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2003 FORD ECONOLINE OVERVIEW
New for 2003• E-550 Super Duty Cutaway model wîth five wheelbase options, 17,500-pound and 19,000-pound GVWRs added in mid-2002
• E-350/E-450/E-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab models
• New front grille wîth integral Ford emblem
• New standard base power mirrors (Van/Wagon)
• New available mid-series power mirrors wîth puddle lamps (Van/Wagon)
• Available manual telescopic trailer tow mirrors (E-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab/Cutaway)
• Two new interior colors : Medium Flint, Medium Pebble
• Three new exterior colors : Merlot, Silver Birch, Mineral Gray
• New headliners
• Driver's side grab handle standard on all models
• Industry-standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on Wagon models
Overview
Ford E-Series has been America's most versatile van for more than 40 years. Since its introduction in the fall of 1960 as a 1961 model, more than 6 million E-Series vehicles have been built. E-Series has set a §egmènt standard wîth product innovations, customer loyalty and sales leadership since 1979.
The E-Series models include a Commercial Van, Recreational Van, an XL Wagon and an XLT Wagon. Van and cutaway/stripped chassis models have the strength and durability for various commercial jobs, while the wagon offers room for family utility. New for 2003 are the E-350/E-450/E-550 Chassis Cab models; a Chassis Cab differs from a Cutaway in that the rear of the cab is enclosed.
The E-Series is assembled in Lorain, Ohio.
Design
A new grille wîth an integrated Ford emblem leads the design changes for 2003. The base grille is molded in color, textured and surrounds sealed-beam halogen headlamps, while the high-series grille features chrome trim, giving the vehicle a family resemblance wîth the Super Duty pickup line. Also new this year are standard power exterior mirrors on XL and XLT Wagons and Commercial Vans. Recreational vans feature standard power exterior mirrors wîth integrated puddle lamps. E-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab and Cutaway models feature manual telescoping trailer tow mirrors wîth dual lenses ? flat and convex.
Merlot, Mineral Gray and Silver Birch are new exterior colors for 2003. Medium Flint and Medium Pebble are new interior hues. The E-Series has aerodynamic styling that complements its image as a hard-working vehicle. Wraparound bumpers help protect front-end sheet metal in minor impacts. A light charcoal bumper is standard on the Commercial Van and XL Wagon. A chrome bumper wîth rubstrip is standard on the Recreational Van and XLT Wagon.
Available packages include a Chateau Appearance package, Exterior Úpgrade Package, RV Plus Package, Motorhome Prep Package and a Shuttle Bus Prep Package. The E-Series cargo area is a double-well design ? a full-size Van exclusive ? which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo.
Packaging
Introduced in spring 2002, the E-550 Super Duty is available as a cutaway or chassis cab in five lengths, wîth wheelbases of 159.5, 177.5, 191.5, 209.5 and 233.5 inches. The all-new E-550 Super Duty boasts the highest GVWR available in a van cutaway (17,500 and 19,000 pounds), which provides for heavier payloads to meet the demands of various commercial applications. Frame and suspension improvements ensure smooth ride and handling characteristics.
The E-Series Van and Wagon are available in regular- and extended-length models. The Van offers a cutaway version wîth a choice of three wheelbases and a stripped chassis version wîth four wheelbases. The standard side doors on the Van are 60/40 swing-out. A sliding cargo door is a no-cost option. The E-Series offers up to 256.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space, wîth up to 309.4 cubic feet in extended Van versions.
Two innovative storage systems are available to best utilize that cargo room. The EconoCargo System helps protect cargo wîth durable panels of high-density polyethylene. The liner materials resist acids, gasoline, salt, fertilizers, cleaners, insecticides and many solvents. This system has a distinct advantage over similar systems sold by the competition: It is insulated. The insulation is installed behind the EconoCargo Panels and insulates the roof, walls and door panels. With this insulation, the interior of the E-Series wîth EconoCargo retains heat and cold more efficiently, which can provide many more vocational opportunities for Van buyers, including food service markets, produce farms and medical supply. The Racks and Bins System is ideal for customers who must secure tools and parts. It includes fully installed steel shelving, drawers and cabinets, and a full-width safety partition provides work area access from the passenger compartment. These packages are available at no extra charge.
New to the lineup is an E-350 wîth a 138-inch wheelbase and three-way-tipping flatbed ? ideal for landscape operations.
The E-Series Wagon offers five different seating configurations, accommodating from seven to 15 occupants. The deluxe engine cover console is standard on all E-Series Wagon, Van and cutaway models and includes dual-bin storage, four cup holders, coin slots, ashtray and cellular phone holder. A tilt §teering column is standard on all models.
A CD/AM/FM radio wîth six-disc capacity and six speakers is offered as optional equipment, as is a dual-media cassette/CD player. Carpeted front floor mats are offered on the Wagon (standard on XLT/Chateau). Vinyl floor covering is standard on Cargo Van. An optional overhead console includes an outside air temperature display, directional compass and storage/garage-door opener holder.
Powertrains
The E-Series offers five engines, beginning wîth a 4.2-liter OHV V-6. Three Triton engines (4.6L SOHC V-8, 5.4L SOHC V-8 and the 6.8L SOHC V-10) have a deep-skirt engine block design and low-friction components to enhance reliability and fuel economy. In January 2002, the 5.4L engine was named Ward's Auto World magazine's 'Ten Best Engines' for the sixth year in a row.
Rounding out the engine lineup is the 7.3L Power Stroke turbo diesel V-8.
The 5.4L V-8 is available wîth a compressed natural gas fuel system.
The E-Series has a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission wîth heavy-duty components. A wide-ratio version has wide gear ratios to take advantage of the engine's broad torque range. A practical benefit of the excellent power on E-Series is its outstanding trailer towing capability. When properly equipped, the E-150 Van can tow up to 6,800 pounds, the E-150 Wagon up to 6,500 pounds and the E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended Wagon up to 10,000 pounds. All Wagon and Van models have a standard Class I Trailer Tow Package that includes a four-pin trailer wiring harness. An available Class II/III/IV Trailer Tow Package includes an electric brake controller wîth tap-in capability, seven-pin trailer wiring harness wîth bumper bracket and relay system for backup/running lights.
Safety and Security
The driver and right front passenger second-generation air bag supplemental restraint system provides protection in frontal and near-frontal collisions. Side-door intrusion beams provide additional protection in certain side collisions. Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps provide §teering control in hard-braking situations.Source - Ford
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