2009 Ford E-Series Wagon

Ford has done a little tweaking to its E-Series Wagon – which some still call the Econoline - for 2009. A re-designed instrument panel, standard stability control, a Flex Fuel V8, more options, and rear doors that open out 172 degrees are all new for ’09. To top that off, Ford has also brought back its V10 engine option for the 2009 E-350 trims.

The venerable E-Series, competing with the GMC Savana, Chevy Express, and Dodge Sprinter, is available in six trims: E-150 XL and XLT, E-350 SD XL and XLT, and E-350 SD Ext. XL and Ext. XLT. Regular-size E-Series Wagons seat 8 to 11 passengers, and the extended trims seat 11 to 15 passengers. Cargo volume is 237 cubic feet in the regular length and 275 cubic feet in the extended E-350 SD.

Standard features for the E-150 XL include a 4.6-liter SOHC V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission that puts out 225 hp. The E-150 for ’09 has a payload capacity of 2,650 lbs and can tow up to 6,100 lbs. Standard handling and creature comforts include 16-inch steel wheels, independent front and live-axle rear suspension, front bucket seats, AM/FM stereo with six speakers, and a cargo area light. E-150 XLT adds cruise, a tilt wheel, power windows, locks, and mirrors, an in-dash CD player, and MP3 audio input.

The 2009 E-350 SD (Super Duty) XL and XLT trims, both regular and extended length, feature a standard 255-hp, 5.4-liter Flex Fuel V8 with a four-speed automatic. All E-350 XL and XLT trims offer the same standard handling and comfort features as the E-150s.

Options for the ’09 E-Series wagons include a backup camera and trailer brake controller with electronic message center, both new for ’09, as well as a 6.8-liter, 305-hp V10 and five-speed automatic with overdrive for the E-350 (this engine can tow close to 10,000 lbs). The Flex Fuel V8 is an optional power plant for the E-150 only, while a navigation system with satellite radio, six-disc CD changer, rear seat DVD entertainment, and a trailer towing package are among the other options for all ’09 E-Series Wagons.   

Ford E-Series Wagons offer such standard safety features as electronic stability control (new for ’09), four-wheel disc ABS, traction control, second-row center three-point safety restrain system, and dual front airbags. Safety options include the rear backup camera system, integrated trailer brake, and a passenger airbag cutoff switch. The NHTSA gave E-Series Wagons poor marks in rollover testing, while front and side impact test ratings are unavailable.

The '08 Ford E-Series had owners wondering if Ford was ever going to refresh the dated styling (one owner described the E-Series' styling as “horrible”), while others mentioned fuel efficiency as a major drawback. Towing and cargo capacity, however, overcome many of the styling and mileage deficiencies of the E-Series, and '08 owners have praised the frame and the drivetrain as nearly indestructible.

By Eric Tallberg