Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

barnstormer64 · April 2008

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'd make absolutely sure you're not doing it again.

Funny thing is, I just did this the other day with my Freestyle.

saabturboid · April 2008

I wear size 10.5 shoes and I don't think I've ever had this happen in our Freestyle. I don't see what would make the Freestyle more susceptible to accidental accelerator modulation than any other vehicle.

- Chad

brian_in_md · April 2008

Hi everyone...I was wondering if any Taurus X owners have experienced the issue with water intrusion that has been reported by many Freestyle owners. I have been researching the X for a while, and the horror stories from Freestyle owners plagued by water leaks has me worried. I've read several reports that the leaks stem from poor body welds, moon roof drainage problems, and improperly installed grommets in the firewall.

This is particularly disappointing since I am eligible for x-plan pricing, and combined with the current $2000 cash incentive, I can get a very good deal on a new TX SEL, and it would be a terrific replacement for my aging MPV.

So, does anyone know if Ford has finally addressed the water intrusion issues?

(FWIW, I am cross shopping with the Hyundai Veracruz GLS, which with currents incentives can also be found for low-mid twenties.)

Thanks!

flufflebug · April 2008

I had a 2005 Freestyle for 2 years and now have had a Taurus X for almost 8 months and have never noticed any kind of water leaks. This is actually the first time I've heard of this problem. I can't comment on the moon roof issue as neither car had one.

brian_in_md · April 2008

Thank you for the response, and glad to read that this didn't affect you!

If you google "Freestyle water leak" you will see several long message board threads (including one or two here on Edmunds Carspace) - mostly from 2005 and 2006 owners.

Glad to hear that you haven't had any issues.

larryqw · April 2008

I have a Taurus X for three months and no leaks in the slightest.

I googled for water leaks and found three main sources of leak:
1. Moon roof drainage leak and runoff design issue
2. Improperly installed grommet in engine firewall
3. Plugged air conditioner drain, allowing condensate to drip on front carpet

The moon roof issue looks to be the worst. The fix is making sure it doesn't leak in the first place, as the runoff goes to the third seat. Makes me glad I didn't get a moon roof. Maybe you shouldn't either, if this is a big concern. (Instead, the Family Entertainment System is very nice, much more than a DVD player.)

The firewall grommet is a simple production error that's quick to fix on new models, and should be by now.

The plugged air conditioner drain happens in a lot of cars. (Bug crawling in or something?) But I don't see any sign from consumer reports it's more common in the Freestyle. In fact, CR says the Freestyle climate system is much better than average reliability.

makenasdad · April 2008

I've also had my Taurus X for about 8 months and there have been no water infiltration issues.

freealfas · April 2008

update - sky is falling... you can go find a group of people that have had far worse issues with just about any car. the beauty of the internet allows what may be a minor problem to turn into a big one. that's not to say that owners haven't had their problems, but I suspect that it is the exception rather than the rule...

this minor issue should not be any reason to not consider the TreX if you are that interested in buying one as there simply are no guarantees in life...

you can google anything and find a problem for it. it will never go away.

brian_in_md · April 2008

^^^^ I absolutely agree with that - and was even going to state something to that effect in my OP (that I recognize the problem may be blown out of proportion). The internet certainly gives a voice to those that are dissatisfied with a product, which is a good thing, but I realize that those buyers with problems are far more likely to be vocal about it than completely happy buyers.

Thanks!

cmuniz · April 2008

I, too, had a 2005 Freestyle w/o moonroof and now have a 2008 Taurus X w/moonroof and neither one has had any water leak of any kind.

stevedebi · April 2008

"My '05 FS FWD can get close to 30mpg on the highway if I keep the speed at 65mph, and I average in the low 20s with mixed driving...what are you expecting to get with the hybrids you're looking at and do you think it's worth all the money you'll lose when you trade in the FS for the new vehicle?"

My FS was an in-town vehicle. It got about 18.5 in town if I was REALLY careful. Under similar conditions (but not as much trouble to achieve), I get 31 MPG with my FEH. That is a 60% increase in fuel efficiency. And keep in mind that my FEH is AWD, while my FS was FWD, and that the 2008 T-Rex will probably NOT get as good of MPG as my CVT FS. I also generally got 22 MPG on a mixed tank with the FS.

I have always been impressed with the FS at highway speeds. My own experience is of 75-80 MPH with 25.5 MPG. At highway speeds the difference is less, but I suspect my FEH would get over 30 MPG in similar circumstances. FWIW, I find that my FEH is quieter than the FS at highway speeds.

If I had needed the 7 passenger seating & etc. I would have stayed with the FS. However, I'm glad I switched. I suspect that gas is going to get far past $5.00 per gallon soon; I have heard predictions of $150 / barrel of oil by 2010, and possibly $200 / barrel by 2013. The developing nations are increasing their use far more rapidly than we are reducing our use!

In my case, the payments were very close, so it wasn't an additional financial burden.

bobw3 · April 2008

It just seems like to me that there are lots of 5 passenger non-hybrid vehicles out there that get good MPG...unless you need a small SUV? Once you get of the 3 row vehicles, there are lots of options. Are other car is a Honda Fit that holds 4 adults plus a lot of stuff for such a small car.

stevedebi · April 2008

"It just seems like to me that there are lots of 5 passenger non-hybrid vehicles out there that get good MPG...unless you need a small SUV?"

Take a look at the city MPG of the SUVs. It may surprise you. In actual use I doubt that most of them would get over 20-21 in town, if you check the forums for "real-world MPG" of each model. I'm currently getting 31 MPG, though I expect that to decline in cold weather.

I do like the smaller SUV, just because it is easier to maneuver & etc.

passat_2002 · April 2008

Good grief.. enough already. A transmission with gears has to shift gears in order to operate. A CVT transmission with no gears to shift cannot shift anything. Instead.. a CVT varies the drivetrain ratio in an infinitely variable fashion by moving a stainless steel belt between two conical cylinders. There is no shifting going on. By definition.. it cannot shift.

stever · April 2008

Good grief.. enough already.

All this time we had a Freestyle CVT discussion buried at the bottom of the topic list.

So, most of the recent CVT posts have been moved over there; apologies if this thread seems a bit disjointed now, but at least we can get back to other X issues.

Here's the link:

stevedebi, "Ford Freestyle Taurus X CVT Transmissions" #54, 22 Apr 2008 4:52 pm

bprass · May 2008

Ford brings many nice models with great accessories... but still most people go for Japanese cars.

If Ford wants to attract people buy this lovely vehicle, they should introduce a Hybrid version, Hybrid+Deisel version will be great!

Is there a way to pass this message to Ford people?

barnstormer64 · May 2008

Hybrid+Deisel version will be great!

Have you priced diesel lately?

larryqw · May 2008

I would say Hybrid + Ford's new EcoBoost is even better, and that combination will likely happen anyway in the next couple years as EcoBoost permeates the Ford line. EcoBoost has a 25% fuel efficiency improvement like that of Diesel, using the same direct fuel injection into the cylinder, but adding a turbo charger providing a very nice flat torque curve across all RPM. And it can use gas or ethanol.

As for the Taurus X, I love it and bought one. But I think it's on the way out next year, with Ford neglecting to even advertise it. It will be replaced by the Flex coming now, and the new car-like Explorer America, that's due in about a year.

peetert · June 2008

After much deliberation (still some to go) we have decided to upgrade to a Taurus X or Freestyle. I've got a few questions that I hope can be answered here.

The dealership we're working with doesn't currently have anything we're interested in, but is willing to do a dealer exchange for a new TX, or find a used TX or FS at auction based on our specs. This will be our 3rd Ford from the same saleman (new dealership). Currently we're considering the Used TX option, but want to see if the incentives on new get any better this month. We're not in a rush to buy, but the longer we wait, the less variety we'll have to choose from.

Below is a pro/con list I've come up with and invite any comments /additions. Further below are questions regarding options we're trying to finalize.

New
pro - it's new,
cons - more $$, quickly depreciates

Used TX
Pro - Cheaper, can get CPO to bring warranty out further
Cons - Used and most of the current used mrk is former rentals

Used FS
Pros - even cheaper, slightly better gas mileage
Cons - not as peppy as TX, CVT(?)

Finally, we're REALLY undecided as to the 2nd row configuration. While the bucket seats are convenient for access to the 3rd row, they limit the car to 6 people. We tested all three configurations ( bench and buckets w/ & w/o console) and the kids had no problems with any of them. Please let me know which you chose and why.

Thanks,

Peeter

cmuniz · June 2008

Having had an 05 Freestyle and currently driving an 08 TX, both "Limited" , I think the TX is a better car. I liked the CVT, but it is a unique transmission for Ford that is no longer being used so future maintenance might be a problem. I like the 6 speed on the TX almost as well. The TX has better power and I like the power lift gate. The 3.5 engine and 6 speed trans is found on several Ford models so I think future maintenance support will be a lot better. As for configuration, your family needs and desires should drive that decision.

larryqw · June 2008

The Taurus X has a big advantage in the more modern electronics such as SYNC, Navigation, and the rear Family Entertainment System.

However, if you don't want these, the FS has an advantage in price and fuel economy. OTOH, many people have trouble finding anyone to repair the CVT, even if it's covered by warranty.

A used TX may be fine, even as a former rental, if you get enough warranty. We bought my wife's Freestar minivan that way with a bumper-to-bumper 100K warranty, with the car at only 15K miles. The warranty lists like $3K, but you can bargain them down to well under $1500, especially by quoting web sources that sell the same Ford warranty for that. Overall, the Freestar at a year old was about 60% of new, even adding the warranty.

The bench seats in the second row are nicer for the console and comfort. But if you need 7 passengers, get the bench.

In my case, I got the bucket seats and console. My kids prefer the third row, where they can sit up high because of command seating. However, the little rascals don't always bother with the flip seats and often just jump like monkeys over the second row seats, folded down or not. They have lots of room in front of them to look around. Like the back of the bus when you were a kid. For bigger people the bucket seats in the second row are indeed nicer. Each can recline independently and there's a console and cup holders, etc.

mfkoerschner · June 2008

I've never driven the Tx - but I'm very pleased with our 2005 Fwd FS. We leave the 40 portion of the 40/60 2nd seat down and the kids (9 & 7) step in no problem. We also have a 2 year-old who sits in the anchored seat directly behind the driver.

I like that the 3rd row on the FS are vinyl. Spilled the chocolate milk? No worries.

I like the CVT and view it as an enabling technology for the future - which I believe to be electric engines. We live in a VERY hilly/mountainous area and that played into my desire for the CVT. I do a lot of biking and wish I had a CVT on my bike.

I think the improved fuel economy of the 3.0 w/CVT is worth it. There's plenty of power there. On fuel, the Fwd FS is competitive with anything out there that hauls 7 - beats most actually. 10% improvement is a lot at $4/gallon.

bobw3 · June 2008

I have an '05 FS FWD with 62,000 miles and I agree with you. The CVT is smoother than auto transmission and you can use the cruise on hilly and even mountain areas on the highways and the CVT will gradually increase/decrease RPMS as needed, versus the hard up and downshifts of an auto.

And I've had 29mpg on highway trips if I keep the speed between 65-70mph. I have a 2500 mile road trip coming up this fall and I'm going to keep the speed at the posted speed limits to see if I can break 30mpg. Around town I get 20-23mpg consistently and it's rare that it ever goes below 20mpg.

Personally I'd never buy the TX because the added HP and reduced MPG aren't worth it to me. Plus the price is too high in comparison to other vehicles. When I bought my FS, it cost me $25K and there wasn't much competition out there back in '05 for a 3 row vehicle that could hold adults in all rows with this MPG and price.

I plan on keeping my FS for many more years (no major problems so far), but if I was in the market, I'd look at a Mazda5 on the small end or a Honda Odyssey at the large end. You can get a well-equipped Odyssey for the same price as a TX and get more space and better mpg with the Odyssey. There are a lot of full-sized crossovers out there, but if I'm going to spend $30K then I'd rather get a minivan with better MPG and more space.

amckenz1 · June 2008

Did you ever find a solution for this? The same thing is happening to me. A very audible clicking sound that comes from somewhere behind the glovebox. When I start the car in the morning it clicks about 5 times and then stops. It happens after I start the car later in the day, but not all the time (more than 10% though).

amckenz1 · June 2008

I have an '05 FWD Ford Freestyle. When I start hte car in the morning I hear a very audible clicking noise that seems to originate somewhere behind the glovebox area. It clicks about 5-6 times and then stops as I slowly accelerate. If I start the car later in the day, it's not guaranteed that it will happen, but probably does 30-40% of the time.
Has anyone one else encountered this or know where it's coming from?
Any help/direction would be much appreciated

Thanks!

elibruno · June 2008

had this same noise and Ford dealer quickly diagnosed and fixed it under warrantee - it is some type of A/C machinery part that Countryside Ford of Clearwater told me is common, not dangerous and easy to replace part. So discuss it with your service dept and tell them where I got quick resolution!

coldcranker · July 2008

Should current Freestyle owners be upset about this? Ford found a way to get more power and fuel economy out of the 1995-vintage Duratec V6 design. I have an '05 Freestyle with 203 HP and 18/25 EPA rating (new rating method here), and the '09 Ford Escape is getting a 240 HP version of the same engine that is said to get 1 MPG more. Since the basic engine design goes all the way back to the early 90's, why couldn't Ford have "discovered" the way to make this engine more powerful and slightly more fuel efficient just 4 years earlier, in time to take away the critics of the Freestyle who say 203 HP is just not enough.

I wonder if Ford will allow me to trade my 203 HP 3.0L Duratec for the new 240 HP one? Should bolt right in. A little extra power with more fuel economy is always welcome.

Also, why not drop the 240 HP 3.0L Duratec in to the Taurus & TaurusX for more fuel economy with gas at $4 per gallon? That would give the Ford Edge the more powerful, newer 3.5L Duratec for some differentiation with the TaurusX at least, making the Edge the "sporty" one and the TaurusX the more serious utility model. Ford would still have the larger Flex with the newer/bigger V6; more differentiation there for the luxury crossover. Ford, are you listening to my wise opinion? ;-)

ronsmith38 · July 2008

Who knows, maybe the only difference is a new chip!

stevedebi · July 2008

" I have an '05 Freestyle with 203 HP and 18/25 EPA rating (new rating method here), and the '09 Ford Escape is getting a 240 HP version of the same engine that is said to get 1 MPG more."

I think ford has added a version of VVT to the new engine, that technology wasn't available until this year for the 3.0.

Also, note that the Escape is 600 lbs (at least) lighter than the FS, and the engine might not yield the same 1 MPG advantage in your FS.

Any "engine swap" would also have to modify the CPU code so that the transmission and engine were matched correctly.

coldcranker · July 2008

Replying to the last post, remember that the variable valve timing version of the venerable 3.0L Duratec was available in Jaguars and Lincoln LSs since about 2002, and even the lower-cost 2006 Fusion had the VVT version of the Duratec V6.

I got some more info on what Ford did to evolve the 3.0L Duratec for the '09 Escape from Motor Trend: new intake and exhaust manifold shapes, new fuel injectors, higher compression ratio ( I think from 10.0 to 10.3), new heads, variable valve timing, and revised valve cams. Those changes would have been great just a little earlier. Ford could not find the budget to do this over the period from 1994 to 2007 to the Duratec 3.0L V6 while it was being put into everything on the planet. Now other V6s are taking over where it used to be, while the 3.0L V6 finds its way into fewer and fewer applications. Maybe it will make a comeback as fuel efficiency gets priority. Fusions and Escapes still get it, although Taurus no longer has it.

mschmal · July 2008

I think the new features for the 3.0L Duratec were thing that Ford developed for the 3.5L engine and then has adapted backwards to the 3.0L.

Mark

coldcranker · July 2008

The 2001 Jaguar S-type had a 240 hp 3.0L Duratec version. Mazdas have had a variable valve timing version for a few years now. Also, remember the 3.5L is a new and completely different design compared to the old 3.0L Duratec. Not sure where the new '09 Ford Escape 240 hp version came from. Its difficult to follow, but the design history, dating back to the 1994 Ford Mondeo, is at Duratec history to now link

jimhalpert · July 2008

Can anyone tell me how to disable the Freestyle alarm? Thanks so much!!

seloo · July 2008

Current rebates are up to $5000!

coldcranker · July 2008

Ford's own website says you can only get $2000 owner-loyalty rebate (which means you have to already own another Ford/Mercury of '98 or newer model), or you can get $1500 cash rebate for non-current Ford owners, and then you can add $500 to that if you finance through Ford Credit. Nowhere near $5000. You might be looking at what some dealership contributes extra, which means they just jack the price up by the extra amount, so you can't win that one.

seloo · July 2008

Look again!

Ford's Website: Brought to you by: Atlanta District Ford Dealers

Offer Details:
With up to $5,000 Cash Back, Now's a Great Time to Get into the Safest Seven-Passenger Crossover in America!*

1 "$1,500 Customer Cash + $3,000 Owner Loyalty Cash + $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash. Owner Loyalty Cash available to customers that currently own or lease a 1998 or newer Ford car, SUV, or truck through F-550 and purchase a new 2008 Taurus X. Offer not available on Red Carpet Lease or with Lease Renewal Cash. Proof of ownership required. Trade-in not required. Ford Credit Bonus Cash requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify. Residency restrictions apply. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 9/2/2008. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. *Based on both NHTSA five-star crash-test rating and, with optional electronic stability control, IIHS Top Safety Pick. Star ratings are part of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation's Safercar.gov Program (www.safercar.gov)."

*2 Offer available to current owners of '98 or newer Ford vehicles with valid proof of ownership. Trade-in not required. Not available on Red Carpet Lease. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/31/2008. See dealer for complete details.

Confirmed with the Ford dealer today $5K off! We were talking about at least $5.5K below the invoice price likey more, but a Ford Program Car maybe even a better deal.

Prices are very soft on Ford Products!

It was just extended to 9/2/08!

coldcranker · July 2008

seloo,
This probably belongs in Prices TaurusX Forum Discussion click here

seloo · August 2008

Has anyone had any problems with the Taurus X?

raezmom3 · August 2008

I received my Taurus X in May and drove it cross country ( Florida to California). It was great and such a comfortable drive especially with 3 kids. I haven't had any problems with it. The only thing I didn't like is that I was not able to purchase a box for the roof rack. Manufacturer does not recommend having one on the vehicle. Overall I really love my TX.

larryqw · August 2008

My Taurus X has been great for the six months I've had it now. Everything about it is wonderful. I've driven it 2500 miles across country on a mountain biking trip with camping gear and four bikes on the hitch. It had lots of room, we could even see out the rear window. The comfort was like riding first class for everyone. I've also taken the family of five on trips, and also had six bikers on a two hour carpool with six bikes on the car (four on the hitch, two on the roof) all six big bikers in full comfort.

The electronics are super, as well as the car engineering.

The Taurus really is a secret phenomena that's a super deal right now.

See more details on my very extensive review of the Taurus X here.
(PS. My Taurus X Limtied is Ice Metallic Blue, not red like in the pictures.)

larryqw · August 2008

Actually, you can get a roof rack and carry a cargo box. The roof rack is limited to 125 lbs. I got a 16 cubic foot cargo box (Yakima SkyBox Pro 16) which at 45 lbs allows me to carry about 80 lbs of light but bulky goods like clothes and sleeping bags. The cargo box has almost zero effect on mileage, less than 0.5 MPG from what I can tell. This is because I mount the box fairly far back, in the slip stream.

I also carry two big mountain bikes on the roof, along with four on the back hitch, to go with the six riders in the car.

The only issue is getting cross bars to go on the back part of the rails that aren't raised. Ford's cross bars won't be out until the end of the year, if then. The solution I and others have used for the cross bars is discussed in detail here.

cmuniz · August 2008

I have had no troubles at all in 9 months and 13,000 miles. Just got back from a 3,800 mile trip from Texas to California. It did great. Average mpg was 25.2 and that included a lot of miles thru Utah canyons, Death Valley and the Sierra Nevadas. I discovered that the 6 spd transmission has a great "hill holder" feature that automatically downshifts when going downhill to hold the speed. It works even better if you press the "O/D" button on the shifter. It surprised me how well it worked. Very similar to how the CVT did on the Freestyle.

makenasdad · August 2008

No problems after 14,000 miles. I've been very happy with the X.

coldcranker · August 2008

"... average mpg was 25.2 .." (TaurusX highway MPG)

Under those same conditions, the Freestyle probably gives 27 MPG in my own experience and what others report, in addition to EPA MPG comparisons. I'll take the 3.0L with the CVT, especially in hilly or mountain driving here in the Rockies. That CVT is unbeatable when varying ratios like butter up and down hills.

If Ford knew gas would be hovering near $4/gallon now, they would have reduced the bore in the new 3.5L V6 to make it around 3.0L, like the old V6, and made the TaurusX beat everything out there on fuel economy. Add direct injection and get another 1 MPG out of it (as Acadia/Outlook/Traverse are doing now) with more power. Then, the TaurusX could beat the old Freestyle on fuel economy.

Discussing our experiences with the Freestyle/TaurusX's V6s, remember Ford plans to put something like the Mazda CX7 4-cylinder turbo 2.3L (or so, maybe a 2.0L) into the future CUVs in the Freestyle/TaurusX/Explorer class. Currently, the CX7, a smaller CUV, running direct injection, a turbo, and VVT, gets horrible fuel economy. I don't know how Ford will change that with the Ecoboost theme of putting 4-cylinders in where smoothe V6s used to be, but stay tuned. We may be telling youngsters in a few years that the glory days of smoothe V6s were better than the followong period of thrashy 4-cylinders, so enjoy your V6 while it lasts.

seloo · August 2008

Great feedback!

It looks like this car is mostly trouble-free.

Thanks!!!

stever · August 2008

Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus X may get axed

coldcranker · August 2008

I can see the TaurusX/Sable getting axed. The Edge and the Flex fill the size classes OK. However, sales figures so far in the first month for the new Flex are dismal. Looks like the Flex's controversial love/hate style is more hate than love for most folks. The Edge sells well, but Ford needs both to sell well!

volkov · August 2008

But much like the Freestyle and Taurus X, I've havent seen any advertising support for the Flex in Canada. I'll bet most consumers don't even know about it.

bdyment · August 2008

I don't think it is the style but the fact it is the wrong vehicle for the times. It is too big, too heavy and does not give the gas mileage that people want these days,

brian_in_md · August 2008

We just picked up an 08' Taurus X SEL FWD, with leather, SYNC, SEL Interior Convenience and Power Packages, 50/50 3rd row, and Sirius for $26,400 inc freight - about $2k under invoice. For the feature content, practicality, safety, and yes - efficiency (given the vehicle size), I think it's a screaming bargain.

We had to replace our ~8 year old MPV, and like many families, we need the space of a full size vehicle with three rows. As much as I like more efficient people movers like the Mazda5 and the Kia Rondo, they are simply too small (good luck getting two or more hockey gear bags, cooler, and folding chairs behind the third row in either of those cars). Not to mention the third rows in those vehicles are clearly kid-sized only, which limits their usefulness IMO.

As for the fuel mileage of the Taurus (and Flex for that matter), relative to the competition, it's right in line or better. Show me another full size, 7 ADULT seat vehicle that is more fuel efficient (and I'm not talking about insignificant 1mpg differences either).

The fact is, there will always be a market for vehicles like this. There will always be people that need the space, and can afford the gas, even at $4/gal. Let's also not forget that people getting out of big body-on-frame truck-based SUVs like the Expedition or Suburban will see the mileage of the Taurus-X / Flex as a huge improvement.

Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

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