posts: 125
    The Taurus X is being discountinued because the Flex is a far more advanced vehicle.

    Care to explain? Looks like the Flex is going to use the same platform, same engine, and same transmission as the TX, so how is it "far more advanced"?
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    It has 4" more 2nd row legroom.
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    I had a question about the discontinuation of the Taurus X. Where can I find that info and is it reliable? I have asked Ford and Ford dealers about this and they both denied it. :cry:
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    It is rumored that the X will be discontinued after the 2009 model year. But it is rumor only. It doesn't change the fact that it's a very fine vehicle. It's just that the Flex will likely take it's place in the Ford lineup after 2009.
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    No official word at all about the fate of the Taurus X. It's more the absence of word. When you hear all the official talk about the terrific new Taurus sedan design coming, you hear nothing about a new Taurus X design in the works.

    Also, the sales numbers are miserable, only around 3000 per month, which is hard to understand for a car with everything going for it. It could just be the "wagon" look doesn't sell to many. It also doesn't help, and a sign, that Ford is not putting any advertising into the Taurus X, neglecting it like an unloved child. There is rumor that the Taurus X will be replaced by the already announced redesigned unibody Explorer coming in a year or two, which indeed looks much like the Taurus X. And the new Flex coming this summer is nearly identical in features and size on the same platform.

    I suspect Ford's not making any final decision on the Taurus X until they see how the radical new Flex design pans out, or the new Explorer is available in late 2009. Some people like me are turned off by the Flex's boxy looks. That's indeed why I just bought me a Taurus X Limited a few weeks ago. (BTW, it's a great car!) It could be Ford wants to leave their options open for now, or until they have a clear replacement.

    This is all speculation by many. But it's clear the Taurus X isn't selling, not being supported by Ford, and being squeezed out of the fleet by the similar Flex and new Explorer coming over the next months and years.
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    I am overseas and have not even looked at this vehicle yet. I am going to buy this car by ratings and good reviews alone. I really like the concept of this car and I like that it is different. I live in Japan and their are similar cars like the Taurus X everywhere. I just don't know why Ford is giving up. I noticed that Ford was not advertising this car and started to research why. But it makes sense now!

    I have a question for you larryqw. Did you get the 6 pass or the 7 pass? I wanted to order the limited 7 pass with ultimate pkg but Ford no longer will make those. They will only make the 6 pass with ultimate pkg. Do you know why? Is it a safety issue?
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I got the Taurus X with six passenger seating. I was originally thinking of the 7 passenger version when my little girl was still in a baby seat, so I could put her in the middle of the second row and allow five people to get in without going to the third row. But then she just got big enough (at 6 years old) to go to a booster, which is very easy to move around and use any belt.
    Oddly, my two youngest girls (6 and 13) love the third row most of all, even though my 13 yo is 5'10" tall. I think it's because of the command seating that puts them up high with a great view. And it's fun like being in the back of the bus..
    Accessing the third row is extremely easy with the nicely folding second row seats that make a very wide access to the third row. I can easily kneel in and help the 6yo to buckle her belt with out any strain.
    If I had a fixed baby seat in the six passenger version, I'd put it in the second row passenger side so I could see the little critter and hand off stuff while driving. And with the command seating, even that row is higher up for visibility outside. It's still very easy to get in and out of the third row by folding the second row on the driver's side. But if there's traffic, the kids still can go out the passenger side without folding the second row baby seat by just climbing over the second row console and going around. (Kids are like monkeys and the car is big - no problem for them, especially the smaller ones in back.) Actually, after using it, I think the six passenger configuration is very flexible and allows much easier access to everything.

    Also, even though I got the FWD, the unused AWD tunnel goes down the center of the vehicle, so the second row console fits nicely and gives cup holders and a nice storage area, especially for DVDs, remote control, and headphones in my car with the FES. (Incidentally, the FES is way more than just a DVD player, its another CD player and a multimedia system for audio as well. You and the kids can be listening to three different things at once.)

    The drive tunnel is unfortunate in the FWD, as you still give up space. Also you pay for it in ground clearance. When crawling under the Taurus X to install a 2" hitch for my bikes, I measured the ground clearance. It's 8 or 9 inches most everywhere, except the exhaust system that drops to just around 7 inches, with a lowest point just under the engine (Ford lists it as only 5.1", possible with full load and bouncing maybe.) It annoys me the exhaust is just below an big open hole available for the rear drive train I don't have, yet reducing the clearance.

    I don't work for Ford and have no clue why they discontinued the 7 passenger model (or that they did) for the Limited. It could be lack of demand. Unless you really need to sit 7 people, the 6 passenger version is very flexible, has more storage, and a much nicer feel.

    If you haven't driven the Taurus X, one surprise for me was the large size. I looked at the pictures and kept imagining something a little bigger than my Sable wagon . Even test driving it at the dealer with the big trucks on the lot didn't prepare me for how big it really was. When I got home and parked it next to my Sable wagon and wife's Freestar minivan, it dwarfs my Sable wagon and makes it's tires look like a toy wagon's. Overall, the Taurus X is the height and length of my wife's minivan, which is surprising from the pictures. It's got quite a bit of room.
  • humblecoderhumblecoder Member Posts: 125
    have a question for you larryqw. Did you get the 6 pass or the 7 pass? I wanted to order the limited 7 pass with ultimate pkg but Ford no longer will make those. They will only make the 6 pass with ultimate pkg. Do you know why? Is it a safety issue?

    I know you didn't ask me, but I'll answer your question anyway.

    You can get a TX Limited with 7 row seating however. You just can't get it with the ultimate package. As far as I know, Ford NEVER made a 7 passenger version of the Limited TX with the ultimate package.

    As you probably know, one of the features included in the ultimate package is heated second row captain's chairs with one-touch folding. So obviously if you couldn't get this feature if you had a second row bench seat, since the bench seat would negate the second row captain's chairs.

    What this also means is that you can't also get the power lift gate in the Limited trim if you want 7 passenger seating. That is because the power lift gate only comes with the ultimate package on the Limited trim. The thing that doesn't make sense, though, is that the power lift gate is a standalone option on the SEL and Eddie Bauer trims. So you can get the power lift gate and 7 passenger seating on the lower trims but just not on the Limited trim.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I would highly recommend the power lift gate. That is a heavy door to close. I didn't have it in my 05 Freestyle and glad I got it now. Also the power folding 2nd row captains chairs are very handy.
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I chose not to get the Ultimate package with power seats and lift gate. In dealer tests, I found the springs on the seats and lift gate were well adjusted, and I could lift and close the seats and back gate just fine manually. I figured the power system would be slow and just get in my way. The lift gate also has a power pod and arm that gets a little in the way of storage.

    Nevertheless, my smaller kids and wife seem to struggle a little with the seats. It might just be it's new and they need a little more training. Like my wife couldn't figure out she needed to lift the lever a second time to unlatch the seat, and doesn't want to listen to me, the way wives tend to be. As for strength, even my 6 year old can lift the second row seat if she uses two hands. However, the monkey she is, she usually folds down the back and then jumps out over the folded back, which is faster for her. I can open and close everything fine with one hand relatively quickly. On the lift gate, opening is very easy for everyone. On closing, it's just the lower part of the swing that's awkward, where I need either to give the gate some extra swift downward momentum, or reposition my hand outside the lift gate for a final push.

    I need another week perhaps to be sure and get everyone trained right. But I still think I don't need any of the power lifts and seats. They'd just get in the way.
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    Hey Everyone. I own a Black 2006 Limited AWD (w Navigation and rear entertainment system) with 7 passenger seating and prefer this configuration to the 6 passenger with 2nd row buckets just because it gives me more options. I don't really need 7 passenger seating all the time, but it did come in handy a couple of times so far. And you can sit 3 people in the 2nd row (which I do much more often) without having to utilize the 3rd row. I have to say, it was really disappointing to see how Ford did almost nothing to promote this fine vehicle. Every Ford Ad you see in the local paper promotes every other Ford Vehicle (especially Exploers & Edge), except the Freestyle (Taurus X). It's like it doesn't exist. I've been asked by complete strangers, countless times in parking lots, "what vehicle is that?" Everyone is so suprised how big the interior is and that is has 3 rows. And yes, many peoople think it's a very sharp looking vehicle. I bought my Freestyle in October of 06 with 15K miles for $24K. It was almost new in my eyes and considering the base price of this vehicle with all the options I have was about 36k new, I think I got a bargain. I have not had any problems with this vehicle (I did have the brakes replaced under the extended warranty program). It's not the most powerful vehicle and the gas mialge is not the greatest, but if you don't plan on towing a boat and carrying loads of big objects in the rear, it is the perfect combination of car and SUV. It gives you much better milage than an Explorer and it rides almost like a car. I suspect that Ford never really promoted this vehicle because the profit margins are so much greater on the explorer. When you think about it, the Freestyle has almost the same capacity as an Explorer (except towing), yet the explorer cost so much more. I was reading an review on the new Hyndai VeraCruz in the paper and the reviewer was pointing out all the great feature of this vehicle ($38K with options) and I was saying My Fresstyle Limited has everything this car has. My suggestion for anyone contemplating buying a Freestyle (Taurus X), go ahead and make the purchase. Just stay away from 05's as there were still some kinks that were being worked out in that model year.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    my '05 has been 30k problem free miles short of the rear brakes @ 18k on our black limited fwd bought new. We're still on the original conti's, religious oil changes/scheduled service have been the only real reason to take it in. A couple of fit/finish items when delivered were dealt with as well.

    I'd argue buying a used '05 makes for a good deal as well.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    My '05 Freestyle SEL has been flawless too. I wouldn't shy away from a clean looking '05 model at all.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I like the 2nd row bench because from time to time we'll sit three in the back and can have a lot of cargo space. To me the captain chair option is just a waste of the center seat in the 2nd row because you're having to use the 3rd row more often. I do wish that the center position in the bench had a fold down armrest when not in use.
  • humblecoderhumblecoder Member Posts: 125
    We are getting a TX with captains chairs but without the center console. The reason being was that we can put carseats in both of the second row positions, but still access the third row via the space between the second row seats. That way, we don't have to remove the car seats in order to fold the seats down.

    I can't say that I can get emotional about the rumored "demise" of the TX. Truthfully, all car models have a limited shelf life anyway (5 years?). It's just that the new model happens to retain the same name as a old, discontinued model. That gives consumers the mistaken impression that the model lives on somehow just because the name is recycled.

    The "new" Explorer is more TX-like than Explorer-like from what I have read. However, because Ford happened to stick an Explorer name on it, somehow people think that it is somehow related to the old Explorer, which it really isn't. So for those mourning the death of the TX, your tears are misguided. Really you should be crying over the death of the old Explorer, since the TX will live on, but with a new name! Sort of like the Freestyle. :)
  • coldcrankercoldcranker Member Posts: 877
    I noticed a few posts saying the changes for the TaurusX over the Freestyle are all cosmetic. Actually, besides the obvious new engine/tranny, giving more power and less fuel economy in the new TaurusX, they did change the design of the front engine cradle subframe for better noise/vibration (known as "NVH") isolation. Actually, I prefer the old V6 with CVT, since it gives better MPG with no "shift-shock", smoothe as butter. 205 hp in the old engine is adequate. The new engine has 263 hp, but is that extra power worth a drop in MPG by 2 ? That 3.0L V6 in my '05 Freestyle was originally designed by Porsche, and refined slowly from 1994 to 2005 for good durability and low internal friction, and found in Jaguars, Mazdas, Lincolns, Taurus, Escape, Freestyles, 500s in variant forms for many years.
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for replying. Actually they did make the limited 7 seater with ultimate pkg. I placed my order in January and it was accepted until recently. I just don't understand I thought the limited was suppose to be top of the line. I don't care about the other two thing I just would of loved having the powerlift with the limited. And everytime that I write ford about this they never answer my question. I would go for the other trim but I don't like the two tone color on the car. thanks again :cry:
  • saabturboidsaabturboid Member Posts: 178
    coldcranker wrote:

    That 3.0L V6 in my '05 Freestyle was originally designed by Porsche, and refined slowly from 1994 to 2005 for good durability and low internal friction, and found in Jaguars, Mazdas, Lincolns, Taurus, Escape, Freestyles, 500s in variant forms for many years.

    Now if only they had made the engine sound like a Porsche and the Freestyle go like a Porsche....

    - Chad
  • bighank1bighank1 Member Posts: 31
    I just purchased a 2008 Taurus X and the Maroney sticker says ROOF RACK SIDE RAILS but this morning I noticed that there is NO ROOF RACK on the rails.
    WHAT GIVES? Do they install it only after you ask or what? My Montana has two rails and two cross pieces bridging the rails which are adjustable front to back. Did I get slighted? Who makes a van or SUV with roof rails and nothing else?
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    You need to buy the cross rails... as you said the side rails are installed the rest is a aftermarket option for you to decide whether you want or not like most manufacturer's.

    I went Yakima and have always been quite happy with their products as Ford is not in the roof rack manufacturing business.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Actually quite a few CUVs come only with the side rails. Maybe because different folks want to attach different things to the roof, while others don't use them at all. Sort of like floor mats, mudguards, cargo covers, etc which are all dealer add-ons.
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I'm also looking for cross bars for my Taurus X. No crossbars are currently available from Ford, supposedly coming later this year! That sucks even more.

    Yakima has some listed for the Taurus X, a LowRider claw that only fits on the first raised part of the rail. The separation is so small, only a few things can be carried. Nevertheless, my Yakima dealer sees a way to use a Yakima foot and tower with a metal block placed in the slot to allow the whole length to be used.

    I suspect crossbars weren't included standard for reasons of appearance, cost, and air drag on gas mileage.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    just looked at a Tre-X picture on the Ford site, what were they thinking by mounting the back half of the roof rails tighter to the roof line then on the FS. I have the Yakima bars that Ford sold as a accessory mounted with no problems. doing what they did they effectively mae the side rails all but useless.
  • bighank1bighank1 Member Posts: 31
    I read the owners manual which says you can have up to 8 PATS keys recognized by the Antitheft system 4 of which can be IKT keys which have the integrated remotes. The manual goes into placing 2 active keys into the ignition, turning them on and off and placing the new key to be learned into the ingition and the having it recognized by the vehicle. I have done this before on Ford vehicles. What I question is the statement that if you are adding an IKT it will program the transmitter so that the remote will function with the vehicle. On non-IKT vehicles you must use the buttons on the remote to allow it to transmit RF and then be recognized by the vehicle.
    Will someone who KNOWS HOW TO PROGRAM IKTs please respond as I do not want to purchase an IKT and wind up with only the equivalent of a PATS key. I am also assuming that anytime you learn a new key you must program ALL KEYS that you want to work in the same vehicle. Is that correct?
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    Bighank1, I just programmed my IKT for my Taurus X, in order to get a third key. Here's how it works.

    The IKT is an "Integrated Keyhead Transmitter". What that means is that the engine security coding, when placing the key in the ignition, and the remote transmitter of the usual separate remote part are now integrated as one security element in the key head. So indeed you only need to do the programming once, and both the engine security, and remote control operation will then work with the one IKT programming. It's nice having just one thing to program and work with now.

    So indeed programming the IKT also programs and allows remote entry. It worked for me. But as you said, the manual indicates the remote entry function is only allowed on up to four of the eight IKTs that can be programmed. I've only used three IKTs so far and all the remotes work.

    You only need to reprogram all keys if you don't have two keys that are already active.

    One note on the programming a third key from two active keys. You need to do it just right and it's not clear from the manual (page 149 on T-X), although I found the instructions were correct. I had a lot trouble and even the dealer couldn't help. I had to look it up on the web. Basically, you need to really wait long enough but not too long, like 6 seconds after turning each active key to on (between 3 and 10 seconds according to the manual). I found the trick was that you'd see the lock symbol change (go off) on the dash a few seconds (~3) after the panel flashes everything. Keeping the key in the "ON" position for those few seconds until the lock symbol finally changes was the right time. You also need to go to the next key within 10 seconds. On the last key you're programming, you need to keep the key in the "ON" position even longer, like around 10 seconds. You then remove it and put it back in again to start the car. Again, watching the "Lock" symbol for changes will give you a clue on timing.

    My IKT cost something like $130 at the dealer. I've heard you can get them for very much less on eBay. But I didn't trust they'd work, and didn't want to wait, so I just paid the price.
  • peetertpeetert Member Posts: 124
    We are looking at purchasing a used Freestyle as a replacement for our '02 Windstar and I have a question regarding the DVD player. Ideally, we would like to find one with the DVD player, but in case we don't ( and we probably won't), how many of you have added aftermarket players, and which ones integrate the best.

    Now, I'll start by saying I have yet to test one with the OEM System, so I have a few questions in this regard. Our Windstar has the factory VHS player that is situated next to the drivers seat. My wife likes this since she can control what is on as well as the buttons themselves. With the DVD, I understand it's mounted to the ceiling so changing DVD's is probably not an option, but does the driver have controls to turn on the player? Also, how does it integrate with the factory stereo?

    Now for questions about aftermarket systems.

    For ceiling mounted systems, have you been able to connect them to the factory head unit, or have you had to buy a new one. And with that, have the steering wheel controls still worked?

    For headrest systems, I'm not sure if these can itegrate, but if there are those, the same questions as above. Also, how well can the 3rd row passengers see the headrest systems.

    TIA,

    Peeter
  • saabturboidsaabturboid Member Posts: 178
    We have an '05 Freestyle with the factory DVD system. It works like you described with the DVD player and screen mounted on the ceiling between the first and second rows. The driver can not easily control the DVD player but it does come with a remote so any rear passenger can easily control it. The driver can turn it on and off via the head unit and turn the volume up and down but that is it. Any regular DVD control functions either have to be controlled via the remote or from buttons on the face of the player facing the rear passengers.

    Aftermarket players work much the same way so I don't think you are going to find a system that allows you to control everything from up front. I believe the aftermarket players use an RF modulator to transmit the sound to the stock head unit so no change there is necessary and no wiring to the head unit is necessary.

    - Chad
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    With my new Taurus X Limited, I also have the DVD Family Entertainment System along with the Navigation System. It's fabulous and totally integrated into the car at many levels. No aftermarket can compete. It's way more than a DVD player which is why they call it an FES. It can play CDs, MP3 disks, or use A/V input for games. It can also pick different stations from the front panel to play on the headphones independent from what the front speakers playing.

    As for your question, from the front LCD, I can control the rear DVD play or stop, fast forward or backward, or chapter skip, in addition to volume and other media selections from up front.

    The factory system is much more integrated. For instance, the rear remote can also control the front system, if not locked out. The rear screen shows control menus in integration with the front LCD.

    From the Front or Rear (if not locked out from the front), I can also control headphones versus speakers. That is I can have sound on the front speakers and rear speakers off. I can control what sound goes into each channel of the headphones (Channel A can have AM/FM/Satellite/Front CD/Audio In/USB/Bluetooth Streaming/ and all of B; Channel B can have DVD/Rear CD/Rear MP3 disk, and rear AV inputs) Each headphone can flip to channel A or B independently.

    For example, driving last week, one young daughter was watching cartoons on the DVD with Channel B on her headphone. My teen daughter streamed her songs from her phone to our car via Bluetooth and listened to it on Channel A. I listened to the Satellite Radio up front, all simultaneously. You may not have everything without SYNC, but you still have a lot of audio inputs available.

    The newer FES is wider, thinner, and is up higher and doesn't interfere with the rear view mirror. It only blocks the upper third for middle third of the rear window, or about 1/9 of the view that's usually sky anyway.

    I don't know if you can get this newer FES system for the '05 Freestyle, and how well it would integrate, but they should be similar. I'd try with your dealer. It may be the connectors are there and not too bad. You just have to check.
  • peetertpeetert Member Posts: 124
    First, thanks for the DVD answers, we're still working on what to do with that one. I would like to hear from people who have added an aftermarket, or have found an OEM and added it themselves ( do they prewire so its just plug and play)? I'm pretty handy so a bit of cutting/wiring will not scare me.

    Now for this question. In looking at the available inventory around here I'm finding alot of ' 07 SEL's that have nearly all that we are looking for, but also a few '06 Limited's that have everything and more. While I realize, all things being equal, go for the '07 as it is newer, but were there any vast improvements over the 2 model years that would keep me from going for an '06 ( if the price were right ) ? More than likely we'll be keeping this car at least 5 years or so, so by then the years' depreciation will be neglible.

    Finally, I've read thorugh the bench/bucket 2nd row threads. Ideally, we would like the buckets for the 2nd row as the third row will be used quite regularly. For you bench seat owners, how easy is it to flip the seat for third row access. We will have a car set in the 2nd row, but it will be in the drivers side.

    Thanks
  • dgmacdgmac Member Posts: 4
    The rails are slotted on the 2008 TX. The 2007 FS has a boxed rail with no slot. Check if Thule or others can use the slot for mounting.
  • bighank1bighank1 Member Posts: 31
    Thanks for the info Larry. I have programmed both PATS keys and remote transmitters but not an integrated one into a PATS key. I appreciate your comments. I have purchased several PATS and VATS (keys with a resistor chip in them), as well as remotes for Ford and GM vehicles. Usually when you program a remote transmitter you have to press at least one button. The manual says that the light (on the remote) will flash when it is being programmed if it is an IKT key.
    I have purchased the keys and remotes from fleebay with no problems. As long as you get the right key and right FCCID then you are OK. Thanks for sharing your experience as I am going to purchase some keys and if the price is right some IKTs and program them without the stealership markup.
    :D BIGHANK1
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    I was so happy to read your post because we are buying a tx blindly. we are overseas and did not get to see or drive the tx. we are going by ratings and reviews alone. so the more i learn from the postings the happy i am. did you get the 7 seats or 6 seats?
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks so much for the info. I was really debating the powerlift. It is hard buying a car without seeing and feeling it. Let me know how it has been going for you.
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I got the 6-seat version since I don't need the seventh passenger, but I can use the center console for storage of things like the DVD remote, headphones and movies. My 6 year old girl sits in the third row, which is a preferred seat for the smaller kids. She doesn't bother lifting up the second row seat like a bigger person would do. Rather, she just climbs/jumps over the the second row seats like a speedy little monkey.

    If I had a very small baby, I might have got the 7 passenger seat just to put the car seat in the center of the second row. But now that I have the car, I see either second row seat is also good for a car seat. Even if one second row seat with the car seat can't fold, it's very easy to get into the third row from either side with lots of clearance. So on a six passenger model I'd put the baby seat in the second row passenger side, so I can turn around and see and hand things easily to the little critter. Small/medium size kids like the third row a lot. Larger kids may sit in front or the other second row seat.

    The Taurus X is overall a real delight. Very many nice little things and nothing bad. I like it even more after a month of driving.

    What model and options are you getting?
  • larryqwlarryqw Member Posts: 52
    I don't have the power lift gate. I don't miss it or the power second seats.

    Opening the lift gate and the second row seats are very easy as they're nicely spring loaded to be right around neutral, with a preference toward springing up (not down). So more effort is needed to push down on both.

    With the spring loading, the manual lift gate can be opened with one finger hitting the button under the handle to unlatch it, and the hatch springs open quickly. This is about the same effort as hitting a button on a key. Closing the hatch is fine too. Most short people are able to reach the top handle for closing. The only problem is that near the bottom when closing, you need to put your hand on the outside for a final push, or pull down with a lot of momentum so it keeps going. In contrast, pictures of the power lift gate show some of the trunk taken up by a power pod and arm to push up the gate.

    Similarly, the spring loaded manual rear seat can be folded up real quick for access with one touch on the release handle. An easy shove puts it back down. Even as fast as it is to release the manual seat, my kids often just leap over the center console or fold down the seat and quickly crawl over the second row seat back. They don't want to spend the extra 1 second it takes to release the seat. As such, I think a much slower electrical mechanism would never get used, at least by my kids. And for folding the second row seat with either manual or power, you need to make sure the headrests are down in a lower setting or the seat won't have room to fold. This might be the slowest part of access if you ever put the second row headrests up to one of the higher settings.
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    Thats good to hear because I have a three kids and two of them need car seats. But we don't live close to family so I wanted something with more seats so when they come to visit we can fit in one car.

    I am getting the limited fwd with dvd, sirius and navigation. :)
  • raezmom3raezmom3 Member Posts: 20
    Thank you! I have been so undecided about the powerlift for so long and I have to make final decision this week. You helped me come to a decision. I going with the 7 passenger (no powerlift), :D
  • kyushujetkyushujet Member Posts: 2
    I just got a 08 Ford Taurus X SEL. On occasion when I come to a stop, I get a feeling like the car will not stop. One time I noticed that when my foot was pressing the brake, it had caught the edge of the gas pedal, and I was also pressing the gas at the same time. But now that I have been conscious of not doing that, I still get the feeling like the car doesn't want to slow down when I'm braking. I get a feeling that the car is downshifting or something like that and it seems to lurch forward or that the engine slightly revs up. Is anyone else having this problem?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    No, but it sounds like something the dealer should take a look at soon.
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