2003 Ford Taurus SEL review from North America
"Worst new car ever!! Avoid!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Too many to name for a new car, that's for sure...
Needs a new transmission!!! (January 2006)
Various dash pieces broke off or cracked.
Dash knobs pop right off (ac, vents)
Lots of rattles and shakes/wind noise is terrible.
The headlights like to burn out a LOT.
General comments?
I bought this Taurus because I liked my old Aerostar so much, but the quality of this vehicle just proves why Ford is going downhill so fast.
Just this month, only after 3 years of owning the car, a "seal" in the transmission blew out and left me stranded in the mountains-literally. The car lost all power, began shifting erratically. I pulled over and smoke was coming from the front grille and transmission fluid was SPRAYING out from under the car!! AAA towed the car to a local garage where the mechanic told me the transmission was basically DOA. I should have pushed the Taurus right off the mountain when I had the chance.
THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR!!!
I ended up renting a car (Chevy Impala) to finish my business trip and took that car back home with me.
I then had AAA tow the Taurus to a local Ford "store" where it now sits in limbo. Go figure...
Although my rented Impala is decent, I think I will just get a Camry or Accord when the Taurus is finally gone.
I'm through with Ford once and for all... good luck.
Recommended reviews
| All around Value that Can't be Beat |
|
| Taurus is roomy and comfortable, but reliability after 50K miles is definitely an issue |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 1000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 41000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Aerostar |
| Date of Entry | 22nd January, 2006 |