The Good
The 2024 Ford E-Series boasts exceptional reliability and robust performance from its powerful V8 engines, a practical advantage for heavy hauling. Its straightforward design ensures ease of maintenance and upfitting, offering immense value for commercial operations. For emotional buyers, it represents a workhorse – a trusted, no-nonsense companion for demanding tasks, offering peace of mind through its proven durability and dependability.
The Bad
While durable, the 2024 Ford E-Series' design is utilitarian, lacking modern creature comforts and advanced interior tech found in newer vans. Fuel economy is notably poor due to its heavy-duty construction and powerful engines. Maneuverability in tight spaces can be challenging, and its ride quality is firm, reflecting its commercial intent rather than passenger comfort.
2024 Ford E-Series: Quick Overview
The 2024 Ford E-Series is primarily offered in E-350 and E-450 cutaway or stripped chassis configurations, designed as platforms for various commercial upfits.
Key Specifications:
- Engine Options:
- Standard: 7.3L "Godzilla" V8 gasoline engine. This robust engine is shared with Ford's Super Duty trucks, known for its strong low-end torque and reliability in heavy-duty applications.
- Horsepower:
- 7.3L V8: Typically rated at around 325 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Specific output can vary slightly based on calibration for different chassis weights and upfit requirements.
- Transmission:
- TorqShift® G 6-speed automatic transmission. This heavy-duty transmission is designed for demanding commercial use and seamlessly integrates with the powerful V8 engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- Official EPA fuel economy ratings are not typically provided for cutaway chassis vehicles like the E-Series, as actual mileage is highly dependent on the final body upfit (e.g., ambulance, RV, box truck), cargo weight, and driving conditions. Owners can generally expect single-digit to low-double-digit MPG figures, reflecting its heavy-duty nature and powerful engine.
- 0-60 Times:
- 0-60 mph times are not a relevant performance metric for the E-Series, which is engineered for hauling and towing heavy loads rather than acceleration. Performance is measured by its ability to reliably move significant weight.
- Towing Capacity:
- Towing capacity varies significantly based on the specific chassis (E-350 or E-450), wheelbase, and final upfit, but can range from approximately 10,000 to over 14,000 pounds when properly equipped. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) are more critical metrics for this class of vehicle, often exceeding 22,000 pounds for GCWR on the E-450.
- Trim-Level Features (Base & Standard for Chassis):
- Standard Equipment: Focuses on durability and functionality. Includes heavy-duty suspension, power steering, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a basic vinyl-trimmed interior with air conditioning.
- Safety Features: Basic driver and passenger airbags, rearview camera display, and electronic stability control (AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™).
- Infotainment: A basic AM/FM stereo with two speakers is standard. More advanced infotainment is typically added by upfitters or aftermarket.
- Optional Features: Ford offers options such as power windows and door locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and a larger fuel tank. Certain driver-assist technologies (e.g., Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keeping Alert) are becoming available even on these commercial platforms as optional extras.
- Chassis Variants: Available in various wheelbase lengths to accommodate different upfit requirements.
The E-Series is designed as a foundational platform, meaning many 'features' are determined and installed by the second-stage manufacturer building the final vehicle.
2024 Ford E-Series Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2024 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | E-Series |
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Engine & Performance
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Pricing
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Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2024 Ford E-Series Have?
Historically, older E-Series models (pre-2020 with the Triton V8s) had issues like spark plug ejection (5.4L/6.8L engines) and exhaust manifold leaks, but these are largely irrelevant to the 2024 model's modern 'Godzilla' 7.3L V8.
For the 2024 model, potential concerns, while not 'problems' yet, could include:
- Fuel System Issues: As with any new engine introduction, minor issues with fuel injectors or pumps can occasionally occur, though the 7.3L has proven robust in Super Duty applications.
- Electrical Glitches: Given the extensive modifications and upfitting the E-Series undergoes, aftermarket electrical installations can sometimes lead to conflicts or parasitic drains if not executed perfectly. This isn't a Ford issue per se, but an upfit consideration.
- Brake Wear: Due to the heavy loads and frequent braking cycles common in commercial use (e.g., ambulances, shuttle buses), accelerated wear of brake components (pads, rotors, calipers) is a common 'maintenance item' rather than a 'problem' over time.
- Suspension Components: Constant heavy loads can lead to quicker wear on suspension bushings, ball joints, and shocks, necessitating replacement more frequently than in lighter-duty vehicles.
- Recalls: As of early 2024, no significant recalls have been issued for the 2024 E-Series. However, it's always prudent for owners to monitor NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for any future recalls that might affect components shared with other Ford models or specific to the chassis.
Long-term reliability for the E-Series platform generally remains very strong, primarily due to its body-on-frame construction and the robust V8 engine. Longevity often hinges on consistent, heavy-duty maintenance schedules appropriate for its demanding work. Early model year vehicles can sometimes have minor 'teething' issues as manufacturing processes scale, but Ford's experience with this chassis and engine suggests a high degree of initial reliability.
How long will the 2024 Ford E-Series last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment:
- Infotainment: Standard is a very basic AM/FM stereo with two speakers. There is no large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto integration from the factory. Commercial upfitters or owners often install aftermarket systems to meet specific needs.
- Connectivity: Basic 12V power outlets are typically available. USB ports are not standard but might be an optional extra or added during upfitting.
- Gauges: A traditional instrument cluster with analog gauges provides essential vehicle information such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and temperature. A small digital display for trip information and warnings is also present.
Driver-Assistance & Safety Features:
Ford has slowly integrated more modern safety features into the E-Series to enhance driver confidence, particularly given its commercial use cases.
- Standard Safety:
- Dual front airbags for driver and passenger.
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®): An electronic stability control system designed to help maintain vehicle stability and prevent rollovers.
- Heavy-duty four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS).
- Rearview camera display: A crucial feature for a vehicle of this size, aiding in parking and maneuvering, especially when equipped with a large body.
- Optional Driver-Assistance Features (availability may vary by package):
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
- Lane-Keeping Alert: Helps prevent unintended lane departures.
- Automatic High-Beam Headlamps: Automatically switches between high and low beams.
- Post-Collision Braking: Automatically applies moderate brake pressure after a collision to help reduce the severity of a secondary collision.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Essential for maintaining optimal tire pressure, especially under heavy loads.
- Crash-Test Ratings: Due to its nature as a cutaway or stripped chassis, the 2024 Ford E-Series does not undergo traditional crash testing by organizations like the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Ratings for such commercial platforms are generally not available because the final crash performance is heavily influenced by the second-stage manufacturer's upfit (e.g., ambulance body, RV frame, bus seating). Its robust frame and heavy-duty construction, however, provide inherent structural integrity.
In summary, the E-Series provides a utilitarian yet capable set of tech and safety features focused on its primary role as a commercial work vehicle, with options to enhance basic driver assistance.
What Colors Options are Available?
2024 Ford E-Series Prices and Market Value
2024 Ford E-Series Cost of Ownership
2024 Ford E-Series Fuel Efficiency
2024 Ford E-Series Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2024 Ford E-Series Compare to Other Vehicle?
Performance:
- Ford E-Series: With its 7.3L "Godzilla" V8, the E-Series offers robust power and torque, making it a leader for heavy hauling and towing. Its traditional body-on-frame setup is ideal for extreme loads.
- Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana Cutaway: These older platforms offer a choice of a V8 engine (5.3L or 6.6L) or a smaller V6. The 6.6L V8 provides strong performance, comparable to the E-Series, but the chassis design is older and less refined.
- Ford Transit/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cutaway: These are typically lighter-duty, unibody or semi-unibody chassis that prioritize efficiency and maneuverability. Their engines (V6 gasoline, diesel for Sprinter) are less potent for extreme heavy hauling than the E-Series V8.
Features:
- Ford E-Series/Chevy Express/GMC Savana: Both offer very basic, utilitarian interiors and minimal standard tech. Driver-assist features are slowly being added but remain optional and basic. Their strength lies in their adaptable chassis for custom upfits.
- Ford Transit/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: These offer more modern interiors, advanced infotainment options, and a wider array of standard and optional driver-assistance and safety features. They are generally more comfortable for the driver.
Reliability:
- Ford E-Series: Renowned for its "old-school" reliability. The 7.3L V8 is a strong, proven engine, and the simple, robust construction means fewer complex systems to fail.
- Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana: Also very reliable due to their long-standing, proven designs and powertrains. Parts are readily available and maintenance is straightforward.
- Ford Transit/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Generally reliable, but being newer designs with more sophisticated electronics and often smaller, turbocharged engines (for Transit) or diesels (for Sprinter), they can sometimes have higher maintenance costs or more complex repair requirements over their lifespan compared to the traditional V8s.
Price:
- Ford E-Series/Chevy Express/GMC Savana: Tend to be competitively priced as base chassis, offering strong value for the heavy-duty segment.
- Ford Transit/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Typically command higher prices, especially the Sprinter, reflecting their more modern design, advanced features, and often better fuel efficiency.
Recommendation:
The 2024 Ford E-Series is an excellent choice if your priority is maximum heavy-duty towing/hauling, extreme durability, a simple and proven platform for extensive custom upfitting (like ambulances or large RVs), and a robust V8 engine. It's ideal when sheer work capacity and longevity outweigh modern comfort and fuel efficiency. If you need a more modern driving experience, better fuel economy, or advanced driver aids for lighter-duty commercial tasks or delivery, a Ford Transit cutaway or a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cab might be a "better" alternative. If you want a direct, traditional heavy-duty alternative to the E-Series, the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana cutaway chassis offers a similar, albeit older, proposition.