2008 Ford Taurus X was awarded today by IIHS a Top Safety Pick, after it has received the government’s highest five-star rash test ratings. The 2008 Taurus X will be available on showrooms starting this summer.

The IIHS Top Safety Pick rating can only be earned by vehicles that achieve the best-available safety performance in front, side and rear collisions and offer electronic stability control. In addition to its Top Safety Pick designation, Taurus X is among a small group of vehicles in the mid-size SUV category to also earn five-star crash test performance from NHTSA.

"“It’s a true testament to the safety engineering of the Taurus X crossover and the Taurus and Sable family cars that they achieved top crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA," said Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "Ford and Volvo worked together to leverage our technical and intellectual resources to create an outstanding vehicle architecture. Now all three vehicles are better than ever. They offer it all: safety, power, spaciousness and comfort at a great value."

The Insurance Institute gave all three Chicago-built vehicles its highest rear impact rating for offering effective protection against neck injuries, as well as its highest front and side impact ratings for withstanding intrusion into the occupant compartment.

The 2008 Ford Taurus X pricing starts at $27, 365 including $750 destination and delivery (MSRP).