2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The Ford is a fine choice, but the newer Dodge and General Motors heavy-duty trucks should also be considered.

Pros

Rugged construction, multiple configurations, competent off-road capabilities, high towing and payload capacities.

Cons

Noisy drivetrains, poor gas mileage, large size, stiff ride when unloaded.

What's New for 2003

The 2003 model year sees a new FX4 Off-Road Package with skid plates, Rancho front and rear shocks, a steering damper and decals. The regular off-road package is no longer available, but a skid plate package can still be had on all 4WD trucks. All XLs can be had with a vinyl 40/20/40 reclining split bench that has a fold down armrest with a console and cupholders. Ford has also upgraded seat material quality, and installed a tailgate lock on this trim level. If you order a SuperCab or Crew Cab in XLT trim with the Sport Package, you can also order a reverse sensing system and a power driver seat. Late-availability additions include an optional power moonroof for Crew Cabs and optional heated telescoping trailer tow mirrors with integrated turn signals. A King Ranch version of the Crew Cab will also appear later in the year. Finally, the torque rating for the 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 has been boosted to 525 pound feet. By mid-year, expect an even more-powerful 6.0-liter diesel to appear.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

River Truck

Written by: Rod on 09/09/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4dr Crew Cab XLT Rwd LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I use this truck for towing my boat to the river and for taking my baseball gear to practice (sons team). I love the truck. I installed headers and exhaust but did not help mileage much. I have a 6 inch lift and 35" tires and get 9-10 mpg. This is my only grievance with this truck but I drive it seldom so not such a big deal. Great truck.

Favorite Features

Big Truck. Very roomy and comfortable. Solid build

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage and more low end torque

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6.0l Diesel going strong.

Written by: JessH on 08/31/2009


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

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4dr SuperCab Lariat 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

I bought the truck used back in '05. The previous owner must have had the engine injectors and turbo changed (a common problem with the first 6.0l diesels), because this thing has been a powerhouse for me, never a problem. Now that its getting older, and has 100,000 miles, I am still pulling horse trailers, and loving the power. My only qualm is a weird rattle from the frame SOMEWHERE (can't seem to find it when not moving). I couldn't be happier with the truck, and will probably hold onto it for another 3 years, then give it to my daughter as her first vehicle (she can pull her own horse trailer then!).

Lariat interior, very comfortable. Hitch even has a small ring for the trailer e-brake cable. Truck looks good with a 1-size up oversize tire on stock rims. Oil filter is easy to change, and the truck has a great wine from the turbo.

Lower fuel filter extremely hard to change, as its inside the frame rail, behind brake lines. Air Filter is hard to change, due to lack of space, and the HUGE size of the filter. Front boots wear easily, and are hard to replace.

Best Truck on the market

Written by: SSG David on 03/05/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4dr Crew Cab XLT 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Loved this truck, performance was great. Used to call it my big sports car. Never had any mechanical issues at all, how ever it chewed thru tires once a year in the front end. Power when needed and a soft relaxing ride. I would buy another in a heart beat. The V-10 drank the gas like it was going out of style in the city but on the highway it was fair.

I would have to say in the end it was the saftey features that became my favorite part of hte truck. Rolled it 7 times and my Wife and I once cut out walked away with out a single scratch.

Have a chip or something that could down grade the V-10 to a V-8 when not needed like dodge is doing. The rear bench seat should fold down to a bed.

Ford Tuff!

Written by: Groovy Gary on 09/05/2008


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

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 2dr Regular Cab XLT Rwd LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Words cannot completely express the attributes of this truck. I was very hesitant about purchasing a what? V10 But oh my Gawd this engine is as smooth as a baby's bottom with fresh talcum powder on it. The truck is truely amazing. I love it! The ride is nice and smooth, the interior is nice and comfortable, the suspension is strong as an ox and the power to pull is overwhelming. Great truck!

The V10 engine and the seats as well as the center console and door compartments. The ride height is wonderful too.

Adjustable shocks for different terrains. Supercharger or turbo charger for the V10

A wonderful hauler

Written by: Paul on 07/21/2008


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

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4dr SuperCab XL Rwd SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

I have a 7.3 diesel. It's a wonderful hauler! The truck is very stable when hauling 2 yards of dirt or our 5th wheel trailer. I haven't modified the powertrain and see no need to. The economy of the diesel is about 14 in town and 19 highway; and about 11 with the trailer. Top build quality, over 100,000 miles and no squeaks. If you need to move heavy stuff, this is the one. If you only want a truck to look cool, the half-tonners are better for that. This is a serious work truck.

Drive train

More factory guages

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Consumer Ratings & Reviews