2004 Ford E-Series

The venerable E-Series van has been a staple in Ford's lineup for more than 40 years. Since its introduction in 1960 as a 1961 model, the E-Series (or Econoline, as it was previously known) has hauled every conceivable cargo from pets to people to produce. Its last major redesign was way back in 1992, the same year it was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year. However, the E-Series carries on into the 2004 model year stronger than ever.

As one of the most versatile vehicles ever built by Ford, the E-Series can be ordered in dozens of configurations.

Look around while you're driving. Chances are you'll see an E-Series. It might be a shuttle bus at an airport, it could be alongside you on the highway hauling someone's worldly possessions inside a U-haul truck or it could be transporting a little league team to a game. E-Series' can be purchased with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranging from 6,700 lbs. for the E-150 all the way up to 19,000 lbs. for the recently introduced E-550 Super Duty.


There are four major body styles within the E-Series lineup. The first is what Ford refers to as "Vans." They have no side windows behind the driver's compartment, and seating for only the driver and front passenger. These come in E-150, -250 and -350 Super Duty classifications, and are almost always used for commercial chores. The second and third body styles are the exclusive domain of the business customer. Commonly known as "cab and chassis" vehicles, these are nothing more than a cab mounted on the E-Series' full-frame chassis rails. One is offered with an enclosed cab and no cargo area behind the cab, like you'd find in a delivery vehicle where you want to keep cargo separate from the driver. The other has a cab that is open to the rear for use in vehicles such as airport shuttle vans where the driver needs to interact with passengers. These cab and chassis vehicles range in size from E-250s up to E-550 Super Duties.


The fourth vehicle is what Ford calls a "Wagon," which describes an E-Series with multiple side windows and seating ranging from seven (E-150 Wagon) to 15 passengers (E-350 Super Duty Extended Wagon). These are the E-Series models that average consumers are likely to purchase and the versions we test drove.


Updates to the E-Series Wagon for 2004 include new engines, a new transmission, 11- and 14-passenger seating with center aisle, standard rear disc brakes, four new exterior colors, an available AM/FM/CD audio system, standard battery saver and optional remote keyless entry on cutaway models.