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2008 Ford Econoline Wagon Quality Review

October 6, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Ride quality is decent, but it's not as well cushioned as most minivans
Cars.com

Smaller front-drive minivans...offer more creature comforts
Edmunds.com

Improved seating provides greater support in the passenger van
Kelley Blue Book

While reviewers have nothing negative to say about the quality of the 2008 Econoline, they are decidedly lukewarm when it comes to praising the vans in terms of comfort.

Edmunds.com points out that the Econoline's optional captain's chairs "offer individualized comfort for smaller families," and mentions that the all-new rear seats in the 15-passenger models are an improvement over previous offerings. They say the van loses marks, however, because legroom is "a bit tight for those sitting in the second row."

Testers at Cars.com report that after only a short time behind the wheel, it's "nearly possible to forget the E-150's truck origins"--not exactly a gushing accolade, though they do praise the 2008 Econoline for having engine drone that is "less noticeable than in Ford vans of the distant past." They're more impressed with the visibility afforded by the height of the vehicle, and note that "getting in and out isn't too difficult despite the high stance."

Of the comments on comfort reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, the most positive came from Kelley Blue Book, who write that with the Econoline, Ford has "done a good job minimizing the vastness of the E-Series' instrument panel." While they admit that audio and climate controls are a bit of a reach, the presence of "redundant controls on the steering wheel greatly reduce the number of times you'll need to stretch your arm." They also like the lowered door handles, which mean one doesn't have to reach up to operate them, and they approve of the lower edge of the side windows that give passengers "a good view in all directions" as well improve visibility for drivers, allowing them "to see objects that might not appear in the sideview mirrors."

Edmunds.com is less enthusiastic about the cockpit of the Econoline, saying that despite its redesign, 2008 Ford is "still a 1990s time warp inside with essentially the same instruments, switchgear and broad, ovoid dash as before." They admit that the setup is functional and logical and acknowledge that "most customers in this segment aren't expecting much else."

Conclusion

While the Ford Econoline is sturdy, it’s not a luxurious ride; think hiking boots, not house slippers.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Ride quality is decent, but it's not as well cushioned as most minivansCars.comSmaller front-drive minivans...offer more creature comfortsEdmunds.comImproved seating provides greater support in the passenger vanKelley Blue Book While reviewers have nothing negative to say about the quality of the 2008 Econoline, they are decidedly lukewarm when it comes to praising the vans in terms of comfort. Edmunds.com points out that the Econoline's optional captain's chairs "offer individualized comfort for smaller families," and mentions that the all-new rear seats in the 15-passenger models are an improvement over previous offerings. They say the van loses marks, however, because legroom is "a bit tight for those sitting in the second row." Testers at Cars.com report that after only a short time behind the wheel, it's "nearly possible to forget the E-150's truck origins"--not exactly a gushing accolade, though they do praise the 2008 Econoline for having engine drone that is "less noticeable than in Ford vans of the distant past." They're more impressed with the visibility afforded by the height of the vehicle, and note that "getting in and out isn't too difficult despite the high stance." Of the comments on comfort reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, the most positive came from Kelley Blue Book, who write that with the Econoline, Ford has "done a good job minimizing the vastness of the E-Series' instrument panel." While they admit that audio and climate controls are a bit of a reach, the presence of "redundant controls on the steering wheel greatly reduce the number of times you'll need to stretch your arm." They also like the lowered door handles, which mean one doesn't have to reach up to operate them, and they approve of the lower edge of the side windows that give passengers "a good view in all directions" as well improve visibility for drivers, allowing them "to see objects that might not appear in the sideview mirrors." Edmunds.com is less enthusiastic about the cockpit of the Econoline, saying that despite its redesign, 2008 Ford is "still a 1990s time warp inside with essentially the same instruments, switchgear and broad, ovoid dash as before." They admit that the setup is functional and logical and acknowledge that "most customers in this segment aren't expecting much else." ConclusionWhile the Ford Econoline is sturdy, it’s not a luxurious ride; think hiking boots, not house slippers. 2008 FORD ECONOLINE STYLING | [4 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "same basic shape that has defined Ford vans since the late 1970s" Edmunds.com: "a radical new grille" NewCars.com: "Rugged new styling" Automobile Magazine: "design is as square as square can be" Traditionally ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Most families are better served by a minivan. The 2008 Ford Econoline serves a very specific need--and if you don't need something this large, Ford plans to import a new Transit Connect van from Europe. It will offer a large cargo hold, a manual transmission, and a four-cylinder engine, making it a perfect city cargo van with fuel economy much better than that of the Econoline. The GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express offer much of the ordering flexibility of the Ford vans, and some versions are rated with fuel economy as high as 15/20 mpg.

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See the Ford Econoline Wagon in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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