Faults:

Turn signal broke as a result of road rage, dealer repaired, no questions, no problems.

General Comments:

My last Taurus was a 2000 model that I had to have when they changed body styles. I ordered one and loved it until the day I killed it after hitting a telephone pole and tractor trailer at 60 mph. All to pick up a call on the cell phone. I still managed to open the door and walk out.

Although my first Taurus was a fully loaded model, my replacement Taurus (paid for) is an LX with quite a lot of amenities. Cruise, power windows, locks, CD changer, etc. Only thing missing from the first Taurus is lumbar support, lighted visor mirrors, and fold down rear seat backs, and a payment.

I will say that 2003 got rid of the annoying things that bothered me about the 2000. I.E., fit and finish, road and wind noise.

Now I have the perfect 4dr sedan. Last trip from Atlanta to Dallas and back was 33 mpg. Smiled the whole trip with $1.97 per gallon gas prices. And remained perfectly comfortable the entire time.

A friend of mine, who is as dedicated to Mitsubishi Eclipses' as I am to Fords drove my car and commented how tight and precise it was, especially for a sedan.

I know when I hit my mid-life crisis I will purchase a Mustang, but for the time being, I appreciate the reliability, low cost ownership/maintenance of my Taurus.

I highly recommend this vehicle, especially for the budget minded consumer who believes in buying American.

Faults:

-Fluttering noise in front left quarter panel. (Dealer has been unable to fix).

-Brake rotors have warped twice in 3000 miles.

-Vibrations at highway speeds. (Tire Balancing)

-Grinding sound on acceleration from highway speed (was a fault in the Traction Control system).

General Comments:

The 2003 Taurus SEL Centennial is a great looking car. It also drives and performs extremely well for a car in its proce class. The interior is very well appointed with lots of (fake) wood and leather. I'm really impressed with this Taurus. It is my 5th Taurus - so I guess I like them. However, in virtually every model year I've owned (1989, 1990, 1994, 2001, 2003) I've had issues with vibrations, noises and brake rotors. The Taurus comes in under the price point of Camry's and Accords though - so it is a small price to pay for what is otherwise a very nice car for the money.