What are the old Ford vans called?
In the United States, the classic Ford van lineup is most often referred to by two names: the Econoline in its early days and the E-Series after a mid-1990s rebrand. In Europe, Ford’s long-running light commercial fleet has been built around the Transit name since the 1960s. This piece traces how those everyday terms came to be and what they cover for vintage Ford vans.
North American classics: Econoline to E-Series
To understand the older Ford vans in the U.S. market, focus on these two generations and one passenger variant that shaped how enthusiasts talk about the era.
- Ford Econoline (1961–1991): The original family of compact-to-mid-size vans that established Ford’s light-van footprint in the U.S.
- Ford E-Series (1992–2014): The renamed lineup, still sold in sizes like E-150, E-250 and E-350 with improvements in powertrains and payloads.
- Ford Club Wagon: Passenger/crew-van variants derived from the Econoline/E-Series platform, used for both family transport and shuttle fleets.
In everyday conversation among collectors and drivers, the van is typically identified by its Econoline or E-Series badge, depending on model year and trim.
European lineage: Ford Transit since the 1960s
Across the Atlantic, Ford’s main van family has long been the Transit, a model line that expanded into multiple generations and body configurations over decades.
- Ford Transit Mk1 (1965–1978): The original European van that launched the Transit family and defined commercial transport styling.
- Ford Transit Mk2 (1978–1986): A larger, more capable successor with updated engines and options.
- Ford Transit Mk3 (1986–2000): Introduced major refreshes and a wide range of body styles, including passenger variants.
- Ford Transit Mk4 (2000–2006): Continued evolution with modernized cabins and safety features.
- Ford Transit Mk5 (2006–2013): Further modernization with improved efficiency and technology integration.
- Ford Transit Mk6 / Current generation (2013–present): The latest generation, available in multiple lengths and roof heights for diverse commercial needs.
In Europe and many parts of the world, “Transit” is the enduring umbrella term for Ford’s van lineup, while the U.S. family earned its own Econoline/E-Series branding history.
Summary
In short, Ford’s old vans are most commonly known as the Econoline (later E-Series) in North America, and as the Transit in Europe and other regions. Understanding these names helps identify generations and variants when shopping for vintage vans or studying Ford’s commercial-vehicle history.
What was Ford's minivan called?
The small Ford van is called the Ford Transit Connect. It is Ford's compact commercial van, available in cargo and passenger versions, and is designed for more maneuverability than the larger Transit models.
- Cargo Van: This configuration is designed for businesses and has up to 127.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for delivery and service vehicles.
- Passenger Wagon: This version can be configured to seat up to seven passengers.
- Features: The Transit Connect shares a platform with the Focus and is known for being efficient and easier to drive in urban environments compared to its larger counterparts.
What is a Ford Econoline called now?
Includes Ford E-Series, formerly called Econoline, van and chassis; Club Wagon; Transit Connect cargo van and passenger wagon; Transit cargo van, passenger van and chassis. Based on total U.S. industry-reported sales (2024 CY).
What vans did Ford make in the 90s?
The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the Chrysler minivans.
What were the old Ford vans called?
The Ford Econoline, also known as the E-Series, was first launched in 1961. It quickly became one of the most popular full-size vans in North America as its versatility allowed it to serve as everything from a cargo van to a passenger transport vehicle.
