Overview & Reviews

Suppose you're a business owner drawn to the form and function of a utility van like the Sprinter, but you operate in confined urban settings or just don't need its full-size capacity and full-size price tag. With the relatively compact and affordable Ford Transit Connect, your search could be over. This Euro-derived cargo (or passenger) van offers impressive functionality in a maneuverable and fuel-efficient package.

A scaled-down alternative to traditional full-size work vans, the Ford Transit Connect features a car-based architecture and an economical four-cylinder engine. Its payload and towing capacities are pretty meager compared to a regular van, but in return the Transit Connect should woo commercial buyers with its affordable price, maneuverable size and remarkably practical interior.

Current Ford Transit Connect
Redesigned for 2014, the latest Ford Transit Connect compact commercial van is available in two different wheelbases. Compared to the previous-generation Transit Connect, the smaller one is 6.7 inches shorter in length while the larger one is 9.1 inches longer. Both of the new versions, however, are nearly 7 inches shorter in height compared to the first-gen Transit Connect, which means taller folks won't have it as easy moving around inside as they did with the older van.

Besides the different wheelbases, the Transit Connect is offered in cargo van or passenger-oriented wagon body styles. Trim levels are comprised of base XL, midlevel XLT and, for the wagon only, the plush Titanium. All the cargo vans can be had in short- or long-wheelbase form. The XL and Titanium wagons are long-wheelbase only and seat seven; the XLT wagon can be had in either short- or long-wheelbase versions and as such seats five or seven, respectively.

Standard power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque is optional on select variants. Both engines send power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is quite good, as EPA estimated combined fuel economy ranges from 23-25 mpg.

Standard feature highlights of the XL cargo van include air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front windows and door locks and a two-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. The XL wagon has second- and third-row seats, a center console and power second-row windows. The XLT cargo van adds body-color bumpers, foglights, heated power mirrors, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch multifunction display, cruise control and a CD player. The XLT wagon features rear privacy glass, a rearview camera and rear climate controls. The Titanium wagon adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, four speakers and Ford's voice-controlled Sync system.

Major options include a compressed natural gas engine prep package, front and rear parking sensors, a towing package, a fixed panoramic sunroof, a roof rack, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a navigation system) and the Crew Chief telematics system designed for fleet operators.

While we've yet to spend any time behind the wheel of the latest Ford Transit Connect, we know enough to suggest that the standard 2.5-liter engine will likely prove adequate for most buyers' needs. We also expect this small van to possess relatively nimble handling, especially in short-wheelbase form. Check back for additional driving impressions as they become available.

Used Ford Transit Connect Models
The first-generation Ford Transit Connect was produced from 2010 through 2013. The front-wheel-drive compact commercial van was offered in two styles: Van (with or without side and rear glass) and Wagon. The former's rear compartment was strictly for cargo hauling, while the latter featured a bench seat for transporting passengers. Both came with dual sliding doors, though these could be deleted upon request. The trim levels (depending on year) consisted of XL and XLT for the Van, and XL, XLT and XLT Premium for the Wagon.

All models were powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 136 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy stood at a relatively frugal 23 mpg combined.

The Van XL came with the basics, such as 180-degree-opening rear doors, stability control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. To that, the Wagon XL added a two-person bench seat. The Van XLT featured body-color bumpers, full power accessories, heated mirrors, cruise control, a cargo area 12-volt power point and a CD player. The Wagon XLT model further included a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger second-row bench seat. The Wagon XLT Premium also featured flip-open rear side windows, storage pockets in the rear doors and a four-speaker audio system.

Cargo vans could also be equipped with a tool tracking and inventory system, as well as customizable rear shelving for optimizing cargo management. Other options included rear parking sensors, 255-degree-opening rear doors, remote start and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

In reviews, we praised the first-generation Transit Connect's excellent cargo capacity and carlike maneuverability. The maximum payload is just 1,600 pounds, but the cargo area's 135 cubic feet of storage includes lots of useful vertical space. On the road, the Ford Transit Connect is extraordinarily agile for a work van, and its relatively compact footprint enables it to squeeze into spaces that full-size vans would have to pass up. The diminutive 2.0-liter engine struggles against the van's 3,500-pound curb weight, though the payoff is relatively impressive fuel economy.

Changes were minimal for this generation. The Wagon XL trim was only available the first model year, while the XLT Premium debuted for 2011. Most notably, stability control was made standard across the board for 2012; previously it was standard on the Wagon but optional on the Van.

User Reviews:

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  Great dog-hauler, but amenities back to 1980s - 2013 Ford Transit Connect
  By porchsteps - October 17 - 9:14 am

  Heres my huge complaint about this vehicle: It doesnt turn off its own lights. The problem is that I havent driven a car made since 1990 where it was even possible to leave the lights on so that the battery ran down. Other things they NEED to improve: can only unlock the rear cargo doors with key fob. Its impossible to lock the keys in the car (good) but keeping the fob handy at all times is annoying. Back seats: can fold down one, or all, but cant leave 1 up and fold down 2, which would be my preference. Otherwise, its nimble, pickup is good enough for my purposes. I miss some other amenities of my 2006 hhr but the price was good here.

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  Wear your Mouthguard - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By BMW - October 3 - 11:23 pm

  I love the design of these, although the ride quality could use some major improvement. The engine is capable, although takes quite a while to get it to Freeway speed. With the air conditioning on it really saps the power too. I have been dropping it out of overdrive to gain more power with the A/C on. The transmission seems quite capable and makes up for some of the little engines deficiency. After driving the TC for 5 months I have come to really dislike the suspension qualities. Every tar strip and bump is felt. It smooths out a little at freeway speeds, but at slower speeds, there are noticeable rattles and squeals. Ford needs to get with Bilstein shocks for some suspension refinement.

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  Drinks Too Much Gasoline, Too Thirsty - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By suv800 - July 31 - 8:03 am

  We have it for about 2 weeks, Drive like a minivan because its kind a small. Needs a little more horse power. Didnt save much money on gas, not as good as I thought. This thing needs to rise up another 6 inches on the front end area.

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  Poor performer - 2011 Ford Transit Connect
  By elevatorman79 - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Handles well at slow speeds but be careful at high speeds a quick lane change could be a problem . If you dont need the hight this is not a vehicle for you I am still not sure how to use the interior hight for anything. The biggest problem is the horse power . I have to tach 6500 rpm in the first 3 gears in order to enter the parkway at 40 mph . From a standing start it is the slowest vehicle I have ever driven . I drive alone and only cary 300 lbs of tools and supplies . I have 5000 miles on it and its not getting any better .

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  Its a mini van - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Flo & Jayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I find its a perfect mini van for what I use it for, I am a disabled person in which I installed a lift back of the van I find the transit connect very comfortable in the front has all of space that I require for putting in my scooter with the lift that I had stalled in which Ford motor company helped paid part of the left . Most of my relatives and friends and family love the van. I did some minor improvements stall and fog lights and in an extra an amplifier and rear speakers and extra boost quality sound system is a perfect vehicle for my needs certainly gets great gas mileage wind I was breaking it in my girl friend and I were getting 24/33 MPG without air conditioner AC ON 23/26 Mpg

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  Perfect for small business operator - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Gary Stewart - November 20 - 12:40 am

  We bought this for our gourmet bakery distributorship business. We have put 25,000 miles on so far. It has been everything we hoped it would be. We get a huge amount of product in it, all the doors are easy to work from with the low floor, very comfortable to drive with great gas mileage. This was a key for us averaging almost a thousand miles a week. People constantly come up and ask about it. Were thinking about buying a second one. Why has no one else come out with this type of vehicle for a business operator?

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  Big PT - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By Backporch Music - June 9 - 10:07 pm

  After 5 PT Cruisers wasnt sure what would replace our long time preference when it was discontinued. Easy access with wide doors and right-height sitdown seats coupled with room for second limited ability passenger PLUS two Rollator walkers make the Transit Connect BETTER than the 20 different makes and models we checked. The seating arrangement for 3 or four is better for us than the limited (2) seating in out NV200. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. Gas mileage isnt impressive, but since we travel short distances, it is less consequential. Proximity alarms take getting used to and when the radio cuts out, it isnt obvious that its caused by the sensors because youre getting close (in the garage) even when its intentional. Like every new vehicle, there are so many bells and whistles that youll be discovering surprise capabilities until the day you trade for you next vehicle.

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  Small, but cost effective - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By endeavine - October 29 - 1:47 am

  I was surprised to see the scathing reviews for the ford transit connect. My experiences were quite different from those mentioned before. I am a subcontractor with dish, and so far, I have nothing to complain about! On average, I get 25 miles to the gallon fully loaded (and I mean LOADED) with some very heavy equipment. This saves me $10,000 on gas a year versus most other chevy express vans in my fleet. Yes, it may not be the best to drive or accelerate, but if youve bought a work van for comfort or acceleration, you might want to pick a desk job instead. Overall, great little reliable and efficient van, as long as you dont overload it of course. Going strong at 95,000 miles.

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  The Perfect in-between - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By The Mighty Quinn - July 9 - 3:46 am

  Just took delivery of my Connect got XLT van with 255 doors and traction option. All black, that model you have to get side and rear glass. Great paint, It looks great in black. Going to throw some custom wheels on it. Had a 1994 e 150 ford van for 16 years and 225k. So when it died I needed something to fit my needs. Would like a Sprinter but costly. The Connect is a great option for me. I have less space then I am use to but this truck will work. I find the engine to be fine. Who doesnt want more horsepower

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  This van is a joke - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By jimr91 - June 7 - 4:50 pm

  I use a Transit at work transporting college students around. I have never been more disappointed with a new car. the only pros are the goofy look, which I like, and the head room. Everything else on the van is awful. The steering is extremely stiff to the point my hands hurt toward the end of my shift. The seats are very uncomfortable and dont have the right kind of support you need to sit in a car for long periods of time. The van i use has 30k miles on it and it has 1 hubcap left on it. It has been in the shop numerous times for brake issues and electrical problems. I have hope for the new redesigned ones but these cars are junk and are way to overpriced.