2003 Ford Econoline Wagon Review

TMV:
Appraise your car

Photos 360° images

N/A

Editors' Rating

Not Yet Rated | Read the Model Review

Fuel Economy

14 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com 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.

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 for 2003

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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Great Van

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XL 3dr Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)

Review

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!

Favorite Features

Weight capacity is great, we have 7 people and 4 dogs so we needed the size and capacity.

Suggested Improvements

Ford should get rid of the headlights always on thing, a lot of boo's at the drive in. Also the engine limiter at 87 mph is a drag especially trying to pass semi's.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Solid Vehicle

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XLT 3dr Ext Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Although this is normally a commercial vehicle, this is one of our family vehicles. We have a large family and this is very reliable, tough and easy to drive for it's size. We use this around town and on long trips and never a problem. Parking in town is difficult but again for its size, it has an amazing turning radius. Very satisfied with this van!

Favorite Features

Size and reliability is great. Comfort is good for a big van. Seats remove with ease.

Suggested Improvements

We put an after market DVD system with two screens (front and back). A necessity if you are taking children on a long trip.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Excellent

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 4 Exterior Design: 7

Vehicle

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-150 XLT 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Great for hauling kids. Our second one in three years.

Favorite Features

Step bumper, sliding side door, excellent heater/ac, great room behind seats, great acceleration, excellent visibility (no blind spots.)

Suggested Improvements

Don't know why they got rid of the drawer under the front passenger seat; put it back. Hand holds on "A" pillars are useless; get rid of them.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Best All Around Vehicle

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-350 SD XLT 3dr Ext Van (5.4L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This is the second E350 V10 EXT van that I've owned, although it is the first brand new one, my first was bought at an auction 2 years ago, I traded it to a friend at 65000K and it will be used as a work truck now. My new one is really unbelievable, i still have the V10, that is essential. I only got a 12passenger this time, but it is still great. Plus I got a 6- disc, very nice. Interior up front feels roomier, and still the same, best comfort as before. Great AC/Heat system. Got dual batts this time, for extra power. Got 4.10 Limited-slip rear, which will really help out in winter. Looking forward to testing that out. This truck is really the best all-around truck that I've owned.

Favorite Features

V10 is a must for power; +300HP & +450Torque. New front-end. Towing Mirrors, able to see more. 4.10 limited-slip rear, big improvement. Interior room and comfort. New stereo w/ 6-Disc CD & 6 Speakers.

Suggested Improvements

Towing mirrors need to be auto dimming inside and out, glare from lights behind and sun is unbearable. Also auto folding tow mirrors w/turn signals would be nice. V10 emblems on both sides of front is better than one. Stereo needs to be more wattage, and better speakers. Side-Impact Air- Bags.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Great Van!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon E-150 XLT 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This has been a solid vehicle that fills its intended purposes perfectly. We needed lots of interior room, above average seating capacity, and much more towing capacity; this E150 does it all. I tend to forget I'm towing our tent trailer as this van makes it an effortless task. To top it off, though this was the first time we bought a vehicle on the internet, it was a fabulous experience.

Favorite Features

Motor size/towing capacity, interior room for both people (8 passenger) and cargo (fully 4 feet from the back seat to the back doors!), smooth and quiet ride, great stereo.

Suggested Improvements

Can not think of any.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Buying & Selling

Vehicle Details

Multimedia

  • Photos
  • 360° View
  • Photo Archive

Ratings & Reviews

Payment Calculators

Helpful Tools

Advertisement

Advertisement