2003 Ford Econoline Wagon Review and Specs

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

Solid Vehicle

Written by: Jeff Sharp on 08/31/2005

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.

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Excellent

Written by: family of 8 on 01/05/2005


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

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

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

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

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.

Best All Around Vehicle

Written by: James21 on 11/06/2004


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

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.

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.

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.

Great Van!

Written by: csubwebczar on 08/13/2004


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

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.

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.

Can not think of any.

Vanpool

Written by: alshoe on 05/25/2004


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

This is a leased 10 passenger van. I vanpool approximately 140 miles round trip per weekday in Los Angeles, CA traffic. Our previous van, a 2000 Ford Club Wagon, was not the stretched version and had a V10 engine. This one, the 2003, is stretched and has a V8. The V10 was much more responsive and powerful. However the V8 provides adequeate power and averages 1.5 to 2.0 MPG better than the V10 on our commute. With fuel prices rising, that is a plus! It would be nice if Ford offered a hybrid version of this van. Bottom line, considering the abuse our van gets, it has been reliable and have not had any major mechanical problems.

Reliability. Smoother ride than previous Ford full size model.

More power from the V8. Or offer a hybrid version. More passenger leg room (fault of customizer). Rear climate control system either too hot or too cold, no good medium in temperature.

2003 Ford Econoline Wagon Consumer Ratings & Reviews