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2003 Ford Taurus Review
Refinements improve a solid sedan.
2003 Taurus Review Summary & Specifications
For 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, but offers crisp, sporty handling.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Ted West |
| Model Lineup | Sedan: LX ($19,180); SE ($19,695); SES ($21,020); SEL ($22,920) Wagon: SE ($21,345), SEL ($23,170) |
| Engines (standard) | Duratec 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | four-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 3.0-liter ohv 12-valve V6; 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | four-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front dual-stage airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, dual rear child-seat anchors, emergency inside-trunk release |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS; side-impact airbags on SEL Premium |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Chicago; Atlanta |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 19180 |
| Model Tested MSRP | SEL Premium Sedan ($23,490) |
| Standard Equipment | Duratec 24-valve V6, ABS, power driver''s seat, console with floor shifter, power mirrors, doors and locks, keyless remote, electronic climate control, AM/FM/Cassette stereo with 6-disc CD changer, automatic headlamps, five-spoke machined alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt steering, tinted glass, anti-theft, traction control, adjustable pedals, side-impact air bags |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | power moonroof ($895); power passenger seat ($350); leather seating surfaces (NC); Mach premium audio ($345) |
| Destination Charge | 650 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 25730 |
| Horse Power | 200 @ 5650 |
| Torque | 200 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy | 20/28 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 197.6/73.0/56.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | 61.6/62.1 |
| Turning Radius | 39.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.0/54.4/42.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.1/55.7/38.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 17.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1750 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 |
| Curb Weight | 3322 |
| Stock Tires | P215/60R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 |
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