Jerry Robbin

The Transit Connect is a multi-purpose compact work van designed for small-business owners. It is perfect for small jobs and is great on fuel economy with a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Overview

The Transit Connect is easy to maneuver and can be parked in tight quarters. The cargo space is ample for many businesses such as plumbers, florists and caterers.

Driving Impression

The Transit Connect handles well in both city and highway driving. It has a low center of gravity, which gives the vehicle decent handling on the road. The vehicle is agile and easy to maneuver in most driving conditions. Because of its size, the Transit Connect is easy to park.

Driving it is like driving a front-wheel drive car or a CUV. Steering is responsive and the turning radius is just 39 feet. Acceleration is good and the vehicle handles just like a car.

The Transit Connect has a 15.4-gallon fuel tank, which a range of approximately 350 miles.

Safety

The following are safety features on the Transit Connect:

* Driver air bag.

* Passenger air bag.

* Front anti-lock brakes.

* Safety belts w. pretensioners and energy management retractors.

* Collapsible steering column.

* Electronic Stability Control.

* Front disc/rear drum brakes.

Under the Hood

The drivetrain includes a four-speed automatic transmission and has a 136 hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine. The vehicle is front- wheel drive.

The Transit Connect does 0 to 60 mph in a sluggish 12.6 seconds. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Inside

The cargo area is 59.1 inches tall from floor to ceiling, with a payload of 1,600 pounds. There is more than six feet of cargo floor space, with 48 inches of flat space between the wheel wells.

Any small business can configure the cargo area with a variety of racks, bins and other storage equipment for their particular application.

The seats are well constructed and hold you firmly in place. The driver’s seat adjusts six ways, manually; the passenger seat adjusts four ways. The center armrests are positioned so you can drive in comfort for any distance.

The controls on the steering wheel are positioned well, and have tilt and telescope functions. Air conditioning is adequate and the radio controls are positioned for easy access. The front visibility is excellent due to the large front windows, and the sideview mirrors are large and adjust just like a car.

The Transit Connect had the optional Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer with Garmin navigation, which allows small-business owners to run their business from the vehicle.

My Transit Connect was configured as a panel van without side or back windows, and had the XLT trim package.

Outside

The styling of the Transit Connect looks like a miniature Mercedes Sprinter, and has its own personality and dynamics when you first spot the vehicle on the road.

The Transit Connect styling says work and it can handle a variety of jobs for any small or large business. The sliding side-cargo doors, and rear doors that open 180 degrees, make it easy to get at cargo no matter where the vehicle is parked.

The Transit Connect looks like a tall, narrow, short box that’s functional for hauling product or tools to a job or delivery.

Summary

The Ford Transit Connect is the perfect solution for business owners who are looking for a vehicle for a variety of jobs. It’s designed for efficiency, requiring no special driving skills to operate. It can be custom designed for many purposes and is inexpensive to maintain.