With Ford’s Econoline van the pace of change is glacial, but that’s not necessarily a bad things. Full size passenger vans haven’t been in vogue since the 1970s, and no good came of that trend, so a little conservative restraint is understandable. Plus, vans, like pickups, are often expected to earn their keep by hauling around boxes and widgets from factory to warehouse, so in this corner of the market utility easily trumps fashion. But the Econoline tries to straddle both the industrial and suburban worlds. It is sold as a passenger wagon or panel van, plus assorted cutaways and stripped chassis suitable for ambulance duty and such. Nearly the entire, starting with the 4.2 liter ohv V6, to the 4.6 liter sohc V8, the 5.3 liter sohc V8, the 6.8 liter V10 and the 7.3 liter turbo diesel V8 are available. A 4 speed automatic over drive is the sole transmission choice. Econoline nomenclature mimics that of the pickup line, with E-150 and E-250 and E-350 Super Duty classifications. Starting with the E-250 series, the Econoline can be ordered with an extended length body. Ford offers five seating configurations for the E-series wagon, accommodating from seven to 15 people.
The standard side doors are a 60/40 split swing out type, with sliding cargo doors a no-cost option. As with most Ford trucks and SUVs, the Econoline models are basic XL and upscale XLT. From these building blocks it is possible to build a van for nearly any purpose. Although changes for 2002 are few, most of the alterations add comfort and convenience features to the Econoline series.
