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Used 2004 Ford Taurus Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
151 reviews

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Linsey, 04/08/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

it is the best car i ever driven

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4.38 out of 5 stars

A Winner

JLS, 09/24/2008
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This SES has the Duretc 24 Valve and on the highway at 2000 RPM consistently delivers 32 MPG - in town it fluctuates from 25-27 MPG. Leather seats comfotable, even for my 6'5: frame. At 2000 miles the check engine limit came on and the dealer replaced the entire gas tank and gage system. No problems since. At 61,000 miles the trnasaxle seal leaked and the dealer replaced it no charge. 1st Saturday of every month gets oil changed, tires rotated etc. Very good vehicle.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Ford Taurus

jsmalcuga, 04/23/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is our 2nd Taurus and we are quite happy with it. At present we own 3 Ford vehicles and all have given us exceptional value for the $$$$.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Drive it until it dies

Scottj04, 06/22/2008
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love this car. Economical, roomy and wonderful highway feel. Bought it in 2006 with 18K miles and have had little problems. Mostly highway driving (60 mile rural commute) I average 390 - 420 miles on a tank. Twice got 455 miles with still 18 Miles to E! The duratec engine is a fuel-sipping work horse. Highway performance is adequate, and even with four people and luggage (that all fit comfortably), the car still gets wonderful gas mileage! City mileage has gotten horrid. 1 week of it showed about 250 miles to a tank. and transmission seems to be slipping slighty at only 57K. A/C also robs engine performance. Staying with regular maintanence, this car will last forever!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Nice ride

Heavy one, 11/16/2008
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I enjoy the car. I have 2 complaints- bad gas mileage and the leather seats are uncomfortable, especially with the cup holder up. I am a large guy and my leg falls off the seat. when the cupholder is put away the car is great.

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5 out of 5 stars

se

don123, 09/04/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

nice car rides excellent handles well for i inexpencive luxery sedan. could stop better but overall i am very pleased

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best Value For A Wagon

FL Retiree, 12/28/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

With $4,000 rebates from Ford, you can buy this vehicle for $15,990 + Options + Dealer's Prep + sales tax. This vehicle is roughly 1" shorter, 8" lower (height),and 1,000 # lighter than a Chrysler Pacifica (which is also a V-6) and save $10,500! That's enough for a "free" 2nd vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever owned

John, 01/01/2005
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This taurus is the best car I ever owned. Rides very smooth. Very roomy. I'm 375 pounds and it has plenty of room for me. Trunk is big.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

taurus

roldog, 10/01/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

very reliable and good on as and drives smooth..

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2.63 out of 5 stars

box on wheels

Tim Lynch, 11/03/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The disadvatages of this car is that it rattles when you drive and it sometimes gets stuck into gear when flooring it. The dash controles are inconvenient.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

It's not that bad

regassert, 10/03/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

First off, 52 Horses per Liter with normal aspiration is not really poor at all. The Ford Explorer with SOHC produces 52.5 horses per liter of displacement. So that being said, if you're going to buy a Taurus, I would get the Duratec DOHC engine option instead of the OHC 2 valve per cylinder V6 that the SE has. This car is good for what it aims to be good at, inexpensive and good enough. Ford seems to have resigned the Taurus to being a fleet car, which mine is, and that's ok.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

my taurus

Ruth Wessling, 01/24/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have only owned it a short time but I am enjoying it very much, It has a very smooth quiet ride.

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4 out of 5 stars

Happy

R2kiwi, 02/22/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good, solid, american car. For a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord with comparable features it is several thousand dollars cheaper which is nice. I can't think of anything I don't like. Nothing has gone wrong with it. The fit and finish is good, I was treated well at the Ford dealership.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Good 4 the price?

Robert, 03/07/2006
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good for the price. Good gas mileage for its size. Great room around trunk, in front and back seats. I get an odd rattle/humming from under the hood. Cons: hard seat for traveling, poor expected resale value; doesn't ride, handle or stop as well as top competitors, and a few times acted like it stalled when quickly accelerated.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Problems of the Week

Cliff C., 11/17/2005
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this as a "certified" pre-owned in March. Everything was great for the 1st month. Then one little problem after another every week or two. So far the catalytic converter, motor mounts, exhaust manifold and y-pipe have been replaced. I still get an odd rattle from under the hood. The only thing that is certifiable now is me not buying another Ford!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good Car - Wish they still made wagon

D, 01/07/2009
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We really enjoy this car. Bought it used 18 months ago, the transmission did need rebuilt after we owned it for 1 year with only 66,000 miles on it, but we got a great initial price on the vehicle. Runs great on the road and handles much better than the MiniVan it replaced. Good gas mileage 23 on highway with family of 5 and car topper.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Super Car

Photopros, 06/17/2010
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car has been the best car I have ever owned. Cold Air, Safe comfortable ride, good gas mileage. At 100,000 miles I had to put a new serpentine belt on it, along with a starter, but that is all so far. We use it every day for whatever we need. We are still happy with this car. So stable it saved us from a rollover on a rainy night, when we missed a turn, and had to make a sharp turn at 60 miles per hour. This is a super car. Going strong at 120,000

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Oh My 2004

MWOhio, 09/25/2010
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with just only 11 miles. I've only had to do regular maintenance for her. I've traveled from state to state and no problems. She's paid off now and I want to upgrade/customize her. I looked into buying a new Taurus, but I'd rather alter the current one I have and be payment free. I love this car.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Liz's Review (If u want ford please read

ElizabethSal, 04/11/2004
2004 Ford Taurus LX 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I love my taurus, i have been driving it for a while. its over a hundred thousand miles and its just started giving me problems so i cant say that it was a lemon. but now that the problems have started they will not stop. The e.g.r. sensor keeps messing up. transmission is dying. let me tell you that i get it fixed at ford dealership so they should know how to fix it but i keep taking it back with in a week of getting my car back from service for the same problems. I replaced my engine gasket pan but it keeps leaking.... look i love my car but i learned that i need to just lease and not get attached to a FORD.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love my car

Joy Browning, 11/10/2005
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The day i went to the dealership, I wanted a little Escort. I was at that time very much overweight and I was having a hard time getting out of the car. I was walking into the showroom to purchase the little car, when I spotted this beautiful car with the color of green. I call it silver-green. I test drove it, but I already knew I would buy the car. And I love it.

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5 out of 5 stars

One super wagon

John Schroeder, 10/11/2005
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this certified program car 10 months after manufacture with 8,750 miles for $7,300 less than the Ford dealer paid for it. After 4,600 miles & 3 trips it has run perfectly with not even one little defect & no rattles. It averages about 20 mpg overall even with the super AC & a lot of idling. Very practical for me with all that cargo space, roof rack & 5 cup holders! I see nothing on the road I would trade it for, even though the basic design dates back to the 1996 model year. They sure got it perfected for 2004, & it's a shame it's being discontinued. May be a classic like the 1971 Torino wagon I bought in 1981 & sold for 33% more to buy this one. However,the Torino had a larger 4'x8' cargo space.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ford Taurus

storks2, 10/09/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car gets a bum rap. It handles better than the Toyota Camry, which was a contender for me as well. It came down to the simple fact that the Taurus is better accustomed to American-sized people.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY TAURUS

Ruby, 07/22/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

My 2004 Taurus is a great car. We were given a great deal and the car is more than we ever expected it would be. Lots of room, sporty look, and a wonderful smooth ride and drive make it the best car I have ever owned. Ford has out done themselves on this one!! SO glad I looked at Ford or I would be stuck with a small foreign car.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

Brand New Problems

Steven Kirschner, 04/03/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

When they told me we were going to be now driving a FORD Taurus, I was somewhat disappointed. I had suck good luck with the Dodge Intrepids we drove for years. Well, I was right; but I never suspected I would be SO right So soon. With less than 1000 miles, I have already experienced an annoying squeak (I suspect Water Pump). The fit and finish is horrible. The right rear of the Trunk Lid does not fit. The left rear door also looks like it does not close....All this in 1 week!!! I can hardly wait until it is broken in! Have I driven a FORD lately?? I guess not.

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3 out of 5 stars

Midsize Station Wagon

Rolland Elliott, 11/25/2015
updated 06/10/2024
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Transmission failure was way premature. Little things quit working including left outside mirror vertical control and radio won't work in hot weather. Theft prevention works great. Somewhat smaller than Sable wagon. Radio seems to be doing better. Had to replace 2 front calipers this year due to brakes dragging. Really handy pulling trailer moving 40 miles away. Mileage 106,000 in 2022. Replaced rear brake shoes at 110,000 miles in 2023. A/C needs recharged. Recharge failed. Not worth replacing. Mpg seems to have improved to 25.

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

pleasantly surprised

packerfan, 10/15/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

With a son in college, I let the lease expire on my Lincoln LS and bought a loaded Taurus SEL. I expected much less car than I got. Clearly, it's no LS, but the ride has been a pleasant surprise. I've found it very comfortable on long trips. With the cruise control set at 65, I have gotten 31 miles per gallon on three different trips. With the upgraded features of the SEL: the leather seats, digital climate control, adjustable pedals, and premium stereo, it is a very nice ride for the money. It won't turn heads, but it has been a reliable, safe, and comfortable car. Poor resale aside, it was a bargain.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

I love my car!

aleger1, 02/08/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just bought my car and I love it. My 2 boys have plenty of room in the back seat. The trunk us huge and with 2 small kids and all the things that go alone with them that is a big plus. Very good car if you have kids.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Problems after Problems

jcbr, 02/10/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far, we have been to the shop close to a dozen times. The car would sputter when idle at traffic stops, etc. The dealership couldn't figure out what was wrong the first 4 times I visited. Then they determined it was a bad wire. Finally, the car stalled, and they identified the fuel pump as needing to be replaced. Now, the car is sputtering again. I think i'm going to buy another car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

her car

ratterbery, 10/25/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very nice sports sedan

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5 out of 5 stars

i love it !!!

neuticles, 02/15/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

iT DRIVES WELL AND HAS MANY QUALITY FEATURES. ABOVE ALL ITS A GOOD VALUE. IM HAPPY AS CAN BE WITH MY NEW TAURAS.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Ford Taurus Ses has been Exellent .

kingsol, 02/17/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I regret very much about Ford's decision to discontinue with the Taurus for next year, I think it's a big mistake!! The Ford Futura looks very ugly! Doesn't have the classic looks of the Ford Taurus! Also by the way, driving from Colorado to Arizona this past summer, I could not believe my eyes, about the number of Ford Tauruses on the road from here to Arizona.Very popular auto indeed!

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5 out of 5 stars

Extremely Wonderful Vehicle

Pleased with Taurus, 02/18/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This Taurus is the best one yet. The seating capacity of this car is excellent so is the cargo area. And yet, it still has style and class. It's not a mini-van, but it is still my family vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

best car ever

mother of two, 02/22/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car cause of the saftey it offers me for my family. It is very roomy and comfortable to drive. It is great on gas.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Good, solid car.

DavidL, 02/23/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is totally satisfactory, and pleasant to drive. Good power, good looks.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Nice Car

Kristie Cox, 11/05/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good car, good gas mileage, roomy

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5 out of 5 stars

awesome car

glen1, 05/11/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the overall value make this an outstanding purchase!the ride is excellent,gas milage is very good also.purchase price made this an outstanding buy.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Been about a year now

Mike J, 09/19/2008
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Taurus about a year now and have been very happy with it. I have not taken any trips and do all in town driving averaging about 20 mpg. The ride is comfortable and inside and trunk are roomy. Since I bought this car at a used car dealer, the prices have actually gone up about $1,000 asking. Not bad for what some call a throw-away car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

new 2004 Taurus

cobra0909, 02/25/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have just had my new car a couple of days,i traded my new 2004 ranger xlt which was a piece of junk in on my taurus, lost 6,000 on the ranger but the comfort and mileage makes up for it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Ford

James Songer, 03/08/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded 1993 Thunderbird for this Taurus SES Really excellent build quality, fit form and finish! Duratec is almost as good as 5.0 litre engine in old Thunderbird. Really like the leather interior and moon roof, seats are very comfortable. Gas mileage is good, also outstanding for this size car.(Over 22 miles per gallon in everyday driving).

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car for the Price

M&E, 12/02/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I owned a 92 Taurus and loved so much that when it came time to purchase a new car I had a very hard time giving it up. I shopped around and test drove numerous vehicles. I really wanted to give another model and make a try but, I just couldn't get use to driving them. I finally gave in and decided to test drive 2003 Ford Taurus SES and I loved it. Truth be told it doesn't have fancy gadgets. The ride is smooth and so is the price. I am very pleased with my choice and so far, a very happy customer. It's comfortable, affordable and has plenty of room. The only thing I have noticed is that I get a little less gas milage.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Not Disappointing!!!

ernmas, 03/05/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Yes I like it for the package I got I would have had to pay much more for a Nissan or A Camrey, All this car needs is a good set of performance tires and upgraded shocks, Its a keeper but you should get the 24valve dohc engine.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car in 20 Years

Lee Michael, 11/22/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What an outstanding car, in every aspect! Fun to drive, handles great! Looks sharp.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

good all around

Caluch, 03/10/2004
2004 Ford Taurus LX 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although still very new in the driveway, we both (wife and I) feel we got a good deal and a great car. It has much more leg rom than we are use to even though we traded same size. More comfort and even seems more stable than our Olds. We opted for the bench seat and it makes me feel like im driving a car 40 years ago. Plenty of everything for us.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

taurus

roc, 12/11/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

since we purchased our taurus my wife and i really enjoy getting out and driving. the gas mileage could be better but the comfort of the ride makes up for the mileage

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Just Right

Iceobar, 06/20/2008
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ford finally had it together for me. Just the right size and accruments. Comfort and style for 4. Utility to carry 6 in a pinch. And when we added a K & N air filter, synthetic oil and tires at 37 psi, 37 mpg on the highway loaded with 4 and full bags. Too bad they let it slip away.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Most fun i have ever had in a 4 door

bg24bham, 03/30/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the car handles wonderfuy, it rides very well, and the most saprising thing is the fuel economy i average 25 MPGin town and 30 on the interstate

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5 out of 5 stars

Very happy customer

Tiger2004, 04/09/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second Taurus. My 98 Taurus has been really reliable. It did not have any mechanical problems. The good experience I had with the first Taurus is the major factor for me to buy the second Taurus. Obviously the 2004 Taurus has many improvments. Its gear down-shift is much quicker, its braking distance is shorter and the fuel efficient is better, too.

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5 out of 5 stars

Well built, solid, and sporty looking

Dave B, 12/03/2003
2004 Ford Taurus SEL 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A good value for the money. Sporty looks with a solid, road hugging ride. Feels and holds the road like a heavier car, but gets excellent gas mileage (28+) with highway driving, even exceeding the speed limits. A good all round family car that provides fun to drive and roomy comfort. Has a smooth ride that makes long trips enjoyable. Would buy a Taurus again!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Just an overall good car

Madlaker, 04/09/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased a used 2003 Ford Taurus SES w/all the goodies. I've been driving it for about 3 months now and all I can say is it's exactly what I hoped for. Just an easy to use everyday car that is still fun to drive and comfortable. The interior has nice simple lines that are easy on the eyes, which creates a peaceful environment you can decompress in on the commute to and from work. All the controls & gages are well labeled, well within reach, and easy to use which helps keep stress levels low.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ford Still Rules

Daniel Snelbaker, 05/16/2004
2004 Ford Taurus SES 4dr Sedan w/Duratec (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Taurus drives like a dream and looks great I love it and feel it is better than camry or accord and thats for sure

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