2003 Ford Econoline Cargo Review
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Massive cargo-hauling ability, wide range of configurations.
Cons
- Offers very few convenience features, engines can't match power of GM's offerings.
What’s new
For 2003, all vans get power exterior mirrors, and you can get a deluxe set of mirrors with puddle lamps as an option. Additionally, you can select an optional sliding side cargo door in lieu of the standard hinged side doors. Other changes include new cloth headliners, a few new interior and exterior color choices and a new grille with an integrated blue oval emblem.
Edmunds says
Buying a commercial van for business use is easy. Pick from Dodge, Ford or General Motors. The E-Series is now a decade old in terms of design and engineering, but it remains competitive. If Ford can outfit one they way you want, there's no reason to look elsewhere.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-150 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$296/mo for Econoline Cargo E-150
Econoline Cargo E-150
vs
$314/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Introduction: Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford's Econoline Van has a favorable, well-earned reputation. Since the van's introduction in 1960, Ford says it has sold more than 6 million Econolines.
The current Econoline lineup is extensive. There are the base-model E-150, the E-250, the E-250 Extended, the tougher E-350 Super Duty and the E-350 Super Duty Extended. Ford equips each of these vehicles in either recreational-use (Econoline Wagon) or commercial-use (Econoline Van) trim. Recreational trim is for large families or people who want customized conversion vans or RVs, while the Econoline Van commercial models are used by tradespeople to cart equipment from job to job. It is upon the latter that we will concentrate here.
If you want to purchase a new full-size van for business use, you're going to end up with the Econoline, the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana or the Dodge Ram Wagon. Each are similar in price and size. The GM vans have the advantage in horsepower, but otherwise your buying decision should come down to pricing and getting a van configured the way you want.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: Ford's commercial-use Econoline Van is available to the general public in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton sizes. For those whose hauling needs aren't too intensive, there is the base E-150 model. If you have a bit more on your plate, select the E-250, which comes in two lengths -- regular (211.9 inches) and EXT (231.9). Finally, for contractors with the heaviest payloads (up to 4,000 pounds), there is the E-350 van, also available in regular and extended lengths.
In base form, the vans are equipped rather sparsely -- two vinyl bucket seats, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel adjustment, power mirrors, a two-speaker stereo and 16-inch tires with steel rims. Among the available options are functional items like a second-row bench (so that you can carry the whole crew), a towing package and shorter axle ratios for enhanced towing ability (most with a limited-slip differential), as well as "luxuries" like cloth upholstery, captain's chairs, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo with a cassette deck and a power group with keyless entry and power windows and locks. Powertrains and Performance: The Econoline is available with five different engines (or six, if you count the special-order 5.4-liter natural gas V8). E-150s, E-250s and E-250 Extended models come with a standard 191-horsepower 4.2-liter V6. Optional on the E-150 and E-250 is either a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter V8. The 4.6-liter produces 225 hp and 286 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.4-liter makes 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended models have the 5.4-liter V8 as standard. To upgrade, you can go with a 305-hp 6.8-liter V10 or Ford's 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8. This monster cranks out 215 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.
Four-speed automatic transmissions are standard across the model line. Trailer ratings range from 6,600 lbs for an E-150 with the V6 to 10,000 lbs for an E-350 Super Duty with the 4.10 axle ratio. In terms of the payloads you can carry, the range goes from 6,700 lbs GVWR for the E-150 to 9,500 lbs GVWR for the regular-length E-350. And then there's the matter of cargo space -- up 309 cubic feet of it.
Safety: All Econolines come standard with four-wheel ABS, second-generation front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for the driver and passenger. E-150s come with rear drum brakes, while E-250s and 350s have four-wheel discs. Interior Design and Special Features: Besides adding an optional second-row bench to accommodate your staff, you can increase your van's day-to-day livability (for people, anyway) by equipping it with swing-out side glass and fixed rear glass and/or a sliding side cargo door (in place of the standard hinged doors).
Driving Impressions: Despite their old-fashioned suspension designs, Econolines feel relatively stable and confident when driven on the highway. Given their size, of course, they can be rather cumbersome to park or maneuver through heavy traffic. However, the virtues of sitting tall with a panoramic view of the road ahead can outweigh many a minor inconvenience.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Econoline Cargo.
5 star(55%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
350,000 miles going strong
dlf105, 04/20/2010
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-250 3dr Ext Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this van over a year ago with 330,000 miles on it, its the ext. 3/4 ton version with a 4.6l. I was skeptical at first but for $1500 I figured it was worth a shot. We drive it everywhere, its been on several 6-8 hours trips. I use it to haul Mx bikes to the races. The 4.6l gets around 16-17 mpg on the highway fully loaded which is 4 bikes, 4 guys and all of our gear for a … weekend of racing and riding. If you need something to haul stuff, this is it. Find one that was well maintained and you can't go wrong.
5 out of 5 stars
Solid, well built, dependable
sac7000, 06/10/2003
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-150 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
After one month of ownership I am very
happy with my new van. Very well built,
extremely quiet, even more quiet then
my 1997 Chevy Cavilier was. Handles
like a dream with excellent visiblity
and a solid braking when needed. I
bought this van remembering how much
fun I had owning a 78 Ford van years
ago. It's big, it's comfortable and I
feel very safe in it.
5 out of 5 stars
satisfied customer
db, 02/06/2007
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-250 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Never had to return to dealer. Changed oil every 3000 miles. Had transmission serviced regularly. Changed brakes at 95,000 miles. 18 mpg hwy.
2.13 out of 5 stars
Bad Tranny's
Shari, 08/05/2005
1999 Ford Econoline Cargo E-350 Super Duty 3dr Ext Van
This van has to have a new tranny every summer! I have 82,000 miles on it and have had 4 tranny's put in. They have a transmission fluid over heating problem. It gets too hot and the cooler is too small; gets plugged and fries the tranny. Got tired of dealer so passed on having them stick in another bad tranny. Put in our own cooler, switched to synthetic fluid. So far so good. Van … has serious tranny problems and service has really stunk. This is the first year we have so far so good got through the summer. Never again! What a nightmare this van has been. Run like the wind...
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Ford Econoline Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Econoline Cargo since its last redesign.
2003 Econoline Cargo Highlights
E-150
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,955 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $296/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 256.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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