Poor strategy, marketing, and brand recognition killed it. If you squint enough, it's essentially the same wagon as the "hot" Toyota Venza:

 

Yes, except the Tortoise is a piece of crap.

 

I think a bigger part of the problem is that the Freestyle/Taurus X was too wagon like in appearance. We all know wagons, and to a lesser extent, minivans, have long been out of favor with the buying public. People at a Ford dealership would see the product on the sales floor, so there would be some recognition if you were a domestic buyer.

As for people on CL not knowing about this, that's no surprise I'm sure those that haven't heard of this product don't know half the line-up of Ford, GM, or Chrysler, like-wise how many people on a GM or Ford forum will even know what a Venza is.

 

I rented one once and was very impressed with it. If I were in the market for a crossover in that class then that might have been the one. I am sorry to hear this.

 

I see these around some times; probably more than I see the Flex.

 

Ford is much better positioned than their domestic peers at the current time. Back to reality.

 

No surprise this was cancelled having this and the flex made little sense, and the Taurus X was a poor seller.

 

Well changing the name from Freestyle to Taurus X doesn't do anything. Stupid Ford. Stop slapping the Taurus name everywhere and ruining your nameplate. Besides, the Flex can take over from here. There's no point having two vehicles that are very very similar in purpose.

 

it used to be called the Freestyle right?

 

^ yea it was; the first time I came up behind one and it said 'Taurus X' I remember thinking *wtf? taurus x?*

 

I was aware of both the old Five Hundred Wagon and new Taurus X names, Mike. I'm sorry to see it go. It was perhaps the closest American-badged competitor to the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, albeit a little larger in physical size. I had a high opinion of it..........just like I do of the Five Hundred/Taurus itself.

 

I, too, had one as a rental. The Taurus X was given the larger engine than what the Freestyle had. I actually enjoyed the vehicle. Had it as a family hauler on a Florida vacation. Eddie Bauer package and all.

It had poor fuel economy and was a bit loud, but had pep and did its purpose. I think it was a good product.