EDMUNDS.COM 2004 FORD ECONOLINE CARGO
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although the addition of a powerful new diesel helps in the engine department, the E-Series is still a relic compared to the recently revamped full-size vans from GM.
Pros
Massive cargo-hauling ability, wide range of configurations, powerful diesel engine option.
Cons
Offers very few convenience features, aged design, gas-powered V8 engines can''t match strength of GM''s offerings.
What''s New for 2004
The 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel has been replaced by a more powerful 6.0-liter diesel that puts out 230 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Ford''s Torqshift five-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the 6.0-liter. Additionally, the V6 engine has been dropped, leaving the 4.6-liter V8 as the base engine on E-150 and E-250 vans. All E-150s have rear disc brakes this year, and a full-floor vinyl covering is now optional rather than standard.
Overview
Introduction:
Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford''s Econoline van has a favorable, well-earned reputation. Since the van''s introduction in 1960, Ford says it has sold more than 6 million Econolines. The current Econoline lineup is extensive. There are the base-model E-150, the E-250, the E-250 Extended, the tougher E-350 Super Duty and the E-350 Super Duty Extended. Ford equips each of these vehicles in either recreational-use (Econoline Wagon) or commercial-use (Econoline Van) trim. Recreational trim is for large families or people who want customized conversion vans or RVs, while the Econoline Van commercial models are used by tradespeople to cart equipment from job to job. If you want to purchase a new full-size van for business use, you''re going to end up with the Econoline, the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana or the Mercedes-engineered Dodge Sprinter. Each is similar in price and size. The GM vans offer more powerful gas-powered V8 engine options and better ride dynamics, while Dodge''s Sprinter, originally designed for European markets, emphasizes tall cabins, carlike handling and fuel-efficient turbodiesel five-cylinder engines. The Econoline is clearly the way to go if you''re looking for a strong turbodiesel V8 or a V10, since neither competitor has these options. Beyond that, your buying decision should come down to pricing and getting a van configured the way you want it.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Ford''s commercial-use Econoline Van is available to the general public in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton sizes. For those whose hauling needs aren''t too intensive, there is the base E-150 model. If you have a bit more on your plate, select the E-250, which comes in two lengths -- regular (211.9 inches) and EXT (231.9). Finally, for contractors with the heaviest payloads (up to 4,000 pounds), there is the E-350 van, also available in regular and extended lengths.In base form, the vans are equipped rather sparsely -- two vinyl bucket seats, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel adjustment, power mirrors, a two-speaker stereo and 16-inch tires with steel rims. Among the available options are functional items like a second-row bench (so that you can carry the whole crew), a towing package and shorter axle ratios for enhanced towing ability (most with a limited-slip differential), as well as "luxuries" like cloth upholstery, captain''s chairs, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo with a cassette deck or CD player and a power group with keyless entry and power windows and locks.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Econoline is available with four different engines (or five, if you count the special-order 5.4-liter natural gas V8). The 4.6-liter produces 225 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.4-liter makes 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended models have the 5.4-liter V8 as standard. To upgrade, you can go with a 305-hp, 6.8-liter V10 or Ford''s 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, which produces 230 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission, except the diesel, which gets a five-speed automatic. Trailer ratings range from 6,400 pounds for an E-150 with the 4.6-liter V8 to 10,000 pounds for an E-350 Super Duty with the 4.10 axle ratio and either the V10 or diesel engine option. In terms of the payloads, the range goes from 7,000 pounds GVWR for the E-150 to 9,500 pounds GVWR for the regular-length E-350.
Safety:
All Econolines come standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, second-generation front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for the driver and passenger.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Besides adding an optional second-row bench to accommodate your staff, you can increase your van''s day-to-day livability (for people, anyway) by equipping it with swing-out side glass and fixed rear glass and/or a sliding side cargo door (in place of the standard hinged doors). Maximum cargo capacity ranges from 257 cubic feet in the E-150 to 309 cubic feet in the E-350 Extended.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Despite their old-fashioned suspension designs, Econolines feel relatively stable and confident when driven on the highway. Given their size, of course, they can be rather cumbersome to park or maneuver through heavy traffic. Although GM''s full-size vans have the advantage when it comes to gas-powered V8s, the Econoline is the only way to go if you need a diesel V8 or gas-powered V10 for heavy-duty hauling jobs.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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