Did Ford stop making econoline vans?
Ford did stop making the traditional Econoline (E-Series) full-size vans for the North American market after the 2014 model year, with the Ford Transit serving as the replacement for most buyers.
What was the Econoline / E-Series?
The Econoline, officially the Ford E-Series, was Ford's long-running line of full-size vans used for cargo and passenger transport. It was common in fleets, ambulances, shuttles, and work vans. In North America, these vans were marketed under the E-Series badge, offering cargo and passenger configurations that served a wide range of commercial needs.
Timeline of the transition
A concise timeline shows how Ford shifted from the aging Econoline platform to the modern Transit lineup in the North American market.
- All-new Transit arrives in North America as the successor to the E-Series, signaling Ford's shift toward a newer van platform.
- 2014: Ford publicly confirms that the E-Series will be phased out in favor of Transit for the North American market.
- 2015 model year: Production of the traditional E-Series vans ends in North America; Transit becomes the standard option for cargo and passenger van customers.
- Post-2015: Ford retires the Econoline badge for new vans in North America; the Transit platform becomes Ford's primary full-size van family in the region.
In simple terms, Ford's strategy moved the market from the aging E-Series platform to the newer Transit platform, aligning with modern van features, efficiency, and upfitability. The Econoline name is now largely historical in the context of new-vehicle sales.
What this means for buyers today
For shoppers and fleets today, the practical outcome is that the traditional E-Series van is no longer sold new in North America. The Transit is the default choice for a full-size van, and buyers should consider it for new purchases. For those looking at older inventory, you may still encounter E-Series examples produced before 2015.
Below is a quick guide to common questions buyers have when considering a move from E-Series to Transit, and how to evaluate used vehicles.
- New vs used: You cannot buy a new E-Series van in North America; look at used examples or the Transit lineup for new purchases.
- Upfit compatibility: Transit offers a wide range of upfit options and has become the standard for fleet shuttles, ambulances, and cargo configurations.
- Parts and service: For aging E-Series vans, parts remain available through Ford and third-party suppliers, but stock may dwindle over time as the model ages.
- Value and availability: The used market for E-Series vans is extensive, with price affected by mileage, condition, and upfit status.
In the used-vehicle market, buyers should carefully inspect the condition of the aging drivetrain options (various V8/V10 engines used over the years) and ensure the vehicle is suitable for intended upfits. By contrast, the Transit benefits from newer engines, improved safety features, and ongoing manufacturer support.
Regional and market nuances
Northern American market focus
The above information primarily reflects the North American market, where Ford shifted its full-size van strategy to Transit by the mid-2010s. In other regions, local market practices varied, but Ford ultimately consolidated its modern full-size van lineup around Transit in subsequent years.
Ford continues to evolve its commercial van lineup, including electric variants of Transit and ongoing improvements in safety and efficiency, while the traditional Econoline badge is largely retired for new-vehicle sales.
Summary
In summary, Ford stopped selling the traditional Econoline (E-Series) full-size vans for new sales in North America as part of a transition to the Transit platform. The Transit now serves as the standard full-size van for cargo and passengers in the region, with the Econoline name living on primarily in references to older vehicles and in the used-vehicle market. For new-vehicle buyers, the Transit is the recommended option, while older E-Series vans remain available only as pre-owned vehicles or in legacy fleet contexts.
