You’re kidding me

E = Economy.

Yes, it’s that simple. Economy mode was designed to improve fuel efficiency by changing how the transmission shifted.

What it did: When engaged, the transmission would shift to higher gears at lower RPMs (revolutions per minute). The engine wouldn’t rev as high before shifting, which saved fuel.

The trade-off: Acceleration was slower. The car felt “lazy” or “sluggish” because the transmission was prioritizing fuel economy over performance.

Think of it as: An early, mechanical version of today’s “Eco Mode” in modern cars.

When Did the “E” Gear Exist?
The “E” gear selector appeared primarily in American and Japanese cars during the late 1970s through the mid-1980s.

Which cars had it?

Some General Motors models (Oldsmobile, Buick, Chevrolet) with automatic overdrive transmissions

Certain Honda models (especially the Accord and Civic) with “Econ” mode

A few Ford and Chrysler vehicles