2006 Ford Econoline: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford's full-size cargo and passenger vans add a safety feature for 2006. 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 up to 12, while extendeds carry up to 15.

A 225-hp V8 engine is standard in E-150/250 models. Optional on the E-150/250 and standard on E-350 models is a 255-hp V8. Optional on the E-350 is a 305-hp gasoline V10 or a 235-hp turbodiesel V8. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on 225- and 255-hp models. A 5-speed automatic is optional on 255-hp versions and standard on V10 and turbodiesel models. ABS is standard and is joined for '06 by traction/antiskid control. Side airbags are not offered.

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.