What is it? Ford's large sedan gets more horsepower, a new transmission, a revised all-wheel drive system, and updated styling for 2008. The exterior freshening is distinguished by a new nose that bears a family resemblance to the more popular Fusion. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6, the carmaker says to expect more than 260 horsepower from the new engine, or about a 60-hp increase from the previous 3.0-liter. The new transmission is a six-speed automatic. Revised front and rear suspensions are said to contribute to reduced noise levels, while also improving the ride. Safety features include stability control, front-side, and side-curtain air bags.
What is new or notable: Ford claims the six-speed transmission will deliver seven percent better fuel economy than a four-speed automatic.
CR's take: Sensible but often ignored, the big, roomy Ford scored well in our tests, but always lacked punch and looks. So after three model years, Ford is finally addressing three of the biggest problems: adding stability control, injecting more power, and hanging on some bling.
