Vehicle Overview
The E-Series received new front-end styling similar to Ford’s full-size SuperDuty trucks in 2008, with a large front grille and squared-off highlights. The E-Series is available as a passenger wagon that can carry up to 15 people and a commercial van version that offers up to 275 cubic feet of cargo space. Formerly called the Econoline, the rear-wheel-drive E-150 comes in only one size. Passenger versions are sold in XL, XLT and XLT Premium Wagon trim levels. The E-150 competes with the Chevrolet Express and Dodge Sprinter.
(Skip to details on the: E-250, E-350 and E-450 Super Duty)
New for 2009
For 2009, the E-Series gets a redesigned instrument panel that includes four new upfitter switches, optional factory-installed navigation, V-8 engines that are E-85 capable, and rear doors that swing out 172 degrees.
Exterior
Offered in one length, both the E-150 van and wagon have a 138-inch wheelbase and are 216.7 inches long overall — much shorter than the Dodge Sprinter. Swing-out 60/40-split doors are installed on the right side, but a sliding cargo door is available as a no-cost option. Swing-out doors are the only choice in the rear.
- New rear-door system allows 95-degree opening, but with a light push the opening can increase to 172 degrees
- Available chrome bumpers and aerodynamic headlights
Interior
Aimed at commercial applications, the cargo-hauling van is fitted with two bucket seats up front. Passenger models have seating for eight occupants on two front buckets and a pair of three-passenger bench seats. Captain’s chairs in the XLT Premium version replace the center bench, reducing seating positions to seven. Cargo volume in the E-150 is 236.5 cubic feet, smaller than the Sprinter’s 318 cubic feet but about on par with the Express.
- Standard air conditioning
- Available cruise control
- Available power windows, locks and mirrors
- Redesigned door trim panels
- Redesigned instrument cluster
- Optional navigation system
- Available in-dash computer with high-speed internet access; mouse and printer can be connected
Under the Hood
When properly equipped, the E-150 van can tow as much as 7,500 pounds, while the passenger van can tow 7,100 pounds. Suspension components were upgraded for 2008, and the E-Series now has heavier-duty sway bars and larger brakes. Two engines are available for the E-150, both of which are now E85-capable in the cargo van versions.
- 225-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 with 286 pounds-feet of torque
- 255-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 with 350 pounds-feet of torque (E150, E250, E350, E450)
- Standard four-speed automatic with overdrive
- Optional five-speed automatic with TorqShift that maximizes low-speed torque
Safety
The E-Series adds a few more safety features to its list, including a new optional, dash-mounted front passenger airbag cutoff. The 2009 E-Series has a three-star (average) rating in rollover testing, even with standard electronic stability control.
- Dual front airbags
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Traction control and electronic stability control (standard on all wagons and recreational vans, optional on commercial vans with gasoline engines)
- Newly available rearview backup camera
- Optional factory-installed integrated trailer brake controller
- Side-impact airbags not available
E-250
Rated for heavier duty than the E-150, the E-250 has the same engine choices but comes in both regular and extended lengths. Extended vans are 20 inches longer overall but have the same 138-inch wheelbase; maximum cargo volume is 275.1 cubic feet. The maximum gross vehicle weight rating for the E-250 is 8,900 pounds, versus a 8,520-pound gross vehicle weight rating for the E-150. Passenger wagons aren’t available in this series.
- 255-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 with 350 pounds-feet of torque (E150, E250, E350, E450)
E-350 and E-450 Super Duty
Available in regular and extended lengths, the 350 Super Duty van has a maximum GVWR of 9,500 pounds. Cutaway versions that can be used for motor homes and box vans have a GVWR of 14,500 pounds. Single- and dual-rear-wheel trims are available. The E-350 passenger wagon can seat seven, eight, 11 or 12 people; extended-length vans seat 11, 12, 14 or 15 occupants.
The standard E-350 engine is a 5.4-liter V-8, and E-350 models with the 5.4-liter come standard with an electronic stability system. A 6.8-liter V-10 that generates 305 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque can be installed with a five-speed automatic transmission in either model. E-450 extended passenger wagons can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
- 255-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 with 350 pounds-feet of torque (E150, E250, E350, E450)
- 305-hp, 6.8-liter V-10 with 420 pounds-feet of torque (E-350 van/wagon)
- 235-hp, 6.0-liter diesel V-8 with 440 pounds-feet of torque (E-350 van, E-350/E-450 cutaway)
