Opinion - '03

[Frmrdug]

Thought I'd post this to help with those who are looking at getting an 03:



First of all, I do like my new truck! There are pro's and con's of it though, as compared to my old '96 model- Like:



Pro's of the 03:



1. Four doors - yea!

2. Quietness - really nice

3. Lots of nice in-cab features

4. Exhaust straight through, no cat

5. Low end response is great, even stock

6. Trans/torque convertor seem to grab better stock than older ones did stock.

7. Much better brakes



Con's of my 03:



1. 4 doors, but smallest full size out there. Back seat gets by, but not very big. Front is harder to access, (lower a-pillar) and door post hits your shoulder when seat is all the way back. Seats are thinner, cheap and stiff feeling compared to 96, which was like sinking into a lazyboy!



2. Lower end is better, top end is much less than impressive. Will put a power box in soon!



3. LONGER turning radius than my '96.

4. 17" tire options - very limited, why can't they put bigger ones on from the get go?

5. Still difficult to mount toys under dash.



I'd invite anyone to reply and add to this list. Hope it helps those looking. I've had mine a week, and looking forward to doing those power improvements and tire change soon!

 

[wyosteve]

Fmrdug, you've echoed my impressions too. Test drove a 03 HO 6 spd a few weeks ago. Didn't seem to have the snap my 01 w/ EZ does. Also don't like the 4 doors. I seldom if ever have anyone in the back, so like the quad cab style better. Easier access to the back seat. Other than the outside sheet metal, there seem to be few changes. Even the seats look the same. I'm seriously considering a Ford now since they still make the supercab style and the new engine with a 6 spd. should be excellent. Plus, the Ford interior seems more plush or finished to me. Just my thoughts.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Well I have to say that I really like our new truck. My other truck is an automatic and the new manual pulls amazingley well. The interior is actually roomier than the 01 and the seats are a little stiffer. I hope they will softer after break in. The only thing that I don't like is the top end power. If I let off the gas it seems to run a little better. Maybe 3/4 throttle insted of WOT. I think DD or Edge will have a cure for that soon. The steering on the new truck is very impressive. No pull, No wander, Nothing. It just tracks strait and cruises down the road great. If I could afford to bomb another truck as much as the 01, I would sell it and buy another 03 4x4 2500.