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:

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  Surprisingly fun car to own! - 2004 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By ActiveFamily - January 13 - 1:40 pm

  The Ford E-350 is big but surprisingly easy and fun to drive! Our kids love being able to take all of their friends in our car. Its comfortable and is great value compared with a minivan. The ride is very smooth. Gas mileage is better than we expected, and you can go forever on a tank. Seats are easy to remove, so you can load it up to haul stuff. We cant wait to take it on a long family driving trip. Id definitely buy another one.

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  Loving the Travler Package - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By tripping_in_virginia - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We have had mini-vans and sedans. Looked at SUVs for the extra space but found the full-size Traveler package fo the Ford van beats everything hands down on space and the basic comforts now offered in travler packages like video, game plug in ports, reclining buckets for all four passangers up front, leather seats and lots and lots of cargo room. Plus the baby can haul any camper or boat you may wish to pull down the highway. We are very budget minded so one way to offset the fuel economy issue is that we use this for our only vehicle. It has handled very nicely around town and obviously excels on the open road.

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  Proven Winner - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Proven Winner - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  You ever notice how many emergency vehicles and fleet vehicles are the Econoline. There is a reason there are nowhere near as many Chevy/GMC or Dodge vans chosen by the pros. This is my second E150 conversion and I put over 250,000 miles on my 1st (88) but couldnt pass smog in SoCal so I had to trade it in for this one. So far, only had the alternator go out on this one and my 88 went a quarter million mile on the orig motor and transmission without ever a problem. Take care of these American Icons and they can last nearly forever. In the 70s I used to drive an Econoline between SD and LA for years as a Bonded Courier. Would not want any other ride because I never once had a problem!

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  No, I dont have a hemi, I HAVE A V10! - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By DadVan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van to replace a no- longer-available Ford Aerostar. With a family of five, including three older teens, we needed the room for the "final years" of integrated family life. The incredible SPACE and flexibility the vehicle offers afford us the needed flexibility for this stage of life. It has a great balance of quality vs. price, by that I mean that it provides equipment appropriate to this type of vehicle without a lot of "junk" you dont/wont need. Bottom line, I love my "ETon".

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  Traveler has delivered - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By dwjones16 - June 8 - 10:56 am

  Long term test is in,104K on 5.4L Traveler package and only been to the shop twice. Had some anti-lock brake wires chaff off and give error codes plus had an idle air control go bad. Other than normal maintenance, thats it. Good solid vehicle. My wife would rather drive it in traffic than the Camry.

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  nice van - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Bob4634 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  its a nice van, plain and simple can do lots of work. Useful for small bisniesse

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  big money pit - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By kryss - March 13 - 2:46 pm

  I bought the van because we do alot of camping. I just paid it off in October of this year. Since Last year I have easily put 6K into the van. Alternator, tie rods, bearings, front end problems, transmission, Calipers, gear shift box, sensors, fuel pump, weird stuff like, "regulating bleeder valve". I love the van and the ride, just cant afford it anymore. It is seriously putting me in debt.

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  Functional - but losing quality - 2007 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By John - December 27 - 12:40 pm

  Very functional, lots of room, adaptable (seats in,seats out). Seems to be less quality comparing the 2007 to my previous 1993- lighter,more flimzy seats, etc. The center console is much less useful than the 93, and leg room on the passenger side is tighter.

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  Granny Tranny - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By madashell - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Every piece of plastic has hit the floor or gone out the door on this thing. Thats not the clincher. With less than 30k on this animal, I am replacing the transmission. The dealer wouldnt budge on the $3500 repair. This is the last in a series of repairs. Im trading it in for a Chevy Express.

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  Very happy with it! - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Bret - April 22 - 5:06 pm

  I actually have the Chateau E150 with the 5.4 V8 (not listed here). Havent had it too long yet, but love the power and the room. Compared to large SUVs with much less room and worse gas mileage, its much cheaper!