Ford Pulls the Plug On Taurus X

Ford sold just 1,234 Taurus X models in November 2008 versus 2,728 in November 2007 — a decline of 55 percent — according to the automaker's November sales report. Ford sold 22,141 Taurus X models in the year to date as of November 2008 versus 37,343 in 2007, a 41 percent decline.

No immediate official explanation was offered for the demise of the Taurus X, which Ford had described as "a nostalgic nod to yesteryear's station wagon." The Taurus X was spun off the Ford Freestyle.

The full-size crossover had a base price of $28,400, including an $825 destination charge. The EPA said the front-wheel-drive model of the Taurus X returns 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway.

Inside Line says: Say good-bye to the Taurus X, which never seemed to resonate with the buying public in an era of recession and rising gas prices. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent