What's New 

• Improved content in all vehicle arrays
• Upgraded SEL interior, including color-coordinated instrument panel treatments; a new satin-finish instrument cluster background; wood trim on the center stack, instrument panel and door switch bezels; a new 16-inch machined aluminum wheel; chrome exterior bodyside moldings and more luxurious optional premium leather trim
• Sport Package
• New Wood Appearance Package
• Wood treatment added to SEL arrays
  

2003 Ford Taurus

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 Key Features 

Safety/Security

• Personal Safety System™
• IIHS "Best Pick" in 2002
• Five-star government frontal crash test rating in 2002 (anticipated for 2003)
• Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Available All-Speed Traction Control
• Available side-impact airbags
• LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
• Emergency decklid release handle

Comfort/Convenience

• 5- or 6-passenger seating
• Available 6-way power driver's seat
• Cargo nets
• Rear passenger assist handles
• Large interior volume
• Easy-to-reach controls
• Power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals
• Flip-fold center consoles
• CD changer (6-disc)
• AM/FM single CD player
• Power locks
• Floor mats standard on all series
• Power windows
• Upgraded SEL interior
• SEL Wood Trim Package
• Optional SE Value Package

Performance/Handling

• A choice of two V-6 engines
• Responsive 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle
• Front-wheel drive
• Speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering with Duratec engine

Design/Styling

• Robust, aerodynamic styling
• Color-keyed bodyside molding
• Ergonomically designed Integrated Control Panel (ICP)

Quality/Reliability/Durability

• Electronic Engine Controls (EEC-V/OBD II)
• 100,000-mile scheduled tune-up interval
• One-piece bodyside construction
• Stainless steel exhaust
• Platinum-tipped spark plugs

Packages

LX Speed Control/Cassette Package

Package includes:

• Electronic speed control
• AM/FM stereo/cassette player

SE Value Package

Package includes:

• 6-way power driver seat
• 6-disc CD changer

Wood Appearance Package

Package includes:

• Real wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Simulated wood shift knob

Sport Package

Package includes:

• Unique 16-inch 5-spoke directional aluminum wheels
• Body-color spear on grille and decklid
• Two-Tone Cloth Sport Seats
• Pewter brush finish on center stack and floor console surround
• Unique Sport badging on front fenders
• Unique Sport badging on front floor mats

Safety Package

Package Includes:

• Side-impact airbags
• All-Speed Traction Control
  

3.0L OHV 12V Vulcan V-6 FFV
(Taurus)

The 3.0L OHV 12V Vulcan V-6 engine produces power without sacrificing efficiency. This engine is standard on Taurus LX, SE and SES. An electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle is also standard.

Major features and benefits:

• Cast aluminum lower/plastic upper intake manifold weighs less than conventional cast iron designs
• Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI) provides the precise amount of fuel at exactly the right moment for optimum performance
• Precision cast iron cylinder heads and cylinder block combine strength with stability
• 9.7:1 compression ratio helps ensure that the engine will run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel
• The valvetrain features self-adjusting hydraulic valve lash adjusters with roller followers and a quiet chain-driven camshaft
• The 60-degree V-6 engine is a naturally balanced V design that produces less vibration and smoother operation than 90-degree V-6 designs
• Center-located spark plugs maximize combustion efficiency
• Includes a long-life stainless steel exhaust system
• Lightweight valves for idle stability
• Tuned upper intake for midrange torque
• Electronic returnless fuel system for improved emissions and fuel control

3.0L DOHC 24V Duratec V-6
(Taurus)

The 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratec V-6 engine is standard on Taurus SES Deluxe and SEL. This engine provides more horsepower and torque than the Vulcan V-6 engine of the same displacement. An electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle is standard.

Major features and benefits:

• Cast aluminum cylinder head and cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners are lightweight, yet strong
• Isolated powertrain subframe with engine mounts with roll restrictor minimizes noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the passenger compartment
• Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI) enhances the fuel delivery system by providing fuel at precisely the right moment for optimum performance
• 10.0:1 compression ratio helps ensure that the engine will run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel
• DOHC 24V design improves engine breathing and contributes to higher performance
• EEC-V electronic engine controls ensure optimum performance and quick and easy problem diagnosis
• The valvetrain features self-adjusting hydraulic valve lash adjusters with roller finger followers and quiet chain-driven camshafts
• Composite valve covers for lighter weight
• Composite intake manifold for lighter weight

Electronically Controlled 4-speed Automatic Overdrive Transaxle (AX4S/AX4N/4F50N)

Taurus features a 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle (AX4S/AX4N).

Windstar Wagon features a 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle (4F50N).

Features and benefits:

• A compact engine/transaxle package
• Non-synchronized gear alignment provides improved shift quality and consistency (AX4N and 4F50N only)
• Fully electronic shift control provides smooth shifts, adding
  to the driver's sense of control and overall comfort
• Overdrive lowers engine rpm at highway speeds and contributes to reduced fuel use
• Engine torque control during shifts
• Electronically controlled modulated lockup torque converter
  in third and fourth gears for greater efficiency and improved fuel economy
• "Home-safe" mode allows limited function in second and third gears if electronic control is lost