78-879: The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline , Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon ) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company . Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork). With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961,
156-476: A refrigerated van, or "reefer", used for cold goods. A railway car used to carry baggage is also called a "van". A vehicle referred to in the US as a " full-size van " is usually a large, boxy vehicle that has a platform and powertrain similar to their light truck counterparts. These vans may be sold with the space behind the front seats empty for transporting goods (cargo van), furnished for passenger use by either
234-515: A " minivan " in American English is called a "people-carrier", "MPV" or multi-purpose vehicle, and larger passenger vehicles are called " minibuses ". The Telegraph newspaper introduced the idea of the " White Van Man ", a typical working class man or small business owner who would have a white Ford Transit , Mercedes-Benz Sprinter , or similar panel van. Today the phrase "man and van" refers to light removal firms normally operated by
312-527: A 240 cubic-inch six introduced as an option. A three-speed manual was standard, with a Dagenham four-speed manual introduced for 1963 and discontinued in 1964; the 170-cubic-inch engine was offered with a three-speed automatic in 1964, and the larger two engines were both offered with a three-speed automatic as an option thereafter. In contrast to the Falcon, the Econoline was fitted with a solid front axle and
390-460: A basis, a luxurious interior was fitted, along with extensive customization of the exterior. The 1978 Ford Econoline was MotorTrend's first-ever Truck of the Year. To increase the versatility of the full-size van line, the Econoline was developed using body-on-frame construction for the first time. In addition to increasing the strength of the chassis, the configuration allowed more commonality with
468-536: A bodystyle for 1961, the Ford Econoline pickup truck derived its body from the cargo van. Similar in configuration to the Chevrolet Corvair pickup , the Econoline pickup bed had no engine intrusion related to the engine compartment. While far shorter than the similar-GVWR F-100, the Econoline pickup was designed with a 7-foot-long pickup bed (sized between the two F-Series offerings). Two versions of
546-597: A booming vehicle segment by the 1980s as an alternative to station wagons. The four-door station wagons of the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle line were renamed for the 1969 model year. The base-trim Chevelle 300 was renamed Nomad , while the medium-trim Chevelle 300 Deluxe was changed to Greenbrier. The top-of-the-line station wagon model of the Chevelle Malibu 135/136 became the Concours and Concours Estate Wagon. A newly introduced two-way tailgate came standard on
624-501: A cargo box trailer or semi-trailer is used rarely, if ever, in Australia. In India, the van is one of the most common modes of transportation and is often used for taking children to and from schools, usually when parents, especially working parents, are too busy to pick their children up from school or when school buses are full and unable to accommodate other children. Vans are also used for commercial purposes and office cabs. Some of
702-569: A convoy of multiple wagons. The word van has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of English . While the word now applies everywhere to boxy cargo vans, other applications are found to a greater or lesser extent in different English-speaking countries; some examples follow: In Australian English , the term van is commonly used to describe a minivan , a passenger minibus , or an Australian panel van as manufactured by companies such as Holden and Ford at various times. A full-size van used for commercial purposes
780-472: A heavier-duty vehicle, sharing many of its underpinnings with the F-Series full-sized pickups. The unibody construction of the previous generation was carried over, and the mid-engine, forward-control layout gave way to a front-engine layout with a forward axle placement; this allowed use of the " Twin-I-Beam " front suspension from the F-Series trucks. The wheelbase increased 15 in (381.0 mm), while
858-472: A more conventional water-cooled engine mounted between the front seats. As these became successful, General Motors responded with its design, which placed the Chevy II sourced engine in a "doghouse" between and behind the front seats. The forward engine design allowed a flat floor with lower deck in the rear of the vehicle for loading and unloading cargo. General Motors stopped producing the truck versions of
SECTION 10
#1732776510907936-503: A ramp hinged at the bottom of the cargo bay area on the right side of the vehicle. Rubber trim on the edge helped avoid scratching the paint when the ramp was lowered for loading and unloading cargo. These were used by the Bell Telephone Company because loading and unloading of cable drums was eased by the side ramp. Ford and Chrysler introduced compact vans of their own (the Ford Econoline and Dodge A100 ), using
1014-452: A similar layout and could accommodate a V8 engine . Chevrolet also switched to this layout. The Ford, Dodge, and Corvair vans were also produced as pickup trucks. The standard or full size vans appeared with Ford's innovation of moving the engine forward under a short hood and using pickup truck components. The engine cockpit housing is often called a dog house . Over time, they evolved longer noses and sleeker shapes. The Dodge Sportsman
1092-465: A sole business owner transporting anything from the contents of a whole house to just a few boxes. The word "van" also refers to railway covered goods wagons , called "boxcars" in the United States. In the United States, a van can also refer to a box-shaped trailer or semi-trailer used to carry goods. In this case, there is a differentiation between a "dry van", used to carry most goods, and
1170-586: A solid rear axle suspension with leaf springs for all four wheels. In its body design, the Ford Econoline adapted several elements of the Volkswagen Type 2, while making major departures with other design features to accommodate its mid-engined layout. In line with Volkswagen, the Econoline positioned the front seats above the front axle, making it a cabover -style configuration (similar to the Jeep Forward Control ). The grille placed below
1248-463: A type of vehicle arose as a contraction of the word caravan . The earliest records of a van as a vehicle in English are in the mid-19th century meaning a covered wagon for transporting goods; the earliest reported record of such was in 1829. The words caravan with the same meaning has been used since the 1670s. A caravan, meaning one wagon, had arisen as an extension, or corruption, of a caravan meaning
1326-521: Is also known as a "van" in Australia; however, a passenger vehicle with more than seven or eight seats is more likely to be called a "minibus". The term van can also sometimes be used interchangeably with what Australians usually call a "caravan", which in the U.S. is referred to as a " travel trailer ". The British term people mover is also used in Australian English to describe a passenger van. The American usage of "van" which describes
1404-474: Is also used to describe full-fledged station wagons (passenger car front sheet metal, flat-folding back seats, windows all around) and even hatchbacks with basic trim packages intended for commercial use. These are referred to as "light vans" ( Japanese : ライトバン ), with "light" referring to the glazing rather than the weight of the vehicle. In British English , the word van refers to vehicles that carry goods only, either on roads or on rails. What would be called
1482-560: Is also useful in handling and rollover prevention. A van is taller than a typical passenger car, resulting in a higher center of gravity . The suspension is also higher to accommodate the weight of 15 passengers, who can weigh over one ton alone. In the United States, it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their safety belts . The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that belted passengers are about four times more likely to survive in rollover crashes. Safety can be improved by understanding
1560-474: The sedan deliveries of the 1930s to late-1950s. The first generation of American vans were the 1960s compact vans , which were patterned in size after the Volkswagen Bus . The Corvair -based entry even imitated the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine design. The Ford Falcon -based first-generation Econoline had a flat nose, with the engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The Dodge A100 had
1638-501: The 18 in (457.2 mm) longer long-wheelbase model became the largest full-sized van offered in North America at the time. Following Dodge and Chevrolet/GMC, a V8 engine became optional. With the change of chassis and axle configurations, the Econoline gained a conventional hood for engine access, though engine access remained largely from the van's interior. The redesign provided a conventional grille, styled similarly to
SECTION 20
#17327765109071716-413: The 1964 model year. Through its production, the first-generation Ford Econoline was offered in several variants. Alongside the standard six-door cargo van, an eight-door version (adding two doors on the driver side) was added for 1963. For 1964, a panel van was introduced, deleting side loading doors altogether. For 1965, a "Super Van" extended-length body was introduced, extending the body 18 inches behind
1794-428: The 1984 model year, the 124-inch wheelbase Club Wagon passenger van was discontinued, and the 124-inch wheelbase Econoline Cargo Van was discontinued after the 1990 model year, leaving the 138-inch wheelbase as the sole option. In 1983, to increase the fuel economy of the Econoline without a major loss in engine output, Ford introduced the option of a 6.9L IDI diesel V8 produced by International Harvester; in 1988, this
1872-499: The 1992 model year, Ford introduced the fourth generation of the Econoline/Club Wagon. While the third-generation chassis was largely carried over, the body and interior underwent a complete redesign. The vehicle has received several revisions during its production, with the most recent taking place in 2021. Toward the end of the 1990s, Ford began to phase out the use of the Econoline and Club Wagon nameplates. For 1999,
1950-499: The 2010 model year. For 2009, the 4.6L and 5.4L engines gained flexible-fuel capability (allowing them to use E85 fuel). In May 2014, the final 4.6L V8 was produced for the E-Series, with the 5.4L V8 becoming the standard engine for 2015. Starting with the 2017 model year, the 6.8L V10 replaced the 5.4L V8 as the standard engine, with a 6.2L V8 becoming the optional engine. Both engines have flex-fuel capability and both can be converted to use CNG or LPG (propane autogas). Since
2028-516: The 2010s. Inside of the Econoline, the shift of the engine location moved the engine housing from between the seats to in front of the driver and front passenger, under the windshield. While the Econoline cargo van remained, it was joined by an Econoline passenger van (replacing the Falcon van). To attract more buyers to passenger vans, Ford introduced two new trims of the passenger van, the Ford Club Wagon and Ford Club Wagon Chateau. Based on
2106-449: The 2015 model year onward, the E-Series has remained in production solely in cutaway and stripped chassis configurations. The fourth-generation shares the VN platform of the third-generation Econoline, introduced in 1975. Sharing many components with F-Series trucks, the E-Series retained the "Twin-I-Beam" front suspension used by rear-wheel drive Ford trucks in North America from the 1960s to
2184-976: The 2021 model year, the E-Series has only used the gasoline 7.3L V8 from the fourth-generation Super Duty truck, offered with an option for conversion to CNG or LPG. E-250 (2003–2014) Full-size van A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. There is some variation in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries. The smallest vans, microvans , are used for transporting either goods or people in tiny quantities. Mini MPVs , compact MPVs , and MPVs are all small vans usually used for transporting people in small quantities. Larger vans with passenger seats are used for institutional purposes, such as transporting students. Larger vans with only front seats are often used for business purposes, to carry goods and equipment. Specially equipped vans are used by television stations as mobile studios. Postal services and courier companies use large step vans to deliver packages. Van meaning
2262-453: The 6.0L V8. For 2004, the 4.2L V6 was dropped and the 4.6L V8 became the standard engine on the E-150 and E-250, making the E-Series the first American full-size van with a V8 engine standard. The 6.0L Power Stroke was offered until 2009 in the Ford Econoline vans (model year 2010), even though Ford Super Duty trucks were upgraded to the 6.4L version in 2007. Diesels were no longer offered after
2340-535: The Chevrolet Van and Dodge A100 . While also a forward-control vehicle, Ford introduced a midengined configuration . To improve cargo access by creating a flat load floor and enlarging the rear doors, the engine was placed between the front seats. The first-generation Ford Econoline was based on the Ford Falcon compact car range. To accommodate its 90-inch wheelbase (the shortest for a Ford since 1908),
2418-538: The Club Wagon nameplate was discontinued and the Econoline was renamed the E-Series, a nomenclature closer to that of Ford's full-size F-Series trucks. In June 2014, production of E-Series passenger and cargo vans was discontinued as sales of the Ford Transit began in North America; at the time of its retirement, the model line had been the best-selling full-size van line in the United States since 1980. From
Ford E-Series - Misplaced Pages Continue
2496-470: The Concours. The Estate model added simulated exterior woodgrain trim. Station wagons were available with a third-row seat except for the base Nomad line (only available in a six-seater form). The standard engine for all models was an inline-six, but not available with the optional three-row seats. For the 1970 model year, the Chevelle 300 Deluxe series was renamed to Chevelle, and the inline-six engine
2574-476: The Corvair Greenbrier had a 95 in (2,413 mm) wheelbase, thus known as "95s." They came standard with a three-speed manual transmission . Optional was a two-speed Corvair Powerglide automatic transmission that was different from the usual Powerglide ). Chevrolet eventually made available a four-speed manual transmission. Two different bodies were available in the 95 series: the van and
2652-544: The Corvair in 1964, and the Greenbrier was the only remaining 95 in (2,413 mm) wheelbase Corvair for 1965. Eventually, Chevrolet and Volkswagen would abandon rear-engined vans in favor of conventional or front-wheel-drive water-cooled engines. Although Greenbriers were unsuccessful in the marketplace, passenger vans continued to evolve through full-sized vans. The similarly sized 7–8 passenger minivan would become
2730-419: The Corvair powertrain in a truck body. Production of these vans was from 1961 until 1965. The Greenbrier name was used again as a model name for mid-trim level Chevelle conventional station wagon from 1969 until 1972. Chevrolet introduced the Corvair lineup for the 1960 model year as the first of a series of generations of passenger compact cars . Chevrolet introduced a more utilitarian style of vehicle
2808-461: The Econoline adopted a midengined configuration, placing the engine behind the front axle; consequently, the layout precluded the use of a V8 engine. The Econoline was initially powered by the 85 hp (63 kW) 144-cubic-inch inline-six (the standard engine of the Falcon); a 101 hp (75 kW) 170-cubic-inch inline-six was introduced as an option. For 1965, the 170 six became standard, with
2886-458: The Econoline and Club Wagon; chrome remained an option and was included with the latter's XLT trim. The grille was afterwards reverted to bright argent. Also for '84 did the Econoline's payload grade (150/250/350) become incorporated into the fender lettering until all fender badging was eliminated for the 1991 model year. Club Wagon chassis variants were not denoted. Although the 1986 Ford Aerostar minivan would introduce styling far different from
2964-416: The Econoline was produced in a cargo van and passenger van, with the latter produced in three trim levels: base, Custom and Chateau. In addition, the Club Wagon was produced solely as a passenger van. After 1980, this was replaced by the F-Series nomenclature of XL and XLT. In line with the F-Series, the Econoline/Club Wagon was sold in 100/150/250/350 variants, with the Econoline 100 discontinued in 1983. For
3042-561: The Econoline, the basic styling of the full-size van would heavily influence the Ford Ranger (and its SUV offspring, the Ford Bronco II ). Inside, the redesign of the chassis expanded interior room, though the rear of the engine still remained between the front seats; an engine cover still provided access for servicing. Sharing many controls with the F-Series, the new design also improved interior ergonomics. In three body sizes,
3120-501: The F-Series trucks. As before, the Twin-I-Beam front suspension was used. In its new configuration, the engine was moved further forward and lowered relative to the body. The van grew in size: the 124 inches (3,150 mm) short-wheelbase configuration was a half inch longer than the previous long-wheelbase chassis; the new long-wheelbase chassis was 138 inches (3,510 mm), the longest wheelbase full-size van sold until 1990. After
3198-461: The F-Series. For 1971, the grille was redesigned to match the updated F-Series. For 1972, a sliding rear door became an option; introduced on a cutaway van chassis was the Hi-Cube van, a cab-chassis version of the Econoline with a box-van body. The introduction of the cab-chassis variant became popular in the recreational-vehicle industry (a Class C RV), a segment still dominated by the E-Series in
Ford E-Series - Misplaced Pages Continue
3276-542: The Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter ). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit . As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming
3354-486: The Mercury Econoline as the last Mercury-branded van until the 1993 Mercury Villager minivan. Following a lengthy United Auto Workers strike in 1967, the launch of the second-generation Econoline van was delayed almost four months, until January 1968. Instead of marketing the van as a 1968 or 1968-1/2 model, Ford marketed it for model year 1969. Losing its Falcon roots, the second-generation Econoline became
3432-724: The Mercury brand, Ford of Canada maximized its presence in rural area serviced by either Ford or Lincoln-Mercury (but not both). As with the Mercury M-series trucks, the Mercury Econoline was largely identical to its Ford namesake (differing primarily in badging); the model was marketed in Canada as a cargo and passenger van and a pickup truck. For 1961, Ford of Canada began production Mercury-brand Econolines at Oakville Assembly in Ontario; later that year, Mercury Econoline pickup
3510-448: The US may also refer to a minivan . Minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size and front wheel drive powertrain, although some are equipped with four-wheel drive . Minivans typically offer seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity , and better fuel economy than full-sized vans, at the expense of power, cargo space, and towing capacity. Minivans are often equipped with sliding doors. The precursor to American vans would be
3588-1043: The United States, full-size vans have been used as commuter vans since 1971, when Dodge introduced a van that could transport up to 15 passengers. Commuter vans are used as an alternative to carpooling and other ride-sharing arrangements. Many mobile businesses use a van to carry almost their entire business to various places where they work. For example, those who come to homes or places of business to perform various services, installations, or repairs. Vans are also used to shuttle people and their luggage between hotels and airports , to transport commuters between parking lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibusses. Vans are also used to transport elderly and mobility-impaired worshipers to and from church services or to transport youth groups for outings to amusement parks, picnics, and visiting other churches. Vans are also used by schools to drive sports teams to intramural games. Vans have been used by touring music groups to haul equipment and people to music venues around
3666-432: The basis for other vehicles. With a full frame, the Econoline became popular as a cutaway van chassis ; the design served as a basis for many ambulances, and various types of trucks and buses. The shared drivetrain with the F-Series marked the beginning of aftermarket four-wheel drive conversions. During the 1970s, the Econoline became popular as a basis for van conversions . Using the sparsely-equipped Econoline cargo van as
3744-404: The cab were offered, a standard "three-window" cab and an optional "five-window," which added wraparound windows to the cab corners. The introduction of the 240-cubic-inch engine for 1965 necessitated a larger engine compartment, intruding slightly into the cargo bed (to provide clearance for the transmission bellhousing). The same year, a "Spring Special" package was offered as a trim option. At
3822-432: The cargo bed from the rear over the engine compartment. The bed included a metal panel that could be unscrewed to access the engine for major service. The cargo bay area between the engine compartment and the rear of the cab could be covered with a deck to form a level surface with the top of the engine compartment. The Loadside was produced during two model years with 2,844 made in 1961 and 369 built in 1962. The Rampside had
3900-520: The cargo van in 1961, Ford introduced two passenger variants of the Econoline (branded as part of the Falcon range). Alongside the Station Bus (branded as both a Falcon and Econoline), Ford marketed the Club Wagon. While the Station Bus was largely intended for commercial/fleet use, the Club Wagon was marketed as an alternative to station wagons. A five-seat configuration was standard, with an eight-seat configuration offered as an option. Introduced as
3978-469: The country. Full-size van is a marketing term used in North America for a van larger than a minivan, that is characterized by a large, boxy appearance, a short hood, and heavy cargo and passenger-hauling capability. The first full-size van was the 1969 Ford Econoline , which used components from the Ford F-Series pickups . General Motors and the Dodge Ram Van followed with designs with
SECTION 50
#17327765109074056-520: The diesel became turbocharged in 1993. For 1995, the IDI diesel was replaced by a 7.3L Ford Power Stroke diesel V8 (also sourced from Navistar). For 1997, the E-Series underwent a revision of its engine lineup, retaining only the 7.3L diesel. Sharing its gasoline engines with the tenth-generation F-Series , a 4.2L V6 replaced the inline-6 and a 6.8L V10 replaced the 7.5L V8. The 5.0L V8 and the 5.8L V8 were replaced by 4.6L and 5.4L V8s, respectively. The 4.2L V6
4134-507: The door open. Step vans have more boxy shapes, wider bodies, and higher rooftops than other vans, and are rarely employed for carrying passengers. The Minivan is a van which is smaller in size in length and height than a full-size van. Minivans are often used for personal use, as well as commercial passenger operations such as taxis and shuttles, and cargo operations like delivery of mail and packages. They offer more cargo space than traditional sedans and SUVs . Their lower center of gravity
4212-519: The driver to pass through to the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Chevrolet Greenbrier Chevrolet used the name Chevrolet Greenbrier for two distinct vehicles. The first was a six-to-nine-passenger window van version of the Corvair "95" panel van . The Corvair 95 series also included the Loadside and Rampside pickup trucks, featuring a mid-body ramp on the right side. These variants used
4290-490: The early 1990s. The rear suspension was a live rear axle with rear leaf springs. For the 2007 model year, all E-Series (including the E-150) had eight-lug wheels and GVWRs of over 8,500 pounds. For the 2008 model year, the chassis underwent its largest revisions of the fourth generation. In an effort to improve handling and safety, larger brakes, improved steering, and rollover stability control were added. The Twin-I-Beam layout
4368-475: The engines placed further forward, and succeeding generations of the Econoline introduced longer hoods. Another type of van specific to North America is the step van , named because of the design to facilitate users to step in and out of the vehicle. Widely used by delivery services, courier companies, and the parcel division of the US Postal Service and Canada Post, they are often seen driven with
4446-411: The floor-shifted 4-speed overdrive manual as standard. The four-speed was replaced by a Mazda-sourced 5-speed M5OD for 1988. Unlike its predecessors, Ford designed the 1975 Econoline with a "two-box" layout. Similar to the Ford Transit of the time, the configuration moved the engine as far forward as possible and lower in the chassis than in its predecessor; although the hood was nearly twice as long,
4524-476: The following year under the model designation "Corvair 95". In appearance and design, the cars were similar to the competing Volkswagen Transporter , which was essentially a bus-like adaptation of the Volkswagen Beetle that moved the driver over the front wheels, known as forward control or cab-over . The air-cooled horizontally opposed Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 engine was located in the rear of
4602-663: The front seats, where the rest of the van body is cut off (leading to the terminology "cutaway"). From that point aft, only the chassis frame rails and running gear extend to the rear when the unit is shipped as an "incomplete vehicle". A second-stage manufacturer, commonly known as a bodybuilder, will complete the vehicle for uses such as recreational vehicles , small school buses , minibusses, type III ambulances , and delivery trucks. A large proportion of cutaway van chassis are equipped with dual rear wheels. Second-stage manufacturers sometimes add third weight-bearing single wheel "tag axles" for their larger minibus models. The term van in
4680-475: The headlights was a design feature borrowed loosely from the Ford Thames 400E (a predecessor of the Ford Transit ). The midengined placement enlarged the cargo area, as the engine compartment was located forward of the flat load floor. While Volkswagen marketed rear-engined vans in the United States until 1991, Chevrolet/GMC and Dodge both adopted the design of the Econoline, introducing midengined vans for
4758-490: The hoodline was much lower. A higher degree of parts commonality with the F-Series made itself known in the body styling: the vent windows, taillights, bumpers, and wheels were common items between the two vehicles. During its sixteen-year production run, the exterior of the Econoline/Club Wagon would remain nearly unaltered. In 1978, the Super Van/Super Wagon was introduced; based on the 138-inch wheelbase, it
SECTION 60
#17327765109074836-499: The long-wheelbase version, the Chateau had air conditioning, houndstooth fabric on all seats, an AM/FM sound system, and the option of 12-passenger seating. For 1975, the Econoline/Club Wagon were given a complete redesign. Based on an all-new chassis , Ford became the first American manufacturer to adapt body-on-frame construction to a full-size van. The new-generation Econoline would become common not only in its own right, but as
4914-399: The manufacturer (wagon), or another company for more personal comforts ( conversion van ). Full-size vans often have short hoods, with the engine placed under the passenger cabin. A cutaway van chassis is a variation of the full-size van that was developed for use by second stage manufacturers . Such a unit has a van front end and driver controls in a cab body that extends to a point behind
4992-548: The model line served as a replacement for the Ford F-Series panel delivery (and the smaller Ford Courier sedan delivery). Three models were available, a cargo van, a passenger van (also sold under the Station Bus and Club Wagon names), and a forward-control pickup truck. Competing directly against the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair van and Volkswagen Transporter , the Ford Econoline established multiple design precedents adopted by successive North American vans, including
5070-758: The popular vans include Maruti Suzuki Omni and the Maruti Suzuki Eeco . Early Japanese vans include the Kurogane Baby , Mazda Bongo , and the Toyota LiteAce . The Japanese also produced many vans based on the American flat nose model, but also minivans which for the American market have generally evolved to the long-wheelbase front-wheel drive form. The Nissan Prairie and Mitsubishi Chariot as well as microvans that fulfill kei car regulations, are popular for small businesses. The term
5148-485: The rear axle. Econoline cargo vans (except panel vans) were offered with or without side windows in several configurations. Alongside the Ford Falcon, the Ford Econoline was expanded into a product line including several vehicles. In Canada, the Econoline was marketed through both the sales networks of both Ford and Lincoln-Mercury (as a Mercury), to increase its presence outside of urban areas. Introduced alongside
5226-493: The second current Ford line to do so). The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility ( Avon Lake, Ohio ), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly ( Lorain, Ohio ) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005. Ford released the first-generation Ford Econoline on September 21, 1960, for the 1961 model year. Beginning development in 1957,
5304-406: The time of its launch, Ford projected the Econoline pickup truck to outsell the van, but buyers reversed the trend, with the van outselling the pickup truck nine-to-one. The bodystyle ended production after the 1967 model year, remaining unique to the first generation. The first-generation Econoline was sold by Ford of Canada by both Ford and Lincoln-Mercury. When branding its truck offerings under
5382-439: The truck. The base version was the panel van (Corvan) with no side or rear windows. The van was named Greenbrier. The Greenbrier version usually had windows all around and six doors, However, an option offered a total of eight doors that included rear center opening double doors on both sides of the vehicle. The Greenbrier seated nine people with the available third-row seat. The 95s and cars had an optional heater using gasoline from
5460-472: The unique characteristics of 12- and 15-passenger vans and by following guidelines developed for their drivers, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many commercial vans are fitted with cargo barriers behind the front seats (or rear seats, if fitted) to prevent injuries caused by unsecured cargo in the event of sudden deceleration, collision, or a rollover. Cargo barriers in vans are sometimes fitted with doors permitting
5538-472: The vehicle under a slightly raised cargo floor. It was similar in principle to the 4-cylinder engine of the Volkswagen, but unusual for most contemporary cars. The 145 cu in (2,375 cc) engine developed 80 hp (60 kW) at 4,400 rpm. Engine size was increased to 164 cu in (2,683 cc) for the 1964 model year, raising output to 95 hp (71 kW). Unlike the Corvair cars,
5616-421: The vehicle's tank. Chevrolet made camper kits as a dealer-installed package for the Greenbrier vans. These included a bed that covered the rear-mounted engine as well as various kitchen, cabinet, and table layouts that changed by model year. An example was the 1961 kit for $ 485. A Corvair 95 truck was available as a "Loadside" or "Rampside". The Loadside was a pickup truck with a standard tailgate for accessing
5694-482: Was a rear body extension allowing for extra cargo room or an extra row of seating (for up to 15 passengers). In 1979, a minor facelift updated the grille design; round headlights were replaced by rectangular units. In 1983, the Ford Blue Oval was added to the grille, replacing the "FORD" lettering on the hood. Specific to the 1984 model year was a standard grille finish of dark argent with bright surround for both
5772-413: Was available with an extension to the rear of its long-wheelbase model to create a 15-passenger van. Vehicles have been sold as both cargo and passenger models, as well as in cutaway van chassis versions for second stage manufacturers to make box vans, ambulances, campers, and other vehicles. Second-stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create custom vans. In urban areas of
5850-412: Was enlarged to 7.3L. The diesel V8 engines were available only in Econoline 350s (or Club Wagons sold on the same chassis). The cutaway version was available with the 4.9L 6-cylinder or the larger (5.8L and up) V8s. Due to the popularity of automatic transmissions in full-size vans, Ford discontinued all manual transmissions after the 1989 model year. The column-shifted 3-speed departed after 1986, leaving
5928-473: Was only available on 150- and 250-series vans, unlike its predecessor which could also be had on 350-series vans. For 2003, the 4.6L V8 became available on the E-250. For 2004, the 7.3L diesel was replaced by a 6.0L diesel from Navistar. While gaining an intercooler over its predecessor, due to the lack of airflow in the engine compartment (compared to Super Duty trucks), Ford had to detune the E-Series version of
6006-406: Was retained, making it the second to last Ford vehicle to use it. At its 1992 launch, the fourth generation carried over its powertrain line from the third-generation model line (sharing it with the ninth-generation F-Series ). A 4.9L inline-six was standard, with a 5.0L V8 (on E-150 only) and a 5.8L V8 offered as options. On 350-series vans, a 7.5L V8 and 7.3L Navistar diesel V8 were also optional;
6084-453: Was shifted to Lorain Assembly in Ohio. For 1962, production of the entire model line returned to Oakville. After 1965, production of the model line was sourced from the United States. Production numbers of Mercury Econolines were low, with only 1,291 Mercury Econoline pickup trucks being built in 1965. Following the 1968 model year, Ford of Canada ended the sale of Mercury-branded trucks, leaving
#906093