2010 Ford Transit Connect Review

Comments (19 total)

1. Mr.

   By Chuck Morton | Posted: Oct 4th 2008, 12:20:44 AM

   Why no US deisel? Why no manual transmission available? 19 mpg is not at all impressive to me, considering that Europe has had for years versions of this van getting nearly double that fuel economy.
   Personally, I will never buy any vehicle again with an automatic transmission. They always annoy me, and get about 10% less fuel economy. Plus, autos are ALWAYS slower, and I just like the personal involvement and mechanical simplicity of a manual transmission. My 1995 Ford Ranger with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder and a 5 speed finally needed a new clutch at 207,000 miles, and still gets 25 mpg bombing around town maniacally. I would buy this van with a 2 liter diesel and a 5 speed, but not otherwise.

2. To good, a little late.

   By Persecuted | Posted: Nov 20th 2008, 04:05:12 PM

   This van is a good alternative to fit a disabled person on the wheel chair. I can’t wait to see one of them in the United States. This will be a good alternative for my disabled son. The clearance, height entrance, should be 50 to 51 inches. I hope this van fits. I can’t agree more with “Mr.”.
   Driving a 1997 corolla, manual, the average gas economy is 35 mpg. The only problem is that; the car behind you, with an engine size 150HP or more, will reach at your rear bumper, until you engage the third. Most of them immediately are changing line very irritated. It’s a different story, if driving an Audi A6 2.7T Bi-Turbo AWD (MANUAL). Getting in the freeway is a problem to. In the Europe drives respect the freeway lines, the left mos line for speed, and the right most line for slow. This is not true in the U.S.A. I feel more confident driving 90 mph in German autobahns, than 70mph in the USA free ways.
   

3. owner

   By  mark Romani | Posted: Nov 22nd 2008, 07:25:37 PM

   I own an a/c company and am spending $50 to 100 a day on gas went to ITALY last month and they are all over the place can only ask WHY we have not had this vehicle here the last 5 years,we are going broke buying gas and ford is going broke building e series vans that do not sell and get 12 mpg. If I was ford's ceo they would be on the boat here tomorrow ,really 5 years ago. AND BE BUILT HERE

4. 19mpg, are you fecking joking?

   By UK Van Driver | Posted: Dec 7th 2008, 08:57:47 PM

   This thing is light and small, and easily achieves 45mpg petrol, and 55-60mpg diesel. Ford build the Focus Diesel and that can do 70mpg, and it's a family car. You guys in USA are getting screwed.

5. Article showing 50-52mpg for Transit Connect

   By  UK Van Driver | Posted: Dec 7th 2008, 09:07:10 PM

   http://www.carpages.co.uk/ford/ford_new_transit_04_10_02.asp
   Quote:
   "The all-new Ford Transit Connect also established a new record. The Transit Connect achieved 52.42 mpg (SWB) and 51.05 mpg (LWB) respectively. Equally impressive, both Transit Connects achieved lower cost per tonne/mile than rivals Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Caddy, entered in the class below."
   "The RAC/Fleet World MPG Marathon demonstrates how fuel can be saved by careful, skilled driving in varied conditions. Roads travelled on the 465 mile, two-day route ranged from motorway in the Manchester area down to small lanes, many hills and the mountain road passing Snowdon in North Wales."
   ""These results confirm that Ford Transit and Transit Connect offer excellent fuel economy. Ford has lead the commercial vehicle market for more than 30 years and low cost of ownership is just one reason British businesses choose Ford," said Mark Chapman, marketing manager, commercial vehicles, Ford of Britain."
   - So why are the USA versions getting terrible engines? Are Ford deliberately bringing in bad engines so the gas companies are happy? Is there some guy in Ford who is making decisions with the help of the oil company cash?

6. Uk Owner

   By Ricky | Posted: Jan 3rd 2009, 05:28:25 PM

   This van is a great van , i run a small pressure washing and window cleaning biz , it get all my stuff in can be fully loaded and it still pulls like a train , this is the second ford connect iv brought in 5 years , i normally buy a new one every 30,000 miles . Have never had any trouble with them. Its a solid workhorse and its a tidy motor. Allthough i wouldnt be keen on a automatic one with petrol . If the USA do a diesel thats what is a better opiton . Mines a T200 1.8 Turbo Diesel 5 speed .

7. Connect

   By SMW | Posted: Feb 1st 2009, 04:08:23 AM

   This vehicle couldn't be brought to the US market because of the auto makers unions, as it is in direct competition with Ford vehicles made here or in Canada. At least that is what I have been told.

8. I just signed on the dotted line

   By Ron T | Posted: Feb 12th 2009, 09:41:48 PM

   I've commented on many sites about this and the full size Transit. I agree with most people that this should be here with a diesel but at least it's finally coming!! I couldn't wait for the hopeful introduction of the diesel since my Ranger lease ends in June. My Connect should be here (Vancouver, BC) in May just as my Ranger goes back. At least with this truck my tools and materials won't get wet or stolen. I will purchase, not lease, this truck so that I can sell it when/if the diesel comes out and not be stuck in a lease. BTW $29,170.00 in Canada with roll stability, block heater, back-up sensor options and no windows.

9. Long overdue

   By Chris | Posted: Feb 23rd 2009, 09:15:48 PM

   So right, yet so wrong. Once again, the powers that be in Detroit have underestimated us Americans. YES, we WILL buy a diesel, and YES, we DO know how to shift a manual transmission. Additionally, don't tell me that you lack the technology to make a diesel run cleaner. This one is so close, but as it sits now, I'll wait to see if Chrysler signs on the line with Fiat and check out their stateside offering.

10. The reason why

    By CanEng | Posted: Mar 2nd 2009, 11:50:44 AM

    Well there are a few things I would like to set straight here.
    1st fuel economy.
    The reason this differers is due to the non standardness of the US. Their gallon is bigger by approx 20%. So multiply the mpg figures from europe by 0.832 to convert it to US mpg. Also US fuel quality is not nearly as good as that found in the rest of the world particularly with diesel.
    2nd Its late introduction
    Historically european models have not done well in the US market. US vehicles are cheaper to build because they don't inovate and they don't really have to compete with companies who do. This means they are cheaper to buy so people who don't know any better buy them. Also the US driving enviroment is very different to that found else where. Lots of big open roads. So as a result handeling doesn't really matter too much. Fuel is significantly cheaper here too so fuel economy doesn't really matter either. And to top it all off the american mindset in general sees bigger as better so all the smaller euro models were seen as being inferior.

11. Powertrain choices

    By Gary L. | Posted: Mar 31st 2009, 08:13:10 PM

    I'm a little confused. With it's "custom" variants making the rounds of the auto show circuit, Ford seems to be aware of the interest in this van outside the business sector, and appears to be asking us to consider it for such applications. However, judging by this and other sites I have visited since this vehicle was announced for the U.S. market, it should be obvious more than a few of us require something different where engine and transmission are concerned. As dated as the practically obsolete gas 4 cyl./4 spd. auto are, they are probably good enough for the commercial market as they are proven and relatively economical. For the recreational buyer, a manual gearbox option provides a more involved driving experience whatever the engine choice, and a turbo diesel (or better yet Ecoboost I4) would offer better performance and economy. At the Cleveland auto show, the nice girl working the Connect display politely entered my comments into her Blackberry and even stated I wasn't the only one to express similar wants. I just hope the inputs from a changing marketplace are cause enough to convince the decision makers to listen.

12. Powertrain choices

    By Gary L. | Posted: Mar 31st 2009, 08:16:28 PM

    I'm a little confused. With it's "custom" variants making the rounds of the auto show circuit, Ford seems to be aware of the interest in this van outside the business sector, and appears to be asking us to consider it for such applications. However, judging by this and other sites I have visited since this vehicle was announced for the U.S. market, it should be obvious more than a few of us require something different where engine and transmission are concerned. As dated as the practically obsolete gas 4 cyl./4 spd. auto are, they are probably good enough for the commercial market as they are proven and relatively economical. For the recreational buyer, a manual gearbox option provides a more involved driving experience whatever the engine choice, and a turbo diesel (or better yet Ecoboost I4) would offer better performance and economy. At the Cleveland auto show, the nice girl working the Connect display politely entered my comments into her Blackberry and even stated I wasn't the only one to express similar wants. I just hope the inputs from a changing marketplace are cause enough to convince the decision makers to listen.

13. Powertrain choices

    By Gary L. | Posted: Mar 31st 2009, 08:21:44 PM

    I'm a little confused. With it's "custom" variants making the rounds of the auto show circuit, Ford seems to be aware of the interest in this van outside the business sector, and appears to be asking us to consider it for such applications. However, judging by this and other sites I have visited since this vehicle was announced for the U.S. market, it should be obvious more than a few of us require something different where engine and transmission are concerned. As dated as the practically obsolete gas 4 cyl./4 spd. auto are, they are probably good enough for the commercial market as they are proven and relatively economical. For the recreational buyer, a manual gearbox option provides a more involved driving experience whatever the engine choice, and a turbo diesel (or better yet Ecoboost I4) would offer better performance and economy. At the Cleveland auto show, the nice girl working the Connect display politely entered my comments into her Blackberry and even stated I wasn't the only one to express similar wants. I just hope the inputs from a changing marketplace are cause enough to convince the decision makers to listen.

14. Answers/considerations

    By Steve | Posted: Apr 6th 2009, 11:29:36 AM

    In response to some of the issues raised in previous posts:
    Why no diesel? - While the Transit Connect has been very successful with a diesel engine in Europe, the US market is much different. A lot of people won't buy a diesel in the US, for a variety of reasons. For one, diesel engines got a bad reputation in the 70s and 80s (the last time they had a big push due to fuel costs) because they were loud, smelly, and emitted large quantities of fumes and particulates. And while modern diesels have overcome those problems, US perception hasn't caught up. So why doesn't Ford just import the European diesel? Because US emission standards (led by California) are much stricter than Europe's. For example, nitrogen oxides emissions in the US are restricted to .07 grams per mile. In Europe, the allowed emissions are .29 grams per mile - almost 4 times the limit in the US. So you can't just import a diesel straight from Europe. And as a result, US diesels require more technology and controls to meet the standards so they cost more than European diesels as well (compared to a comparable gas engine). Which is part of why you don't see many diesels in smaller vehicles in the US- more technology/controls means more weight and a bigger engine. Most US diesels are in over-8500 pound vehicles, which puts them in the commercial segment. Not only are there less MPG regulations in that segment, but the vehicles in that segment (like a Ford Super Duty) are bigger and can handle a larger engine (both weight and size).
    That's also why European engines, in general, can get higher MPG (as noted by UK Driver in his posts) because they don't have to run as efficiently as a similar US engine.(And as CanEng noted, Imperial gallons are slightly larger than US gallons.)
    Why no manual transmission? -- primarily because outside of medium and heavy commercial applications, no one buys a manual in the US. As of 2003, 92% of all light vehicles in the US (including trucks class 1-3) were purchased with automatic transmissions. Transit Connect is a light commercial vehicle that will likely be especially popular in larger cities due to it's compact size and high cargo volume. Drivers in cities are even more likely to want an automatic when dealing with heavy traffic. So I'm guessing the reason no manual is being offered is because compared to automatics, there just isn't as much demand for one.
    Gary, the Transit Connects currently being shown on the auto show circuit all have the standard powertrain and options. And they are all setup for the business sector. The only differences in them is what Ford is showing as possible upfits for commercial buyers that need specialized cargo and storage solutions. Ford is not currently marketing the Transit Connect as a passenger vehicle - they are focusing on commercial and small business use.
    And lastly, keep in mind that Ford is launching an entirely new vehicle for the US market. Nothing like this currently exists. So I'm sure to some degree they are keeping the program somewhat simpliflied until they can see how it plays out before they start customizing it for the US market.
    

15. Answers/considerations

    By Steve | Posted: Apr 6th 2009, 11:30:24 AM

    In response to some of the issues raised in previous posts:
    Why no diesel? - While the Transit Connect has been very successful with a diesel engine in Europe, the US market is much different. A lot of people won't buy a diesel in the US, for a variety of reasons. For one, diesel engines got a bad reputation in the 70s and 80s (the last time they had a big push due to fuel costs) because they were loud, smelly, and emitted large quantities of fumes and particulates. And while modern diesels have overcome those problems, US perception hasn't caught up. So why doesn't Ford just import the European diesel? Because US emission standards (led by California) are much stricter than Europe's. For example, nitrogen oxides emissions in the US are restricted to .07 grams per mile. In Europe, the allowed emissions are .29 grams per mile - almost 4 times the limit in the US. So you can't just import a diesel straight from Europe. And as a result, US diesels require more technology and controls to meet the standards so they cost more than European diesels as well (compared to a comparable gas engine). Which is part of why you don't see many diesels in smaller vehicles in the US- more technology/controls means more weight and a bigger engine. Most US diesels are in over-8500 pound vehicles, which puts them in the commercial segment. Not only are there less MPG regulations in that segment, but the vehicles in that segment (like a Ford Super Duty) are bigger and can handle a larger engine (both weight and size).
    That's also why European engines, in general, can get higher MPG (as noted by UK Driver in his posts) because they don't have to run as efficiently as a similar US engine.(And as CanEng noted, Imperial gallons are slightly larger than US gallons.)
    Why no manual transmission? -- primarily because outside of medium and heavy commercial applications, no one buys a manual in the US. As of 2003, 92% of all light vehicles in the US (including trucks class 1-3) were purchased with automatic transmissions. Transit Connect is a light commercial vehicle that will likely be especially popular in larger cities due to it's compact size and high cargo volume. Drivers in cities are even more likely to want an automatic when dealing with heavy traffic. So I'm guessing the reason no manual is being offered is because compared to automatics, there just isn't as much demand for one.
    Gary, the Transit Connects currently being shown on the auto show circuit all have the standard powertrain and options. And they are all setup for the business sector. The only differences in them is what Ford is showing as possible upfits for commercial buyers that need specialized cargo and storage solutions. Ford is not currently marketing the Transit Connect as a passenger vehicle - they are focusing on commercial and small business use.
    And lastly, keep in mind that Ford is launching an entirely new vehicle for the US market. Nothing like this currently exists. So I'm sure to some degree they are keeping the program somewhat simpliflied until they can see how it plays out before they start customizing it for the US market.
    

16. I will stick to my element

    By Rich_L | Posted: Apr 11th 2009, 04:47:36 PM

    I saw this car at the Denver auto show and I loved the looks and the room but I will pass if the only option is an automatic. A Diesel would be great and if all of the tree huggers knew about the CO2 emissions, they would wont on as well. If I wanted to fit in with the rest of the crowd, I would buy a mini van. I am looking for something that I can put 250,000 miles on and clean out with damp rag because of all of the crackers, crumbs and milk that is deposited on the floor and I WANT A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!!! If it is good enough for my 1966 Mustang, it should be good enough for a 2010 Transit

17. Good start

    By Mr. Public | Posted: Apr 15th 2009, 10:09:23 PM

    About time we get an eficient european vehicle in Canada but whats the deal vith powertrane, No diesel, no manual.
    Manual transmisions are cheeper more eficient and more interesting to drive. If ford brings over manual transmisions and diesels, I will replace my fleet with Transit Conect

18. Mr

    By Sensible | Posted: May 21st 2009, 12:17:17 AM

    Childish and dated aversion to automatic transmissions on display, largely from whiney limeys. For tiring work in town centers or for long journeys outside, get an automatic. If you still want to be boy racers (how sad), get something else.

19. UNHAPPY USA

    By ismael_aragon | Posted: May 30th 2009, 12:10:07 AM

    Ford? this an Ameracan Auto company? Why the Frack is EC.and most of the world get these Grate cars and vans made by U.S. auto maker But not for us!! something sticks here.HENRY FORD IS ROUNDING IN HIS GRVE! He made a Ford for the working man at fair price and kick ass product on top of that.

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