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The Ford Econovan was a compact light-commercial van sold mainly in Australia, New Zealand and selected Asian markets from around 1980 into the early 2000s. It was derived from the Mazda Bongo and export-market Mazda E-Series, reflecting the long-running product partnership between Ford and Mazda.

Several generations followed corresponding Mazda designs. Most used a cab-over or forward-control layout, placing the cabin above the engine to provide a large cargo area within relatively short exterior dimensions. This made the Econovan well suited to urban deliveries, trades and small-business transport.

The range included standard- and long-wheelbase vans, windowed models and higher-capacity versions. The Econovan Maxi name identified larger, often high-roof derivatives, while some markets also received cab-chassis and crew-cab configurations. Passenger-oriented vehicles were offered at various times, although Ford also used separate Econowagon and Spectron names for certain people-carrying versions. Petrol and diesel engines were available, along with manual or automatic transmissions and four-wheel drive on selected models.

Within Ford’s commercial range, the Econovan occupied the practical compact-van position below larger vans. It is chiefly known for efficient packaging, manoeuvrability, mechanical simplicity and a broad choice of working configurations rather than luxury or high performance.