2009 Ford Taurus

For 2008, Ford announced return of the Taurus nameplate. The vehicle was first introduced as a mildly redesigned Ford Five Hundred, and later renamed Taurus.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas said.

Compared to the old Five Hundred, the new Taurus features a revised front end along the same lines of the Fusion and Edge. Also new to the 2008 model is a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, including a new six-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

The new model also improves safety with structural improvements and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system.

The 2008 Taurus' 3.5-liter Duratec V6 now offers an estimated 260 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Other features include the option to install a SIRIUS satellite radio, FordSync, and a DVD entertainment system.