What are your likes and dislikes about our E350 Interiors

[FastDEW]

I saw this thread on some of the other forums and thought it might be interesting here. What are your gripes and likes of the interior on our vans. These are just some off the top of my head:

- I like the rear door power lock switch.
- I wish they would have put an express drivers window switch in, and maybe back light the switches as well.
- Better cup holders and more functional center console.
- A tach!!!!! and maybe even pyro and trans temp ... how about a diesel gauge package?
- I like the radio (cd/cass combo) and the placement of it.
- Rear temperature adjustment would be nice, not just hot or cold.
- Passenger airbag cut off switch.

Those are most obvious to me. What about you guys. I would like to know, what do you like and dislike?

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99 PSD E350 VAN 3.55LS Club Wagon Chateau with Factory Rear Seat/Bed and Aluminum Wheels. Isspro Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp and Tach gauges. US Gear Aux. UnderDrive Transmission. "Drive it like you stole it!"

[Master Blaster]

FastDew,

I agree with the Tach/gauge package. I have *****ed about it on every survey/call I ever got from Ford. I had a new 93 150 club wagon and complained back then also. I understand the 2000's have a tach option?. Compared to my 93 Chateau the interior my 99 Chateau is a step backwards. For example the rear windows and the windows on the side doors all opened on the 93. Only one side window on the 99. Also the radio could be controlled from the back seat on the 93 and there was a sliding storage drawer for tapes/cd's and stuff under the passenger seat. The captains seats in the front were bigger (wider) and had fold down arm rests on both sides. One complaint relavant to both the 93 and the 99 is the drivers seat does not slide back far enough for tall drivers. I do like the dog house cover better on the 99 it does not take up as much room on the plus side. On the minus side the dog house on the 93 had a door that opened and two really usefull cup holders could be popped up. Also on the 93 the power plug was in the back with the radio controls. On a trip I plug in the inverter so the kids can play movies or nintendo all in the back out of my way. Now the inverter cord has to plug into the dash above the cigarette lighter and is in the way. There were two more over head lights on the 93. Each seat position had it's own light. Lastly the rear seat folded into a full size double bed. All of the above was standard equipment on the 93 Chateau package. Almost forgot to mention that the privacy glass was included in the Chateau option on the 93. You had to buy it seperate on the 99.
So you can see why I say the 99 interior is a step backwards..

It's not like I had any choice however.I had to have a van and I wouldn't buy a Chevy and Dodge does not put the Diesel in a van so even with all the stuff they took out of the interior I still bought the damn thing..Go figure...MB(aka Tow Master)

[Bass Buggy]

[quote]Originally posted by Master Blaster:
[b]FastDew,

"Lastly the rear seat folded into a full size double bed."

I'm real concerned here. I have a 2000 E350XLT chateau on order and I hope I haven't made a $$$$ mistake.

I currently have a 93 E350XLT chateau and I love it. The only reasons that I am replacing it is that A.) It has 125,000 miles on it. B.) It isn't diesel.

I use this rig for a family vehicle during the week, and to pull my bass boat to tournaments on the weekends. When I travel to a lake, I use the fold down rear seat to sleep on. It works real good. There is enough room under the seat to store all my camping equipment and extra fishing gear, and with a small air mattress, the bed is real comfortable.

From your comment it sounds like the new van's back seat won't do this!! Is it really true?? This is the first I heard of this. If so, what is the likelihood that I can cancel my order without loosing the $1000 deposit?


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2000 PSD E350 club wagon, oxford white, 355 limited slip, chateau package. Ordered 12/27 still clean-unscheduled

[HeyBob]

I think the seats are cheap, they could use
nicer and more durable covering.

I think the plastic door panels are cheap
looking, could have been made to look better.

A Dodge Caravan holds fewer people, yet has
four times as many cupholders! I think my van has four cupholders and seats 12 people.

I agree with fastdew...better temp control in the rear is needed.

The only interior color that seems to be available anymore is grey, I prefer black on a work vehicle, it hides the dirt and oil.

Yes, Ford has taken a step backward!


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cogito ergo zoom

98 E-350 Cargo van PSD
99 E-350 Clubwagon XLT PSD
Emerald Green, Factory aluminum
wheels, I found em at a garage sale
for $400.00
Three screaming kids in back seat, noise from engine drowns them out!
Don't ya just love it?

[This message has been edited by Robert Hutchison (edited 01-12-2000).]

[FastDEW]

Bass Buggy,

Its true. The 1999 didn't have it either. I have the seat/bed in mine. Only because I searched the country and found a seat/bed from a total loss vehicle and purchased it. Cost $1500!!!! They know they got you by the gonads. Thats if you can even find one. It took me several months to find the seat/bed. Guess what, the current seat not only can't be made into a bed, but it also is narrower than the older seat/bed and has no NO arm rests on it. What hell is Ford thinking???

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99 PSD E350 VAN 3.55LS Club Wagon Chateau with Factory Rear Seat/Bed and Aluminum Wheels. Isspro Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp and Tach gauges. US Gear Aux. UnderDrive Transmission. "Drive it like you stole it!"

[FastDEW]

The 93 Club Wagon I used to drive was the same Green as my current 99. But my 99 has the silver accent and grey interior. I liked the sandlewood accent and tan interior of the 93 better. Guess what, they thrifted it .... only grey available now

I do like the van though. Very comfortable on the road and still drives very nice. Have you looked at the Chevy Express .... what a pile of, well you know

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99 PSD E350 VAN 3.55LS Club Wagon Chateau with Factory Rear Seat/Bed and Aluminum Wheels. Isspro Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp and Tach gauges. US Gear Aux. UnderDrive Transmission. "Drive it like you stole it!"

[HeyBob]

Fastdew,

Van owners don't count, the pickup guys get all of the nice stuff, better interiors, multiple choices on alloy wheels, tachs, six speeds, etc, that is what Ford is thinking!

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cogito ergo zoom

98 E-350 Cargo van PSD
99 E-350 Clubwagon XLT PSD
Emerald Green, Factory aluminum
wheels, I found em at a garage sale
for $400.00
Three screaming kids in back seat, noise from engine drowns them out!
Don't ya just love it?

[WayneT]

I like my new van in every respect except I wish it had a right side entry handle like the pickups. It is hard for my wife to get in on that side.

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2000 PSD club wagon, deep emerald green with silver trim, 355 limited slip rear, chateau package

[Master Blaster]

Bass Buggy,

Just a thought. How about swaping the seats when your new one comes in. Most likely the dealer could care less. I almost did this with the tail lights on my 99. My 93 had the compound tail lights with the orange turn signals. The 99 is just RED..The dealer had no problem with me doing the swap. When the time came I changed my mind and didn't do it.

Don't get too bummed out by the seat issue. The new van is a great machine with the diesel. Also the 4 wheel anti lock disc brakes are worth their weight in gold. They will haul the beast down to a stop like it was a sports car..good luck m.b.

[DePottey]

The list FastDew came up with covers most of my complaints with the new van. I would add a couple items, most of the are "Ford things" (this is my first Ford).

1. The turn signal does not stay engauged unless the wheel is almost straight. Going around a small curve while getting ready to turn is a pain since the stupid thing keeps shutting off.

2. I do not understand the thinking behind being able to open the doors (from inside) without having to unlock them. I usually end up getting out of the van without using the power locks and then 2 hours later I try to get in the back or cargo doors and they are still locked. It is a tight squeeze around the van in the garage, so it is kind of annoying to have to go around to the driver door and unlock. To me it seems like this would be a safety issue.

3. Leather seats would be a nice addition.

4. AWD or 4WD

I have owned 8 vehicles in the last 9 years (ouch) all but one was GM and none of them had this funky turn signal problem. Also, all of them required you to unlock the door in order for it to open.

I am happy with the van, even with all of these shortcomings, but my 95 Suburban was a MUCH nicer vehicle as far as comfort and convenience - no comparison. As far as towing, there is also no comparison, but this time in the PSD's favor This is the main reason I bought the van and cannot be happier with the performace on my one trip towing before the camper was put away last fall. I look forward to putting many towing miles on this summer.

Hopefully many of the items listed here will be fixed in the next version...in 2002?

I am also holding onto the hope that GM puts the new (real) diesel they are working on in the van. I doubt it, but if they did it might raise the bar a little. Until they come up with something that compares, I will continue to be a "GM guy" driving a Ford.

Tom
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'00 White E350 PSD Clubwagon XLT, full of Gordon Setters and pulling our Sunnybrook 33FKS to dog shows and hunt tests.

[This message has been edited by DePottey (edited 01-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by DePottey (edited 01-14-2000).]

[KleyP]

In priority (many repeats, but who knows, maybe ford monitors this forum and will make changes (ha)):

1. rear thermostat control! it is impossible to keep the kids comfortable, esp in winter
2. better lighting. have option for additional reading lamps, etc. (have you ever tried to find something at night on the floor in the third or fourth row?)
3. 125v plugs in back/inverter option, esp. in cargo area (for power tools, inflation devices, etc)
4. optional center console to hold tv and stuff.
5. more legroom on front passenger seat
6. better owners manual, with specific directions on how to perform routine maintenance (such as changing the fuel filter)
7. plastic inserts (steps) are extremely slippery. should be better non-skid surface.

also:

this is a quality/touch issue, but for a big truck esp., it has the tiniest sounding doors on any vehicle I have ever owned. one wonders if there would be any protection in a collision.

This vehicle has had the fewest quality defects of any new vehicle I have purchased (0 defects)
'98 e-350 12 passenger w/ 27k miles.

[FastDEW]

DePottey,

I like the doors to open when I pull the handle. I have owned a LOT of GM vehicles and I was always irritated that the doors would not open when I grabed the handle ... seems like all of the late model GM vehicles I owned would lock me in when I put them in gear then wouldn't let me out when I needed to. I also always worried that the darn thing would lock the doors on me if I got out with the engine running and shut the door. I know that probably would not happen, but I always ended up putting my window down "just in case"

I guess it just depends on what you like.

Also, I notice that the Ford Keyless Entry System works MUCH MUCH better than the GM. Especialy when it comes to range.

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99 PSD E350 VAN 3.55LS Club Wagon Chateau with Factory Rear Seat/Bed and Aluminum Wheels. Isspro Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp and Tach gauges. US Gear Aux. UnderDrive Transmission. "Drive it like you stole it!"

[DePottey]

FastDEW,

I agree with you on the "autolocking" feature. I will lock the doors myself thank you very much. My Pontiac Transport I sold as part of buying the BAV PSD was programmable, so I programmed it to leave the locks alone. (but I still always keep the window down too

As far as the remote, I agree, I like it as well as the honk feature when you hit the lock twice. It helps to verify it is locked.

Do you know if there any fix for the turn signal not staying engaged? This is really a pain since 2 of the routes to my house require me to turn while on a curve, so I see the problem every time I drive it. A friend of mine with a 96 F250 said his truck does the same thing. I was planning on asking the dealer next time I bring it in for an oil change.

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'00 White E350 PSD Clubwagon XLT, full of Gordon Setters and pulling our Sunnybrook 33FKS to dog shows and hunt tests.

[Nailbanger95]

I've had my van for two weeks now and overall I'm pretty happy with it. All of the gripes so far I would strongly agree with, especially that the pick-up guys get all the good stuff. If I'm willing to pay for aluminum wheels and a cd player then why can't I get them? My new van is replacing a gas '92 E-250 super cargo, I also have a '95 E-250 super cargo. The interiors on these vans have held up well for being on dirty jobsites every day. I do think that the new gray interior will be much cooler in the summer, As for how dirty they appear is yet to be seen. The only other things are the lack of the tinting on the windshield and why is the power point above the lighter?, anything that you plug in will dangle in the way of the lighter.
Hopefully Ford will realize that their vans have the potential to be alot better with a few basic changes and by making more options available.


'00 PSD E-350 Super cargo w/ Quigley 4x4,loaded
[This message has been edited by Nailbanger95 (edited 01-14-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Nailbanger95 (edited 01-14-2000).]

[FastDEW]

Seems to me that the turn signal is just a "Ford Thing".... I wish it could be fixed. I don't now how though.

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99 PSD E350 VAN 3.55LS Club Wagon Chateau with Factory Rear Seat/Bed and Aluminum Wheels. Isspro Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp and Tach gauges. US Gear Aux. UnderDrive Transmission. "Drive it like you stole it!"