Vehicle Tested
| 2010 Ford Transit Connect
Base Price: $21,840
At-Tested Price: $23,600
Built in Turkey.
Options
Roll Stability Control
Reverse Sensing System
Front Floor Mats
Cargo Door Check Alarms
Engine: 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
DriveWheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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Ford would like to introduce you to a new type of commercial vehicle, the Transit Connect. Smaller than a full-size van but more commodious than a SUV, the Transit Connect is being positioned by Ford as a smart alternative for small business owners.
Already offered in several other markets around the world, the Transit Connect made its U.S. debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Looking like a high-built minivan, the Transit Connect is available as a cargo van with windows in the rear doors, a panel van version with no side or rear cargo area windows, or a passenger van with side- and rear-door privacy glass.
All body styles come with minivan-like sliding rear-side doors and two rear swing-out doors. Seating capacity ranges from two to five passengers. Two trim levels are offered, XL and XLT. Both are front-wheel drive and come with a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that mates to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring system, and dual-front and front-side airbags. Stability control and a rear-obstacle detection system are optional.
The XL model starts at $21,185 and comes with air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, front bucket seats with driver-seat height adjustment, AM/FM radio, variable-intermittent wipers, front carpeting, rear fog light, full-size spare tire, 205/65R15 tires, and wheel covers. Passenger models add traction control, stability control, two-passenger folding rear seat, rear wiper, side windows, rear-door windows, and rear privacy glass.
The XLT lists for $22,245 and adds to the XL cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, and theft-deterrent system. Passenger models add three-passenger split folding rear seat.
In an effort to make the Transit Connect more contractor friendly, Ford’s added a number of unique options. These include a Telematics communication system that tracks location and speed, a tool inventory system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection and a navigation system, that includes a wireless keyboard and mouse that can be connected via cell connection to the Internet.
The Transit Connect is manufactured in Turkey with a final assembly port Baltimore, Maryland. This allows Ford to skirt a federal import tax on commercial vehicles and reduce the Transit Connect’s price. All models have a $695 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Ford doesn’t give an official 0-60 mph time for the Transit Connect, and for good reason, it’s sluggish. Even when empty acceleration is best tagged at pokey. Adding a few hundred pounds of cargo and progress is even slower.
No help can be found from the four-speed automatic transmission either. Its ratios are widely spaced and don’t seem to be positioned for best passing response. Fourth gear is nicely geared for gentile highway cruising, though.
On the plus side, the Transit Connect is easily the most fuel efficient commercial vehicle around. EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway are better than most midsize SUVs and even rival some midsize sedans.
Real-world driving is likely to yield about 20 mpg with a moderate load of cargo. Highway cruising mileage is likely to top 24 mpg. Ford says that Transit Connect runs fine on regular-grade gasoline.
On the Road Though the Transit Connect is a true commercial-grade vehicle, it rides a lot like a traditional minivan. The suspension is absorbent enough to mute rough roads without inducing a queasy feeling that’s common on larger vehicles. Occasionally large bumps pound through--especially when the cargo area is empty--but the overall comfort level is quite impressive.
Given the tall and narrow build, one would expect the Transit Connect to be unwieldy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Transit Connect feels quite nimble around town and doesn’t seem to be too susceptible to crosswinds in highway driving. The steering is nicely weighted, augmented by a tight turning radius. About the only downfall is a mushy-feeling pedal that gives the impression of underpowered brakes.
Thanks to a coarse engine note and the cavernous, sparsely padded cargo area, Transit Connect is noisier than you might expect. Whether cruising around town or driving on the highway, you constantly find yourself turning up the radio to compensate.
Behind the Wheel Transit Connect sports a friendly, is somewhat utilitarian interior. Materials are appropriate for the price and seem sturdy enough for commercial duty. Drivers face round speedometer and tachometer dials. Climate controls are placed low in the center console and are a distracting reach for most drivers. Standard radio controls are large and nicely arranged. Navi-equipped models get radio controls integrated into the touch-screen display. It is neither user friendly or intuitive.
The navigation system comes with an in-dash computer with Microsoft-like applications and an Internet browser. Functionality is limited when driving to simple navigation, however, when stopped and operated with the included wireless keyboard, it functions like a small computer with word processing, scheduling, email, Internet and spreadsheet applications. Given the cost of a laptop today, I am not sure it’s worth the $1400 advertised price.
Front-seat passengers are treated to ample head room and adequate leg room. The front door opens wide and getting in and out is easy, partly due to the unusually low build. That’s important for many contractors who might get in and out of a vehicle twenty-plus times a day. The seats are firm and supportive, striking just about the perfect balance for all-day cruising. The driving position is upright and there’s a good view of the road ahead, but rear visibility is limited to non-existent depending on body style. Rear-park assist should be standard.
Second-row passengers (in models so equipped) will find good leg room and cavernous head room. The rear bench seat has modest padding that probably isn’t long-distance comfortable. Cargo models have no rear seating.
Cargo space isn’t as long or wide as a traditional full-size van, but it’s quite cavernous. Transit Connect has a long and low cargo floor that’s completely flat. In addition, the tall build and wide opening side and rear doors means bulky items should be easy to load. There’s an available management system that will help delivery people keep track of inventory and contractors keep an eye on tools. Interior storage is adequate, highlighted by a very large bin above the windshield.
Bottom Line Transit Connect is hard to classify. Its compact size makes it very maneuverable and city friendly. On the other hand, that same small footprint limits cargo capacity. In creating a small commercial vehicle, Ford got all of the important bits right. Fuel economy is great, the price is quite reasonable, and with four wide doors, usability is excellent.
I don’t expect Transit Connect to replace the full-size van for heavy-duty use, but florists, delivery and messenger services, painters, and computer repair companies would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle in today’s market at a lower price.
Specifications, 2010 Ford Transit Connect XLT
| Dimensions
| 4-door wagon
| Engine
| OHC I4
| Wheelbase, in.
| 114.6
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 2.0 / 121
| Length, in.
| 180.6
| Horsepower @ rpm
| 136 @ 6300
| Width, in.
| 70.7
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 128 @ 4750
| Height, in.
| 79.3
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 3470
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 22 city / 25 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 135.3
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 15.1
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 2
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 40.5
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 41.1
| Corrosion
| 5 years / Unlimited miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| --
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| --
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
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