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Used 2003 Ford Taurus Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
130 reviews

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3 out of 5 stars

Worst vehicle I ever loved

D, 07/20/2023
2003 Ford Taurus SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle at a small used car dealership and while the owner and his sidekick seemed a bit shifty to me I never expected my supposed-to-be-friend whom I'd known for years to throw me in the lion's den when he referred me to them. I blame myself. Now on to the review. When I initially purchased the vehicle the engine was absolutely spotless. While driving home it began hesitating badly. I called the dealership and they did pay to have one of the sensors replaced....a $500 repair. A few weeks later the a/c compressor needed replacing. The next month it wouldn't start and there was a gas leak back by the passenger side rear tire which my mechanic told me was pretty common with the Taurus. Thankfully I didn't have to tow it, he came and took care of it on the spot. Within a few months it was leaking oil like a sieve and continued to get worse, but every month I was spending hundreds on some other repair to keep it running so I never had the money to have the oil leak handled. What I loved about it... Driving it! I've never quite understood how a vehicle that always seemed to be falling apart ran and handled so well. That car rode so smoothly and was so quiet it felt like a luxury car. It hugged the road so tightly and handled like a dream. It took the potholes and bumps almost as if they didn't exist. It was a very solid car and you could both hear and feel it when you closed the doors, the trunk, or the hood. It always idled as if it didn't have any issues whatsoever. Aside from the time I had the gas leak I never had an issue with it starting as soon as I turned the key. Not only did the car look great on the outside but the interior was absolutely pristine, so much so that it still had a hint of the "new car smell." No loose threads or tears on any of the seats, no torn or frayed carpeting. There was no missing paint or wear on any of the parts or knobs. It was an immaculate looking vehicle! The sound system was great (I'm a musician and I could hear every instrument cleanly and clearly), the heat and a/c functioned perfectly. In fact up until the very second the a/c compressor went out the air blew really cold. It's a shame that it was so poorly built with parts that lacked quality because it was a great car to drive. The best driving experience that I still miss!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Underrated

CanadianTaurus, 10/01/2003
2003 Ford Taurus SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is the second Taurus I've owned and have been impressed how much better this car is compared to the 1999. I have had the car for 16 months and not one mechanical problem. I love the ride of this car and the reliability of it. My brother's 2002 Altima is always in the shop, not my Taurus! What luxury at a great price.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Piece of Junk

eltorodriver, 08/06/2010
2003 Ford Taurus SES FFV 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love ford, and I have had other Taurus models. This one is not reliable, always in the shop. Very little pick up for a 6V engine. Brakes stink. Parts are of poor quality. Things break easily. Would not buy this year and model. For Ford, this is very POOR quality, redundant design, and low performance. Sadly, this is one of my worst cars.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

good ford

Bruce , 10/22/2003
2003 Ford Taurus SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I drive about 33000 miles a year. so far the car hasnt given me one problem. but thats a Ford

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1.63 out of 5 stars

Crazy to buy this!

Crazywoman, 08/06/2010
2003 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 13 people found this review helpful

I was desperate to get a car while having bad credit. I had been unemployed for almost a year, had to turn in my previous vehicle. The dealer could smell my fear a mile away & took advantage of me .I thought I would have reliable transport. Oh, no. I've put $2000+ in repairs on this piece of crap in 2.5 years. Brakes squeal and 2 brake shops say they are very good. Something wrong with a rod and the radiator cracked sitting at home for 2 days. Windshield washers are disintegrated. I use a spray bottle. I hate the car. I should've taken more time to look around. No Fords OR Chevys for me EVER again. 21 mpg is NOT good mileage, either. It's another Edsel.

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