EDMUNDS.COM 2004 FORD ECONOLINE WAGON
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although the Econoline still provides one of the most spacious interiors on the market for big families, its lack of significant upgrades leaves it a step behind GM''s more modern full-size vans.
Pros
Massive people-hauling and cargo-toting ability, powerful engines, wide range of configurations, comfortable seats.
Cons
Trucklike fuel economy, unwieldy size, limited second-row legroom, lots of wind noise.
What''s New for 2004
Ford''s Econoline (E-Series) van gets few changes for 2004. A Chateau model is added to the lineup, whereas it was previously only an option package. Aluminum 16-inch wheels are available on all Econolines; in fact, even the standard-issue steel wheels are 16s this year. The 4.2-liter V6 has been dropped on E-150 models, while E-350 models now offer Ford''s excellent new 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 in place of the 7.3-liter diesel. Several features from last year''s Econoline have been deleted -- among these, underseat storage, the passenger-side vanity mirror, seat-mounted grab handles and overhead lighting in the second row.
Overview
Introduction:
What if someone offered you a vehicle with better gas mileage and almost twice the interior cargo volume of a Ford Excursion? What if this vehicle could hold as many or more people (in greater comfort) than an Excursion, while also costing less? Finally, what if the vehicle offered superior ride quality over an Excursion, while being no more difficult to drive? "What''s the catch?" you might be asking. Well, it only comes in two-wheel drive, and it won''t earn you a membership in the not-so-elite club of SUV Pilots Unlimited. That said, the Ford Econoline, in either E-150 or E-350 Super Duty designation, offers some significant advantages over its more fashionable Excursion stablemate. The vehicle offers 257 cubic feet of cargo volume (309 cubic feet in E-350 EXT trim), compared to the Excursion''s 146 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Ford''s Econoline is also a foot shorter than an Excursion (except in EXT trim), has a nearly identical wheelbase and turning radius and, depending on trim and equipment, can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds less than Ford''s largest SUV. In the real world, this translates to a vehicle far more capable, and efficient, at toting people and gear from points A to B, unless extreme off-road conditions exist between those two points. Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford''s Econoline has a favorable, well-earned reputation. Since its introduction in 1960, Ford says it has sold more than 6 million Econolines. If you want to purchase a new full-size van, you''re going to end up with the Econoline, the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana or Dodge''s new German-built Sprinter. All four vehicles have similar prices, wheelbases and maximum passenger capacities (15 people). The GM vans have the most powerful engine lineup, but beyond that, we recommend that buyers in this market focus on the pricing and packaging that meet their needs.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
There are three models to choose from: the base-model E-150, the tougher E-350 Super Duty and the E-350 Super Duty Extended. Each of these vehicles is offered in either XL or XLT trim; E-150s and standard-length E-350s are also available in highline Chateau trim. Both XL and XLT come standard with items like tilt steering, air conditioning and a Class One trailer-towing package. Chateau models come with second-row captain''s chairs, a CD player, keyless entry and running boards. Available options include an upgraded tow package, leather upholstery, an in-dash six-CD changer and a VHS rear entertainment system.
Powertrains and Performance:
Four different engines are available depending on which model you choose. The E-150 offers a choice of either a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter 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 the 6.8-liter, 305-hp V10 or the new 6.0-liter, 325-hp Power Stroke turbodiesel V8. Trailer ratings range from 6,600 pounds for an E-150 to 10,000 pounds for an E-350 Super Duty. A four-speed automatic handles the shifting duties, except on vans with the turbodiesel, which get a five-speed auto.
Safety:
All Econolines come standard with four-wheel ABS, but that''s about it when it comes to high-tech safety features. It earned four out of five stars for both the driver and passenger in NHTSA''s frontal crash test. One downside is its NHTSA rollover rating -- "Poor" -- which can be attributed to its high center of gravity and relatively narrow track and wheelbase (particularly in E-350 Extended form). When heavily loaded with passengers or gear, passenger vans of this type are especially susceptible to rollover incidents.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the Econoline offers comfortable seating (particularly if your van has the optional captain''s chairs), though legroom is a bit tight for those sitting in the second row. Depending on which model you choose, the Econoline can seat seven, eight, 12 (E-350) or 15 passengers (E-350 Extended). Cargo space is prodigious, with anywhere from 257 to 309 cubic feet at your disposal.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Driving an Econoline, despite its passenger seating, differs little from piloting a delivery vehicle, so it''s not a logical choice for everyday motoring -- though quite a few families happily employ their vans exactly that way. The virtues of sitting tall with a panoramic view of the road ahead can outweigh many a minor inconvenience. And despite their old-fashioned suspension designs, Econolines feel relatively stable and confident on the highway. Excessive wind noise tends to drown out conversation in the cabin, however.
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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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