1988 Ford E-Series Econoline Van
Ford E-series hold a significant distinction by being the need of above 70% of van users in the United States. It has been America’s best-selling for the last forty years, starting from 1980. It began as a vintage full-sized van and made improvements until nothing was left to improve! in this article, we will focus on the 1988 Ford E-Series Econoline van.
This write-up will look at the history of Ford E-series Econoline vans and why it’s your best bet!
Introduction to E-Series:
Econoline vans’ history takes us back to 1961 when the first compact Ford Falcon-based Econoline appeared in the market as a cargo truck that could accommodate eight people on its three rows of seats.
It was an alternative to the Ford F-series panel van. As discussed earlier, it was at the peak of its popularity by 1980, which continued up to 2015, when Ford announced its discontinuation. However, you may be lucky enough to find someone selling their Econoline van, as it is the best cargo van you could ever get your hands on!
Consider why you should try Ford Econoline vans once before they go away!
The Towing Tools:
The 1988 Ford E-Series Econoline vans were between the trucks, passenger cars, and pickups. You could pull a trailer, offer pick-and-drop service to school kids, or call it for any double duty at the construction sites. Pulling the trailer is its best function, but that doesn’t mean the cargo space is lesser. However, the traditional body-on-frame construction of this van is a big deal. It activates the truck-style towing capacity of up to 8 or even ten thousand pounds. You can go for an E-series van with a V8 engine if you don’t need to tow beyond 8000 lbs.; however, you can get a vehicle with a V10 engine if you want your car to have a capacity of 10,000 lbs. Dedicated tow/haul mode and optional trailer-brake control integrated with an anti-lock braking system make the van stop quicker for a safe drive despite the loaded weight.
Traditional Tough-Looking Style:
Not all Ford vehicles instantly attract people with their looks; nonetheless, the 1988 Ford E-Series Econoline is the present surprise to one’s eyes with a challenging and sturdy look. Even its first model is a massive representation of the classic van exterior. Cab-over body style probably comes from European vehicles, but its second generation came up with a typical truck-like design that the people instantly liked. Its 1988 model was a part of its third-generation versions that gave away a classic vintage yet rugged vibe.
Drivetrains and Power:
People expect commercial vans to be able to cover long distances carrying huge weight without breaking down at any point. It’s disappointing how most of the vas don’t fulfill this expectation, but the 1988 Ford E-series does this, standing true to its claim. Robus 6.8-L V10 engine is integrated with this vehicle to bring about 420 pound-feet 305 hp energy. Five-speed automatic transmission imparts excellent efficiency to the output of this V10 engine. You can choose from the two 2.6-L and 5.4-L V8 machines, which produce 225 hp and 255 hp power, respectively. At the same time, the torque is rated at 286 and 350 lb-ft capacity. 5.4-L V8 and V10 engines run on liquid petroleum or compressed gas; this feature fulfills yet another consumer demand.
Cargo Capacity:
The typical cargo pickup trucks don’t offer what an Econoline van can! You can accommodate stuff in the Ford can keep it away from the bad weather; it is something that the outside extended cargo bed in typical trucks doesn’t offer. 27.8 cubic feet of space is available for the cargo in the normal-size Ford Econoline van; it gets even more spacious with the extended-size Ford E-series vehicle that offers 278.3 cubic feet. It comes with either a wing-out or slide-away door; cargo rear doors are also an option.
Safety Features:
The recent safety feature in the Ford E-series van is the rearview camera system allowing safe rear parking. The display features a distance guide and centerline that simplifies the hitching process to ease tailoring. You can expect the AdvanceTrac with roll stability control feature to help you move out on the road. It increases stability and prevents vehicle rollovers.
The braking system comes with a four-wheel anti-lock setup and additional occupant-protection measures like airbags for the front-seat passengers, including the driver, three-point safety belts for all seats, anti-intrusion side-door beams, reverse-sensing tech, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. This safe-to-drive vehicle is mainly a van of choice for people who have to carry people around.
The Modern E-series Features:
The last gen Econoline vans help the driver focus on the road with its voice control over Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling. You can connect it with the SYNC for the best navigation system. Six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, USB port, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are further infotainment options that you get with the later versions of Ford Econoline vans.
You can still find the 1988 version of the Ford Econoline van working perfectly on the roads. Don’t forget to avail yourself of the Ford E Series Owners Manual if you get an opportunity to enjoy the powerful drivetrain of this can.
In addition to the owner’s manual, you can also purchase the service repair manual, and complete all servicing and maintenance on the van yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford still manufacture the E-Series Van?
From 2015 on, Ford only makes the cutaway chassis and stripped chassis
How long can a Ford E-Series last?
Up to 300,000 miles, depending on care and maintenance
What replaced the Ford E-Series Econoline van?
The Ford Transit