4 Star Reviews for 2003 Ford Taurus

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
132 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 132.00
  • Pretty decent - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Going from a 97 Acura 2.5 TL to a 2003 Taurus was a bit different at first. I miss the sunroof and leather seats and climate control system my Acura had. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Royal Blue 2003 Taurus SE. I bought it on Valentines Day 2012 and almost a year later and more than 20,000 miles putting it at 130,000 miles, Ive only had to replace the starter, alternator, and battery which were all under warranty from JD Byrider (hence the 1 star for value because Im overpaying for it). I have driven it from Jackson, MS to New Orleans and to Ole Miss numerous times and it has not failed me. Will keep til I can get a brand new black Ford Taurus SHO.

  • Best American car weve ever had. - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Ive had problems with Fords 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.

  • This is my 8th Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I own a 2003 ses. I bought it with 40,000 miles for $9,500. It has all options except leather (I swapped the leather seats with my 2001 that I gave to the kids, it had 125,000 miles).I currently have 135k and am thinking about giving it to the kids. In all that time I have only done the brakes once as well as the stabilizer links. I completely tuned it recently. Since day one the transmission has hesitated when I started (when the car is hot) so Ive learned to drive off easy. I average 22 mpg consistently on a tank of gas. I did notice the wheel well had some bubbling paint. Everything about the car is average,consider its cheap and easy to fix. I own a 97, and 2-98s that my kids drive, I love them

  • Sad I sold it - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I owned a 2003 Taurus SES for about 2yrs. White with dark tint windows, very sharp. Loved the super comfy seats, good power, everything seemed to be in its place, very easy for people unfamiliar with the car to get in and drive with no questions. had 60k when I bought it drove from Wyoming to Texas a couple times, and back and forth to work everyday, no issues other than transmission slipped from 1st to 2nd when I turned left and i was on the gas pretty hard a couple times. Sold it because Im moving and its been three days and I already miss it.

  • Highly reliable, well built car - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I bought my wagon six years ago w/34k. I was initially hesitant to purchase since it was a rental vehicle but I got a really good deal. I now have 122k on it and its still running strong. Other than a couple rounds of brakes, tires Ive had little problems. An occasional heater fan, strut here and there but it couldve been much worse. I must admit it doesnt have a lot of frills was surprised it came with a tape player (its a 2003!) Mine came with the standard features, power windows, ac, cruise etc. The quality/ride of the car is ok again, you get what you pay for. If youre looking for a station wagon in this era the Taurus will get you the most for your money.

  • Good car. - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I really like my 2003 Taurus. The car has about 140,000 on it now and doesnt have the get up and go it used to (it does hesitate when accelerating quickly) but I have had minimal problems over the years. I deal with Birmingham stop & go traffic everyday with about a 30 mile commute so I do have to have regular brake maintenance but other than that I have no complaints. Very roomy so its great for tall people like me. I think its about ready to be traded in but I will miss it.

  • Should I by a Ford Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Grandpa car? maybe? but I never had a problem with it. I change the oil semi regularly and only one break change in 7 years. Only one problem with heater/ac fan but it was covered by Ford. The was my first Ford and wont be my last. Buy American

  • so far so good - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    We have 1200 miles so far (in the first week). But So far so good. We have been getting 23 mpg in mixed driving. This is a loaded car. The only op it dosnt have is the wood kit. Its the first new car for my wife and I in years. We looked Toyota, Hondas and Nissan. The Taurus SEL gave us the most for our money.

  • Ford. Come on, you can do better! - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I bought it used for 2 years but it was very low in millage. When the car was 6-7 years old, Out of the blue, the transmission just blew in the Highway. I was disappointed. Everything was perfect for a long time. We love American cars at home but it disappointed us every single time. We bought a new Hyundai Sonata recently.

  • Very Pleased - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Bought this car with 39000 miles two years ago. Now has 69000 miles. No complaints with how the car has run so far. Roomy enough for a family of 4 with power enough to pass somebody while getting 26-28 mpg highway. I even drive it on our hunting roads where only trucks dare to travel, handles great. Stock CD player works great and has nice sound. Heating and Air conditioning work excellent. Easy to change oil yourself and perform any other maintenance. The car looks good too.

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