- sedan 205,175
- 9,800 overpriced
- Joplin, MO
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 205,175 gasoline automatic
2003 ford taurus review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Refinements improve a solid sedan. introductionthe ford taurus is more than practical family transportation. It is a genuinely exciting mid-size sedan. New seals for the doors, windows and rearview mirrors along with new sound damping in the floor make for a quieter cabin. Illuminated cruise control switches have been added and the controls for the adjustable pedals have been moved to the instrument panel for easier access. New seven-spoke wheels add a fresh look to the 2003 models. for 2003, more features come standard, including power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column and floor mats. Optional trim packages include a new sport package for the ses sedan. The wagon is available in se 21,345) and sel 23,170) versions. A choice of two 3. 0-liter v6 engines is available. This 3. 0-liter 12-valve v6 uses a traditional overhead-valve design. The vulcan v6 is rated at 155 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque. Although not particularly quick from a standstill, once rolling it delivers more than adequate performance, along with a nicely rorty exhaust note. A flexible fuel version of the vulcan engine can run on e-85 ethanol, regular unleaded gasoline or any combination of the two in the same 18-gallon fuel tank. ses is a popular choice and comes in standard and deluxe variations. Ses adds an in-dash single cd player, front bucket seats with six-way power and a manual lumbar adjustment on the driver's side. Also standard is ford's duratec v6, a more sophisticated engine with double overhead cams working 24 valves. This engine also displaces 3. 0 liters, but revs higher and produces 200 hp and 200 lbs.-ft. It comes with five-spoke aluminum sport wheels, a rear spoiler, special fender badging, pewter brushed interior trim, two-tone black and gray sport seats and special floor mats. sel, available in deluxe and premium editions, adds seven-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a six-cd changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dark paledo wood-trimmed interior, automatic electronic temperature control, adjustable pedals and keyless keypad entry. wagons are better equipped than their sedan counterparts. The sel wagon adds seven-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a six-cd changer, keypad entry and automatic climate controls. key options for many models include a mach audio system 345), anti-lock brakes 600), cellport communications system 350), a power moonroof 895), and adjustable pedals 120). . walkaroundthe ford taurus is a familiar design that has been with us for a few years now. The grille is broad, aggressive, and unmistakably ford-oval, grinning between the large cat's-eye headlamps. Its flanks undulate handsomely with crisp character lines, and its rear end bears a resemblance to the sexy stern of the jaguar s-type. the sedan's trunk is of generous size and contains the mini-spare tire. The wagon has a flip-up rear window in its tailgate. . interiorthe taurus cabin is functional and attractive, with controls that are straightforward and easy to use. The materials, switchgear and interior textures have a high-quality look and feel. For 2003, those controls are mounted in a new dashboard and console unit. the other big interior change is the quiet, thanks to better noise, vibration and harshness controls that include better damping in the floor and measures that reduce air leakage and cabin noise, including the use of expanding foam in the windshield support pillars and various body cavities and the use of new sealing materials in weld access holes. lx, se and the non-sport ses sedans seat six, thanks to a seating console between their separate front seats. Ford's well-publicized adjustable pedals make a comfortable driving position possible for even very short-legged drivers. The small-diameter steering wheel has a pleasingly thick grip. The cushions and seatbacks are more firm than soft, and firm is usually best on long drives. the roomy rear compartment seats three, but is set up well for two as the seat forms two semi-buckets and has a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. A ventilation duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the se wagon and ses and sel sedans, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items. with its 60/40 split rear seats folded down, the roomy taurus wagon has space for a maximum of 81. 3 cubic feet of cargo; with six passengers aboard, there's still 38. 8 cu. Behind them. . driving impressionthe ford taurus is a genuinely satisfying car to drive. Its duratec v6 is as responsive as a finger snap, delivering crisp acceleration from low revs straight through to the glass-smooth full-throttle shift point. This engine not only provides good thrust, it makes an understated but nicely throaty declaration that it means business. Its shifts are positive, authoritative, and at the same time, almost impossible to feel. Powerful front-wheel-drive cars like the taurus sel need traction control to reduce wheel spin and provide better control of the car. the taurus chassis is a good match for this forceful duratec drivetrain. The fully independent suspension provides a smooth, impact-free ride. Taurus uses gas-pressurized shock absorbers, unusual in a family sedan; when pushed in the corners, it remains stable, nimble and ready for more. Cornered hard, its body roll is moderate, and the nicely tuned variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering delivers a steady stream of road information. Braking performance was much smoother than that of a dodge intrepid tested at the same time. with its excellent chassis and duratec power, the ford taurus comes close to being a sports sedan for the price of a family mid-size sedan. . summaryfor several years, the taurus has been the bowl of chocolate-chip mint in a sea of plain vanilla. While most sedans in the mid-size class seem designed to blend into the scenery, the taurus stands out like a wildebeest in plaid pajamas. not only does the taurus look like it came from the future, it drives like it came from europe. Yet it comes with a price tag that's quite reasonable. Two engines are available, and both deliver a vigorous response, though we recommend the newer duratec engine. Taurus rides smoothly enough for family duty
9,800 Joplin, MOJoplin, MO at autoshopper.com