1993 Ford Econovan XLT SWB from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable, nice to drive, roomy

Faults:

Some small areas of rust on the roof.

Has had the master clutch cylinder replaced.

Had the trans replaced after 9.5 years

Alternator.

General Comments:

This van? Was a victim of attempted theft. Even the tow truck driver had a hard time getting it to start.

Good, honest, reliable van.

This is the longest vehicle we have owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2021

1995 Ford Econovan Maxi Extra Long 2.0L petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great (I have two). What more can I say?

Faults:

Bought it with a wearing noise in the gearbox (changed it for $350).

The roof needs repainting; has cracked and peeled off in areas.

Blinker switch cluster needed replacing.

Middle seat belt latch exploded into pieces one day (my 7 year old girl is very strong :) ).

Air-con not working; would put it down to oldness, but my previous Econovan Maxi didn't work, this Econovan Maxi doesn't work, and its replacement, just bought, also doesn't work.

Rear bushes were changed before I bought the van.

General Comments:

Seats are OK, but only for about 4 hours of driving; they then get a bit uncomfortable.

No power steering (rare to find one with). OK, except for parking, which can get a bit tough.

It's the longest version, which is about three meters long, so is great for a camper van. 2m for the bed, 1m for the kitchen area.

Need to check for rust around the roof line, as water vapor (think a wet t-shirt on a hot day) rises inside to the ceiling, then follows the roof down each side into the roof canals on the inside (all three of my vans had roof rust to some degree).

Rear visibility is difficult, especially at night (rear camera and spotty will fix this).

Can be hard to start in cold weather, as there was no fuel injection till I think the 2000 models.

Also my 95 has points, not electric ignition (open the passenger seat up, and on the edge nearest you, close to the alternator, if there is a rectangular white box the size of a cigar, then it's points). This means tuneups every six months.

They keep up with traffic, being a little slow around the 40klm mark (but then mine carries a fridge, micro and batteries).

Finding seat covers can be frustrating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2012

18th Nov 2015, 04:03

Hello there, it is easy:

Buy XXL t-shirts and pull them on - I use them on the seats as I often spill drinks...

1991 Ford Econovan 2.0L FE petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very versatile

Faults:

Had to replace Indicator/Multi Switch at 280000.

Nothing really gone wrong as I've had a regular maintenance schedule.

In-line fuel filter needs replacing regularly (every 10,000 k with oil change)

Rear shocks needed replacing.

Replaced Timing Belt at 294000 (now on third timing belt.

LT Tyres tend to last about 40000 kms.

Watch fan belt tightness, can lead to overheating.

Runs better on V-groove spark plugs.

Exhaust Manifold gasket is difficult to replace as studs tend to break!

Paintwork on roof is very dodgy has to repaint 5 or 6 times.

Rust in side panels at base.

General Comments:

Awesome van, lived in it for a while. Very reliable. Gets you where you want to go, with no need to book into a hotel. With regular maintenance the engine appears indestructible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2008

8th Jul 2012, 12:36

I have a 95 Econovan Maxi. The roof needs painting, and the blinker switchy thing also needed replacing (so must be a trait?).

Now the good; it's indestructible! Never needs any fluids, and is great to drive, even without power steering (I also own a 96 Maxi with power steering; very rare).

2001 Ford Econovan JH Maxi MWB 2.0litre Carb Inline-Four SOHC 8-valve from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Excellent van, probably one of the best ever made

Faults:

Rear brake drums seized due to poor adjustment of brake shoes by previous owner.

General Comments:

Excellent van. The vision is fantastic, comfortable, good a/c unit.

The payload is excellent at 1378kg, immense for this class. 4.4 cubic metres of cargo capacity is also quite a good thing.

Definitely recommended for someone after a reliable commercial vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2006

14th Jan 2008, 15:12

Damn, now why is it that your cousins over here in North America can't get stuff like you lads and lass's do Down Under?

It's a crying shame I tell you

2000 Ford Econovan Maxi 2.0litre Inline-Four, SOHC 8-valve, Carburettor from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Excellent vehicle. Great value for money. I recommend it to anyone in need of a van

Faults:

The car had no faults.

General Comments:

Easily one of the best vans on the market.

The rear payload, one of the highest in its class, was 1378kg (3032lbs).

Performance, by van standards, is quite good, as is comfort, and they are bullet proof.

I would definitely recommend one to anyone who needs a commercial vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2006