08 Ford Econoline Van -- bold & capable for the commercial market By ALAN GELL (7/07) www.CarColumns.Net  Ford has been the commercial truck and van business for many, many years, and some years don't seem too different from the year before.  But for 2008, the E-series commercial van got a major makeover.  Basically, the design engineers were challenged by the Ford pickup trucks bold new front end on the Super Duty models, so the van fleet responded.  Not only did they redesign the front end, but upgraded a long list on the chassis, suspension, safety, and security, all of which helped to increase capability and improve the handling and ride.

Almost half of all cargo vans or people vans -- the commercial and fleet vehicles -- are Econoline models, whether the 150, 250, or 350 models.  These E-series vans deliver packages, people, construction supplies, and much, much more.    Actually, a lot of folks treat their cargo vans like super large toolboxes.  They work out of them, much the same way that a lot of self-employed people work out of their pickup trucks.

The new 2008 Econoline looks really great.  I've had the chance to look one over a couple of times, but most recently, I looked one over in June in Dearborn at the Ford proving track and testing center.  They had a bright red cargo van on display and I slammed doors, opened compartments, jiggled the latches, moved the seats, and a whole lot more.  I wasn't able to take it out for a test-drive however, so I have to base some of my assumptions on last year's model for driving. 

The front end has an all-new design, featuring a new hood, grille, fenders, and bumpers.  The entire front end has been enlarged, which makes the van look bigger and bolder.  (BOLD MOVES .. remember that slogan?)  The larger grill also allows more airflow into the powertrain area, which increases overall performance. 

The 08 models have an improved chassis this year and a series of upgrades to the suspension, steering, and braking.  This all adds to the ability to carry more of a load.   Larger sway bars were added and a re-engineered front suspension system, so that the van has a better stance and is better planted on the roadway.  It not only gives the driver a more confident feel when driving, but reduces steering efforts.  The brakes have received larger front and rear rotors and well as new calipers.  All of this suspension and chassis improvement has allowed an increase in the vehicle weight rating.

Something I was really impressed with in the new 2008 Econoline vans is the all-new double walls in the cargo vans.  Having double walls isn't a new concept and has been used before for other types of vehicles and other situations, but it is the first dime is has been a standard feature on a full-size van.  If the back is loaded with cargo, and it shifts against the side walls during quick vehicle turns or sharp curve maneuvering, the exterior sheet metal is less vulnerable to damage to its appearance.   For many small businesses, their cargo van is almost like a rolling billboard.  Dents to the side walls don't necessarily make the best impression, especially when the sides are fully painted or decorated.  This double wall design, I think, is an excellent addition.

Another new exclusive to this segment is a factory installed double locking system.  This provides that extra level of security and more confidence to the van owners.  This E-GUARD security system is put on the rear doors and side doors of the cargo vans and can be powered either manually or with power, but once locked, they can only be un-locked from the outside using a key.  The little key fobs so many are using now-days, will only work on the passenger doors.  The cargo doors will still require that key to unlock.

The standard Econoline 150 is powered by a standard 4.6 liter TRITON V-8 engine.  A 5.4 liter V-8 and a 6.8 liter V-10 are available for the larger model 250 and 350.  There is a 4 speed automatic with overdrive and a 5 speed for the larger engines.   An XLT Premium package is available for a slightly more upscale passenger model, complete with leather captain's chairs, leather wrapped steering wheel, running boards, and more.   If you are in the market for a great cargo or passenger van, the Econoline E-Series vans by Ford are highly versatile and fully capable to meet almost any need.  Check them out at your Ford dealership