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Minivan; Built in Turkey
  • 4-door van
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $8,300 – $18,700*


2010 Ford Transit Connect front


2010 Ford Transit Connect rear


2010 Ford Transit Connect interior


2010 Ford Transit Connect

Pros:
  • Entry/exit
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Acceleration
  • Interior materials
  • Quietness

Transit Connect neatly fills a size gap between the compact Chevrolet HHR Panel and enormous Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as well as the big and boxy full-size vans. Though noisy and underpowered, it delivers excellent utility, unexpected connectivity, and surprising fuel economy. Transit Connect is a worthwhile choice for business owners or folks who simply want or need to carry a whole lot of stuff.

Overview

Popular for some years in Europe, the Ford Transit Connect van made its North American debut as a 2010 model. Based on a design sold in many worldwide markets, Transit Connect could seat two up front in its Cargo form and either four or five passengers when fitted as a Passenger wagon with rear seating. Significantly smaller than a full-size van, it had minivan-like sliding rear-side doors and two rear side-hinged doors similar to a commercial van. Those rear doors could open to 180 degrees (or, as an option, 225 degrees). Built with front-wheel drive, the Transit Connect came in XL and XLT trim levels. The sole powertrain teamed a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features included antilock braking and front-side airbags. Passenger-carrying Transit Connects also had traction control and an antiskid system with rollover sensing. Some of the commercial-friendly features on the Transit Connect included an in-dash computer with Internet access and available printer, a tool-inventory system, and a vehicle-tracking device for fleet users. A reverse-sensing system was optional for XLT models. With 135 cubic feet of cargo space, Ford’s Transit Connect ranked between the compact Chevrolet HHR Panel van and the larger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It also competed against full-size vans from Ford and General Motors.

Yearly Updates

2011 Transit Connect
The lineup expanded with a new trim level as well as versions that were capable of running on batteries, compressed natural gas (CNG), or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Configurable for either two occupants as a cargo van or five passengers as a wagon, Transit Connect again came in XL or XLT form, along with a new-for-2011 XLT Premium trim level. Conventional Transit Connects again had a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) versions were powered by a 74-horsepower electric motor and a 28-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Ford claimed a range of 80 miles, a top speed of 75 mph, and a charge time of six to eight hours on a 240-volt circuit. Transit Connect models powered by CNG and LPG were available only to fleet customers. During 2011, a new competitor was being prepared for sale: the Nissan NV200.
2012 Transit Connect
The federally mandated antiskid system was added to the 2012 Ford Transit Connect, but it saw few other changes.
2013 Transit Connect
2013 was the last year of the Transit Connect first generation design. As such, it saw no major changes. Redesigned passenger and cargo models were in the works, with assembly to take place both in the U.S. and Spain.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

All gas-powered Transit Connects use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 136 horsepower, mating with a four-speed automatic transmission. A Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) version was added for 2011. It was powered by a 74-horsepower electric motor and a 28-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Ford claimed a range of 80 miles, a top speed of 75 mph, and a charge time of six to eight hours on a 240-volt circuit.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/122
Engine HP 136
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 128
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 22/25

 22.4
electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)
Engine HP 74
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 173
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
single-speed

Road Test

Compared to some vans, Transit Connect is pokey. Acceleration is barely adequate from a stop. Passing and merging muscle are virtually nonexistent, even with just one person and a small amount of cargo aboard. Loading a Transit Connect even remotely close to its rated 1,600-pound payload will further tax it. The transmission does its best to keep up with driver demands for power, but it is sometimes reluctant to downshift, particularly when going up hills.

Consumer Guide testing of regular gasoline-engine models averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving and 23.0 to 24.2 mpg with primarily highway driving. Transit Connect uses regular-grade gas.

Ride quality is surprisingly good for a van that emphasizes cargo hauling over passenger comfort. Passengers will feel most bumps, but the ride is far from harsh.

A low center of gravity and good steering feedback contribute to handling that can almost be described as nimble. In fact, Transit Connect admirably tackles the urban jungle. Though it’s generally stable on the highway, the tall build makes it susceptible to gusty crosswind wander.

A coarse, noisy engine effectively drowns out most other sources of racket. The large, open cargo area’s lack of insulation creates additional annoying resonance through the cabin. Be prepared to keep the radio volume relatively high while driving on the highway.

Test Transit Connect models were equipped with the in-dash computer with Internet connectivity, wireless keyboard, and a navigation system. For the most part, this system is well integrated. Internet access comes through the Sprint broadband network, which requires a monthly fee for a data plan. The computer also includes programs for reading Microsoft Office documents and spreadsheets. These features are easy to use and should prove handy for commercial users. The navigation system strays from the Ford norm but is still easy to program. Unlike most systems, the screen shows upcoming cross streets–a welcome feature. The rest of the control system is straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and low-mounted yet simple climate controls. Interior materials are more durable than rich, reflecting this van’s utilitarian slant.

Transit Connect’s tall build translates to abundant front-seat headroom for anyone. A standard tilt/telescopic steering column and driver-seat height adjustment help tailor a suitable driving position. Seat padding is rather firm, but it’s supportive enough to be comfortable on long highway drives. Tall rear headrests on the Passenger model make aft visibility tricky. Lack of rear-quarter windows on all but the Passenger XLT Premium model creates large blind spots. For that reason, we strongly recommend looking for a Transit Connect with the available rear-obstacle-detection system and rearview camera.

As in front, backseat headroom is ample. Legroom is also good, and three-abreast seating is possible for short trips. The rear bench has padding that some might find too firm for optimal comfort. Cargo models have no rear seating.

Cargo space rates as vast. Boasting a long, low, flat cargo area, Transit Connect should be able to accommodate most anything that you can throw back there. The optional inventory system comes with a scanner and bar-code stickers that allow owners to keep track of tools or other items. In-cabin storage consists of a decently sized glovebox and front door pockets. Also included is a shallow tray above the driver and front passenger seats, where the windshield meets the headliner.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Ford Transit Connect Passenger XLT

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 3
30%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - N/A
N/A0%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 51

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
114.6 180.6 70.7 79.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
135.3 1600 15.4 2
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
51.1 50.2 40.5 38.5
4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
114.6 180.6 70.7 79.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
135.3 1600 15.4 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
51.1 50.2 40.5 38.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Transit Connect wagon 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Blower motor
Description: The blower motor may not shut off or the air conditioning compressor may not run on some vehicles due to a wire chafing and shorting under the center console. (2010)
Brake wear
Description: The front brake pads wear prematurely and revised pads were made available, however, vehicles with stability control will also require reprogramming the antilock brake system module. (2010-11)
Doors
Description: Front door weather strip may come loose or fall off requiring replacement with improved weather strip. (2010-11)
Radiator
Description: The radiator side-tank seams could leak. (2012)
Water leak
Description: Various water leaks from center high-mount stop lamp, rear cargo doors, body seams, A-pillar and pollen filter housing. (2010-11)
Transmission problems
Description: Transmission may have burnt fluid and direct-clutch failure, along with failure to shift into 3rd or 4th gears.

Recall History

2010 Transit Connect
Description: During testing, vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2008 through May 31, 2010 may have failed to meet minimum requirements for head injury. The headliner retention pushpin above the B-pillar trim on both left and right side of vehicle must be replaced.
2010 Transit Connect with Braun Wheelchair Lift
Description: The roll-stop catches on the wheelchair lift’s outer barrier may become bent or misaligned. A wheelchair could roll over the stop.
2011-12 Transit Connect
Description: The wiper arms might not have been adequately riveted. The wipers might not adequately clear the windshield or the wiper might fall off.
2013 Transit Connect with Ricon wheelchair lift
Description: The platform side plates of the lift platform may crack. The lift platform could separate from the lift. If the doors were open, the platform could fall out.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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