The Good
The 2003 F-250 Super Duty boasts exceptional towing and hauling performance, a durable chassis, and a muscular design. Its spacious cab offers decent comfort for a heavy-duty truck. Practical buyers appreciate its utility and strong resale value, while emotional buyers connect with its "go anywhere, do anything" capability and powerful presence, embodying true American truck spirit.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2003 F-250 Super Duty include significant reliability issues with the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine (EGR cooler, head gaskets, oil cooler). Rust is common on the frame and body panels. Gasoline engines can suffer from spark plug ejection and exhaust manifold stud failures. Worn suspension components (ball joints) are also frequent.
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 5.4L Triton V8 (gasoline): 260 hp, 350 lb-ft torque
- 6.8L Triton V10 (gasoline): 310 hp, 425 lb-ft torque
- 6.0L Power Stroke V8 (turbodiesel, new for 2003): 325 hp, 560 lb-ft torque
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 5.4L V8: ~10-14 MPG combined
- 6.8L V10: ~9-13 MPG combined
- 6.0L Diesel: ~13-18 MPG combined (highly variable)
- 0-60 Times: Not typically measured for heavy-duty trucks, but generally 8-12 seconds depending on engine and configuration.
- Towing Capacity (max, varies by config):
- Conventional: Up to ~12,500 lbs (6.8L/6.0L)
- Fifth-Wheel: Up to ~15,000 lbs (6.0L diesel)
- Trim-Level Features:
- XL: Base work truck with vinyl seats, rubber floor, manual windows/locks, AM/FM radio. Focus on durability and cost-effectiveness.
- XLT: Mid-range, adding cloth seats, power windows/locks/mirrors, chrome grille, air conditioning, cruise control, CD player, upgraded interior trim.
- Lariat: Top-tier, featuring leather seating, power-adjustable heated front seats, automatic climate control, premium sound, alloy wheels, fog lamps, woodgrain accents, remote keyless entry. Aimed at luxury and convenience.
- Optional Features (across trims): 4x4, various axle ratios, camper package, towing package, off-road package, sliding rear window, privacy glass, running boards.
- Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) standard on XLT/Lariat, optional on XL (rear-wheel ABS standard on XL).
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | F-250 Super Duty |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Pickup Truck |
| Category | Standard Pickup Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | JEFFERSON COUNTY |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 6375 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 8800 pounds |
| Overall Height | 80.20 inches |
| Overall Length | 247.60 inches |
| Overall Width | 79.90 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 158.00 inches |
| Standard Seating | 6 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 5.4-L V-8 SOHC 16V |
| Engine Size | 5.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Recirculating |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $33,205 |
| Invoice Price | $29,136 |
| Delivery Charges | $795 |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Have?
For the gasoline engines (5.4L and 6.8L Triton V8/V10), spark plug ejection due to insufficient threads in the cylinder heads, particularly in earlier 2-valve designs, is a known concern, though potentially less prevalent on the 2003 model. Exhaust manifold studs are also prone to breaking, causing exhaust leaks.
Common long-term reliability concerns across all models include significant rust on the frame, rocker panels, and cab corners, especially in regions exposed to road salt. Front-end suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings wear out, especially on 4x4 models or those used for heavy work. While the transmissions are generally robust, high mileage and heavy use can lead to issues. Recalls have addressed items like cruise control deactivation switches (fire risk) and brake light switches; owners should always check their VIN for open recalls.
How long will the 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment: Standard audio was typically an AM/FM stereo, with an optional AM/FM/CD player or cassette player on higher trims like XLT and Lariat. There was no integrated Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary input. Instrumentation consisted of traditional analog gauges for vital vehicle information. Manual air conditioning and heating were standard, with automatic climate control available on the Lariat. Power windows, locks, and mirrors were standard on XLT and Lariat, while the base XL trim featured manual operation. Remote keyless entry was an option on XLT and standard on Lariat.
Driver-Assistance Features: These were virtually non-existent. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring were decades away from becoming standard in this class. Drivers relied on conventional driving skills and awareness.
Safety Features: Standard safety equipment included driver and front passenger front airbags. Side airbags or curtain airbags were not offered. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard on XLT and Lariat trims and optional for the XL, which otherwise came with rear-wheel ABS. Three-point seatbelts were provided for all outboard seating positions.
Crash-Test Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) generally did not conduct comprehensive frontal or side-impact crash tests on heavy-duty trucks like the F-250 Super Duty in this era. Therefore, official, widely published crash-test ratings similar to passenger vehicles are not available. Its robust frame and substantial mass, however, provided a degree of inherent occupant protection.
What Colors Options are Available?
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Prices and Market Value
Today, current used market prices vary significantly. High-mileage or cosmetically challenged examples can be found for $5,000 - $10,000. Well-maintained, lower-mileage, or 'bulletproofed' diesel trucks can command $15,000 - $25,000+.
Depreciation for heavy-duty trucks is generally slower than passenger vehicles, especially for diesel models due to their utility. Factors heavily affecting resale value include the engine type (diesel often higher, particularly if 'bulletproofed'), overall condition (minimal rust, clean interior), documented maintenance history, lower mileage, and desirable configurations like Crew Cab 4x4.
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Cost of Ownership
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Fuel Efficiency
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Safety Rating
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2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Warranty
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2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Compare to Other Pickup Truck?
Performance: The F-250 offered strong towing/hauling, particularly with its new 6.0L Power Stroke diesel providing excellent horsepower and torque. The 6.8L V10 was a powerful gas option. Rivals included GM's 6.6L Duramax diesel (with Allison transmission) known for smooth power, and Dodge's legendary 5.9L Cummins diesel, prized for its torque and durability.
Features: All three brands provided comparable trim levels (XL/XLT/Lariat for Ford, Work Truck/LS/LT for GM, ST/SLT/Laramie for Dodge) with similar amenities such as AC, power accessories, and basic audio. Ford's Lariat was competitive with luxury offerings from GM and Dodge.
Reliability: This is where the 2003 F-250 had its biggest challenge due to the 6.0L Power Stroke's well-documented reliability issues (EGR, head gaskets, oil cooler). Ford's gas engines were more reliable but not without their own potential problems. In contrast, GM's 6.6L Duramax/Allison combo was considered highly reliable, often superior to the early 6.0L Power Stroke. Dodge's 5.9L Cummins was renowned for its "bulletproof" longevity.
Price: New prices were similar across the board. In the used market, un-modified 6.0L F-250s often sell for less due to perceived risk, whereas Duramax and Cummins trucks frequently command higher prices due to their established reliability.
Alternatives: For those prioritizing diesel reliability from this era, the 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax/Allison or the 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel are often considered more robust alternatives to the early 6.0L Power Stroke.
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty a Good Pickup Truck?
Is it worth buying today? Yes, but with significant caution. Being a used vehicle, its value proposition hinges heavily on its condition and, crucially, its engine. If considering a 6.0L Power Stroke diesel, it's only recommended if the truck has documented "bulletproofing" (EGR cooler, head studs, oil cooler fixes) or if you budget significantly for these preventative repairs. Otherwise, its reliability can be a major financial risk. Models with the 6.8L V10 gasoline engine offer strong performance and generally fewer catastrophic engine issues, albeit with much higher fuel consumption. For comfort and features, XLT or Lariat trims are preferable. It's a worthwhile purchase if you truly need its heavy-duty capabilities, understand its specific weaknesses, and are prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs.