2003 Ford Taurus SEL Premium

Even in SEL guise, the Taurus makes no pretense at being a sport sedan. Nonetheless, fully independent coil-sprung underpinnings—MacPherson struts up front, parallel links with tension struts in the rear and anti-roll bars at both ends—do a surprisingly credible job of keeping things under control in most driving situations. Hard-line enthusiasts are likely to pine for a bit more feel in the power rack-and-pinion steering, a more linear brake pedal, and tires with a touch more grip than the standard 215/60TR16 all-season rubber provide. Rougher road surfaces can also subject the Taurus's otherwise peaceful inner sanctum to some low-frequency rumble and minor impact harshness. However, typical owners are more apt to laud its ability to balance the comfort/compliance/competence equation than to take real issue with any of those lesser shortcomings.


Given its basic people-moving mission, the SEL does possess better-than-average straight-line skills. Teaming the upline Duratec six with the electronically controlled autoshifter endows this capable sedan with sufficient off-the-line snap to hold its own in stoplight-to-stoplight charges while keeping freeway merge and pass maneuvers out of the white-knuckle category. Another impressive aspect of this drivetrain pairing is in its fuel efficiency. Despite extra helpings of power and torque, the twincam engine notches 20/27-mpg ratings from the EPA, matching the basic pushrod six in city fuel economy and giving away only one mpg on the highway side.

Gauges are easy to read and all controls are within reach. Optional leather upholstery is tastefully enticing, and dark paledo wood accents are new on the SEL trim level.

Inside, the Taurus offers a tasteful blend of colors and textures, particularly when decked out in the optional Imola leather trappings. Instrumentation is highly legible, and all major controls and switchgear are within easy reach. (Steering-wheel-mounted activation buttons for the cruise control merit particular praise as arguably the best in the business. Cruise switches are now illuminated.) The inner sanctum is also quieter thanks to redesigned door and window seals and sound-dampening carpet padding.


Although the front buckets are on the firm side, they score pretty well with respect to both comfort and supportiveness. While slightly less desirable, the rear bench offers adult-friendly levels of both head- and legroom. Child LATCH anchors and 3-point belts are provided for all three passenger locations, but a lack of padding in the center spot makes it a short-term proposition at best. Better to limit aft occupancy to two, flip down the convenient folding armrest, and deploy cupholders that reside below centrally positioned heat/cooling vents and settle back in comfort.

The optional upholstery upgrade now uses Imola leather to trim the seats. Rear seats fold, and a pass-through increases maximum cargo space to 17.0 cubic feet.

From basic SE grade on up, the seatback is split 60/40 and covers a generously proportioned passthrough that adds even more utility to the Taurus's 17.0 cubic foot trunk. Primary access to the cargo bay is via a good-sized cutout. However the decklid itself is supported on C-hinges that can usurp a bit of overall utility.