2001 Ford Econoline Wagon/Van: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford sells full-size commercial vans with or without windows and rear seats on 1/2-ton E-150, 3/4-ton E-250, and 1-ton E-350 chassis, plus passenger wagons. E-250/350s offer regular or extended-length bodies, E-150s regular only; both have center-opening rear cargo doors and either 60/40 doors or a single slider on the passenger side. Engines are base V6, two gasoline V8s, gas V10, turbodiesel V8, and natural-gas V8, all teamed with automatic transmission. For 2001, 4-wheel ABS and Handling Package are standard instead of optional across the board; cargo models add a trailering package too. Passenger E-150s get a new Traveler option with 7-passenger leather-trimmed seating, rear video entertainment system with dual 6-inch screens, premium cassette/CD audio, leather-rim steering wheel, cargo organizer, 2-tone paint, and specific trailering package.

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.