The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van sold in either a three-door or four-door body style. It pairs a front-engine design with front-wheel drive. With a boxy shape, the Transit Connect is designed to maximize cargo room. Ford markets the vehicle towards business customers with an array of options. Performance and comfort are average at best, making the Transit Connect suitable more for business purposes rather than a family.
The Transit Connect uses a four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. With high drag and low power, the Transit Connect has a 0-60 time of 12.4 seconds. The EPA predicts that the Transit Connect will average 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 on the highway. The interior measures 135 cubic feet. The power and cargo space allows the Transit Connect to haul a maximum of 1,600 pounds. Ford manufactures the Transit Connect in Turkey and Romania.
The Transit Connect was initially released in 2002 as a possible replacement for the Ford Escort and similar vans. The van received positive reviews... View more for its functionality, but was criticized for confusing instrumentation. Ford began importing the Transit Connect to the North American market in 2009 after making alterations. Sales have been slow but steady among business customers. In particular, the Transit Connect has been popular among small businesses that make deliveries. Ford increased the number of factory-installed options to help appeal to more business owners. An electric and a taxi version of the van are in development. The Transit Connect is a contender to be named as New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow".
Ford sells the Transit Connect in XL Van, XLT Van, XLT Wagon, or XLT Premium Wagon trims. All trims include a pair of sliding doors. The XL Van has 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and rear doors that open 180 degrees. The XLT Van trim has powered accessories, cruise control, and a 12-volt power outlet in the rear. The XLT wagon includes stability control and a 60/40 bench in the second row. The XLT Premium Wagon includes rear-side windows that open and an audio system with four speakers. Numerous optional upgrades are available. Factory upgrades include Internet access, vehicle tracking, and a computer system. Dealers can also customize the vans with options such as shelves or bulkheads.
The NHTSA awarded the Transit Connect five stars for driver front-impact safety. Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine gave the Transit Connect its 2004 "Van of the Year" award. Independent automotive reviewers have praised the Transit Connect's practicality and cargo space, but noted that the van lacks power. An engine with higher horsepower is needed to move the fully-loaded Transit Connect. View less
