2005 Ford Econoline: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford's full-size cargo and passenger vans return for 2005 with no significant changes, except that cargo versions add a new rack-and-bin system. Econoline cargo vans come with or without windows and rear seats in 1/2-ton E-150, 3/4-ton E-250, and 1-ton E-350 versions. Passenger vans come in E-150 and E-350 models. 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. Cargo vans come standard with two front bucket seats, but can carry up to five with the rear bench included in the Crew Van package. Regular-length passenger vans seat from 7 to 12 passengers, while extendeds carry up to 15. Eleven- and 14-passenger configurations are available with a center isle. No side airbags or head-protecting curtain side airbags are offered.

A 4.6-liter V8 is standard on E-150/250 models. Optional on the E-150/250 and standard on E-350 models is a 5.4-liter V8. Optional on the E-350 is a 6.8-liter V10. Also optional is a 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 that makes 235 horsepower and comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. All other engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Available for cargo models is a Masterack steel shelving and bin system, which is joined for '05 by a similar Quietflex system made of composite material.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Full-size vans are holdovers from a long-gone era. They are truck-based boxes on wheels that can carry up to 15 passengers or loads of cargo. Though they aren't very fuel efficient, they offer vast cargo holds and are often the choice for contractors and airport shuttle services.

Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Econoline.