DETROIT – Ford Motor Company is bringing back the Ford Taurus, introducing the Taurus X – a three-row crossover – and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup this summer as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles. The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features -- including standard electronic stability control -- and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer, according to Ford. The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer – replacing the Ford Freestyle – with the same design, powertrain, safety upgrades, three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating, and an available power rear liftgate. The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer – replacing the Mercury Montego – with design, powertrain, and safety upgrades. The Ford Taurus was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold – and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today, according to Ford. The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover – based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle – which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, attended the 2007 Chicago Auto Show for the new 2008 Ford Taurus launch. Replacing the full-size Ford Five Hundred sedan, the new Taurus features a 3.5L V-6 engine and more standard safety features, including electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags.

2008 Ford Taurus X

2008 Mercury Sable