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Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008
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Comments
I'm also interested in confirming something about Taurii since I just purchased one. My cruise buttons do not illuminate at night, though they are coded by touch. Is it correct that they do not illuminate? I didn't think much of it until I drove my friend's Alero this weekend and noticed that hers were illuminated, and if they are supposed to be illuminated I'd like to get it corrected.
#2 seems like fuel filter. The filter is $15 and very easy to change. You won't loose anything for trying. Appears to be a starvation for fuel. It could be air filter too...
Let us know what you find...
I know that the buttons in my '98 do not light up. I've had a few loaner Sables/Taurus over the last 3 years, but I can't recall whether the buttons were lit in those cars or not.
"For 2003, the Taurus gets an interior that's updated and much quieter. New seals for the doors, windows and rearview mirrors along with new sound damping in the floor make for a quieter cabin. Illuminated cruise control switches have been added and the controls for the adjustable pedals have been moved to the instrument panel for easier access. New seven-spoke wheels add a fresh look to the 2003 models.
For 2003, more features come standard, including power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column and floor mats. Seat coverings, both leather and cloth, are improved, with lighter colors used to brighten the car's interior. 2003 also brings new dashboard treatments."
Its really a shame that Ford decided to basically let this wonderful car languish while they spent un-told dollars on trucks and SUVs! I guess that the decision to go for fleet sales (rentals) meant that the consumer got the left overs as Ford decided to become a truck company. A shame that they now have to play catch up with the 500 and other new vehicle lines when they had the classic vehicle line that was at one time, synonymous with the mid sized family car.
What a shame that when Ford comes out with a vehicle to once again challenge the Camry and the Accord as the best selling car in America it will not be called a Taurus.
As a two time Taurus owner (also an '89 Wagon)I think this was a real screw up by the Ford folks!
So if you want to nitpick about minor features, you can find things to nitpick on any car. Besides, it appears Ford did add the lighted buttons as a running change. Certainly not a deal breaker anyways, as it takes only a few times to learn the feel of the buttons and operate them at night without lights.
Yes, Ford did concentrate most of its efforts in recent years on trucks and SUV's, but wouldn't you do it also if your profit margins were bigger on those vehicles? New car models will be introduced in the next few years. My main concern is that they drop the well known Taurus name in favor of Futura and 500. That and the Futura may be a bit small for a "mainstream" family car and the 500 may end up too big and likely more expensive. We will see when they are introduced.
Barring my car getting totalled somehow, I won't be in the market for many years anyways.
While my car was getting repainted, we rented an '03 SES with a bazillion options from the dealership. For those who ever have to have warrantee work done, though I did have to pay for the rental, when I played a polite hardball, they negotiated with me on the price, until I was down to $18/day with unlimited mileage (started at $26). Just an fyi, that though you may have to pay, it may be worth it to request that you get a fairly inexpensive price, if it is within the 3/36.
Anyway, the rental was gorgeous, though I'm partial to my car because I'm more at home in it. The rental had the center gearshift, the leather package, a sunroof, MACH speakers, traction control, power-adjust pedals, etc. It was that pretty metallic gray color. I've read that Taurus leather packages wear prematurely, so I was wondering if anybody with experience had comment on that. Also, if anybody had the center console, I was wondering if they could speak to their preference of that. I found it more sporty looking and aesthetically pleasing, but after having adjusted to all that extra space in the center for my purse and whatnot, a bit cumbersome. However, that center console is very large, and the storage spaces are all very nice.
Just a curiosity thing. I also enjoyed the sunroof immensely, though I'm cheap and a graduate student so I'd have a hard time justifying paying for that as an option.
Aside from the options, I had a hard time noticing much difference between the '02 I own and the '02 I rented (both SESes). I didn't notice any "new dashboard treatments," but maybe I just didn't catch any. I could've sworn the car had five-spoke alloys but I may be wrong. I guess the cabin was quieter-- if anything the engine felt more powerful but it wasn't a Duratec-- but maybe I just thought it was quieter because I had read your post, S852.
Yes, Taurii have perhaps been a bit neglected by Ford, but my last experience with a Ford was the '89 GL I grew up with (it was the family car), and I'm astounded by how far it's come. One of my friends who is very into car appearances even commented on how far Tauruses have come. They look better, outside and inside, and the second generation Tauruses seem better mechanically (this coming from a girl who doesn't know much about cars) as well.
chicagosky, my wife's 2001 SEL has the leather, sunroof Mach audio with 6 Cd changer, traction control and center console....We like a lot the console and floor shifter and feel it gives the car a sporty and upmarket feel. One great thing about the console is that with it the 6 CD changer is mounted right inside rather than the trunk. I love the Mach audio system and the sunroof! The car will be 3 years old this coming March so I really can't speak well re the long term life of the leather but her dove gray interior still looks and feels great. I mean, the leather isn't glove soft Rolls Royce quality but then I paid less for the car then RR probably pays for its seats!
Chicagosky I like bucket seats more. First it is more easy to switch gears, esp when driving. Then there is central armrest that is mostly occupied by CD changer, but still there is some place to put stuff. Also it looks handsome and sporty. Mach audio system may be okay but CD players sound quality sucks. I would install something else. Adjustable pedals were proven to be useless, moonroof and leather are great but it is free option anyway on premium cars. I prefer leather because you don't get ussie with static. And it looks and feels nicer than velure.
In the new 2004 Freestar, Ford eliminated the illuminated glove box - a feature they used to offer for years, even in the old Aerostars. But they added illuminated controls on the steering wheel for cruise control and audio controls.
Now my question is, the new 2004 interior of the Taurus is very similar to the new Freestar. The same instrument panel and steering wheel, etc. So somebody should check out if the glove box is still illuminated when you open it? And how are the 2003 and earlier models, are the illuminated?
I personally liked the Windstars instrument panel more than the new Freestars modern design; but the Taurus is a different story. A digital odometer for the first time! and the numbers on the gauges are more bright and clear than ever on Taurus.
I also miss the under hood light!
New steering wheel on 2004 seems too busy to me. I find older one more elegant. But that style started from European Mondeo, where it looks more handsome.
Gauge cluster is made in VW style. The placement of gauges makes uncomfortable to watch speedometer and tachometer at the same time. You don't need unimportant gauges in the center. Don't know why they'd choosen to mimic VW.
The bench seats felt like hard slabs, with less thigh support, less lumbar support (this is in cars without power lumbar on either type seat), and it felt like you sat ON the seat, not IN it. And I'm comparing power seats, same upholstery type, etc.
I sought out a bucket car on purpose, and have not regretted my decision one bit. I've been on a couple of 500+ mile trips (one way) and have been very comfortable without fatigue. For me, the buckets are the best choice. I'd recommend that people try both types and decide what suits them best.
I haven't seen the new dash/steering wheel (where has everyone seen it) but I do like the dash on my wife's but do wish the wheel has audio controls.
1 - I have to agree with the steering wheel comment, I like the old one better. Also, the cruise control buttons look like add ons...more suited to my son's Focus.
2 - As to the gauge placement...looks to me like change for change sake. Think the old style has a more traditional look (it worked for Mercedes for a long time) and the new look doesn't bring anything to the table for me.
3 - Is the console new this year too or was that change made before? I like the adjustable cup holder and the general look of my wife's 2001 better.
4 - Finally...I noticed 3 vertical buttons just to the right of the gauge cluster. Are they trying to go back to that "remote" button audio control method they had back in the mid 90s?? If so, I think that is a lame alternative to wheel mounted controls.
I am going in to get my 30k mile transmission fluid/filter change after work at my dealer after work, so if I see any 04's around I will take a closer look and report back tomorrow.
The 3 buttons are for the message center, also copied from other Ford models, and could be very useful.
Another illuminated control missing from the Freestar (for the first time) is the audio power/volume knob. You can't see it at night. It's beyond my thoughts why Ford decided to do so. In the 2004 Taurus it shouldn't be a problem, since the audio & temp. controls remains unchanged. Ford says that the Freestar is the best minivan Ford has ever built (?) I doubt if it really is :-(
I really hope that someone of Ford is reading our posts and will improve these things in the next models.
Per the brochure at least, only the SEL has the white gauges with black markings, all other models have black gauges. Speedometer is now offset to the right with equal sized tach on the left. Don't know if I like that, but is no big deal either way. The steering wheel is different, but appears OK. Might be slightly better ergonomics to the cruise control buttons. Otherwise no earthshaking changes.
As usual, my service experience at this place was phenomenally quick. In after work, out in less than 45 minutes. They have service department hours until 11 pm every week night and also 8 AM-5 PM saturdays. I called ahead for appointment, but they said no need, just bring it in and they would get on it right away. Pricey, though as I expected-$132, but I decided at least for the first (30K) transmission service I would let the dealer do this one. Other routine things like oil changes and all filters I do myself, so my overall routine maintenance costs are pretty low.
I got a quick look at a new Freestar in show room. Looked OK inside, though it appears a lot more spartan than our 96 Caravan SE Sport. Exterior was so close to Windstar that I doubt if most people will even notice it.
The taurus has been far from competitive to the camry and accord for some time now. Even the previous generation camry and accord were far better cars. With the introduction of the new malibu and rapid improvement of the south korean entries, the taurus is finding itself overwhelmed in this segment.
what do i base this on? if you follow the auto industry i think you know i can list a long "laundry" list of the whys.
how can the taurus possibly be competitive when ford needs to use HUGE incentives in order for them to sell.
ford is doing exactly the right thing in regulating these cars to rental/fleet sales. the taurus name has too much of a "rental" car connotation to use on a new model.
the ford futura is one of my most anticipated cars.
I had 93 Civic (brand new), 91 Accord(used) and 99 Accord (brand new). They were very good cars. But they were just cars like others. I didn't see any superiority on those I drove...
Handling wise I think My Taurus is as good as my last Accord. In fact,it is quiter with Yokohoma Avid tires
Styling wise, I really like gen.4 Taurus that I have one now. Accord is good too (camry is ugly) but why pay extra to name..
Quality wise, I am very happy with it. It just shows some problems here there but easy to fix and cheaper to maintain. I do my own maintenance, parts are widely available and reasonable priced.
As a matter of fact I am shopping Wagon Duratec now as second car to replace Neon. Taurus gives the most bang for your buck. And each time I lurke into Accord Problems forum, I laugh at those people. They paid the premium price but they just got an ordinary car.
Some people talks about refinement bs that I never understood. What is so refine about Accord and Camry? Bottons..? Steering wheel..? Shifter...?
What..? I belive this is just a hype. People love to belong a social class. Definitive entities of this class can be house, neigborhood, car, brand name clothing etc...
I believe, the accord owners or I should say import owners (they are not really import in this global economy) are associating themselves with such class and trying to justify their purchase by telling themselves that how refine their cars, how superior the thecnology of their cars and try to boost their confidence on their imports by simply humiliating other brands. At least this is what they think.
why did ford ever bother to introduce the ford focus? i'm sure the civic and corolla were not superior cars to the escort but only so in the minds of its owners.
and why is ford even going to the trouble to build the ford futura and 500? don't those idiots at ford know the taurus is more than a match to the accords and camrys of the world. it doesn't matter how many times they been redesigned while the same ole taurus carrys on.
memo to ford. it's not the car's fault but the gullible consumer who's in big time denial who doesn't know any better.
i guess what i find so astonishing is that no one on this topic seems to share my frustration with ford for neglecting this all important segment for so long.
if there's any frustration on the part of anybody it seems to be focused on ford's competition.
thankfully, it does appear that ford is finally getting on the right track with the futura and 500.
they certainly wouldn't be going anywhere by blaming the consumer for their current situation with the taurus.
Honda made big mistake by pulling hatcback civic out from the market. Ford realized that put Focus into market and got market share. Many young people are driving hatcback focus. Now small car market is dominated by Neon, and Focus. Everywhere used to be hatcback civic. Now, you see many Neon and Focus in traffic.
Why do you have frustration? Every company has its own strategy. If Ford thinks it is time to put new car into market let them do it. If they fail, it will be their problem. The same thing for Honda or Camry.
Please try not to attach yourself to these car companies emationally. But if you think Ford is doing bad job which causes frustration on you, you might want to apply Ford for a position like R&D CEO or Marketing CEO or something. And we'll take it from there...
We drove vans for better than 16 years (one Toyota and two full size Fords) but now that the kids are no longer hauling everything they own everywhere we wanted to return to a "real car".
My Mom's got a 2000 Camry LE and its a nice car but really think it is very "cheap looking" compared to my wife's 2001 Taurus SEL.
You know, why do we always have to please everyone. Toyotas are fine vehicles if that's what you want. Ford did a lousy job with the Focus unless your my son who's got 45,000 trouble free miles on his 2001 SE.
Different people see the world differently and I say thank God for that! If you want to drive an SUV or a Toyota or a Honda well that's great. But I think companies need to not put all their eggs in one basket like Ford did with SUVs. I hope that when they come out with the 500 they don't do the same thing again...
First time 1993 I didn't get the Taurus wagon basically because my wife right there and then,in front of the salesman and manager, mentioned that after seeing the wagon she really wanted a minivan. Taurus wagon would've been sufficient. In 1996 we went again to a Ford dealership but I didn't like the car's sloping hood. Did not buy it.
What's the point here? Even though I owned a Camry I still wanted the perceived virtues of a Ford Taurus, which my Camry didn't possess then. My car felt like an econobox. However for 7 + years never visit the shop for repairs.
Taurus was built strong, safe and roomy. Camry was made reliable, economical and good looking. If Ford would've put great effort into putting dependability in the Taurus people would've flocked to get it.
you're not going to be able determine a car's overall reliability by reading a forum board.
i see you still continue to insist that consumers are being "duped" into spending more money for their camcords. your entitled to your opinion and i won't take it personally. but i think ford would love to have the demographics that honda has with its accord.
thanks for your (along with danielj6, nvbanker and fdthird) input.
I'm considering buying a brand-new '03 Taurus SES Deluxe sedan, but I'm wondering how much below invoice I should go for my initial offer.
I've always understood that Ford gives the dealer an additional 3% of MSRP (in addition to the normal holdback) on "leftover" models. In this case, that would be about $679. (MSRP is 22645 + 660 destination charge = $23310).
Any suggestions on where I should start (ballpark estimate)? The dealer in question has about 25 '03s on his lot and twice that number of '04s.
Thanks.
For the next 100,000 miles, I bet on the Civic to keep you going more cheaply, generally, and from experience.
However, my Explorer has 115,000 miles on it, just needed it's first major repair - a water pump and a front end bushing. That's not bad.
start at invoice - 3% and work up from there. Find out ahead of time ALL incentives and subtract those from the adjusted invoice price.
if the deal is close, no need to haggle over a couple hundred bucks.
So I would not consider a water pump a major repair.My opinion is it is a wear item like plugs, pcv,thermostat, antifreeze, tranny fluid etc.I'm not saying you replace the pump if nothing is wrong; but it shouldn't have been a expensive job.
Sorry if this isn't posted on the right board, but I'm still kind of new to this. Thanks.
Good luck,
Rob