Overview & Reviews

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.

• Excellent value for the money, high level of safety equipment and crash protection, available as a sedan or a wagon.

• Rental car stigma, poor expected resale value, not as refined as most other midsize sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 132.00

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  Not my first choice - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By b_engels7 - February 25 - 9:55 am

  I drove an 03 Taurus for 7 years, and in that time I had to replace the transmission, the cam, struts, break lines, the muffler, and a multitude of repairs which I have repressed from my memory. The car produced phantom odors, odd sounds, and mysterious leaks. The front passenger floor flooded constantly for some reason. The gas mileage was terrible, Id say around 18 highway and 12 city by a rough estimate. The transmission is twitchy so dont expect a smooth ride. Be prepared to spend a lot on repairs, my advice: save your money and buy a honda or something.

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  Crazy to buy this! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Crazywoman - August 6 - 12:08 pm

  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. Ive 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 shouldve taken more time to look around. No Fords OR Chevys for me EVER again. 21 mpg is NOT good mileage, either. Its another Edsel.

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  Piece of Junk - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By eltorodriver - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  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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  A Completely Disposable Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Rollthebones - September 23 - 12:16 pm

  This is my only Ford car, and most certainly my last. Fords are not long- term cars. I bought the car from my employer off lease, dirt cheap (I drove it during lease). I have never spent so much repair money on a car with so few miles. Visually, the car is still in great shape. Paint and interior are perfect. The engine (base 3.0 V6) is quite underpowered, gets pitiful gas mileage, and is in need of a trip to the dealer for repair every few months. My GM (Buick) and Nissan cars have never cost me this much money in repairs. At 77k, Ive repaired rain leaks on passenger floorboard, oxygen sensors, cam shaft sensor, and had transmission serviced 3 times. This is totally a disposable car.

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  All the mechanics agreed.... - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Sarah - April 27 - 6:51 am

  that this make of car is very poor. They know, because they repair this car so often.I should have listened to my dad, he said the car was junk and it really was. since the very beginning, the car had problems with transmission, broke in May 2007, the alternator, the catalytic sensor, the catalytic converter, etc. I invested $4000 in repairs. but I had enough, I divorced my car I cant have this constant stress about what will be next and really be stressed out about the cost. Also the interior is bad quality, thing are tearing apart. Sound is bad. Advice: before buying this car, ask mechanics and you will change your mind. Buy a good car, a Subaru or Toyota.

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  Too much money, too little car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By dtskiles - September 2 - 10:00 am

  1. A car should have pickup or gas mileage. Ideally, it should have both. This car has neither. A Camry or Accord can accelerate faster and needs much less gas. 2. Details details. Why do you have to unfold the front seat to get to the change holder? Why cant the stereo get signal on cloudy days? 3. The car had trouble starting on a mild spring day with only 2200 miles under its belt. Thats pathetic. There was a time when Accords and Camrys were fighting to catch up to the Taurus - Americas #1 selling car in the 80s. Now theyre not in the same class.

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  PROBLEM FORD - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Bad Ford! - July 24 - 7:09 pm

  Base V-6 engine is very under powered. 4 speed auto transmission shifts rough. Vehicle has less than a pleasant ride, very rough in fact. Interior quality is good. Exterior design is sporty, even for a 4 door. Looks and interior build do not make up for this vehicles mechanical shortcomings and choppy ride. My Taurus now has 45,000 miles on it and I cannot wait to get rid of it. Rotors and steering system had to be replaced around 30,000 miles. I cannot believe they charge over $20,000 for one of these cars brand new. I would definitely consider this vehicle a "throw away car". I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone. This will definitely be my last Ford!

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  This is the worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By klfrunell - May 23 - 5:27 pm

  We bought this car less than 90 days ago, used. We had it inspected thoroughly prior to purchase. We have had it towed 4 times since purchase, diagnosed twice, and each time the mechanic has said there is nothing wrong, and the car starts for them, we bring it home and it wont start again. The mechanic today said--after keeping the car for 2 days and trying to get it to fail-- that this model frequently will not start for no particular reason. He had one earlier this week with same problem, and sent it back to owners not knowing what was wrong. We picked it up, drove it home, and it wont start again. This is not at all a reliable car. Never again!

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  IF only the brakes worked! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By daisyq07 - January 23 - 5:51 pm

  The interior color gray is kind of boring. But my huge concern is the brake system. If I have to stop quickly and I press down on the brakes, it will stop THEN keep going after it stops! It is very scary and I feel totally unsafe. I had them checked 3 times and each time I was told that it is just the way the car is. Be very careful if you get this car! It is very roomy. The seats are not comfortable after a short ride. It is kind of sporty looking and can switch lanes quickly, which is nice.

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  good... until... - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Chatham Bing - June 9 - 2:00 am

  1997 Taurus Wagon was a decent form of transportation for a while. Little problems were encountered, until we hit 75,000 miles. Then like clockwork... boom- the head gasket blows, and a $2500 engine rebuild cost. On a 5 year old car which had a value of only $3750 trade in...