The 2008 Ford Taurus (formerly known as the 500) is a full-size automobile that can boast that it is the safest vehicle in its class. How about throwing in that it has the best in class interior space and seat comfort, along with amenities like all-wheel drive and an award-winning 263 horsepower V6…Ford definitely has a winner for families on the go.

Have trouble believing this is a safe car? Well, don’t. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put the 2008 Taurus through all of its testing and the results shine – five stars (the highest rating) in every crash test category: driver frontal, passenger frontal, front-seat side and rear-seat side. And if that isn’t enough, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put the Taurus through its paces – a 40 mph frontal offset crash to assess structural integrity; a side-impact crash simulating what it would be like to be hit by an SUV; and a rear-crash test to study whiplash protection. The Taurus again topped the ratings charts in its class, earning the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” designation.

With safety being such a big consideration when shopping for a car to protect the family, Ford didn’t cut any corners. This car features six airbags; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; a tire pressure monitoring system to detect under-inflated tires; and ABS and traction-control all standard. Add on options like all-wheel drive and power adjustable pedals and it is clear to see that this Taurus is a class leader.

Luxury is built into this car as well. You can choose a dual-zone temperature control to keep both front seat passengers happy, plus adjustable rear ventilation keeps the cabin cozy for all; a voice-activated DVD based navigation system with 6.5 inch screen insures that you won’t get lost going to grandmother’s house; plus enough interior space to keep five adults comfortable. In fact, the Taurus has a best in class advantage in head-room, front and back, and leg-room, front and back.

Team all of this comfort and convenience with Ford’s most powerful V6 ever, a 263-horsepower, aluminum-block engine that prides itself on being eco-friendly; run it through a six-speed automatic transmission and you can see why Ford is excited about its 2008 Taurus.