2003 Ford Econoline

2003 FORD ECONOLINE OVERVIEW

New for 2003

• E-550 Super Duty Cutaway model with 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 with integral Ford emblem

• New standard base power mirrors (Van/Wagon)

• New available mid-series power mirrors with 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

OverviewFord 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 segment standard with 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


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 with 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, with 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 with a choice of three wheelbases and a stripped chassis version with 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, with 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 with 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 with 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 with 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 steering column is standard on all models.

A CD/AM/FM radio with 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 with 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 with a compressed natural gas fuel system.

The E-Series has a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission with 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 with tap-in capability, seven-pin trailer wiring harness with bumper bracket and relay system for backup/running lights.

Safety and Security

Source - Ford