What the “E” on Old Car Gear Shifts Really Means — And Why Drivers Are Just Discovering It Now

rev as high before shifting, which saved fuel.

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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