2003 Ford F-350 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, 12,500-pound conventional trailer capacity.

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

6.0 Diesel

Written by: DL davis on 04/11/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	4
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4dr Crew Cab XL Rwd LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have enjoyed everything but the number of times this vehicle has returned to the dealership for injector problems. Ford has pretty much admitted they can"t fix it. The warranty left 2 weeks ago and the truck will soon follow. I won't be buying a Ford diesel this time, but probably will try a GMC or Dodge diesel!

Favorite Features

Torqueshift transmission was great no problems. Fuel economy OK. 10-14mpg

Suggested Improvements

Offer some type of refund for all the inconveinence and lost profits

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6.0L Diesel Problems

Written by: Bill on 03/18/2007


Performance:	1	Fun-to-Drive:	1	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	4	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	5

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4dr Crew Cab XL 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

The 6.0L Diesel has been nothing but an expensive problem. Can't keep fuel injectors in it. Ford does not care about the problem. I know of many others who own the 6.0L diesel and have the same problems. If you pull a trailer or carry heavy loads, the 6.0 can't handle it. If you are a "Weekend Cowboy" and just ride around in the truck, it might be ok.

Body and interior hold up well. The truck looks good.

Reimburse customers for the continual, same repairs to the 6.0L diesel.

Outstanding

Written by: Ford man on 02/23/2007


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

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Absolutely great truck. Power to spare, and excellent mileage for such a big truck. I hauled a 3000 lb. slide-in pickup camper for years with no noticeable difference in handling. I hated to see these 7.3 diesel engines get phased out.

7.3 engine is a powerhouse. You can carry anything you can fit in the box. With aggressive tires this thing will go anywhere.

Needs larger brakes - can't seem to keep rotors on it.

Great Truck

Written by: binko on 08/14/2006


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

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2dr Regular Cab XLT 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

Had a F250 4x4 gas truck that rode bad. This F350 4x4 rides almost like a car. It has a 6.0 diesel that has been problem free. They had to reprogram it once. I have had no other problems at all with this truck. Power is great; runs better than the gas truck plus I am getting twice the mileage. Am averaging around 17mpg. I run this truck pretty hard. I have driven a diesel truck for 33 years as an over the road driver so I know how to operate one. I think a lot of people who have problems with a diesel really don't understand how they work. You can't operate it like a gas engine.This is the best Ford truck I have ever owner and I have owned a few. I would not even go look at any other truck.

6.0 diesel engine with the 5 speed auto. Inside comfort with styling and ride. A real work horse. Pulls my boat like it isn't there. Up hills my friend with a gas Chevy goes out of sight behind me.

I have a truck with everything I could need. Power back window would be nice and I hear that Ford has that now.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Lemon

Written by: Lemon on 06/02/2006


Performance:	1	Fun-to-Drive:	1	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	1	Interior Design:	1	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	1

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)

This is is with out a doubt the worst vehicle I have ever owned! It spent more time in the dealer than on the road. This is the Ford F350 6.0 turbocharger. It is known for its problems but Ford is trying very hard to keep it under their hat. Four turbochargers were replaced before it had 17k miles, with an array of other problems. They have definitely lost quality control!

None.

Better interior and quality control on who makes their parts.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty Consumer Ratings & Reviews