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2003 Ford Taurus SEL Premium
A solid sedan with style and substance
Bob Nagy / autoMedia.com
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Since its introduction for the 1986 model year, the Taurus has, in its own low-key way, become one of the legendary nameplates in Blue Oval history. In a daring-at-the-time move, Ford used this eminently practical four-door to pioneer the aero look in modern family sedans. Since then, 5.7 million Tauruses have been sold, keeping the vehicle among America's best-selling passenger cars every year. The 2003 version doesn't break mass quantities of new ground, but it continues to deliver an even-more-refined mix of desirable elements at an affordable price.
Ford pioneered the latest look in family sedans with the current-generation Taurus. Gold Metallic Ash (not shown) is a new color for 2003, and a new SES Sport package includes a rear spoiler.
The last major transition for the Taurus came in model year 2000, when a comprehensive restyling and numerous engineering upgrades added more visual and practical appeal. Four trim levels continue in the sedan and station wagon lines: LX, SE, SES and SEL. Even the LX, which opens at $19,685 out the door, includes a host of impressive features including a 3.0-liter/155-horsepower OHV Vulcan V-6, a 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, an AM/FM radio, and Ford's comprehensive Personal Safety System and floormats. The safety package includes standard dual front airbags, three-point seatbelts, and an array of sensors that can determine the severity of any crash and tailor the deployment levels of these passive-response elements to match. This sophisticated package earns top 5-star marks in government frontal impact tests.
Getting even more specific, the LX and SE come with a standard bench set in both front and rear; the SES and SEL have front buckets that are SE options. For a starting price of $20,495 (including destination), the SE's expanded goodies roster also includes cruise control, keyless remote, alloy wheels and anti-lock on the front disc/rear drum brakes.
Most Taurus models are powered by a 3.0-liter V-6. Lower-levels have the 155-horse Vulcan OHV version, while higher-trimmed cars such as the SEL get the 200-hp Duratec DOHC powerplant.
We sampled the top of the Taurus ladder, an SEL Premium-grade sedan. In addition to power-adjustable pedals (which are now more conveniently activated from instrument panel), the SEL nets supplemental side-impact airbags as well as the hotter 3.0-liter Duratec V-6, a 24V twincammer that cranks out 200 horses and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Helping make the best use of that motivating force as it passes to the front wheels via the mandatory 4-speed autoshifter is a standard all-speed traction-control system. Optioned up with Imola leather-trimmed upholstery, power moonroof, and the Luxury/Convenience Group (heated mirrors, perimeter lighting, compass), the bottom line on our test car rose from $23,950 to $25,250, including $650 in freight charges.
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008
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Smart ForTwo Crash TestThe smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for bo ... more... |
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