DecodedCars2008 Ford Taurus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Sel/Limited, X 4dr Cuv FWD Sel/Limited
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 200.4–202 in
- Curb weight
- 3,644–3,960 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2008 large car (18.2 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Ford Taurus is a large car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,644 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Sel/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 21% better than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 128 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 22
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Taurus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Sel/Limited | 202 in | 74.4 in | 61.4 in | 113 in | 65 / 64.6 in | 3,644 lb | 61/39 |
| X 4dr Cuv FWD Sel/Limited | 200.4 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 113 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 3,960 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | +21% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Taurus AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Taurus X FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Taurus X AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Taurus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford Taurus (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Sequoia | 15 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal · Apr 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V247000 · 695 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.
Not every 2008 Ford Taurus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Ford Taurus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 36 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 22 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 20 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 109,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Taurus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Taurus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Taurus | 21 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2018 Taurus | 21 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 52 |
| 2017 Taurus | 23 | 203.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 44 |
| 2016 Taurus | 23 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 86 |
| 2015 Taurus | 26 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 280 |
| 2014 Taurus | 26 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 225 |
| 2013 Taurus | 25 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 564 |
| 2012 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 61 |
| 2011 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 133 |
| 2010 Taurus | 22 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 110 |
| 2009 Taurus | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2007 Taurus | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 46 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →