2003 Ford Taurus Research & Reviews

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 61 through 70 of 132.00
  • This is the worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    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!

  • Comfortable and Dependable - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    Bought my Taurus used 2 years ago, have had no problems or expenses other than routine maintenance. Leather seats, sunroof, 24V V6, alloy wheels, a nice looking, comfortable package. Have averaged over 28 MPG over the last 30K miles, get better than 30 on the highway. Seats could be a little more comfortable, and interior trim is kinda cheap looking, but so far I have no complaints. Doesnt hold value well since there are 60 gazillion of them on the road. Very smooth on the highway, a little more wind noise than some sedans.

  • Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I love this car. First off, the look of it is what first attracted me. Its dark grey, with a great looking spoiler on the trunk lid and alloy wheels. Overall a great looking vehicle. It has a nice smooth ride, and great handling. Comfortable bucket seats, roomy back seat, sporty floor shifter. Quick, smooth acceleration and shifting. A strong runner, holds its own on the road and good mileage to boot!

  • Great car, awesome value. - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    First of all I bought this car with 42,000 miles and drive it everywhere and don’t drive it nice. I have 144,000 on my Taurus now and it drives like new. I service it and it keeps running. My wife’s Honda Accord has seen the shop endless times with 33,000 on it. Buy American, better cars, better value, more comfortable and theyre all worth the same in 10 years.

  • 2003 Ford Taurus SE - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    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.

  • IF only the brakes worked! - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    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.

  • Best Value on the Market - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I actually decided to buy a Ford Taurus after I had rented several. For the money there is no better car. A lot of features, smooth ride and sporty, yet family oriented looks. I have put a lot of miles on this car in a short time and have had absolutely no problems.I am very impressed with the amount of quality Ford put into this car for the price they sell at. The handling and response of the Taurus is outstanding. It has kept me out of several accidents.

  • Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    The car itself runs pretty ok. I have some brake issues, nothing that a good brake job or stopping a good 5 yards away from the car in front of me cant fix. But tis expected when the car has over 100,000 miles on it.

  • "Worth the money" - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I bought my 2003 Ford Taurus SE with 28,000 miles. It now has 33,250 miles and I have already had to replace the steering rack and front rotors. Luckily Ford paid for it. Since I only paid $10,000.00 for it I think it is worth the money. It has a solid ride feel. It also has good pick up and passing abilities for the standard 155 horse V6. I really like the 6 disc cd changer audio system. For a car with rental car status I think this was a solid buy choice. Remember that rental car companies wouldnt buy cars that they would have to fix or repair often. I would recommend buying this car since it will be going out of production in 2006.

  • Overall, A Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I have had this car for 1 year with no problems. My only problem is that after only 1 year and 12,000 miles, the car is not worth anywhere near what I owe on it.

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