2000 Ford Econoline Wagon/Van: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Last year, Ford changed the name of the passenger-toting Club Wagon to Econoline Wagon to simplify the model nomenclature. This year Ford has made 4-wheel antilock brakes standard, increased horsepower in some engines, and added standard equipment to all models. Work-oriented Econoline Vans, called Cargo, return with or without side windows in half-ton E-150, 3/4-ton E-250 and 1-ton Super Duty E-350 models. Wagons come as E-150s and -350s with choice of XL or XLT trim. Ford also offers E-350 and -450 cutaway and stripped chassis for commercial applications and recreational vehicle conversions.
All models have a 138-inch wheelbase and choice of regular or extended bodies; the latter are 20 inches longer behind the rear wheels. Two hinged rear doors and 60/40 hinged side doors are standard, with a sliding passenger-side door available at no charge.
A 4.2-liter V6 engine is standard for models under 8500-pound gross vehicle weight and for E-250s; a 4.6-liter V8 is optional. A 5.4-liter V8 is also optional for them and standard on E-350s, which offers an optional 6.8-liter V10 and 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8. Improvements to the 5.4-liter V8 and 6.8-liter V10 have upped horsepower from 235 to 255 and 265 to 305. A special natural-gas 5.4-liter V8 that meets California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards is optional except on E-150s. All engines team with 4-speed automatic transmission.
Dual airbags are again standard on under 8500-pound GVW models; others offer the passenger-side airbag at extra cost. All Econolines now come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Maximum payload ratings are found among regular-length Vans: 1400 pounds for E-150, 3520 pounds for E-250, and 4140 pounds for E-350. Respective maximum tow ratings are 6900, 7500, and 10,000 pounds.
The formerly optional Handling Package is now standard on all wagons and vans, also a Trailer Towing Package is now standard on wagons. Finally, remote keyless entry and power sail-mount mirrors are added to all recreational vans.

COMPETITION

Though it's nearly a toss up among the Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline, and GMC Savana, we have selected the Ford as our Best Buy. It offers just a bit more drivability and creature comforts. Though there is nothing wrong with the Dodge Ram Van, we feel it just can't match the newer designs from Ford and GM.