Ford has confirmed that it will be bringing back the Taurus nameplate back for next year. As previously reported, the Five Hundred sedan will become the 2008 Taurus, but Ford also announced that the Freestyle crossover will become the Taurus X and the Mercury Montego will go back to being called the Sable.

The Five Hundred was recently upgraded for the 2008 model year with more grunt under the hood, small exterior changes, and improved NVH levels.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer – replacing the Ford Freestyle – with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats.

Next year’s Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer – replacing the Mercury Montego – with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as interior upgrades to differentiate it from the plebs.

Both the Taurus and Taurus X will get the Ford corporate face and should fit nicely into the lineup. All-new models should be out by 2010. Ford will be releasing pictures of all three models at the Chicago Auto Show so look out for them later in the day.