Ford Van History: 1992 – 2009
I apologize that this page of the site is almost a direct cut and past from Wikipedia but there is some useful information here and I reference it quite often. I just wanted to keep all of my info in one place:
The Ford E-Series, formerly known as the Econoline or Club Wagon, is a line of full-size vans (both cargo and passenger) and truck chassis from the Ford Motor Company. The E-Series is related to the Ford F-Series line of pickup trucks. The line was introduced in 1961 as a compact van and its descendants are still produced today. The Econoline is manufactured solely at Ford’s Ohio Assembly plant in Avon Lake, Ohio — after the closure of the Lorain, Ohio plant in December 2005 and the consolidation of all production at Avon Lake.
As of 2009, the E-Series and the 2010 model year Ford Transit Connect compact MPV, which had its debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show on February 11, 2009[1] are the only vans in the Ford lineup in North America.
The Ford E-Series currently holds 79.6% of the full-size van market in the United States with 168,722 sales in the United States in 2007.[2] It has been the best selling American full-sized van for 30 years (since 1980).
1992–2009
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|
| Production | 1992–present |
|---|---|
| Body style(s) | 3/4-door van |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford VN platform |
| Engine(s) | 4.2 L Essex V6 4.9 L inline-6 302 CID Windsor V8 351 CID Windsor V8 4.6 L Triton V8 5.4 L Triton V8 6.8 L Triton V10 7.3 L Power Stroke V8 6.0 L Power stroke V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed TorqShift automatic |
| Wheelbase | 138 in (3505 mm) |
| Length | 1992-2008 Regular: 212 in (5385 mm) Extended: 232 in (5892.8 mm) 2009- Regular: 216.7 in (5504.2 mm) Extended: 236.7 in (6012.2 mm) |
| Width | 79.3 in (2014 mm)–79.9 in (2029 mm) |
| Height | 80.7 in (2050 mm)–84.1 in (2136 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,773 lb (2,165 kg) |
The redesigned 1992 E-Series was available with a 4.9 L inline six, 5.0, 5.8, and 7.5 liter V8 engines, or a 7.3 L Power Stroke diesel V8. The consumer-oriented Chateau Club Wagon version was Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year for 1992. The design was smoother and more aerodynamic, and the vans no longer wore taillight lenses that had been shared with Ford’s F-Series trucks from 1973 to 1979.
1997
The 1997 Econoline received an updated front end with a new grille that featured an oval cutout and new lower front bumper trim. Also new was an ergonomic dashboard layout containing dual airbags. Also introduced at this time were the new line of Triton V8 engines to replace the Windsors and the 460. The new lineup of engines featured a 4.2 L Essex V6, 4.6 L and 5.4 L Triton V8s, and a 6.8 L Triton V10. The 7.3 L diesel continued unchanged.
2001 E-Series
For 2001, Ford again refreshed the Econoline, with a new E-150 Traveler model targeted at families.
The Traveler would be a short-lived model, however, as minivans and SUVs were by this point far more popular for passenger use. But, as full-size vans have the towing and payload and optional diesel power of full-sized pickups and room for 8 to 15 passengers plus their baggage, a certain segment of customers continued to buy the E-Series (and, to a lesser extent, its competitors from GM and Chrysler).
For the first time on all models, the “E-Series” name replaced Econoline, and was sold as such in the literature on commercial vans and ambulance packages, another category dominated by Ford. Heavy-duty cutaway van models, most often used in large box vans and Class C recreational vehicles, also featured “E-350″ or “E-450″ badging on the front fenders.
2003
For 2003, Ford refreshed the E-Series by changing the grille style, incorporating an integral Ford logo. A new engine cover cup holder and glove box was also added.
2004 saw the replacement of the 7.3 L Power Stroke diesel and the introduction of the new 6.0L Power Stroke with more power than the 7.3, but still detuned from the same engine in the F-Series due to a lack of airflow in the engine compartment. The 6.0 Powerstroke is intercooled, however the 7.3 L lacked an intercooler.
Inside, a new gauge cluster was also added, including a tachometer, along with a digital odometer.
In 2006, the 6.8 L Triton V10 produced 305 hp and 420 lb·ft torque, 235/440 for the diesel.
The E-series is an excellent tow vehicle, due to the available GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of up to 20,000 pounds, and its relatively low curb weight. No other van or SUV can match its available towing capacity and payload.[citation needed]
95 percent of van sales are to commercial or fleet-end users, about half are cargo vans. The E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design — a full-size van exclusive — which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo.[5]
In early 2007, the E-series was listed by Autodata as one of the top 20 best-selling vehicles in the United States, most likely due to fleet sales. The competing models from GM have only been lightly updated since their 1995 redesign. Chrysler abandoned its Dodge Ram Van, a body style essentially unchanged from the 1970s, in favor of the Sprinter, a narrow European Mercedes-Benz van with a 150 hp (112 kW) turbodiesel engine, which has found favor primarily in commercial delivery with its high roof, and high-end, high-mileage Class C RV.
2008
2008 E-Series wagon
Ford introduced the new E-Series at the New York Auto Show in March 2007. The van received completely redesigned front end sheet metal similar to that of the 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks, which Ford claims makes the vans look “Built Ford Tough.” It has been overhauled with better handling, more payload and a sharper look.[6]
Updates to the front end of the van include larger headlights, a larger grille, and a longer hood than previously used on E-Series and Econoline vans. The 6.0 L turbo diesel is retained on the Super Duty E-series, while Super Duty F series received the new 6.4 L twin turbo diesel. Gasoline engines carried over. A series of upgrades to the braking, suspension and steering systems have resulted in improvements in ride and handling, braking performance and load carrying capability, although the Twin-I-Beam front suspension remains. Four-wheel drive is available through Ford Fleet Truck using current model year Super Duty parts.
The chassis and suspension improvements have also resulted in an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) from 14,050 pounds to a class-leading 14,500 pounds. Additionally, the maximum front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is increased by about 10 percent, from 4,600 pounds to a class-leading 5,000 pounds.
2009
In 2009 the E-Series received a new dashboard, complete with an available in-dash navigation system and upfitter switches as used in the F-Series Super Duty trucks. Also included is a passenger-side glove compartment, a first for the E-Series. Previously, the glove compartment was integrated in the engine cover.
Another new 2009 option is the rear-view backup camera, which is becoming widely available throughout the industry on smaller vehicles; it is another first for Ford in the full-size van field.
And finally, Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to offer a full-size van that is capable of using E-85; this option is most commonly available on Ford’s F-150 with the 5.4 L engine. It will be available on the 2009 4.6 L and 5.4 L engines, as Ford aims to continue to dominate the full size van market while delivering relief from high gas prices.
