Comments on: Ford Transit Connect Named Truck of the Year

By: Richard Savary

Richard Savary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:28:57 +0000

Yes, and a 5-speed transmission, and a diesel engine, preferably a very small (and a very large) one! Why does Ford not offer the same options they offer in Europe? Do they think Americans are that much clumsier, or lazier than Europeans? That corporate decision will cost them my business, and hopefully that of thousands of others like me. There ARE (a few) alternatives! Hopefully, Ford with smarten up eventually, so we will finally be able to purchase what are OTHERWISE very fine utility and family vehicles.

By: Richard Savary

Richard Savary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:13:47 +0000

I’m with you. I positively NEED a manual transmission, and would prefer a diesel engine, both features which are available, and a standard choice in Europe. Why does Ford not offer them here (in the US)? Does it think we are far to clumsy or stupid to drive a manual? And I for one would much prefer rear- or 4-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. I know RWD is not quite as stable as FWD, in the hands of a lousy driver, but for cone who enjoys driving, RWD is BETTER.

I would not expect Ford to change this truck’s entire layout of this vehicle to suit me, but the transmission and engine options should include manuals and diesels. It is certainly not unreasonable to expect that Ford offer Americans the same options available in Europe, at the very least.

Until they do, I’ll have to stick with my Toyota 4Runner, which, although it is not quite as practical for carrying large loads, and does not get quite such good gas mileage, as a Transit van, it DOES have a 5-speed manual transmission, a big 3.4 liter V-6 engine, genuine 4WD, and quality, reliability and durability that is unsurpassed, as well as always working extremely well, the main point being that it has the 5-speed manual transmission that I REQUIRE.

By: Waid Parker

Waid Parker — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:14:20 +0000

I get to England almost yearly, and see them all ovewr there. The wagon version has 3 rows of seats, and 3 side windows (front door, side door, rear side panel). I really need the third window to back out of diagonal parking spaces safely. Diesel engine is another big plus there. High mileage claims however are for a 5 liter gallon, not our 3.85 liter gallon. Reduce by 20%. 1 foot longer would carry my usual cargo. I had 350,000 miles on my Ford E150 with the inline 6 truck engine. 17+ mpg. New owner says still passing California smog tests with flying colors. That engine not available now.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:29:39 +0000

We have an 18 year old whom is in a wheelchair & we are buying a transit That is going to Malley industries in New Brunswick for wheelchair conversion
It is getting a lowerd floor with a ramp in the back with tie downs of course

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:18:34 +0000

If a 6 cylinder engine option was available, I could seriously consider purchasing this truck. I love the size of the vehicle and style. The model I test drove was great in nearly every aspect except for acceleration. It was taxed going up steep hills and driveways. I found this vehicle difficult to get up to speed in a timely manner when driving on the city freeway and maneuvering fast moving interstate traffic. The ability to pass in a quick and safe manner hampered by the lack of power. I do love the size of this vehicle. Great in parking decks and small parking spaces. Great moving around on city streets. The cargo space is perfect. If this vehicle could have more power it would be perfect!

By: toddh

toddh — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:33:10 +0000

Just got back europe: PLEASE BRING US A TRANSIT CONNECT WITH A 5SPD AND DIESEL!! They are everywhere. We rented a subcompact diesel Citroen C3 4 door hatchback and got a an average 63 MPG for a two week rental without really trying too hard.

FORD – are you listening? HOW ABOUT A Transit econet full size van (google it)?

Bring these rigs with diesels and and many more of us will buy!

By: Mike Fox

Mike Fox — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:40:10 +0000

Yes the rear seats do fold up, but my Father needs those seats to be at least a few inches to 1 foot further back. Our now gone 1991 Plymouth Voyager had two rear bench seats a short width 2nd row and a full width 3rd row which both could be switched to either location but the larger full width one also was on a frame that allowed it to be pushed further forward for more storage room in the rear end. (wish the shorter seat would have done that too)

Anyhow my point is that they easily lifted out of built in floor anchors and locked into them with the latches, which is what I wish the Transit Connect seats would do instead of being BOLTED in place and cannot even slide a bit further back to make it easier for him to get in because there really is not much room for his legs to get inside at the sliding doors at the B Pillars. It is even harder for him because he can hardly walk to begin with. If those seats were easily removed / replaced with lock-in latches and could also slide back further a bit that would be perfect for him and many others too, I’m sure.

Ford needs to realize that they have a GREAT VEHICLE for DISABLED people who need to use WHEELCHAIRS, but they need to work on some DISABILITY PACKAGES for the Transit Connect van.

One other thing that would be better too, would be to have no floor center console; just open floor, and have the ability to swivel the front seats to face the rear to be able to switch from driving or passenger front seats into a wheelchair withOUT having to go outside in the rain to get into it.

I’m sure if Ford would just TRY TO LISTEN to us, we could help to make it the PERFECT DISABILITY VAN that would be “Second to None” as they say, and also help the many millions of elderly and soon to be elderly “Baby Boomers” who would like something sporty and fun to drive and yet be a true real help to them even if they’re stuck using a wheelchair or two.

That’s my goal to help other disabled people and Ford as well.

Thanks for your input, but I’m writing here in HOPES that FORD WILL LISTEN TO THIS and maybe even CONTACT ME so that this can be done for Ford and the many million people who need such a vehicle.

Mike in PA

By: Fred

Fred — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:58:26 +0000

I own a TC and the back seat does fold up against the front seat. I will guess that there will be a company that comes up with a conversion to this van so it can carry a wheelchair. I have a brother in law that rents motorized scooters for use at Disney and they could add van rentals to their business.

By: Fred

Fred — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:45:00 +0000

These were not made for everyone. I own one with the split back seat (for grandchildren). I also work as a courier on Saturday picking up mail from 2 post offices and Fedex. My wife and oldest son’s family are driving it to Florida later this month. It has built in hooks for a baby seat in the back and built in tie downs for anything you want to carry in the back. I looked at Chrysler, Mazda, Toyota and Honda vans and chose this as being more practical for what I needed it for. My only gripes are that I could not get it with vinyl seat covers and there is no on dash button to push to unlock the back “barn doors”. You must push the button on the key and this is hard to do if you want to just leave the vehicle running while you jump out to unload the van. If this had a diesel engine you wouldn’t normally turn the engine off just to unload something at the loading dock.

By: Shane

Shane — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:33:51 +0000

If you buy from the “Big 3″ the profits stay in the U.S.A not to Japan or somewhere else overseas