Ford E-Series

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Ford E-Series

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1961—present
Assembly	Avon Lake, Ohio Lorain, Ohio
Class	Full-size van

The Ford E-Series, formerly named and also 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 produced solely at Ford's Avon Lake, Ohio plant after the closure of the Lorain, Ohio plant in December 2005 and the consolidation of all production at Avon Lake. A derivative called the Ford Chateau Wagon is marketed in the Philippines.

As of 2008, the Econoline is the only van in the Ford lineup in North America since the demise of its other vans -- Club Wagon in 1998, and the Freestar in 2007.

The Ford E-Series and Club Wagon currently hold 49.6% of the full-size van market in the United States with 179,543 sales in the United States in 2005. It has been the best selling American full-sized van for 26 years, since 1980.

1 1961-1967 Compact van
2 1968-1974 Full-sized van
3 1975-1991
4 1992-2007
- 4.1 E-Series
- 4.2 2008
5 In the Media
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

First generation (Flat Nose)
Production	1961-1967
Body style(s)	3-door van
Layout	MR layout
Engine(s)	144 cid I6 170 cid I6 240 cid I6
Transmission(s)	3-speed manual

The first E-Series was based on the compact Ford Falcon, sized roughly to compete with the 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Sportvan and Volkswagen Type 2, which was 172.3 in (4376 mm) long. The first E-Series had a flat nose with the engine between and behind the front seats, later adopted by the Chevrolet Van and Dodge A100. Early models had a 144 cid 6-cylinder engine with a manual 3 speed transmission. Later models had a 170 cid or 240 cid engines with an automatic transmission. It was an immediate success with utilities like the Bell Telephone System. In the first 1961 model year, 29,932 standard vans, 6,571 custom Econoline buses, 11,893 standard pickups and 3,000 custom pickups were made. It was originally offered as a cargo van, an 8-passenger van with 3 rows of seats (which carried the Ford Falcon name) and as a pickup truck. A 165 lb (75 kg) weight was fitted over the rear wheels to balance the front-heavy vehicle, sometimes removed by current owners.

Second generation
Production	1968-1974
Body style(s)	3-door van
Layout	FR layout

The 1968 Ford E-Series revolutionized van design by moving the engine all the way to the front under a short hood. These would be the first vans used as the basis for the now popular Class C van cab motorhomes, a class still dominated by Ford. The 1968 E-Series also used Ford's "Twin I-Beam" front suspension design, and was now available with a V8 engine. Over the next six years, the "Big Three" (GM, Chrysler and Ford) would all redesign their vans, with hoods gradually evolving to a short conventional truck-like hood, and evolving from being based on compact cars to using components from full-sized pickup trucks.

The grille was redesigned in 1971, and a year later E-Series offered a new feature, and a new model. Sliding rear doors were an option for 1972, as well as the Hi-Cube van, the first van with a stripped chassis used for something other than recreational vehicles.

Third generation

Production	1975–1991
Body style(s)	3-door van
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford VN platform
Engine(s)	300 in³ I6 302 in³ Windsor V8 351 in³ Windsor V8 460 in³ 385 V8 6.9 L Navistar diesel V8
Transmission(s)	3-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	SWB: 124 in (3149.6 mm) LWB: 138 in (3505.2 mm)
Length	SWB: 186.8 in (4745 mm) 206.8 in (5253 mm) LWB: 226.8 in (5761 mm)
Width	79.9 in (2029 mm)
Height	79.2 in (2012 mm) (150) 80.1 in (2035 mm) (150 Extended) 83.4 in (2118 mm) (E250 Extended) 80.6 in (2047 mm) (E150 Super) 85.4 in (2169 mm) (E350) 85.3 in (2167 mm) (E350 Super) 80.9 in (2055 mm) (150 Club Wagon) 83.5 in (2121 mm) (250 Club Wagon) 84.1 in (2136 mm) (350 Club Wagon)

The E-Series was redesigned in 1975 with more ergonomic controls and a full frame, allowing it to be used as a truck chassis. The nose now had a proper hood, very close to the length used today. This bodystyle continued through 1991. In 1979 the front grille and headlights were facelifted and square headlights were incorporated. In 1983, Ford's "Blue Oval" logo was integrated into the front grille. Van conversions became a popular alternative to sparse factory passenger accommodations.

Fourth generation

Production	1992-present
Body style(s)	3/4-door van
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford VN platform
Engine(s)	4.2 L Essex V6 302 in³ Windsor V8 351 in³ Windsor V8 4.6 L Triton V8 5.4 L Triton V8 6.8 L Triton V10 6.0 L Power Stroke V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed TorqShift automatic
Wheelbase	138 in (3505 mm)
Length	2006-present SWB: 217 in (5512 mm) 2006-present LWB: 237 in (6020 mm) 2004-present Wagon SWB & 1996-2005 SWB: 211.9 in (5382 mm) 2004-present Wagon LWB & 1996-2005 SWB: 231.9 in (5890 mm) 1994-95 & 2006-07 SWB: 212 in (5385 mm) 2006-07 LWB: 232 in (5893 mm) 1992-95 LWB: 231.8 in (5888 mm) 1992-95 Econoline: 211.8 in (5380 mm)
Width	79.3 in (2014 mm) Wagon: 70.1 in (1781 mm) 1992-93 SWB: 79.5 in (2019 mm) 1992-93 LWB Van: 79.9 in (2029 mm)
Height	1992-93 Club Wagon/2006-present E-150 Van & Wagon: 80.9 in (2055 mm) E-250: 83.4 in (2118 mm) E-350: 84.1 in (2136 mm) 1992-2005 E-150 Van: 80.7 in (2050 mm) 1992-93 E-150: 81 in (2057 mm)
Curb weight	4773 lb (2165 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 more aerodynamic, and no longer featured taillight lenses shared with 70s F-Series trucks.

Ford Econoline ENG van used by WCTI-TV in New Bern, NC

With this body style, Ford dominated the market for 15 passenger vans once created by Dodge. It was favored by churches, but the high heavy-duty body became notorious for rollover incidents due to the high center of gravity and the weight of 15 adults. For this reason it is recommended that only trained drivers be used, and nothing be carried on the roof of such vehicles.

Starting in late 1996, Ford updated the 1997 Econoline front end with a new grille that featured an oval cutout and new lower front bumper trim. Also new was an ergonomic dashboard layout consisting of dual airbags. Also introduced at this time were the new line of Ford Triton engines and the end of using the 4.9 L I6, 5.0L, 5.8L and 7.5L V8s in the E-series. The new lineup of engines featured a non-Triton 4.2 L V6, 4.6 L and 5.4 L Triton V8s, and for the first time in the E-Series, a 6.8 L Triton V10. The 7.3 L diesel remained unchanged.

For 2001, Ford again refreshed the E-Series, with a new E-150 Traveler model targeted at families.

By this time, the Econoline was known as the "E-Series," and was sold as such in the literature on commercial vans and ambulance packages, another category dominated by Ford. Heavy-duty cutaway van models also featured "E-350" or "E-450" badging on the front fenders. Starting in 2001, however, Ford officially fully rebranded the Econoline as the E-Series in all badging and consumer sales literature. With the development of more sophisticated 7 passenger minivans, the market for passenger versions declined, so the "Club Wagon" designation for passenger wagons has been dropped.

Full-sized vans have a very high floor, and seats which are bolted to the floor, whereas the latest minivans feature low step-in height, and seats which can fold into the floor. However, compared to popular 3-row SUVs, only 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. Crew bench seating is optional on the cargo version and can seat 5 passengers comfortably with ample cargo space.

2003-2007 Ford E-Series

For 2003, Ford refreshed the E-Series by changing the grille style, incorporating an integral Ford logo.

2004 saw the replacement of the 7.3 L Power Stroke diesel and the introduction of the new 6.0 L Power Stroke with more power than the 7.3 L, 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 7.3L lacked an intercooler. In 2006, the 6.8 L Triton V10 produced 305 hp and 420 ft·lbf 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. ^[1]

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 are lightly updated from their late 1990s design. Chrysler abandoned its 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 Ford E-250

Ford introduced the new E-Series at the New York Auto Show in March. It takes the 2008 Ford Super Duty grille that makes it look "Built Ford Tough." It has been overhauled with better handling, more payload and a sharper look.[2] Updates to the front end of the van include larger headlights, a bold new grille to showcase its "strength and reliability", and a longer hood than previously used in the later model E-Series and Econoline vans. The 6.0L turbo diesel is retained on the SuperDuty E-series, while SuperDuty F series receive the new 6.4L twin turbo diesel. Gasoline engine (4.6L and 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 on cutaway only) are carryover. No major interior improvements were made. However, Ford says the 2008 E-Series line-up rides on an improved chassis. 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. 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.

Several 1968-74 Econolines were seen in mainstream films - Diamonds Are Forever, Return from Witch Mountain, Cobra, and Bound By Honor. Nanci Griffith referred to a Ford Econoline in one of her songs.

An Econoline also featured in an episode of MTV's Pimp My Ride, and was known for being fitted with a fully-functional hot tub in the back of the van.

The character of Janitor drives a first generation Ford Econoline van in the American TV show Scrubs

In the Neil Young song "Tonight's the Night" from the album of the same name, Young mentions an Econoline van while singing about Bruce Berry, his dead roadie, noting Berry "was a workin' man, he used to load that Econoline van."