Test Drove a 03 Hemi
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Test Drove a 03 Hemi
Test drove an 03 Quad cab 4x4 Hemi for 100 miles.
I know there's a 4 page thread already but wanted to add some impressions.
PLUS:
Lots of room for the driver & passenger - didn't attempt to use the back seats.
20' chrome wheels enhanced the trucks appearance in additon to the Sport PKG.
Infinity radio sounds much better then the stock Ford radio.
Ride was OK for a heavy truck on 20's.
Exhaust had a good rumble for a stocker.
NEGATIVES:
No way theres 340 horses there. Must commend the marketing folks. Truck felt slightly stronger then my 99 F150 4x4 Lariot.
Reading reviews on dodgetrucks.org - these owners aren't to happy. Unless the ABS fuse is pulled the truck will only read around 250bhp to the back wheels. Maybe 260bhp on a good day. Speedlimiter kicks in at 3rd gear so they can't even reach the power peek on the dyno unless the fuse is pulled.
The computer will nullify any induction changes or exhaust upgrades. You may get a couple HP but eventually the PCM will cancel any improvements. Aftermarket is in the process of developing a effective programmer.
The 5 speed automatic got confused on light throttle situations.
Would feel & hear clunks as if the box was undecided.
Many believe the torque converter is set loose to honor the 7/70 powertrain warranty. That means theres no way to get the full HP potential from the engine.
No trailer hitch or wiring harness - this should be standard on a $35k truck, not a $400 option. Inexcuseable.
Running boards are mandatory & should be standard - the other half had difficulty entering. At 6'3 I found myself sliding on the left seat cushing to exit/enter.
10mpg average economy..
Didn't see anyway for the tailgate to be locked.
The cupholder was broken & would not open.
Interior - looks outdated in comparison to the new F150.
A revision is needed for 04 - plain jane. Basic ergonomics.
Bottom line : Avg truck for the $$ but another Mustang fiasco with missing ponies.
I know there's a 4 page thread already but wanted to add some impressions.
PLUS:
Lots of room for the driver & passenger - didn't attempt to use the back seats.
20' chrome wheels enhanced the trucks appearance in additon to the Sport PKG.
Infinity radio sounds much better then the stock Ford radio.
Ride was OK for a heavy truck on 20's.
Exhaust had a good rumble for a stocker.
NEGATIVES:
No way theres 340 horses there. Must commend the marketing folks. Truck felt slightly stronger then my 99 F150 4x4 Lariot.
Reading reviews on dodgetrucks.org - these owners aren't to happy. Unless the ABS fuse is pulled the truck will only read around 250bhp to the back wheels. Maybe 260bhp on a good day. Speedlimiter kicks in at 3rd gear so they can't even reach the power peek on the dyno unless the fuse is pulled.
The computer will nullify any induction changes or exhaust upgrades. You may get a couple HP but eventually the PCM will cancel any improvements. Aftermarket is in the process of developing a effective programmer.
The 5 speed automatic got confused on light throttle situations.
Would feel & hear clunks as if the box was undecided.
Many believe the torque converter is set loose to honor the 7/70 powertrain warranty. That means theres no way to get the full HP potential from the engine.
No trailer hitch or wiring harness - this should be standard on a $35k truck, not a $400 option. Inexcuseable.
Running boards are mandatory & should be standard - the other half had difficulty entering. At 6'3 I found myself sliding on the left seat cushing to exit/enter.
10mpg average economy..
Didn't see anyway for the tailgate to be locked.
The cupholder was broken & would not open.
Interior - looks outdated in comparison to the new F150.
A revision is needed for 04 - plain jane. Basic ergonomics.
Bottom line : Avg truck for the $$ but another Mustang fiasco with missing ponies.
