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By KBB.com Editorial Staff
Armed with a number of improvements aimed at improving passenger comfort, fuel economy and carrying capacity, Ford's 2009 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 last year's 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.
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?
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.
For 2009, the Ford E-Series receives a new dash and door panels, more comfortable driver and passenger seats and wider opening rear doors. New options include a factory-installed navigation system and a first-in-class in-dash computer that can access the internet via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.
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.In-Dash Computer
Developed by Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto, the in-dash computer allows businesses to do business on the road. They system even includes a hook up for a printer.
6.8-liter Triton V10
The 6.8-liter Triton V10 offers the potent torque of a diesel without the added cost.
Interior
Ford has done a good job minimizing the vastness of the E-Series' all-new instrument panel, at least from the driver's point of view. It's still a reach to access the audio, navigation 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, Cable Lock tool security system and the QuietFlex rack and bin system allow owners to custom-tailor their vans to better suit specific work-related requirements.
ExteriorThough 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.
The base 2009 Ford 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.
Options include a 255-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 (standard on E-450), 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, auxiliary input jack, 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.
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 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: N/A
5.4-liter V8
255 horsepower @ 4500 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
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 @ 3150 rpm
440 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Based on 192 Ratings for the 1992 - 2012 Ford Econoline models.
Review this carBy Joe (PA) on Wednesday, February 01, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000
overall rating 1 of 5rating detailsPros: "good fuel economy"
Cons: "loud at idle and highway very poor reliability"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"Ford's 6.0 Diesel engine made by Navastar from 2004.5-2010 in the E-Series van is a disaster. After a class action law suit we have an extended warranty until 150,000 miles. Doesn't matter. It breaks down continuously and many repairs are not covered. Ford's 7.3 liter was awesome and this is just horrible. Injectors, High Pressure oil pumps, EGR coolers, A/C system failure, FICA computers the turbo charger all failed more then once leaving it, except for the a/c problems, needing to be towed. A/C was in 9 times until aftermarket parts were put in and corrected the problem. After 2010 Ford no longer offers the engine and has no replacement for it. Now they offer the V-10 gas only as a replacement for the diesel."
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By busydad (MO) on Saturday, January 28, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,500
overall rating 5 of 5rating detailsPros: "Reliability, room, safety, and power."
Cons: "Gas mileage"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"This has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. I have owned it for 5yrs and the only thing that I have done to it is change the oil and air filter and tires. I am always impressed how much this van can hold. When we travel we take everything and anything that we might possibly need. When the kids were babies, we would take their highchair, swing, bouncy seat, plus all the luggage and toys the kids might want. The only thing to consider when purchasing is the gas mileage. Mine gets 12mpgs around town and maybe 14 on the highway. But if you know that and are ok with it then this van can't be beat. It will run forever and will hold everything you could ever need."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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