2003 Ford Econoline Wagon/Van: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford's full-size cargo and passenger vans get new grilles and other minor changes for 2003. Econoline cargo vans come with or without windows and rear seats in 1/2-ton E-150, 3/4-ton E-250, and 1-ton E-350 versions. Passenger vans come in E-150 and E-350 models. E-250/350s offer regular or extended-length bodies, E-150s regular only; both have center-opening rear cargo doors and either 60/40 doors or a single slider on the passenger side. Cargo vans come standard with two front bucket seats, but can carry up to five with the rear bench included in the Crew Van package. Regular-length passenger vans seat from 7 to 12 passengers, while extendeds carry up to 15. Engines are base V6, two gasoline V8s, gas V10, and turbodiesel V8; the turbodiesel is the same 7.3-liter unit used last year rather than the newer, more powerful 6.0-liter in this year's F-series pickups. All engines team with automatic transmission. Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. For 2003, the former Traveler Package with its dual-screen video entertainment system has been dropped, while power-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors are newly optional on XLT models.

COMPETITION

It is a toss-up between Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana in the full-size van market. They share chassis and engines, and this year add a left-side passenger door, optional AWD, and a host of other user-friendly features. GM's upgrades help Express and Savana beat out Ford's Club Wagon for a top spot in the class, though we do recommend the Ford for its creature comforts and day-to-day reliability. The Dodge Ram wagon is now only available to commercial buyers.