2003 Ford Taurus Review
2003 Ford Taurus Review
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Used Taurus for sale
Appraise This CarFord Taurus model years
Ford Taurus types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent value for the money, high level of safety equipment and crash protection, available as a sedan or a wagon.
Cons
- Rental car stigma, poor expected resale value, not as refined as most other midsize sedans.
What’s new
New for 2003, the SEL trim level offers a unique instrument cluster with a satin-finish background, as well as Imola leather trimmed seats and dark wood trim. You can now get a real wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, and you'll want to note that power windows and locks, as well as tilt steering and floor mats, are standard on all models.
Edmunds says
If you value feature content and domestic origin more than build quality and predicted future worth, the Ford Taurus is a great car to consider.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Taurus LX 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for Taurus LX
Taurus LX
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Introduction: For several years now, the Taurus has been the Yankee entry in the midsize car sales war. It's like the WWF, but for family cars. Each year, the Taurus jumps into the ring to duke it out with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The goal? To earn that prestigious title of "best-selling car in America." But even with substantial fleet and rental sales numbers to prop up the figures, it hasn't won a match since the mid-1990s.
It does have advantages, however. It's roomy, dependable and loaded with safety features. It is also frequently discounted through rebates and dealer incentives. The downsides include poor expected resale value, ubiquitous nature at rental lots and less solid fit and finish than Japanese competition. Stalwarts like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat usually seem to edge out the Taurus in our comparison tests. However, Ford's family sedan is still an excellent value, and we wouldn't hesitate recommending one to a shopper in this class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: Available as either a sedan or a wagon, the Taurus comes in a wide variety of configurations. Sedans come in LX, SE, SES or SEL trims, while wagons can be equipped as SE or SEL models only. Standard items on the Taurus LX include air conditioning, a rear defogger, power windows and locks, an antitheft system and tilt steering wheel. The SE trim adds aluminum wheels, a power driver seat, cruise control, a CD player and remote keyless entry. With SES, buyers get illuminated visor mirrors, a split-folding rear seat and antilock brakes. Order the SES Deluxe package and enjoy a more-powerful V6 engine, five-passenger seating, a rear spoiler and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Step up to the SEL, and you'll set yourself apart with machined aluminum wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD changer and automatic climate control. Six-passenger seating comes standard with all models except for the SEL sedan. Powertrains and Performance: There are two V6 engines offered: a 3.0-liter "Vulcan" and 3.0-liter "Duratec." The main difference between the two engines is the cylinder heads. The base Vulcan has two valves per cylinder, while the Duratec has four valves per cylinder. The four-valve motor makes 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The base engine makes do with 155 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic.
Safety: The Taurus benefits from a major emphasis on safety. Included as standard equipment are dual-stage airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Side airbags are available, as are antilock brakes, traction control and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. The Taurus earns a perfect five-star rating for NHTSA frontal crash tests and four stars for side impact tests. For IIHS frontal offset tests, the Taurus has earned a "good" rating. Interior Design and Special Features: A neat, stacked rhomboid arrangement allows for easy manipulation of the climate and stereo controls, which are simple enough for a three-year-old to use. Optional adjustable pedals make it easy to find that perfect driving position. All models carry six passengers except for the SEL sedan, and its 17-cubic-foot trunk for the sedan is generous for the class. The wagon has a stowable rear-facing third-row seat that can be used to carry two additional small passengers. When it's not in use, you'll have access to 38.8 cubic feet of space. Driving Impressions: We give the Taurus high marks in the ride and handling department. On the road, the car transmits truly usable feedback to the wheel, letting the driver know what is happening with the tires. The Taurus has a compliant suspension for spirited canyon driving, yet without the harshness that can render a cross-country drive unpleasant.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Taurus.
5 star(48%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(1%)
143 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car ever
lawnboy270, 11/29/2012
2003 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
This was our first new car.
From day one it has been awesome.
Now almost 10 years and 244,000 miles later it continues to do whatever is asked of it.
The Duratec 24v 3.0 is quite trouble free.
It still has the original starter, alternator, and water pump.
The trans is the same one it came with in 2003 and has never gave an issue shifting.
Take care of your car and it will take care of … you.
Oil changes every 5k, trans fluid change, and fuel filter every 30k, coolant every 100k. Why I would ever buy a import after owning this car?
It made us a Ford family for life.
4.25 out of 5 stars
18300 and still going!
joecool829, 06/01/2008
2003 Ford Taurus SEL Deluxe 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I purchased this model after driving my wife's 1996 Sable LS. I wanted one just like it. I have put 183K on her so far. Minor glitches but nothing unexpected for the mileage. I am happy I got the SEL model with all of the bells and whistles especially the leather and 4 wheel discs. Note to the average driver: I got 101,000 on first set of brakes and 82,000 on second set!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Best American car we've ever had.
ndecker, 12/16/2012
2003 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I've had problems with Ford's in the past. Got this car for free, but it needed a lot of TLC because the previous owner neglected it. Bought and installed the parts myself, never had a problem with it. This car is absolutely amazing, nothing else like it. Just turned 100k miles and still running strong.
3 out of 5 stars
Cheap car, so dont pay more than you need to.
Megan, 10/28/2016
2003 Ford Taurus SEL Deluxe 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this car a little over a year ago with 111,000 miles on it - since then i've put in over 2000$ in repairs (rack and pinion, tires, struts, etc.) Since I bought the car for a good deal (only 1500) I'd say its an okay deal for what i've gotten out of it (two 6+ hour roadtrips) and daily reliable driver. However you can tell the car was made cheaply - parts of my side interior are … falling off, buttons wearing down, little things breaking / falling off here and there. The interior is really nice (I have the SEL w/ tinted windows, leather seats, sunroof, 6 CD changer) and spacious as well but I plan on selling this car in fear of the rumored transmission issues.
2003 Taurus Highlights
Sedan
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,630 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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