What year did the Ford Transit come out?

The Ford Transit first came out in 1965, launching in Europe as Ford's modular panel van designed for fleets, tradespeople and commercial use. It set a template that thousands of businesses would rely on for decades.

Origins and initial launch

In its debut, the Transit offered multiple wheelbases, roof heights and body variants, built to serve a wide range of commercial needs while sharing a common chassis and components.

Key milestones from the 1965 launch onward

The following milestones summarize the early birth of the Transit and its first generation’s evolution.

• 1965 — Ford launches the Transit in Europe as a purpose-built panel van with multiple wheelbases and roof configurations.


• 1968–1978 — The first generation expands with more variants, engines, and improved practicality for fleets.


• 1978 — A redesigned second generation debuts, introducing updated styling and mechanicals while maintaining a European-centric focus.

In its formative years, the Transit established itself as a flexible, reliable workhorse for a wide range of commercial applications across Europe.

Global expansion and later generations

Over time, the Transit’s footprint grew beyond Europe. Ford refined the line with new generations, expanding into additional markets and adapting to changing emissions and safety standards. In the United States, the full-size Transit would arrive later, signaling the model’s shift from a regional mainstay to a global platform.

The following milestones highlight the Transit’s more recent expansion and updates around the world.

• United States: The full-size Ford Transit was introduced to the U.S. market in the mid-2010s, with first deliveries around 2014–2015, as Ford replaced older E-Series fleets in many segments.


• Global generations: Throughout the 2010s and beyond, Ford released ongoing updates to the Transit lineup, including new engines, safer and more efficient drivetrains, and modern driver-assistance features across markets.

These milestones reflect how the Transit evolved from a European workhorse into a global platform used by fleets and businesses worldwide.

Summary

The Ford Transit first came out in 1965 and has since grown into a global family of vans that covers a wide range of sizes and configurations. Its enduring design and modular approach helped it become one of the world’s most recognizable commercial vehicles, with continued updates and regional adaptations through the present day.

Why was the Ford Transit discontinued?

Ford is not discontinuing the large Transit van, but it is ending sales of the smaller Transit Connect in North America after the 2023 model year due to decreased demand and a strategic focus on reducing costs and complexity. The Transit Connect will continue to be sold in Europe. Additionally, the specialized Transit Trail package was recently discontinued because of supply chain issues and a lack of demand, though this is separate from the discontinuation of the base Transit Connect in North America. 
North America discontinuation (Transit Connect)

• Declining demand: Sales for the compact van segment, including the Transit Connect, have fallen significantly, making it unprofitable for Ford to continue. 
• Strategic shift: Ford is prioritizing cost-saving, efficiency, and its electric vehicle (EV) offerings as part of its global restructuring plan. 
• Other manufacturers followed suit: Other companies, like Ram with the ProMaster City, have also discontinued their small vans in the U.S. 
• Larger Transit remains: The larger Ford Transit van, which is built in the U.S., will continue to be sold. 

Transit Trail package discontinuation

• Supply chain issues: Ongoing supply chain challenges and part availability constraints made it difficult to produce the Transit Trail package.
• Prioritizing parts: Ford decided to remove the package for the 2025 model year to prioritize delivering parts and service for vehicles that already have it. 

What are the generations of Ford Transit vans?

As of 2015, 8 million Transit vans have been sold, making it the third best-selling van of all time and has been produced across four basic platform generations (debuting in 1965, 1986, 2000, and 2013 respectively), with various "facelift" versions of each.

What year did Ford make the Transit?

1965
Aug. 9, 1965. The first ever Ford Transit came down the line at the company's Langley commercial vehicle plant in Berkshire, England. The least-expensive model is a short-wheelbase, gas-engined van with a 1,344-lb payload.

What year is the Ford Transit the best?

The best Ford Transit year depends on your priorities, but recent models like 2021-2024 are often cited for reliability and modern features, while the 2014-2018 models are also considered solid, reliable choices, according to Moxie Van Co and Reddit users. Newer models benefit from updated safety technology and fuel efficiency, while some consider older models from the 2014-2018 range to have a sweet spot in terms of proven reliability.
 
Newer models (2018-2024)

• Reliability: Considered very reliable by many sources. 
• Features: Includes the latest safety technology and fuel efficiency advancements. 
• Awards: The 2021 Transit Custom was named Van of the Year by Autoexpress. 

Mid-range models (2014-2018)

• Reliability: Often cited by owners as having a good balance of reliability and value, with some reporting high mileage with minimal issues. 
• Features: This generation was the first in the US and is praised for being a reliable, no-frills workhorse. 

Older models

• Reliability: The reliability of older models can vary, but many are still running strong. 
• Maintenance: Older models may be simpler to work on, with less computerized systems, making some repairs easier for DIYers. 

What to consider when buying

• Intended use: Are you looking for a van for work, as a camper conversion, or for family use? Each use case might favor different features.
• Mileage: Even with reliable models, mileage is a key factor. A lower mileage 2014 model might be a better buy than a higher mileage 2024 model. 
• Maintenance history: A well-maintained vehicle is always a better investment than one that has been neglected, regardless of its year.
• Transit Connect vs. Transit: Be aware that some reports of transmission issues were specific to the Transit Connect, not the larger Transit.