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2008 Ford Econoline Wagon Safety Review

October 6, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

30% chance of rollover (E-350 15-passenger)
NHTSA

Because it's not subject to the same standards and testing as smaller cars, there is not much written about the safety features of the 2008 Ford Econoline series, but for the most part, expected safety features are present

All 2008 Ford Econoline vans have four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution as standard features, along with front seatbelt pretensioners. Edmunds.com reports that the E-350 Super Duty with the 5.4-liter V-8 "features standard AdvanceTrac stability control with a rollover avoidance system"--though NHTSA anti-rollover ratings for the 15-passenger E-350 are slightly worse (30 percent as opposed to 27 percent) than for the E-150.

Traction control is optional on models without the stability control system. Cars.com reports that suspension components have been upgraded in the 2008 Econoline, and that "the E-Series now has heavier-duty sway bars and larger brakes."

The standard crash protection features of the 2008 Econoline include second-generation driver and passenger airbags (the passenger airbag can be deactivated manually with a switch); headrests on the two front seats, anchors for child seats, and front and rear outboard three-point shoulder and lap belts are also standard. Cars.com points out that side-impact airbags are not available, and Kelley Blue Book notes that with the Econolines, Ford doesn't offer child door locks or engine immobilizers.

None of the E-series have been rated by NHTSA for frontal or side crashes.

Conclusion

Although comparable to other cargo vans, the 2008 Ford Econoline has some weaknesses when it comes to rollover avoidance, especially in the larger versions--something to keep in mind if you're looking to transport groups of passengers rather than cargo.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:30% chance of rollover (E-350 15-passenger)NHTSA Because it's not subject to the same standards and testing as smaller cars, there is not much written about the safety features of the 2008 Ford Econoline series, but for the most part, expected safety features are present All 2008 Ford Econoline vans have four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution as standard features, along with front seatbelt pretensioners. Edmunds.com reports that the E-350 Super Duty with the 5.4-liter V-8 "features standard AdvanceTrac stability control with a rollover avoidance system"--though NHTSA anti-rollover ratings for the 15-passenger E-350 are slightly worse (30 percent as opposed to 27 percent) than for the E-150. Traction control is optional on models without the stability control system. Cars.com reports that suspension components have been upgraded in the 2008 Econoline, and that "the E-Series now has heavier-duty sway bars and larger brakes." The standard crash protection features of the 2008 Econoline include second-generation driver and passenger airbags (the passenger airbag can be deactivated manually with a switch); headrests on the two front seats, anchors for child seats, and front and rear outboard three-point shoulder and lap belts are also standard. Cars.com points out that side-impact airbags are not available, and Kelley Blue Book notes that with the Econolines, Ford doesn't offer child door locks or engine immobilizers. None of the E-series have been rated by NHTSA for frontal or side crashes. ConclusionAlthough comparable to other cargo vans, the 2008 Ford Econoline has some weaknesses when it comes to rollover avoidance, especially in the larger versions--something to keep in mind if you're looking to transport groups of passengers rather than cargo. 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.

Next Steps:

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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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