The 2003 F-150 FX4 was the last installment of this casual pickup truck's 10th generation. This truck is handy for everyday hauling, but it’s not the best option if you have any work to do off the beaten path.

Pickup trucks are among the most versatile vehicles, and the Ford F-150 is one of America’s oldest. Created to be a capable pickup truck with no frills, the F-150 has evolved to be one of the most heavy-duty go-to pickups for everything from towing to off-roading. But can the 2003 model say the same?

Jerry

, the insurance

super app

, is here to lay out all the details of the 2003 Ford F-150 FX4. We’ll touch on the most essential off-roading needs, how the F-150 fits the bill, and some other options if the 2003 F-150 doesn’t do it for you.

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Can the 2003 Ford F-150 FX4 go off road?

It depends. The 2003 F-150 isn’t as robust as the 2022 model, so it may require a few modifications to get it off-road ready. That being said, the 2003 F-150 FX4 can likely handle lighter off-roading situations.

The average 2003 Ford F-150 FX4 costs around $7,000. What are the advantages and limits of the 2003 F-150 FX4 as an off-roading ride? Let’s go over the specifics.

Ground clearance

When searching for an ideal off-roading vehicle, ground clearance is one of the most important measurements to look at. The 2003 F-150 FX4 has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches, making it a bit of a stretch for serious off-roading adventures. Vehicles need a ground clearance of 8.8 to 10.8 inches to off-road safely without damaging the undercarriage.

Comparing the 2003 F-150’s ground clearance to that of the

2022 Ford F-150 Raptor

(12 inches), it’s clear that the 2003 model is better for hauling on paved roads rather than rugged mountain trails.

Torque

Another crucial figure to bear in mind when considering a car’s off-roading potential is its torque. To be a worthy off-roader, a vehicle needs low-end torque—higher torque at a lower rpm. This is because steering and turning power are more critical than horsepower and speed when you’re hitting bumpy trails.

The F-150 FX4’s base 4.2-L V6 engine gets 252 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm. Torque is considered low-end when it’s between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm, so the 2003 F-150 doesn’t exactly make the cut. This means it’s not a great option for your more extreme wilderness excursions.

Tires

The 2003 F-150 FX4 comes standard with P235/70R16SL tires. These are all-season tires, which are made for varied driving—but mostly on paved roads.

For any heavy-duty off-roading, all-season tires should be switched out with

all-terrain tires

, or A/T tires. These have deeper grooves for better traction. They aren’t suited for everyday commutes, but they’re perfectly made for off-road adventures.

Drivetrain

Off-roading isn’t possible without all-wheel drive. While the 2003 F-150 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive is available on most trims.

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Angles

One final aspect to look over when deciding a vehicle’s off-roading capability is its approach and departure angles.

Approach angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can ascend without interference

Departure angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can descend without interference

Luckily, the F-150 FX4 has a 33-degree approach angle and a 26.5-degree departure angle. These angles make the F-150 FX4 a decent option for steeper terrains—but it won’t be rockclimbing anytime soon.

Off-road rating: rough and ready

Considering all of these details, we’ve given the 2003 F-150 FX4 using

Jerry’s

DIRT rating system, outlined in the table below:

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a variety of terrains

We’re giving the F-150 FX4 an I rating. While most modern pickup trucks are built to handle most landscapes, the 2003 F-150’s lower ground clearance, torque, and tires make it better for light trails, gravel roads, and paved streets.

If you need a pickup with more grit and off-roading ability, you’ll need to find a different model. We think the

best off-road pickup truck

is the

Ram 1500 TRX

MORE:

The best old-school off-road vehicles

The best off-road alternatives to the 2003 Ford F-150 FX4

The 2003 F-150 FX4 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a sturdy pickup for hauling and casual driving. Iif you need something a bit more sturdy, nimble, or capable, there are plenty of other choices on the used market.

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best high-end alternative	2006 Lincoln Mark LT	$12,667	The 2006 Lincoln Mark LT is a beefier, more upscale pickup truck than the 003 F-150.
Best capable alternative	2005 Dodge Dakota	$7,490	The 2005 Dakota comes with either full-time or part-time 4WD and has nimbler handling than the 2003 F-150.
Better off-roading alternative	2000 Toyota Tundra	$25,790	With a 10.4-inch ground clearance, the Tundra is better option for off-roading.

MORE: Cheap off-road trucks

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

While insuring a

used vehicle

is typically more affordable than insuring a new one, you still need to do your due diligence to find the best rates on car insurance. But who has time for comparison shopping when you’ve got work to do in your F-150?

Lucky for you, that’s why

Jerry

exists. As a

licensed insurance broker

and the top-rated insurance app, Jerry searches through more than 55 top providers to bring you the lowest possible rates on any coverage you need—all just 45 seconds after signing up.

With average savings totaling more than $800 a year, you could upgrade your F-150 to make it even more off-road-ready.

“I was paying roughly $180 a month for insurance, but
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