2006 Ford Econoline Cargo Review
Price Estimate: $1,280 - $1,817

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Massive cargo-hauling ability, wide range of configurations, powerful diesel engine option.
Cons
- Offers very few convenience features, aged design, gas-powered V8 engines can't match strength of GM's offerings.
What’s new
Stability control is now standard on the extended-length E-350.
Edmunds says
Although the option of a powerful diesel helps in the engine department, the 2006 Ford Econoline Cargo is still a relic compared to the recently revamped full-size vans from GM.
For sale near Grants Pass, OR
74 listings
- 367,205 miles
- Odometer issue reported, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 2 Seats
- Neill's Wheels (118 mi away)
- 6000lb Towing Capaci...
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Located in Eugene, OR
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FTNS24W36DA66098
Stock: A66098
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-10-2024- 113,925 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 2 Seats
- Delta Auto Sales (210 mi away)
- 6000lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Portland, OR
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FTNE24W16DB36933
Stock: ID 3713
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-14-2025
Vehicle overview
Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford's Econoline van has a favorable, well-earned reputation. Since the van's introduction in 1960, Ford says it has sold more than 6 million Econoline vans. The current Econoline lineup is extensive. There are the base-model E-150, the E-250, the E-250 Extended, the tougher E-350 Super Duty and the E-350 Super Duty Extended. Ford equips each of these vehicles in either recreational-use (Econoline Wagon) or commercial-use (Econoline Van) trim. Recreational trim is for large families or people who want customized conversion vans or RVs, while the Econoline Van commercial models are used by tradespeople to cart equipment from job to job.
If you want to purchase a new full-size van for business use, you're going to end up with the Econoline, the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana or the Mercedes-engineered Dodge Sprinter. Each is similar in price and size. The GM vans offer more powerful gas-powered V8 engine options and better ride dynamics, while the Sprinter, originally designed for European markets, emphasizes tall cabins, carlike handling and a fuel-efficient turbodiesel five-cylinder engine. The Ford Econoline Cargo is clearly the way to go if you're looking for a strong turbodiesel V8 or a gas V10, since neither competitor has these options. Beyond that, your buying decision should come down to pricing and getting a van configured the way you want it.
Performance & mpg
The 2006 Ford Econoline Cargo is available with four different engines. The 4.6-liter V8 produces 225 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.4-liter V8 makes 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended models have the 5.4-liter V8 as standard. To upgrade, you can go with a 305-hp, 6.8-liter V10 or Ford's 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, which produces 235 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission, except the diesel, which gets a five-speed automatic (optional with the V10). Trailer ratings range from 6,400 pounds for an E-150 with the 4.6-liter V8 to 10,000 pounds for an E-350 Super Duty with the 4.10 axle ratio and either the V10 or diesel engine option. In terms of the payloads, the range goes from 7,000 pounds GVWR for the E-150 to 9,400 pounds GVWR for the regular-length E-350.
Safety
All Ford Econoline models come standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, second-generation front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for the driver and passenger. A stability control system is standard on the extended-length E-350 but not available on other Econolines. Ford's full-size van earned four out of five stars for both the driver and passenger in the NHTSA's frontal crash test.
Driving
Despite their old-fashioned suspension designs, Ford Econoline Cargo vans feel relatively stable and confident at highway speeds. Given their size, of course, they can be rather cumbersome to park or maneuver through heavy traffic. The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana have a stronger lineup of gas-powered V8s than the Econoline, and this year GM's vans have an optional diesel V8 with slightly higher output than Ford's Power Stroke diesel. Still, if you're looking for a gas-powered V10 for heavy-duty hauling jobs, Ford is the only manufacturer that offers in a full-size van.
Interior
Besides adding an optional second-row bench to accommodate your staff, you can increase your van's day-to-day livability (for people, anyway) by equipping it with swing-out side glass and fixed rear glass and/or a sliding side cargo door (in place of the standard hinged doors). Maximum cargo capacity ranges from 257 cubic feet in the E-150 to 309 cubic feet in the E-350 Extended.
2006 Ford Econoline Cargo models
Ford's commercial-use Econoline cargo van is available to the general public in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton sizes. For those whose hauling needs aren't too intensive, there is the base E-150 model. If you have a bit more on your plate, select the E-250, which comes in two lengths -- regular (211.9 inches) and EXT (231.9). Finally, for contractors with the heaviest payloads (up to 4,000 pounds), there is the E-350 van, also available in regular and extended lengths. In base form, the vans are sparsely equipped -- two vinyl bucket seats, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel adjustment, power mirrors, a two-speaker stereo and 16-inch tires with steel rims. Among the available options are functional items like a second-row bench (so that you can carry the whole crew), a towing package and shorter axle ratios for enhanced towing ability (most with a limited-slip differential), as well as "luxuries" like cloth upholstery, captain's chairs, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and a power group with keyless entry and power windows and locks.
Compare 2006 Ford Econoline Cargo trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oregon
$342/mo for Econoline Cargo E-150
Econoline Cargo E-150
vs
$333/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
See Edmunds pricing data
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Ford Econoline Cargo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Clunky old van but very reliable
3 out of 5 starsChris, 02/21/2016
2006 Ford Econoline Cargo E-250 3dr Van (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Pros -
- Great power when needed, used this for hauling supplies and pulling trailers
- Starts at first key even in zero degrees
- The car can take a beating, great chassis and suspensions. The body is all steel, feels like a tank
- Lots of room in the dashboard for tools, cups of coffee, etc
- Great 360 degree visibility
-smooth ride
Cons-
- gas milage, but for what i use it for i'll … give it a pass
- Doors, windows, mirrors are all clunky and terribly designed. Basically any moving parts will start to rattle or screetch, the back doors wont close right unless you SLAM them, which is bad if you have a night job or early morning shift where all your neighbors are sleeping.
- Had a handful of electrical problems - tail lights going out, headlights, alternator, starter, battery corrosion
- Replaced several fuel filters because the fuel tank rusted and kept getting rust in the filters
- Steering is wobbly
- Loud idle
- Seating position is awkward which makes it hard to get in and out smoothly
- lots of screws popping out in the cargo area will get your clothes ripped
- The cargo floor needs to be thicker metal becasue it warped from the weight
Excellent workhorse
4.25 out of 5 starsrgold28, 11/18/2006
2006 Ford Econoline Cargo E-150 3dr Van (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
This van I chose for cost and convenience. Compared it to the Chevy and the Dodge Sprinter. Even loaded and pulling a trailer this van still has power to move. The Chevy with the 4.3 litre 6 did not have it. Warranty, cost of ownership and the reliability of Ford Motor company. The fuel economy is no where near where they stated at 19. It's more like 12-15. It has a decent radio and to … add cruise control costs an arm and a leg since it needs to be added by replacing the entire steering column. They told me differently at the dealer. Overall experience is excellent and i am very happy with this van. It's the best choice unless you want to pay $8k more for the Sprinter.
350,000 miles going strong
4.25 out of 5 starsdlf105, 04/20/2010
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-250 3dr Ext Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this van over a year ago with 330,000 miles on it, its the ext. 3/4 ton version with a 4.6l. I was skeptical at first but for $1500 I figured it was worth a shot. We drive it everywhere, its been on several 6-8 hours trips. I use it to haul Mx bikes to the races. The 4.6l gets around 16-17 mpg on the highway fully loaded which is 4 bikes, 4 guys and all of our gear for a … weekend of racing and riding. If you need something to haul stuff, this is it. Find one that was well maintained and you can't go wrong.
satisfied customer
5 out of 5 starsdb, 02/06/2007
2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-250 3dr Van (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Never had to return to dealer. Changed oil every 3000 miles. Had transmission serviced regularly. Changed brakes at 95,000 miles. 18 mpg hwy.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Ford Econoline Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Econoline Cargo since its last redesign.
2006 Econoline Cargo Highlights
E-150
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,180 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $342/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 256.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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