Overview & Reviews
Although it was last produced for the 2014 model year, the Ford Econoline (E-Series) Wagon, the passenger carrying version of this stalwart van, hadn't undergone a full redesign since George Bush was president. No, not George W, but the original "no new taxes" edition. But there was good reason for the Econoline's staying power other than Ford simply not messing with what had been the top-selling full-size van for more than three decades. For upfitters (those who turn vans into commercial vehicles such as airport shuttles), any change to the Econoline's basic structure and dimensions meant they also had to change the dimensions and tooling of their customizations.
However, in its unmodified form as a high-capacity passenger van, the Ford Econoline showed its old age. It received only minor changes over the years, the most significant of which occurred for 1997 (engine and interior updates) and for 2008 when it received a radical new grille along with steering, brake and suspension improvements. Yet the basic vehicle and its passenger comfort remained virtually unchanged. As such, other full-size vans outclassed the Econoline in terms of versatility and ride and handling dynamics. But considering the Ford's typically lower price and respectable reputation for reliability, it makes a solid choice for a used full-size passenger van.
The more modern Transit replaced the Econoline as Ford's full-size passenger van.
Most Recent Ford Econoline Passenger Van
Though not a new generation, the most recent version of the Econoline passenger van was produced from 2008 through 2014. There were three basic models: the eight-passenger E-150, the 12-passenger E-350 Super Duty and the 15-passenger E-350 Super Duty Extended. Each of these vans was offered in XL and XLT trim, with the E-150 also available in a high-end Chateau trim.
The base XL was just that, with vinyl upholstery, air-conditioning and an AM/FM radio as its notable standard features. The upper trim levels came better equipped and options were plentiful. Two passenger-side openings were available: a pair of barn-style swinging doors and a single, minivan-type sliding unit. Unlike on the Sprinter by Dodge or Mercedes-Benz, dual sliding doors were not available.
There were three engines available on these E-Series Wagons. A 4.6-liter V8 with 225 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque was standard on the E-150. A 5.4-liter V8 capable of 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque was optional on the E-150 and standard on the E-350 Super Duty models. Both of these engines came with a four-speed automatic. E-350 buyers could upgrade to a 6.8-liter V10 with 305 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic came with the V10.
The generation that encompassed these refreshed E-Series wagons dated back to 1992, when it was called the Club Wagon. The name change to E-Series Wagon took place for '98. Whatever it had been officially called, the Econoline was always available in E-150 and E-350 styles with two vehicle lengths. An E-250 was also offered for most of this model's run. Trim levels included base XL, midlevel XLT and, depending on the year, plush Chateau trim levels. There were numerous options and packages available, so be sure a potential used Econoline has the features you're looking for.
The original vans from this generation came standard with a 4.9-liter inline-6 engine or a choice of three gasoline V8s and a diesel V8. In 1997, these engines were replaced with a base V6, two Triton V8s and a Triton V10. The diesel V8 carried over unchanged. That year, the Econoline underwent other significant upgrades. The dashboard was redesigned to meet the latest Ford interior standards and the grille was updated to match Ford's ongoing oval theme.
Items like tilt steering wheel, antilock brakes and a passenger front airbag were added at the turn of the century. In 2003, the E-Series was given another grille design to match the latest F-Series Super Duty, featuring two vertical bars and an integrated Ford badge (rather than perched on the hood lip). Engine output continued to rise, and a 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 debuted for '04.
Although the basic body design remained unchanged, Ford's big passenger van underwent another update for 2008. There was a new front fascia, along with significant changes to the steering system, brakes and suspension to improve driving dynamics. There were also new seats and seat-integrated three-point belts for rear center position passengers. The 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 was replaced by the 6.8-liter gas V10 for '09, a year that also saw a welcome interior redesign and some new options. After that, changes were minimal.
Despite its segment-leading sales, the Ford Econoline passenger van suffered from its ancient design. Although the most recent version featured improved steering, braking and suspension systems, there was still no escaping the fact that the basic architecture was two decades old. That said, these Econolines still make for a decent option given their low pricing and strong dependability record.
The Ford Econoline name dates back to 1961, and the previous-generation Econoline was produced from 1975-'91.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 63.00-
Better than a MiniVan - 2004 Ford Econoline Wagon
By Micheal - September 22 - 10:00 amWe love our Ford Club Wagon because it is great for long trips. Its a great vehicle if you have a big family.
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Green Monster - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
By renaldorae - September 16 - 10:00 amThis van is great. its much better than a minv van with twice the power on a ford truck platform with my big v 10 its great. It was not much of a drop off in gas miliage from the 87 caprice classic i was driving. if there is one draw back it holds 30 gallons of gas. but when you by a v10 e 350 van you not buying it for the gas mileage. When i blow by them suburbans and knowing i paid many thousands less i feel great every day. being a chevy owner for years i never thought i would own a ford. i did drive an econoline van at my job once.im glad i made my purchase
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we keep buying them - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
By Hawkeye79 - July 4 - 2:00 amWe have our 4th E-150 on order. Its a truck, dont expect sports car handling or mini car gas milege, but is very quiet. The only unexpected repair for 3 vans has been a power steering pump that leaked and had to be replaced. The 5.4 L pulls everything and holds 6 or more bikes behind the third seat(we mountain bike and camp) if you have 3 or more kids, travel alot, and take everything with you, you can not beat it.
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Versatility - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
By carringb - April 22 - 3:00 pmThis van hauls anything, and does it flawlessly. Even weighing in at 19,000 pounds with trailer, it still offers good performance. Center aisle seating option makes the long trips extremely comfortable. Unloaded acceleration and handling is above average even compared to V6 family sedans.
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Watch Those Brakes - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
By OmarV - April 10 - 10:36 pmI have a 2000 E350 Superduty van with v10. Performance is great - gas mileage ... well you dont buy a v10 for the mileage, you buy it for the POWER. The problem is I have 4 wheel disc brakes and after 45,000 miles I needed a brake job. What I discovered is that Ford uses cheap discs which rusted and required all four replaced. The cost was out of sight! My suggestion is watch out when buying used; check the discs.
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Vanpool - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
By alshoe - February 15 - 10:00 amThis is a leased 10 passenger van. I vanpool approximately 140 miles round trip per weekday in Los Angeles, CA traffic. Our previous van, a 2000 Ford Club Wagon, was not the stretched version and had a V10 engine. This one, the 2003, is stretched and has a V8. The V10 was much more responsive and powerful. However the V8 provides adequeate power and averages 1.5 to 2.0 MPG better than the V10 on our commute. With fuel prices rising, that is a plus! It would be nice if Ford offered a hybrid version of this van. Bottom line, considering the abuse our van gets, it has been reliable and have not had any major mechanical problems.
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The big box - 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon
By William - December 2 - 1:33 pmI have owned many ford f350 trucks, and switched to a ford e350 van to be able to haul more people and keep my tools inside. All my trucks had problems and this van is no different. The trim was falling apart and making noise, the transmission overdrive went out, and now the fan motor has lost one of its four speeds. I bought it when gas was outrageous and saved a load of money, which I will use to put in some real seats, and have some of the ultra cheap interior plastic panels replaced. If you need a big hauler and lots of space then go for it. Past history has shown me after some very troubling problems, eventually everything gets fixed for free by ford and then you are good to go.
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GO BIG TIME !! - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
By JNMEOFF - August 17 - 10:00 amFIRST OFF GET THE BIG V-8 THIS IS NOT FOR THE WEAK, ITS A BIG BOY ! BIG ROOM , BIG POWER , BIG FUN , BIG COMFORT , BIG SAFTY , BIG FUEL AND BIG BUCKS... YOU GOT KIDS YOU NEED THIS ! YOU THINK YOU NEED A SUV WRONG GROW UP QUIT FOLLOWING THE CROWD, YOU CAN LIVE MOVE AND HAUL IN THIS BIG BOY, AND ITS A BIG TIME DEAL COMPARE TO THE SUV! * NOTE DONT PAY FOR THAT 4WD YOULL NEVER USE ! GET TWICE THE ROOM FOR LESS MONEY ! OK NOW GET OUT THEIR AND BUY THIS BIG GIANT AMERICAN BEAST CONSUME AND ENJOY !!! IM JACK "ALL AMERICAN" BIG BOY....
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just love it - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
By Chris - June 25 - 4:36 amOurs happens to be a 2000 conversion van setup, high-top, and it is the best van we have had. At first when we bought it we had to get used to its massive size, but once you climb inside its a total different view. Equipped with a TV and DVD system it makes long road trips a lot more fun and relaxing. The captain chairs are plenty wide and well cushioned for those long hauls. Ours came with leather interior and separate sound systems front and rear. Its perfect for almost everything we do with it and it stands out which makes peoples heads turn and we like the comments. I would definitely buy another one in the future.
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Ford Club Wagon - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
By G. N. - June 16 - 2:06 pmExcellent all around vehicle. Very capable for trailering a 3500 boat & trailer. Flexible interior with removable rear bench seat for cargo hauling.
