2003 Ford E-Series

The venerable E-Series van has been a staple in Ford's lineup for more than 40 years. Since its introduction in 1960 as a 1961 model, the E-Series (or Econoline, as it was previously known) has hauled every conceivable cargo from pets to people to produce. Its last major redesign was way back in 1992, the same year it was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year. However, the E-Series carries on into the 2003 model year stronger than ever.

The E-Series Wagon models have multiple side windows, and for 2003 get the industry-standard LATCH for securing car seats in the rear seats.

As one of the most versatile vehicles ever built by Ford, the E-Series can be ordered in dozens of configurations. Look around while you're driving. Chances are you'll see an E-Series. It might be a shuttle bus at an airport, it could be alongside you on the highway hauling someone's worldly possessions inside a U-haul truck or it could be transporting a little league team to a game. E-Series' can be purchased with chassis capacities ranging from E-150 all the way up to the recently introduced E-550 Super Duty with a 19,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).


There are four major body styles within the E-Series lineup. The first is what Ford refers to as "Vans." They have no side windows behind the driver's compartment, and seating for only the driver and front passenger. These come in E-150, -250 and -350 classifications, and are almost always used for commercial chores. The second and third body styles are the exclusive domain of the business customer. Commonly known as "cab and chassis" vehicles, these are nothing more than a cab mounted on the E-Series' full-frame chassis rails. One is offered with an enclosed cab and no cargo area behind the cab, like you'd find in a delivery vehicle where you want to keep cargo separate from the driver. The other has a cab that is open to the rear for use in vehicles such as airport shuttle vans where the driver needs to interact with passengers. These cab and chassis vehicles range in size from E-250s up to E-550s.


The fourth vehicle is what Ford calls a "Wagon," which describes an E-Series with multiple side windows and seating ranging from seven (E-150 Wagon) to 15 passengers (E-350 Super Duty Extended Wagon). These are the E-Series models that average consumers are likely to purchase and the versions we test drove.

E-150 Wagons come standard with a 191-hp 4.2L OHV V-6 or available 225-hp 4.6L SOHC or 255-hp 5.4L SOHC V-8s.

Changes to the E-Series Wagon for 2003 are minor. These include a new grill, upgraded power side view mirrors, new headliners, the addition of a driver's side interior grab handle, two new interior colors and three new exterior colors. In addition, the wagon also gets the industry-standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for securing car seats in the rear seats.