Ford discontinues the E van
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs CO
Ford discontinues the E van
1st the Ranger, now this-http://www.carlustblog.com/2012/02/e...oline-van.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
The Transit is not to be confused with the Transit Connect currently sold here by Ford, different platforms entirely. IF the Transit is offered with a good diesel engine, I wont miss the Econoline at all.
Not fundamentally updating the Panther (CV, GM, TC), Ranger and E-series over such a long time was going to kill them off eventually. How many F-series redesigns have we had since '92?
Not fundamentally updating the Panther (CV, GM, TC), Ranger and E-series over such a long time was going to kill them off eventually. How many F-series redesigns have we had since '92?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
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From: Southern Oregon Coast
In my opinion, instead of flat-out dropping the E-series, they could have continued building them as base-model; nothing fancy; plain-jane cargo vans for fleet use.
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,726
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From: Greenfield, MA
I think this is part of Fords Global Strategy to build multiple vehicles on the same platform. The Transit platform is a proven success in Europe and is apparently an upgrade over the Econoline Chassis. It's all about dollars and cents...the platforms that have been discontinued had out lived their usefulness...IE...Ranger used to dominate the market with a 50% + share...now Tacoma has 50% + of that market. To top it off...it's a declining market.
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They did upgrade the Econoline a couple times. The new ones drove a lot better than my now crushed '85.
Having driven Chevs and Fords at work, along with Sprinters, and a breif run in a new Nissan, there isn't much difference in the driving experience. Box on wheels. Powertrain wise though, the 4.6 is a decent motor for light loads. The 300 was ok too, but slow. The Sprinter oil burner motors are great, and fuel economy is great as well. Ford put those iron lump V8 diesels in vans and I guess they worked ok, but why couldn't they put a 4 cylinder diesel in there with a turbo and about 350-400 lb/ft and a 6 speed auto? Wouldn't have to change much at all... And, if Nissan can tool up a tall body, why can't Ford? Seems funny Nissan is putting a van body on a pickup and entering the market while Ford abandons a proven vehicle.
Having driven Chevs and Fords at work, along with Sprinters, and a breif run in a new Nissan, there isn't much difference in the driving experience. Box on wheels. Powertrain wise though, the 4.6 is a decent motor for light loads. The 300 was ok too, but slow. The Sprinter oil burner motors are great, and fuel economy is great as well. Ford put those iron lump V8 diesels in vans and I guess they worked ok, but why couldn't they put a 4 cylinder diesel in there with a turbo and about 350-400 lb/ft and a 6 speed auto? Wouldn't have to change much at all... And, if Nissan can tool up a tall body, why can't Ford? Seems funny Nissan is putting a van body on a pickup and entering the market while Ford abandons a proven vehicle.
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Moderator
Joined: May 2007
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From: Greenfield, MA
Ford will be tooling up a tall body as Nissan does. In the past...the Econoline has been available with a tall body...but...not from Ford...they were done aftermarket.
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...h-transit.html
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...h-transit.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
How does one fundamentally update a cargo van? It's a box on wheels - there's not a lot you can do with that...
In my opinion, instead of flat-out dropping the E-series, they could have continued building them as base-model; nothing fancy; plain-jane cargo vans for fleet use.
In my opinion, instead of flat-out dropping the E-series, they could have continued building them as base-model; nothing fancy; plain-jane cargo vans for fleet use.
Fleet buyers can no longer afford vehicles with fuel mileage as a non-issue in the design, among other things, such as driver comfort and maneuverability in urban environments.
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From: Saratoga, NY
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I think it's a solid move for Ford. The E Van has been a workaholic but look at the versatility of the Sprinter van and some of the others on the market these days. Ford playing catch up once again.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
I will be keeping my van for many more years.
Honestly I doubt that I will ever buy a replacement unless mine is totaled.
For the money I can repair and replace what I need to and save Thousands upon Tens of Thousands compared to the cost of a new van.
Honestly I doubt that I will ever buy a replacement unless mine is totaled.
For the money I can repair and replace what I need to and save Thousands upon Tens of Thousands compared to the cost of a new van.