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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  Purtty good car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Marty - November 6 - 10:57 pm

  Got it for $500 wouldnt go into gear replaced torque converter for 1200 ran great loved it had it for a month then someone t-boned me didnt get hurt at all. I would recommend it only if the torque converter is the remade one not the original other than that great car.

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  Not the best Ive had - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jmacthethird - August 3 - 4:48 pm

  When I did the research, it seemed the Taurus, might be a good choice. The interior though dated, is nice and the seats are comfy and most creature comforts are there, with a few extras like a power driver side seat. Gas mileage isnt the best at about 26mpg on the highway and about 17mpg in traffic. I did see 28mpg on the highway, but that was only with real gas without the ethanol, which was expected. Everything seemed okay until one day, without warning, the transmission gave out in the middle of highway 441. I had it rebuilt, to the tune of $2700 dollars only for it to go out again exactly 6 months later. This will be the last Ford or Chevy I buy.

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  Ford Taurus V6 vulcan, Good sedan - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jermz17 - May 6 - 2:49 am

  This is a good car, It has all the features you would need to drive a family around. But like all cars this one does have common problems but they can be fixed. Fuel pump, Coil pack, and camshaft. Not cheap but easy to fix and if you take good car of the car it will take care of you.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Immanuel - October 7 - 2:53 pm

  This is a decent, reliable car. Bought it 2 yrs old, at 36k miles for $ 9000, have driven it to about 129k, with no issues. So far I have spent about 250 for a water leak, brakes and oil changes. This car has been very reliable, a workhorse and inexpensive. Have gotten on an average 25 mpg for combined city and highway.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Disappointed - April 1 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with only 8000 miles...after 1 yr it started having problems that dealership doesnt know who to fix. Now it getting dangerous. It stalls out & start back up...all electrical comes on with a loud pop, the car dies and starts back up. I almost had a wreak because the steering shuts down during this time and I was not able to complete the turn. Reviewing the web others have had this problems too. I took it to the dealership many times but they could not find out what was causing it. This is the last Ford I will buy.

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  Go buy a Buick instead - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jakes Dad - November 3 - 2:33 pm

  I bought this SEL off of an indivdual with 73K on it back in June. What a mistake. The starter went out on it 2 weeks after I bought it. Then the brakes, then the ball joints, then the wheel barrings, then the blower. All in all I have spent 2,000 on this car since I bought it. I am ready to sell it and get a cheap little Honda or Toyota. I drive 30 miles one wa to work and the gas mileage at HWY speeds isnt great. Extremely disappointed with that. Gets 18 in the city and at best 23 on the highway. If you go domestic, get a used Century or LeSabre

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  2003 Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By torqrench - March 24 - 10:30 am

  Bought our 03 SES used at 1 year old and 12,500 miles, wife wanted it. Its OK for basic transportation, does nothing exceptional, but does everything OK. I have never been a fan of Taurus seats and I think theyre uncomfortable. The interior layout is good, but the fit & finish of interior materials is average, at best. Mechanically, the only complaint is the HVAC blower motor went. Problem was a Ford design flaw that allowed water to run down into the motor. I called Ford, awful customer service rep. and despite Ford publishing a Tech Bulletin on this problem (TSB 04-15-3) and selling a "rainhat extension" for $20, they would not fix the problem as the car was 3 months past warranty.

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  Good Value, Good Mileage - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Terra - November 1 - 6:29 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage, especially as a person on the interstate a couple times a week. Interior colors and design are very pleasant, but the seats are terribly uncomfortable! In fact, after about 30 minutes in the car, my back is wrenched. I also drive a Chevy on occasion, and I dont get that problem. Mileage: 22city, 26 highway.

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  2003 Ford Taurus SE - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - February 16 - 12:22 am

  Surprisingly good suspension and handling. Even better on winter Michelin X-ice tires than on original Continental Touring Contact tires. However, old but reliable OHV Vulcan engine lacks the vigor of modern OHC engines. Additionally, the transmission has been mated to the engine for economy and upshifts too eagerly, what robs the car of dynamics even further. Sufficient and well modulated brakes stop this heavy car with confidence even with drums at rear. Body fit is below average with poorly designed hinges and locks. I had to spend a few hours just to adjust all doors to my standards. Overall reliability seems to be good providing that a basic maintenance schedules are being kept.

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  If you have to buy American........... - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By tbaran - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is a good overall value; if you are someone who’s only interest in driving is to get you from point A to B! The engine is strong, if only the brakes and suspension were designed as well. The braking is a very weak part of this package with the suspension close behind. The steering offers virtually no feedback for road feel. It you are a driver get a Passat! If you have to buy American, such as I, then this is a good deal. I have driven American all my life, but my last car was a base 1995 Jetta with the weakest engine you can imagine! The cheap 95 Jetta right now feels more solid and is more fun to drive than this brand new car!