Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable Return As Upgraded 2008

Ford Motor Company announced it's bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name. The vehicle that redefined affordable family transportation is back with the new face of Ford – a bold new exterior design, more power and more standard safety features.

The company also introduces a new name – Taurus X– for its three-row crossover and returns the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions. All three vehicles go on sale this summer.

The move links a strong brand name with award winning vehicles. The 2008- model Taurus sedan and Taurus X – replace the Ford Five Hundred and Ford Freestyle. Each feature the signature Ford touch of the horizontal three-bar grille, standard electronic stability control, and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer. The 2008-model Mercury Sable replaces the Mercury Montego with extensive design, powertrain, and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents.

The vehicles offer available features that deliver style and the technology features customers desire like Ford Sync™. Ford Sync™, powered by Microsoft Auto software, is Ford’s new fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. The Taurus X offers one touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The Taurus name remains powerful today. It is one of the top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-series and Mustang. Customer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

A video report from Ford Motor Company