You’re kidding me

Why that era? The 1970s oil crisis (1973 and 1979) created a massive demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Automakers scrambled to add fuel-saving features—including “Economy” mode on automatic transmissions.

Why it wasn’t standard: Not all cars had it. It was often an extra feature on higher-trim models or a brief experiment before better technology replaced it.

How “E” Mode Actually Worked (The Mechanics)
Let me explain what happened inside the transmission when you shifted to “E.”

Standard “D” (Drive) mode: The transmission shifted at preset RPM points, balancing performance and fuel economy. The engine could rev higher before shifting.

“E” (Economy) mode: The transmission shifted to a higher gear at lower RPMs. The engine didn’t work as hard. The car accelerated more slowly, but it used less fuel.

The overdrive connection: In many cars, “E” was essentially an “overdrive on” mode. Overdrive is a higher gear that reduces engine RPM at cruising speeds, saving fuel. “E” engaged overdrive earlier and more aggressively.

The “E” button: Some cars didn’t have an “E” on the gear shift—they had a separate button labeled “Econ” or “Economy” on the dashboard. Pressing it changed the transmission behavior without moving the gear selector.

Why Did “E” Disappear?
The “E” gear didn’t last. By the late 1980s, most automakers had phased it out.

Reason #1: Electronic transmission controls. Early automatic transmissions were purely mechanical or hydraulic. The “E” mode was a simple mechanical adjustment. When computer-controlled transmissions arrived, they could optimize shift points continuously—no separate “Economy” mode needed.