When did Ford stop making vans?
In the United States, Ford stopped producing the traditional full-size E-Series van after the 2014 model year; the company continues to manufacture vans today, primarily through the Transit lineup.
The broader history shows Ford moving away from older, bulkier van platforms in some markets while doubling down on a global Transit-based strategy. Earlier models such as the Aerostar were discontinued in the 1990s, and today Ford’s van lineup centers on the Transit family, complemented by smaller variants in certain regions. This article lays out the timeline and what it means for buyers and fleets now.
Timeline of Ford van production
Below is a concise timeline of Ford's major van models and their status in markets around the world.
- Ford Aerostar — mid-size van produced from 1986 to 1997; discontinued as Ford shifted to other platforms.
- Ford E-Series (Econoline) — traditional full-size van in North America, produced from 1961 to 2014; the model line ended after the 2014 model year in the U.S. and Canada, marking the end of an era for that platform.
- Ford Transit family — global van lineup (including Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect variants); continues in production today as Ford’s primary commercial van platform, with North American availability expanding in the 2010s and ongoing.
The takeaway is that Ford did not halt van production globally; it retired specific, older platforms in certain markets while shifting to a unified Transit-based strategy for vans worldwide.
What it means for customers and fleets
For buyers and fleets, the shift means choosing a modern, modular Transit-based van rather than older E-Series vehicles. In the United States and Canada, the Transit and Transit Connect are the current Ford options for cargo and passenger transport, while in Europe and other regions, the Transit family remains the standard. Dealers offer a range of configurations, engines, and body styles to fit commercial needs.
Summary
Ford stopped making the traditional full-size E-Series van in the United States after the 2014 model year, but continues to produce vans globally under the Transit banner. The Aerostar was discontinued in 1997, and today Ford relies on Transit variants to meet demand for large vans, while smaller van options like the Transit Connect fill other niches. The transition reflects Ford's move toward a standardized, modern van platform for commercial customers worldwide.
What was the last year Ford made a minivan?
Ford stopped making traditional minivans in 2007 with the discontinuation of the Freestar model due to declining sales. However, the company later re-entered the 7-passenger segment in 2014 by offering a passenger version of the Ford Transit Connect compact van.
- 2007: Ford officially exited the traditional minivan market after the final model year of the Freestar, its last minivan. This decision was attributed to poor sales and the increasing popularity of crossover SUVs.
- 2014: Ford re-entered the market for seven-passenger vehicles with the introduction of the Ford Transit Connect Wagon in North America. This was a compact MPV, rather than a full-size minivan, and was initially imported for commercial use.
Why did Ford discontinue the Econoline van?
Ford stopped making the Econoline as a passenger van in 2014 to replace it with the more modern Ford Transit. The Transit offered better fuel efficiency, more cargo space, and a more comfortable, European-style unibody design. While the Econoline name was retired for consumer vans, the basic Econoline platform continues to be produced in the form of the E-Series cutaway chassis for specialty commercial vehicles like RVs and upfitters.
- Replacement by the Transit: The main reason for ending Econoline production was to transition to the newer Transit model, which was seen as a more competitive and modern full-size van.
- Technological and design improvements: The Transit's unibody construction offered advantages in fuel efficiency, handling, and overall comfort compared to the older Econoline's body-on-frame design.
- Continued commercial production: Ford still produces the Econoline as part of the E-Series line, but only in the cab-chassis cutaway configuration for specialized commercial use. This allows upfitters to build custom vehicles, such as RVs, out of the chassis, which is still a popular and stout platform.
Why did Ford stop making vans?
In a statement, the company explains, “On-going challenges in the supply chain and part availability constraints impacted 2023 and 2024 Transit vans equipped with the Trail package, so we made the decision to remove package availability from the [2025 model year] Transit program while we prioritize delivering parts and ...
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).
