Ford's Econoline van is better suited for church-mission trips, day-care services, and tool-toting tradesmen than as daily transportation. Minivans such as the Honda Odyssey can comfortable carry up to eight passengers and feature all the creature comforts and safety features expected of a modern conveyance. Even competing full-size vans offer more than the Ford: Chevy and GMC have added new safety features, and Dodge has more safety features, finer build quality, and more cargo space. The onus is now on Ford to catch up with the competition.
Large, versatile, and powerful, the Ford E-Series vans can be configured for a wide variety of work duties, though this aging tradesman staple is losing ground to the competition.
What's Hot
10,000-lb towing capacityRoom for up to fifteenNo recalls with such a time-tested vehicleWhat's Not
Limited safety gearLack of creature comfortsPrice rises quickly beyond its refinementThis year or this decade? Either way, nothing significant is new.
Don't miss such luxuries as carpeted floors, power locks and windows, a CD player, and an extended-travel gas tank. The aptly named Chateau trim level offers seating for seven including four captains chairs and more room than the last villa you rented. Although leather seating and a CD changer are optional, to get some of the more exciting options available in Econolines--card table, beds, and even plasma TVs--you'll have to look to the aftermarket.