2003 Ford Taurus Reviews from North America

Camshaft synchronizer squeaking. Supposed to have been covered by the warranty, but ending paying $250.00 to replace.

Other than that, no problems so far; just lots of creaks and groans.

Lots of scratches on gauge cluster and radio. Have no idea how they got there, and seem to mysteriously getting more without doing anything. More of an annoyance than a problem though.

Seats wear out quickly, especially in the rear.

Comfortable, but could use more power.

Good gas mileage for its size.

Have noticed the passenger has a lot less legroom than the driver.

Transmission blew at 50,000, but I was driving way too fast and was being an idiot.

Rust in later years right above the rear wheel wells.

At 100,000 - the transmission burps out fluid.

Needed pads and rotors a lot on the brakes, but I often did these myself, and think that not cleaning the caliper slides caused the issue.

Hose tube assembly for heater core rusts; anticipate replacing this after 5 years.

I owned 2 of these one from 2003 to present, and another 2003 bought used in 2009 to 2012. Both were reliable.

Both had predicable maintenance issues, and if you are relatively mechanically inclined, are easy to fix.

The engine went out at 115,000 miles, and it is beyond repair.

Up until the engine damage, I was generally pleased with the way the car rode and handled. It is also very roomy, the seats are comfortable, and the steering feel is good.

I was becoming worried about the suspension. I live in the rust belt, and I have heard about the springs rusting out and cracking in these cars, and causing blowouts and accidents. That did not happen to my car, but I was starting to hear a lot of creaks and noises from the suspension this winter.

The engine went out on a day that was 4 below zero. Apparently the cooling system failed due to a clog or a leak. No warning lights lit up, but the engine started running rough. I drove it for five minutes to my destination. It wouldn't start after that. The repair shop said that the car overheated during that short trip, and that one of the back cylinders had low compression and was irreparable.

Driver side door latch sticks open in frigid weather. Other than that, I have had absolutely no problems with this car.

Great Value! Decent gas mileage, very good interior space, good power, very reliable!

Oxygen sensor went bad at 22k miles.

Needed new rear brake pads at 30k miles.

Transmission vent valve clogged; replaced at 50k miles.

New tires at 50k miles; replaced the Continentals with General - very happy with it.

I like the versatility of the wagon.

It drives nice and the fuel economy is not too bad - 20/26 mpg.

It does well in the snow due to traction control and ABS. The sound system (MACH...) is good. It fits our family of 4 (one car seat) + 2 dogs and luggage for a 3 day weekend without a problem.

The engine delivers plenty of power. I occasionally tow a utility trailer for things around the house without a problem.

I see used Tauruses in the car ads with high miles on them, that gives me hope!