A five-speed automatic came with the V10. E-350 buyers could upgrade to a 6.8-liter V10 with 305 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines came with a four-speed automatic. A 5.4-liter V8 capable of 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque was optional on the E-150 and standard on the E-350 Super Duty models. A 4.6-liter V8 with 225 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque was standard on the E-150. There were three engines available on these E-Series Wagons. Unlike on the Sprinter by Dodge or Mercedes-Benz, dual sliding doors were not available. Two passenger-side openings were available: a pair of barn-style swinging doors and a single, minivan-type sliding unit. The upper trim levels came better equipped and options were plentiful. The base XL was just that, with vinyl upholstery, air-conditioning and an AM/FM radio as its notable standard features. Each of these vans was offered in XL and XLT trim, with the E-150 also available in a high-end Chateau trim. There were three basic models: the eight-passenger E-150, the 12-passenger E-350 Super Duty and the 15-passenger E-350 Super Duty Extended. Though not a new generation, the most recent version of the Econoline passenger van was produced from 2008 through 2014. The more modern Transit replaced the Econoline as Ford's full-size passenger van. But considering the Ford's typically lower price and respectable reputation for reliability, it makes a solid choice for a used full-size passenger van. As such, other full-size vans outclassed the Econoline in terms of versatility and ride and handling dynamics. Yet the basic vehicle and its passenger comfort remained virtually unchanged. It received only minor changes over the years, the most significant of which occurred for 1997 (engine and interior updates) and for 2008 when it received a radical new grille along with steering, brake and suspension improvements. However, in its unmodified form as a high-capacity passenger van, the Ford Econoline showed its old age. For upfitters (those who turn vans into commercial vehicles such as airport shuttles), any change to the Econoline's basic structure and dimensions meant they also had to change the dimensions and tooling of their customizations. But there was good reason for the Econoline's staying power other than Ford simply not messing with what had been the top-selling full-size van for more than three decades. No, not George W, but the original "no new taxes" edition. Although it was last produced for the 2014 model year, the Ford Econoline (E-Series) Wagon, the passenger carrying version of this stalwart van, hadn't undergone a full redesign since George Bush was president.
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