STRENGTHS:
Interior space; cargo-carrying ability; available conveniences of a car; manageable size; frugal price and good fuel economy
VALUE:
Tremendous cargo space in a compact, economical vehicle is the main selling point for the Transit Connect. Ford says that it has more than double the cargo-carrying space of the Chevy HHR Panel van, and its short 180-inch length should make it nearly as easy to park as a small car. Low operating costs are a strong reason to consider the Transit Connect, as it has fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg and has long-for a commercial vehicle-maintenance intervals of 7,500 miles.
WHAT'S NEW:
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact commercial van model, aimed at small-business users-especially those who wouldn't need a cumbersome, expensive full-size hauler. Although the Transit Connect has been sold in Europe for years, it's new model to the U.S. market. With car-based underpinnings, it's quite unlike anything sold in the U.S.