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1. By Chuck Morton #1, Posted: 10/4/2008

   Mr.

   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. By Persecuted #2, Posted: 11/20/2008

   To good, a little late.

   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. By  mark Romani #3, Posted: 11/22/2008

   owner

   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. By UK Van Driver #4, Posted: 12/7/2008

   19mpg, are you fecking joking?

   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. By  UK Van Driver #5, Posted: 12/7/2008

   Article showing 50-52mpg for Transit Connect

   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. By Ricky #6, Posted: 1/3/2009

   Uk Owner

   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. By SMW #7, Posted: 2/1/2009

   Connect

   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. By Ron T #8, Posted: 2/12/2009

   I just signed on the dotted line

   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. By Chris #9, Posted: 2/23/2009

   Long overdue

   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. By CanEng #10, Posted: 3/2/2009

    The reason why

    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. By Gary L. #11, Posted: 3/31/2009

    Powertrain choices

    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. By Gary L. #12, Posted: 3/31/2009

    Powertrain choices

    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. By Gary L. #13, Posted: 3/31/2009

    Powertrain choices

    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. By Steve #14, Posted: 4/6/2009

    Answers/considerations

    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. By Steve #15, Posted: 4/6/2009

    Answers/considerations

    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. By Rich_L #16, Posted: 4/11/2009

    I will stick to my element

    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. By Mr. Public #17, Posted: 4/15/2009

    Good start

    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. By Sensible #18, Posted: 5/21/2009

    Mr

    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. By ismael_aragon #19, Posted: 5/30/2009

    UNHAPPY USA

    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.

20. By Kirt #20, Posted: 7/28/2009

    Chrysler/Mercedes brought a larger diesel van into the U.S. and it's been successful, I'd love to get one of these with a diesel and 6 speed auto (easier to tow with) or manual to replace my diesel full size pickup. Blame the US gov for us not having most of the really cool Euro stuff- we have lots more restrictions to keep us and environment "safe"-

21. By henry #21, Posted: 7/31/2009

    rebutting steve:
    the american public has long gotten over the old "70's diesel" thing. the only us diesel options are excessively large trucks or high cost to maintain cars from mercedes, vw or other european brands. when the japanese (isuzu, honda, toyota) bring their product to market, ford will be looking like the sleeping dog again. even regarding old diesels, the vanagon syncro(?) and rabbits were in hot demand by collectors in years past.
    the us model sucks for mileage in comparison to other products (such as the 1st gen scion xb - 36% better mpg) because it is 500lb heavier! it's like carpooling continuously with 3 extra bodies (and that's with a "bare" cargo hold with no seats!). if anyone really wants to see how the us market is fooled into believing they "need power and not mpg" have a look at diesel products (ranger, focus, transit connect) at places like ebay.co.uk. when the west got their 2-2.2l focus, england and new zeland got their 1.0/1.3l and 1.3l/1.5l cars. did the laws of gravity or wind resistance operate differently in those countries?
    re: nox, maybe ford should lobby for exemption for small size fuel efficient vehicles rather than pander with the oil companies to keep their "consumables" in high rotation.

22. By Tys #22, Posted: 7/31/2009

    I agree with the others about the US getting the shaft again.
    I just saw one of these at a local dealer. Had to do a double take since I thought it was a Kangoo!
    Exactly the sort of car I want.
    If it had been a diesel with a manual tranny, I'd have driven it home!
    

23. By Bruns SC #23, Posted: 8/23/2009

    Call me when they have one in Diesel and a manual transmission.

24. By bernieg #24, Posted: 8/26/2009

    i can't believe it... still no diesel?? while it is possible to attain a min of 50-60 mpg diesel and you want us to buy stupid 20 mpg gas... YOU JUST DON'T GET IT DO YOU??

25. By gedster314 #25, Posted: 9/3/2009

    Offer a turbo diesel model with a six speed auto or manual trans and I will stand in line for one. I'll skip the gas version.
    I wish VW would bring their version the US.

26. By donna #26, Posted: 9/7/2009

    I just purchased a 2010 transit connect XLT and LOVE it. It is just exactly what I need for my disabled husband. He can get into the vehicle very easily because it is not high. I can put the wheelchair in the back
    with very little effort and still have tons of space. The high head room is awesome. It would be great as a sports vehicle to throw all your sports gear and still have room for five persons. I truly do not know what I did without this vehicle. I am sold
    on it. Everyplace I go people want to talk with me about the vehicle. Even driving thru traffic people get my attention and ask about it. Thank you Thank you FORD

27. By turek #27, Posted: 9/18/2009

    They were SO close to hitting the bulls eye! No diesel? No way! Like others above I would have one in my driveway if there was a diesel. I personally don't need a Manual Transmission option. The Dodge Sprinter drives just fine with great gas mileage with it's automatic. If I can't wait I'll have to buy an ungodly expensive used Sprinter.

28. By Not Impressed #28, Posted: 10/3/2009

    Not overly impressed with the mileage. I have an Uplander with a 3.9 and I average 18 city and 24 highway.

29. By Ace #29, Posted: 10/6/2009

    So many complaints! I used to drive a '70 VW Bus which had a measly 65hp and at best managed 18 mpg. By comparison the Transit offers so many extra features not available with a bus, best of which is heat in the winter (crucial for Denver). I fell in love with the Transit while in Europe and now I can actually have one. I'll talk with a dealer this Saturday to negociate a trade with my Toyota Tercel and away I'll go!

30. By Don #30, Posted: 10/19/2009

    I've traveled to Europe a number of times on business, and as a United States citizen, the variety of their vehicle offerings make me physically ill. We here in the USA are getting the short end of the stick. When I flew into Geneva and picked up a Ford Focus 5-speed, one of my Swiss colleagues remarked "I didn't think you USA-types could drive a manual transmission!" Poppycock... I prefer a stick any day to an automatic. The problem is: it's very hard to find a manual transmission "anything" almost here in the USA. And, for Diesel, generally we're out of luck there too. Although the European's typically spend more on their vehicles, I would LOVE to have their wide variety of really neat vehicles to buy. Give me the opportunity to buy a Ford Transit Connect with a Diesel and a manual transmission, and I will buy it - not for business use, but for family use. Perfect for camping, and a Ford "Honda Element-type" super versatile vehicle. FORD... are you listening? You have a great opportunity to grab a serious niche of the market with this vehicle.

31. By Erich #31, Posted: 10/26/2009

    So how do we drill it into fords head that we want the diesel? NOW!!
    Clearly this is the majority opinion and they would sell allot more units with this option.

32. By Connect in GA #32, Posted: 10/28/2009

    Had one last week, drove round trip 600 miles. 80-90% highway. not much traffic. We averaged 22 mpg first 300mi. They (FORD) touted a FIRM 25mpg on the highway but it didn't happen. Ate 1/2 a tank from Macon, to Athens, GA. Did better on the drive south with even a more contents in the vehicle. It drives great though. smooth, a little wind noise on passenger front window but not too much 'bobbing' when the freight trucks passed. Has a bit of a gitty-up when you need to pass quick'er. But with a 4 cyl. in-line, I'd have expected FAR better gas mileage. It may be we put in the lower octane on the fill and drive back, but I didn't pump it so I don't know. I did put 89 octane for the drive down and did get better mileage.
    Seats are surprisingly comfortable. Holds a lot of gear and great headroom to move around in. The thick rubber floor mat is a plus, too. The tires which came with the van are hard - I'll look for some with less 'thunk' when hitting bumps at faster speeds. Big plus is you can see everything on the side, behind, etc. Had suspected there would be a blind spot on back/rear but there is none.
    AC and Heat (we had to use both) work well. The radio is great. Didn't get the xtras like bluetooth or navigation, but I don't use them.
    They need to work on the mileage...I'd have expected with the (lack of) mileage, it could be a 5 cyl. and able to pull something..but I don't believe it's recommended to tow anything. Not that we have anything to tow. There is 1600 lb. MAX interior cargo capacity - and I agree that this would be a good vehicle for disabled persons. A motorized scooter however, would have to be strapped down.
    We plan to get the rear seats to have passenger seating. All in all, I give it an 8 out of 10. It'd get a 10..IF the gas was better. But it sure beats the price of a conversion van, etc. (FYI: our insurance co. didn't have it in their system. We were 'tossed' to a different ins. carrier and waiting to hear from ours. It'll cost you plenty if you don't get that worked out ahead of time!

33. By tony #33, Posted: 10/29/2009

    i have had this tranist for four years,230cdx diesel turbo,i just think it is the best vehicle i have ever owned and i have had five jaguars a mercedes two audis and several more besides.it is a workhorse that will do 100 mph,sips diesel and starts first time what ever the weather,the passenger seat could do with a bit more room,but the drivers seat is like an armchair,i fitted cruise control to this van it already came with air-con.its just the best.buy one.

34. By Bill Spragg #34, Posted: 11/8/2009

    "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.)"
    They get higher mileage mileage because they don't have to run as efficiently as a similar US engine??
    And where did you learn physics?

35. By nancy #35, Posted: 11/23/2009

    I have the van, with no side windows, but has back glass. This vehicle is the ultimate for the Alaska highway. It hugs the round on icey curves, with studded tires, excellent fuel mileage, lots of room, for my dog and fishing gear, will hold the weigh of the 4-wheeler, fits in the back just perfect with tie down holds in the floor. I also use mine for sleeping in when claming and fihing on the Kenai. What took you so long FORD????

36. By john #36, Posted: 11/30/2009

    Yeah the gas mileage isn't good for a small vehicle. What did the Chevy Astro get? In reading other articles it sounds like Ford is waiting to put in electric/hybrid technology as soon as it becomes available. This technology is more marketable here than diesel. One reason diesels are not popular here is that people who have owned them tell me that they cost much more to buy and maintain and that they didnt save any money in acutual vehicle ownership versus the cost of a gas vehicle. I also want to mention to those European bloggers here critical of our cars, that European cars are known here for their high tech features and do everything perfectly, but as far as owning one, they fall apart after only about 3 years. The parts and cost of servicing are much more expensive than the Asian or American brands. They are not anywhere near the reliability of Japanese or American vehicles. I have been told by ex owners of European brands that I will be sorry if I get one of these cars.

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