2003 Ford Econoline Wagon Review
2003 Ford Econoline Wagon Review
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Used Econoline Wagon for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Massive people-hauling and cargo-toting ability, powerful engines, wide range of configurations, comfortable seats.
Cons
- Truck-like fuel economy, unwieldy size, limited second-row legroom, lots of wind noise.
What’s new
Ford has deleted the family-friendly Traveler Package from the options list for the E-150 XLT, but two-tone exterior paint, running boards and a rear cargo organizer have been added to the Chateau Package. You can pick up the rest of the Traveler features -- including leather upholstery, rear entertainment system and trailer preparation -- as stand-alone options. Additionally, all models get a standard set of power exterior mirrors. If that's not enough, there's an upgraded set with convex blind-spot mirrors and puddle lamps newly optional across the line. Inside, XLT models are now equipped with dual-illuminated vanity mirrors. Finally, the Ford emblem is moved from the hood to the grille.
Edmunds says
Why buy a minivan when for the same price you can have a full-size van? Oh right, parking and fuel economy, to name just two. Well, if you've got nothing but wide-open spaces and lots of cash to plug into the tank, give the Ford Econoline Wagon a try.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-150 XL 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$330/mo for Econoline Wagon E-150 XL
Econoline Wagon E-150 XL
vs
$322/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Introduction: What if someone offered you a vehicle with better gas mileage and almost twice the interior cargo volume of a Ford Excursion? What if this vehicle could hold as many or more people (in greater comfort) than an Excursion, while also costing less? Finally, what if the vehicle offered superior ride quality over an Excursion, while being no more difficult to drive?
"What's the catch?" you might be asking. Well, it only comes in two-wheel drive, and it won't earn you a membership in the not-so-elite club of SUV Pilots Unlimited. That said, the Ford Econoline Wagon, in either E-150 or E-350 Super Duty designation, is better than an Excursion in nearly every way. The vehicle offers 257 cubic feet of cargo volume (309 cubic feet in E-350 EXT trim), compared to the Excursion's paltry 146 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Ford's Econoline is also a foot shorter than an Excursion (except in EXT trim), has a nearly identical wheelbase and turning radius and, depending on trim and equipment, can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds less than Ford's King Kong SUV.
In the real world, this translates to a vehicle far more capable, and efficient, at toting people and gear from points A to B, unless extreme offroad conditions exist between those two points.
Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford's Econoline Wagon has a favorable, well-earned reputation. Since its introduction in 1960, Ford says it has sold more than 6 million Econolines.
If you want to purchase a new full-size van or wagon, you're going to end up with the Econoline, the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana, or the Dodge Ram Wagon All four vehicles have similar prices, wheelbases and maximum passenger capacities (15 people). The GM vans have the most powerful engine lineup, but beyond that, we recommend that buyers in this market focus on the pricing and packaging that meet their needs.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: The current lineup is extensive. There is the base-model E-150, the tougher E-350 Super Duty and the E-350 Super Duty Extended. Each of these vehicles is offered in either XL or XLT trim. Both XL and XLT come standard with items like driver and passenger second-generation airbags, tilt steering, air conditioning and a Class One trailer-towing package. XL models have front bucket seats, while XLTs get front captain's chairs. Available options include an upgraded tow package and an in-dash six-CD changer. If you want a family-oriented van, stick with the E-150 XLT, as it can be optioned with second-row captain's chairs (as part of the Chateau Package), a rear entertainment system and leather upholstery. Powertrains and Performance: Five different engines are available. E-150s come with a standard 191-horsepower 4.2-liter V6. Optional on the E-150 is either a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter V8. The 4.6-liter produces 225 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.4-liter makes 255 horsepower 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-horsepower 6.8-liter V10 or Ford's 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8. This monster cranks out 215 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque way down at 1,800 rpm. Trailer ratings range from 6,600 pounds for an E-150 Wagon powered by a 4.2-liter V6 to 10,000 pounds for an E-350 Super Duty.
Safety: All Econolines come standard with four-wheel ABS, but otherwise safety features are pretty basic. The van hasn't been fully crash-tested, but it did earn four out of five stars for both the driver and passenger in NHTSA's frontal crash test. One downside is its rollover rating -- "poor" -- which can be attributed to its high center of gravity and relatively narrow track and wheelbase (particularly in E-350 Extended form). When heavily loaded with passengers or gear, passenger vans of this type are especially susceptible to rollover incidents. Interior Design and Special Features: Inside, the Econoline offers comfortable seating (particularly if your van has the optional captain's chairs), though legroom is a bit tight for those sitting in the second row. Depending on which model you choose, the Econoline can seat 7 (E-150 XLT with Chateau Package), 8 (all other E-150s), 12 (E-350) or 15 passengers (E-350 Extended). Cargo space is prodigious, with anywhere from 257 to 309 cubic feet at your disposal. Driving Impressions: Driving an Econoline, despite its passenger seating, differs little from piloting a delivery vehicle, so it's not a logical choice for everyday motoring -- though quite a few families happily employ their Wagons exactly that way. The virtues of sitting tall with a panoramic view of the road ahead can outweigh many a minor inconvenience. And despite their old-fashioned suspension designs, Econolines feel relatively stable and confident on the highway. Excessive wind noise tends to drown out conversation in the cabin, however.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon.
5 star(43%)
4 star(46%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
FORD 100% BETTER THAN CHEVY
JOE MASTENCIA, 12/09/2002
2002 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XLT 3dr Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
I DROVE BOTH VANS AND HANDS DOWN THE
FORD KILLED THE CHEVY. I ORIGINALY
WANTED A CHEVY BUT I WAS SWAYED BY
FRIENDS THAT OWNED FORD VANS AND THEIR
FEEDBACK MADE ME MAKE THE SWITCH. FORD
CARS ARE IFFY BUT THEY SURE KNOW HOW TO
MAKE A TRUCK.
5 out of 5 stars
Killer Traveler Van
suburbank2500, 07/25/2003
2002 Ford Econoline Wagon E-150 XLT 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
This van is my daily commuter; It's got
the Traveller package, and the kid
quiet option (2 screens with a VCP).
I've always been 'get the bigger motor'
but the 289 (4.6L) v8 is just fine. I
get about 20-21 on highway, 15-17
mixed. the ONLY thing is it's a rear
wheel driver, so I'll have to retrain
myself for winter. Don't waste your
money on some tinny, mini-van. They …
don't have nearly the room and cost
about $2-$3K more
4.25 out of 5 stars
nice van
Bob4634, 10/21/2002
2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XLT 3dr Ext Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
its a nice van, plain and simple can
do lots of work. Useful for small
bisniesse
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great Van
Superdad, 08/02/2008
2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XL 3dr Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
This van replaced my 1999 150 van with the 4.6. It is night and day. Granted 1/2 ton to 1 ton jump but the difference was huge! I wish they made more of these in diesel. One tough van!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Econoline Wagon since its last redesign.
2003 Econoline Wagon Highlights
E-150 XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $330/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
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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