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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford E250 Cargo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford E250 Cargo

Overview

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2008 Ford E250 Cargo Review

By KBB.com Editors

Armed with a number of improvements aimed at improving passenger comfort, fuel economy and carrying capacity, Ford's 2008 E-Series full-size van continues to serve as the backbone of the service and passenger shuttle industry. Customers who purchase the E-350 receive AdvanceTrac traction control teamed with Roll Stability Control (RSC), and improvements to the suspension increase the maximum gross vehicle weight rating to 14,500 pounds. The big E-Series offers a number of configurations, including passenger, cargo and cutaway, and is available in half, three-quarter and one-ton models. A new F-Series Super Duty-inspired chrome grille and dual stacked headlamps give the E-Series a slightly new look.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need to move a lot of cargo or people, few vehicles are better equipped to do so than the E-Series. Seating for up to 15 passengers makes the E-Series the darling of the shuttle community. Did we mention a properly-equipped E-350 Super Duty can tow up to 10,000 pounds?

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a family hauling vehicle, the E-Series is not as refined or as quiet inside as a full-size Expedition or Excursion. An SUV may fit your needs and your driveway better than a full-size van. If you require a van with all-wheel drive, only the Chevrolet Express Van can fulfill your needs.

What's New for 2008

For 2008, The E-Series sees improvements in its steering system, brakes and front and rear suspension. A double-locking cargo security system, dubbed E-Guard, and new seats designed to improve long-term comfort join the options list. Ford now offers an engine-only traction control system for all models except the E-350 with the 5.4-liter V8, which comes standard with AdvanceTrac traction control. The 6.0-liter turbo diesel engine returns late in 2008.

Driving the E250 Cargo

Driving Impressions Driving an E-Series van is somewhat like piloting a big SUV, only there is a bit more rear overhang. Ford has done a good job making sure that certain aspects...

of the E-Series are not as gargantuan as the rest of the vehicle, such as placing the door handles down low so you don't have to reach up to operate them. In a nod to better visibility, the lower edge of the side glass extends far down the van's side, giving the passengers a good view in all directions and allowing the driver to see objects that might not appear in the sideview mirrors. The steering is moderately dampened to give the driver some sense of the road, and the ride is fairly smooth when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Favorite Features

Rack System
A new QuietFlex rack system provides quieter operation coupled with greater flexibility.

6.8-liter Triton V10
The 6.8-liter Triton V10 offers the potent torque of a diesel without the added cost.

2008 Ford E250 Cargo Details

Interior

Ford has done a good job minimizing the vastness of the E-Series' instrument panel, at least from the driver's point of view. It's still a reach to access the audio and climate controls, but some redundant controls on the steering wheel greatly reduce the number of times you'll need to stretch your arm. Improved seating provides greater support in the passenger van, which includes 11- and 14-passenger configurations with an open center aisle. Factory installed options such as the Masterack tool storage system and the QuietFlex rack and bin system allow owners to custom-tailor their vans to better suit specific work-related requirements.

Exterior

Though it has undergone extensive reworking over the years, the E-Series still retains the same basic shape that has defined Ford vans since the late 1970s. Large flush-mounted side glass provides an excellent view from within. The panel vans make wonderful conversion projects and come with a long list of optional fittings to make the job easier for the contractor. Larger front and rear disc brakes and calipers are fitted with a new brake pad material that improves stopping power and reduces heat buildup.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base E-150 XL includes a 225-horsepower V8, four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), dual side mirrors, dual 12-volt outlets, swing-out side doors, AM/FM stereo, eight-passenger seating, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers and power steering. The XLT trim adds chrome bumpers, six-speaker stereo with CD, dual cloth captain's-chair seating and cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks.

Optional Equipment

Options include a 255-horsepower 5.4-liter V8, a 305-horsepower 6.8-liter Triton V10 and a 235-horsepower 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel. Also on the list are a number of seating configurations, rear air conditioning, CD player, aluminum wheels, sliding side cargo door, telescopic trailer tow mirrors, power driver's seat, a trailer towing package and the luxurious XLT Premium package. Another appealing option is the Masterack work bin storage system, which includes steel shelving, drawers and cabinets.

Under the Hood

The E-Series offers a strong line of engine choices, with the base V8 delivering good power and torque for the standard-wheelbase models. Extended-length E-250 and E-350 models offer a choice of powerplants, including the Triton V10 and the Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel. While there is no denying the Power Stroke's ability to tow, the added premium of over $7,000 is difficult to justify, especially when the V10 offers more horsepower and nearly identical maximum torque, though at a higher rpm.}

4.6-liter V8
225 horsepower @ 4800 rpm
286 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17

5.4-liter V8
255 horsepower @ 4500 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/16

6.8-liter V10
305 horsepower @ 4250 rpm
420 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.0-liter V8 Turbo Diesel
235 horsepower @ 3300 rpm
440 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford E250 Cargo vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Ford E250 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 195 Ratings for the 1992 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.5/10

this is as close as I come to the value.

By janis (SD) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great for kids"

Cons: "nothing bad about it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is actually a full conversion van, privacy windows, in perfect shape, both exterior and interior. Floor covered with plastic runners since day one. Looks and smells new, never smoked in. Flexsteel captains chairs that recline and can be removed for hauling. Electric rear seat goes down into a full sized bed for camping. Separate controls for rear hear,full surround sound speakers for the TV./DVD player and hookups for PSP games. The conversion package alone was $12000.00 Great for traveling with children for long distances. Would like to sell as my grandkids are grown and I don't use it much anymore. It needs a good home with kids. asking price $17500.00"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best value van ever

By Swampfl (FL) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 86,598

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability, price plus holds half your house"

Cons: "Has some wind noise and old design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought it at a rental used lot back in 2006 with 13985 miles on it. After seven years of driving this van, I have only replaced the tires on it. That's amazing, 81345 miles on the same tires and nothing but oil changes/air filter. It's not great on gas nor is it a great design inside but it works and hold up good. Best van ever."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Vehicle reviewed is a work vehicle

By Nomad/styline (MA) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Works"

Cons: "Front end at 30k"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Vehicle is great. Writing a review on this site isn't worth the effort, they should make it easier. Half of the cars I own aren't on prompts. The value assessed seems proper."

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The E350 Super Duty Van is the best "work truck"

By gsthiel (CA) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 285,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 4/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The E350 Super Duty Turbo Diesel van is the best "work truck" I've ever owned. Granted, there are things to be said about a tail gate and a bed, the E350 Super Duty Turbo Diesel with a rack and tow package hauls and transports loads, is nimble, swift, manuvers and parks well. the E350 can be used for a multitude of trades and services."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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this a work van and it shows

By Joleen (TN) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 199,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "I am 2nd owner. Previously a Sears service van."

Cons: "Needs a good cleaning and some TLC"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have owned this van for 6 years. Oil changes have been kept current, tires are 75% to the good, needs major tune up to pass emissions, needs front brake job including rotors,the front right head lamp bezel need replaced due to cracked but works and the same for right rear bezel. ALL lights work. Van has dents on both sides: both dents are scrapes and do not require panel replacement and do not hinder usage in any way, cosmetic. also small dent on left rear bumper from pushing a dumpster out of way.This is what cause the dent on driver's side and why I finally pushed dumpster out of way.Appx. cost of mech. repairs= $1500.00"

3 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Takes a beating and keeps going & going!

By AC-Septic (OH) on Monday, January 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 202,856

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Keeps taking a beating"

Cons: "ingnition packs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my2006 E250 with 100,000 miles on it it now has 202,xxx miles on it. This van has been great and towing at least 3 days a week approximately 9600 lbs. It is not a speed demon at this wieght, but it will get us there. The van I do wish had a larger motor, but the 4.6L has been great. The only complaint I have is the cataylic converters I have changed, and a small battle with the ingnition packs. Other than Those this van has been problem free"

13 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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See all 195 reviews