Econoline Crush was formed in 1992 when singer Trevor Hurst moved from Canada to Seattle and answered an ad for a new band in a local newspaper. Hurst took the name of the band from Euxebe Auxtry's novel Jeu de Fountaine, which involves a drug called econoline crush which made the user hopelessly optimistic. Sometime later, the band relocated in Vancouver.

In 1994, the band released their first EP called Purge, and the band started building a steady following. The album even garnered them a nomination for a Juno Award in Canada. Two years later, they followed it with the full-length album, Affliction which cemented their popularity in their homeland even more.

However, it was 1998's The Devil You Know that proved to be the band's breakthrough. With a slightly more mainstream sound shaped by their producer Sylvia Massey (Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, etc), the album amplified the band's audience. The album already was certified gold status in Canada and features five singles including, "Surefire", "Sparkle and Shine", "Home", "All That You Are (x3)", and "Razorblades and Bandaids". With the success of The Devil You Know the band tried to breakthrough to the United States and toured with bands like KISS, The Tea Party and others. However, they didn't get the response they expected.

Shortly after, guitarist Robbie Morfitt parted ways with Hurst and company. The band, however, went to California to work on their next album with producers Bob Rock and DJ Swamp, and with collaborations from Chris Vrenna (formerly from Nine Inch Nails). In 2001, they released Brand New History to mixed reviews, despite some moderate commercial success. This caused the band to temporarily disband, and each of the members dedicated time to other projects.

Drummer Johnny Haro has resurfaced in The Dreaming, as well as vocalist Trevor Hurst starting his own band, Hurst, with whom he released an EP titled Wanderlust. Ex-guitarist Robbie Morfitt can be found behind the camera these days directing music videos for bands like Stink Mitt and The Organ.

Trevor Hurst has recently announced on his Myspace page that he is currently working on a new Econoline Crush record. The band has recently done a small tour in Canada with Hinder.