2003 Ford F-150 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With a wide variety of cabs, styles and equipment from which to choose, you can't go wrong. No wonder it's the best-selling vehicle in the world.

Pros

Wide range of configurations and features, capable powertrains and suspension, attractive styling inside and out.

Cons

Poor IIHS crash test result, everybody and his brother has one.

What's New for 2003

Arriving in 2003 for the XLT supercab styleside configuration is the Heritage Edition, which includes 17-inch wheels, a chrome cab step and various stylistic flairs such as a black bedliner, a lower valance, paint striping and a paint scheme with a raised cut-line. Also new is an STX edition for the XL- and XLT-trimmed regular and supercabs that includes an MP3 player combined with a monochromatic color scheme and clear lights, among others. Upgrades for the fancy King Ranch flavor consist of fake wood for the interior, lighted step bars and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. For the Lariat, expect a standard rear window defroster and a Pioneer CD and cassette system (the latter is also newly available on the XL and XLT). Harley-Davidson models have the option of getting a two-tone black-and-silver paint. Finally, a new LATCH system helps you tie down the kiddie seats properly.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

03 Lightning = Great Buy

Written by: George on 09/17/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab SVT Lightning Rwd Flareside SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)

Review

Year 3 of owning my Lightning. It is daily driven for most of the year. She gets into the occasional 'spirited acceleration' now and then. Picked it up with 25k on the clock, now have 73k. I take good care of it, pretty much looks and runs the same as the day I got it. Only issue Ive ever had was the starter going around 50k. Beyond that plenty of tires (my fault haha), and recently rotors and pads. Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned!

Favorite Features

Power power power. Imposing appearance (i.e. GET OUT OF MY WAY). Surprisingly enough, I noticed this hot rod had a truck bed in the back. Wow! I can put stuff in it!

Suggested Improvements

Factory tonneau would be nice, not as an option (SRT-10 anyone?). Rear bumper, which is usually chromed on most F150s, is not paint primed on the Lightning and other models with colored-keyed bumpers. That means its quick to chip.

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Great Truck - Zero Problems

Written by: Big D on 04/12/2009


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

2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (4.2L 6cyl 5M)

Bought this truck new for my son for school and work. He has over 140,000 miles on it now and not a single trip to the Service Dept except to change the fluids. Has exceeded all expectations. When they say Built Ford Tough, its true!

Durability. Ease if driving.

For the price and durability, can think of any.

What a Wonderful Truck

Written by: RedWingFan on 10/25/2008


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

2003 Ford F-150 4dr SuperCrew XLT Rwd Styleside SB (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

I love this truck! It is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I have driven and hauled trailers across the country from Miss. to Montana and back to Mich. and this truck has no problem at all. I have the 4.6 engine and I have 70,000 miles on it and it runs just as good as the day I bought it. I change the oil every 3-4k and I still get 20mpg on the highway. I couldn't ask for a better truck. I will drive this truck until the doors fall off or a million miles, whichever comes first...My son wants the truck but only after I'm dead and gone. I only drive Ford trucks. No other truck compares in my book. I have had four other Ford trucks in my days but this is the best. Period.

I love the body style. I have the DVD in the header that flips down for the kids and the six CD changer. The interior has plenty of room for my 6' stature. Plenty of leg room in the rear seats. Four doors open far enough for easy access. Very comfortable ride on long or short trips. No complaints.

If I had a complaint or two it would be that I only have a two wheel drive. I should have got the four wheel drive, but I lived in the south at the time I bought it and didn't think I needed it at the time. And the sound system could be better but that's fixable.

Great Truck

Written by: Many Klatch on 10/01/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab XLT Rwd Flareside SB (4.2L 6cyl 5M)

My 6 cylinder F-150 has been a real workhorse. My last couple of Ford Rangers lasted 150,000 miles before I traded them in and the F-150 seems to be on the same track. I get 22 mpg in mixed city and hiway driving with the manual 5 speed if I keep my foot off the gas. The 6 cylinder has all the power I need to haul lots of weight on those occasions when I need to haul 1,500 pounds. I had to replace a broken overload spring and upgraded to a heavier set to handle the weight. The engine didn't have a problem with a full load. The acid test was that the engine hauled all that weight over the Pennsylvania Turnpike in cruise control with very few problems.

Tachometer and full instrumentation, AC controls (love the option for outside air on panel setting) 5 speed manual transmission

Need a place to dock my iPod. Need a better top on the padded box between the front seats, the top gets worn slick and feels sticky to a bare arm.

If it wasn't for the rust

Written by: Greg on 08/25/2008


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

2003 Ford F-150 4dr SuperCrew XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Great truck. Hauled great. K&N Air Intake, custome cat-back dual exhaust added. Gas miliage...well it's a truck so what do you expect! If it wasn't for gas prices, I would still have it. The bottom of the doors are starting sto show rust. Concerns me. Sold it just recently for a silly low amount. Bought a Mazda6. I will own a truck again, and it will be a Ford.

Excellent power!

Better rust warranty..that's it.

2003 Ford F-150 Consumer Ratings & Reviews