The cabin is relatively quiet. Significant noise, vibration and harshness controls were added for 2003: improved insulation in the floor, better sealing around the doors, the use of expanding foam in the windshield support pillars and other areas, and the use of new sealing materials in weld access holes.

Order the bench seats and the Taurus can seat six people. Opt for bucket seats and it will accommodate five. We found the bucket seats provided good lateral support for a family sedan, without being too tight for big guys. The cushions and seatbacks are more firm than soft, and firm is usually best on long drives. Available power adjustable pedals make a comfortable driving position possible for even very short-legged drivers.

For 2004, the steering wheel and instrument cluster have been updated and there's a new multi-function switch for the wipers, turn signals, and flash-to-pass. Controls and instrumentation are admirably simple, straightforward and easy to use.

The roomy rear compartment seats three, but is set up well for two as the seat forms two semi-buckets and has a pull-down central armrest containing two cupholders. A ventilation duct at the rear of the center console provides climate control for rear passengers. Dual baby-seat anchors are provided on each side of the rear seat. In the SE wagon and SES and SEL sedans, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down, providing an enormous pass-through luggage capability for skis and other long items.

With its 60/40 split rear seats folded down, the roomy Taurus wagon has space for a maximum of 81.3 cubic feet of cargo; with six passengers aboard, there's still 38.8 cu. ft. behind them.