For the 2008 model year, Ford revived the Taurus nameplate by applying it to a mid-cycle refresh of the full-size Ford Five Hundred sedan. Built on the Volvo-derived D3 unibody platform, the fifth-generation Taurus gained a distinctive three-bar chrome grille, new front fascia styling, and LED taillights. The larger full-size architecture provided significantly elevated seating positions, superior interior volume, and impressive crash safety ratings. The wagon body style was permanently discontinued.

The single powertrain offered was a 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V6 producing 263 horsepower, mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and an optional intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Standard tech included AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, and the newly introduced Ford SYNC infotainment system. This transitional generation was produced for two model years before being superseded in 2009.