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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  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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  Pretty decent - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By michaeldav1234 - January 19 - 6:00 pm

  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.

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  Best American car weve ever had. - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By ndecker - December 16 - 12:15 pm

  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.

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  Best Car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By lawnboy270 - November 29 - 1:36 am

  This was our first new car. From day one it has been awesome. Now almost 10 years and 244,000 miles later it continues to do whatever is asked of it. The Duratec 24v 3.0 is quite trouble free. It still has the original starter, alternator, and water pump. The trans is the same one it came with in 2003 and has never gave an issue shifting. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Oil changes every 5k, trans fluid change, and fuel filter every 30k, coolant every 100k. Why I would ever buy a import after owning this car? It made us a Ford family for life.

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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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  Love my Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By javacup1 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Taurus completely dependable I have 173k mi. only cost i had was regular service changing plugs gas filter etc as specified in manual the only part that needed replacement more then once was the from stabilizer bar other than that it rides like a gem and i am proud to own a ford and its American and i came from the saabs Nissans volvos.

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  This is my 8th Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Johnny Mano - August 10 - 8:31 pm

  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

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  Sad I sold it - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By AFGUY - August 8 - 11:14 pm

  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.