The 2008 Ford Taurus represents the resurrection of a name that has been a standard in the Ford stable of sedans for almost 20 years. The new Taurus will be offered in four trim levels with an MSRP range of $23,245 to $28,695.

All four Taurus models are outfitted with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 263 horsepower. Estimated fuel economy for FWD models is 18 mpg around town and 28 on the road while the AWD vehicles return 17 and 24 respectively. The standard transmission across the line is a six speed automatic with overdrive.

The Taurus remains a four-door, five passenger vehicle. Safety features include a full array of air bags (with bags in the side position), rollover sensing, stability and traction control systems, crumple zones, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, the LATCH system for child safety seats, child safety locks on the rear doors, and the SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System.

Expect the traditional Taurus seating arrangement with 60/40 split/fold seats to the rear. The message center includes both a compass and a trip computer and the audio system includes a jack for an MP3 player. The instrument panel, center console, and center stack are all finished in woodgrain while the steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather. There are eight cupholders throughout the cabin and reading lamps are included for the passengers. Power locks, windows, and mirrors are standard.

The 2008 Ford Taurus is available in ten exterior paint colors and two interior trim shades. The model marks the return of an old favorite, but don't expect the new Taurus to look like the old one. The overall appearance is more boxy and up-to-date, but if this sedan, in practical application, delivers the safety, reliability, and performance of its predecessor, it should do well in the Ford line-up.