|
2003 Buyer's Guide: Ford
|
| New car changes for 2003 |
|
| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 177 ( -22 -12.42% ) | | Author | Tara Baukus Mello |
|
|
Description:
   Buyer's Guide Home
2003 Automaker Guides
Select a make
Acura
Audi
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Saab
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
What's New in 2003
From the A4 Cabriolet to the Nissan 350Z.
2002 vs. 2003
New car...or newer car?
All About Rebates
Understanding rebates is the first step to getting a great deal.
Teen Buying Guide
Figure out the best, and safest, first car purchase.
Shop Smart
From reviews to configurators, everything you need is at your fingertips.
Safety Guide
New cars are getting safer every year.
Car Reviews
Read what the experts and consumer have to say about the newest new cars.
Auto Shows
Check out the latest and greatest, straight from the Auto Shows
E-mail
Have a question? Ask the editor...
With the Firestone tire issue and a spate of recalls behind them, Ford heads into its 100th anniversary on a high note. 2003 will be marked with countless celebrations commemorating the company's centennial. A special website has been developed for the anniversary featuring stories about Henry, the Model T and more, while a 53-foot trailer will house the 100th Anniversary Experience, a touring display filled with memorabilia, milestone timeline and a special centennial video.
On the vehicle side, is commemorating the year with a special-edition Centennial Package on its Explorer, F-Series, Focus, Mustang and Taurus models, which will feature special interiors and unique badging and will be offered only in black. Early in the production of the Model T, Henry discovered that black paint dried faster than other colors, which meant a faster production process. Because was able to produce more vehicles in less time, he was able to reduce the price of the Model T, making it affordable to many Americans and thereby bringing the automobile within financial reach of the middle class.
  Ford Crown Victoria
 Â
MSRP Range: $23,150 - $28,355
A favorite among law enforcement and taxi drivers, the Crown Victoria has had a serious overhaul for 2003, although most of the changes are not obvious at first glance. Of note are significant changes to the chassis, including a stiffer frame, redesigned independent short- and long-arm front suspension, speed-sensitive variable assist power rack-and-pinion steering and standard anti-lock brakes. The results from the changes are plentiful and include improved tracking at highway speeds and more precise handling when cornering and on rough roads. Other changes include three-point seat belts for all seating positions, wiper-activated headlamps and a valet key as standard, while AM/FM cassette with CD and side air bags are also available.
Â
  Ford E150
 Â
MSRP Range: $21,530 - $26,390
Ford's E-Series gets a few significant changes in 2003, including the LATCH child seat system, a standard handle on the driver's side and exterior revisions that center around the grille and Ford emblem.
Â
  Ford E250
 Â
MSRP Range: $22,400 - $23,245
Ford's E-Series gets a few significant changes in 2003, including the LATCH child seat system, a standard handle on the driver's side and exterior revisions that center around the grille and Ford emblem.
Â
  Ford E350
 Â
MSRP Range: $24,880 - $29,865
Ford's E-Series gets a few significant changes in 2003, including the LATCH child seat system, a standard handle on the driver's side and exterior revisions that center around the grille and Ford emblem.
Â
  Ford Escape
 Â
MSRP Range: $18,670 - $25,880
Ford will debut their Escape Hybrid model sometime in 2003, as well as a Limited edition model with leather interior, heated front seats, and side impact bags.
Â
  Ford Excursion
 Â
MSRP Range: $35,330 - $47,375
Excursion will soon be headed for SUV heaven, but before Ford stops production they have plans to add a new Eddie Bauer edition, and a 6.0 liter engine will be introduced later in 2003.
Â
  Ford Expedition
 Â
MSRP Range: $30,555 - $41,085
The 2003 Expedition gets significant chassis improvements as well as a few new comfort and convenience features. The fully boxed frame uses hydroformed rails to increase torsional rigidity by 70 percent, while four-wheel independent suspension improves ride both on- and off-road. AdvanceTrac electronic stability monitors and improves tracking, while Brake Assist improves braking distance. Inside, the internal design of the instrument panel has been changed to reduce squeaks and rattles, while the third-row seat has a power function. 's new Safety Canopy side curtain airbag, which offers protection in a side-impact, is now available as an option.
Â
  Ford Explorer
 Â
MSRP Range: $24,585 - $34,510
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
Â
  Ford Explorer Sport
 Â
MSRP Range: $21,355 - $27,915
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
Â
  Ford Explorer Sport Trac
 Â
MSRP Range: $22,255 - $28,490
The Sport Trac gets only minor changes for 2003, most notably in the interior with restyled low-back bucket seats, new door trim and new interior colors. Late in the model year, will introduce the Adrenalin Edition Explorer Sport Trac, a limited production model which comes equipped with a 485-watt Pioneer sound system and 16-inch, five-spoke Thumbprint aluminum wheels. The Adrenalin edition also features several items from other Sport Trac packages, including fog lamps, front tow hooks and side step bars.
Â
  Ford F150
 Â
MSRP Range: $18,540 - $35,995
Ford has put its efforts into creating a quieter driving experience for the 2003 F-Series pickup. Engineers made 75 changes to the truck, including adding sound absorbing materials and reducing air leaks, to quiet down the cabin, while two new editions give the F-Series a new look. The STX package, available on XL or XLT Regular or Super Cab models features chromed 17-inch wheels and a premium audio system, while the new Heritage edition, has a two-tone exterior with chrome tubular running boards and Heritage badging. In early 2003, a new, 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 325 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque, will be offered with a new, five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission in the F-250 and F-350 models.
Â
  Ford F250
 Â
MSRP Range: $21,120 - $34,200
Ford has put its efforts into creating a quieter driving experience for the 2003 F-Series pickup. Engineers made 75 changes to the truck, including adding sound absorbing materials and reducing air leaks, to quiet down the cabin, while two new editions give the F-Series a new look. The STX package, available on XL or XLT Regular or Super Cab models features chromed 17-inch wheels and a premium audio system, while the new Heritage edition, has a two-tone exterior with chrome tubular running boards and Heritage badging. In early 2003, a new, 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 325 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque, will be offered with a new, five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission in the F-250 and F-350 models.
Â
  Ford F350
 Â
MSRP Range: $21,575 - $36,065
Ford has put its efforts into creating a quieter driving experience for the 2003 F-Series pickup. Engineers made 75 changes to the truck, including adding sound absorbing materials and reducing air leaks, to quiet down the cabin, while two new editions give the F-Series a new look. The STX package, available on XL or XLT Regular or Super Cab models features chromed 17-inch wheels and a premium audio system, while the new Heritage edition, has a two-tone exterior with chrome tubular running boards and Heritage badging. In early 2003, a new, 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 325 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque, will be offered with a new, five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission in the F-250 and F-350 models.
Â
  Ford Focus
 Â
MSRP Range: $12,470 - $17,930
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
Â
  Ford Mustang
 Â
MSRP Range: $17,475 - $28,645
The hot news on the 2003 classic pony is the introduction of the Mach 1 high performance edition. A throwback to the original Mach 1, the 2003 model features a "shaker" ram air scoop which channels the air to improve performance, as well as a subtle trim appliqué and an air dam extension. A 4.6-liter, V-8 is boosted further with specially calibrated cams, a modified upper intake with ram-air and performance exhaust manifolds. Inside, seats are covered in a black leather pattern similar to the original vehicle while polished aluminum coats the accelerator, brake, clutch and dead pedals. Despite the retro-looking instrument cluster, the 2003 Mach 1 includes such modern features as a six-disc, in-dash CD changer. Just 6,500 Mach 1 vehicles will be built for 2003.
Â
  Ford Ranger
 Â
MSRP Range: $12,565 - $25,010
The big change for the 2003 Ranger is the addition of its new Wheels and Tunes package, available in early 2003 on the XLT 4x2 SuperCab models. The package includes 16-inch machined, five-spoke cat-eye aluminum wheels shod with low-profile Michelin high-performance tires. The tunes side of the package includes a MACH MP3 audio system, which plays CDs in traditional and MP3 music formats. Also available is an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Â
  Ford SVT Focus
 Â
MSRP Range: $17,480 - $17,480
The Focus SVT has added a five-door hatchback model to its popular SVT Focus line up. Based on the Focus ZX5, the five-door SVT Focus is powered by the SVT-tuned 2.0-liter Zetec four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Like the three-door version, the exterior has unique front and rear fascias and rear hatch spoiler as well as body color-keyed side mirrors, rub strips and door handles.
Â
  Ford SVT Mustang Cobra
 Â
MSRP Range: $33,125 - $37,370
The SVT team has given its super-popular SVT Mustang Cobra a performance boost by adding a Roots-type supercharger and water-to-air intercooler to the Cobra's 4.6-liter V-8. The most powerful production Mustang yet, the new system produces 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Unique front and rear fascias and functional hood scoops give it a distinct look, while a six-way power adjustable driver's seat and leather-trimmed seats with Preferred Suede seating surfaces increase the comfort level.
Â
  Ford Taurus
 Â
MSRP Range: $19,035 - $23,300
Taurus will get stylistic and comfort enhancements for 2003, including wood trim, standard power doors and windows, tilt steering and floor mats.
Â
  Ford Thunderbird
 Â
MSRP Range: $35,390 - $38,890
The new Thunderbird gets both performance and interior upgrades for 2003. The 3.9-liter, 32-valve V-8 aluminum engine now has variable cam timing, resulting in a boost to 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 286 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Other new features include standard all-speed traction control and a SelectShift feature for the five-speed automatic transmission, allowing the driver to manually shift the vehicle without the use of a clutch. On the interior, the Thunderbird gets a redesigned analog instrument cluster, while heated seats are available. The new Saddle interior package includes full leather saddle seats as well as a saddle leather steering wheel insert and shift knob.
Â
  Ford Windstar
 Â
MSRP Range: $20,585 - $20,585
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
Â
  Ford Windstar Wagon
 Â
MSRP Range: $22,340 - $34,040
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
Â
  Ford ZX2
 Â
MSRP Range: $12,815 - $14,315
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
 |
| Similar news: | - Ford Aims to Reduce Explorer Rollover Risk - Ford Motor Co. will include a rollover stability control system as standard equipment on its most popular sport-utility vehicle, the Explorer, for the 2005 model year. Safety advocates said it was the first time a major US carmaker has ...
- Survey finds lower-income, minority home buyers most likely to opt for ARMs - WASHINGTON Lower-income and minority buyers are most likely to choose adjustable-rate home mortgages over fixed-rate loans but are especially likely to be hurt by the rising interest rates that often accompany ARMs, according to a survey released ...
- Man pleads guilty to extortion of Eddie Bauer - SEATTLE A Pakistani man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of attempted extortion after federal prosecutors alleged he threatened to release photos of child laborers at an Eddie Bauer apparel factory unless the company paid him $685,000.
| | Find all news similar on 2003 Buyer's Guide: Ford |
|
