Would love to know the price range of this unit but I think the gas engine that size will suck when you load it down with refrigration tools. Where is the diesel engine?

As usual, Ford is late to the party with a potentially capable concept. A market niche lies vacant, Ford has a wide open shot, and is predictably late to pull the trigger. The advertised mpg is too low and needs to be addressed,along with performance, possibly with turbo and handling package shifted manually. Will the overpaid, underbrained powers that be seize this opportunity? If history holds true, probably not.Hence, the company continues to languish.

Where’s the diesel version— in europe that is what most have– they get great mpg compared to the gas

The Transit Connect looks like something I could use in my business. We are a commercial cooking and refrigeration company with 14 Ford vehicle’s. My question is when will this be available for sale? Do you have an approximate cost?

how come you never tell the retail price?

This does not look as good as my 1993 Ford Aerostar.
I get 18miles to the gallon and it has room for everything I need. Euro van…..like the sprinter?
My V6 has the power and reliability with almost 300000
miles. I need to dive this van to see if it wl be comparible to the Aerostar…
Ken Moore

Ford, please, 2.0 L diesel engine, you will kill Sprinter. I am small contractor, this is exectly what I am looking for. You can do it - Ford C-Max in Europe with diesel, great gas saver. Why not here in US?

keep it simple,not alot of packages or expensive options.A quality high milage work van at an affordable
price is exactly what I have been waiting for.
Options I would like:pw,pdl,auto od,am fm cd,
No fancy chrome ,paint jobs or interior packages.

Most of the comments posted here are non work related. Especially the negative ones. As a technician, I can tell you, my company has been looking for something like this lately. They were considering a small truck, I hope I can talk them into this one. It’s perfect for what we need. Any of you who care to post a comment, remember, this appears to be geared for work. Frankly, I suspect it will be a hit.

Ford and GM needs to get rid of all the ugly american cars and trucks they build here in the usa and replace them with those nice looking european cars and trucks they build. I leased a 2008 Ford E150 van for 3 months and got rid of it. Looking to buy the Sprinter Van, its twice the cost, but at least its bigger and looks pretty.

The powertrain is the deal breaker for me, old average pieces, offering marginal efficiency at best in an otherwise very appealing package for the times. I realize Ford feels the 4cyl. gas 2.0 w/4 spd auto was the best choice from the North American parts bin, but there will be ZERO fun factor along with the marginal fuel mileage. I think most drivers would find the setup in this van to be about as boring as it gets. Don’t get me wrong, I know this is a utility vehicle, not a sports car but the posts in this and other forums indicate quite a few are interested in it’s recreational possibilities as well. A manual gearbox with a proper overdrive top gear could increase mileage while making the most of whatever engine power is available. At the same time, the highway driving experience would benefit from the reduction in noise and vibration due to the lower engine rpm. Yeah, I know manual transmissions don’t normally sell well in the US, but this is not a “normal” vehicle and these are not “normal” times as far as how we are feeling about fuel costs. Many have asked for a diesel engine to be offered, but in view of the recent trend in the cost of diesel compared to gasoline, might a direct injection gas 4 cyl. with a low pressure turbocharger be a more suitable engine choice? In any case, I trust some range of options in the powertrain department would greatly increase the appeal of this van to a much wider range of buyers. GL

I’ve seen these in Europe and they’ll work well in the US as well. Engine wise I hope that Ford will use the 2.4liter diesel Puma which is already in the US in the London Taxi. 266ftlbs of Torque would be plenty. But that will take reengineering…..

I love the concept of this vehicle.
Unfortunately the specs don’t quite meet my needs.

I am looking for a small van type vehicle that I could fit my motorcycle in. I along with thousands of other people ride off road (motocross) motorcyles.

If the inside load height was a foot taller and two feet longer I could fit a motorcycle or two in this vehicle and it would be A HUGE HIT to a lot of recreational vehicle riders.

Are you considering any of these height and length specs in any future version of the Transit Connect?

You said this will be an import correct ? Will this product ever be built in the U.S.?
I ask this because I work at the Ohio assembly plant and rumors are abound that we will be getting this vehicle for production. What say you?

I find the Transit Connect interesting.
My wife and I kayak and I can load the kayaks on the roof of our van, but my wife can not. We would be interested in a Connect if the front seat was also removable so we could fit a 10 foot kayak along side the driver on the floor inside the cabin.
A removable front seat with a 60/40 removable rear seat that would allow two people in back or switch able from side to side would allow city craftsman to store long ladders of other long objects inside the locked cabin.
A hybrid would help as a taxi or city delivery. A plug-in hybrid with the battery packs designed to allow options in number of battery packs installed might be a very good commuter and allow owners to balance cost of purchase against cost of ownership. Economical diesels and diesel/hybrid would be good options.

I love the vehicle, but the only way I would buy it is if it had the diesel engine. If I’m supposed to buy a 2.0 liter engine, than I’m better off buying a used Honda Odyssey for about $5000 and get the same mileage, and it’ll run for about 350,000 miles. The only way that this vehicle will be a major hit, is if it’s a diesel!!! Come on Ford do what makes sense !! This is a way for you to get a major cut of the market!!!!! The ball is in your hands!!!!

I’ve been looking at vehicles like this available in europe a lot lately and just can’t understand why we couldn’t have it sold here in the states SOONER THAN IS PLANNED. The only thing I have against it is the size of the engine. For CITY driving it’s fine and probably what it is perfect for, but turnpike driving fully loaded, I wonder if 2.0 is enough to handle it and not get blown off the road? I guess that’s the trade off to get this vehicle in any way shape or form. Was also kind of expecting MORE MILES PER GALLON on something this small too. But I’d still be anxious to see one IN PERSON and would be interested to know it’s price and release date. I WILL WAIT UP TO A YEAR and then I will have to buy something else….. I spent today looking at a Dodge Grand Caravan 2008, but just feel it’s too big…..and too many windows. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. A U.S. RELEASE of this type of micro CARGO van! HURRY UP AND GET IT OUT ALREADY! THERE’S A LOT OF PEOPLE DYING FOR A VEHICLE LIKE THIS! You are going in the right direction! GET IT ON THE MARKET SOON!!!! Debra Massey

I am really interested in this vehicle. Sorry, but 24 mpg (probably 21 average like the Ranger is too low). The diesel in Europe is a hit. For me here in the US…No diesel…no sale!

I am a dedicated previous Ford Ranger owner who uses Scion xB as small van.

I Love it!!!!!!!!! I would love it even more if it becomes the new postal vehicles. I just wish Ford would push it to the Postal Service. I am truely in love with the slide out trays in the back, would help in reducing back pains from lifting and shifting heay trays. Awesome product, I would even purchase the Transit sport van. Thanks for bringing it over here, it is something that might put you over the top, something that would make the others mimick you in your success.

With the price of diesel now don’t waste your time bringing one into the marketplace, unless you get GREAT mileage. Does it come with seats or just cargo?What a good looking vehicle, great for courier work.This will give the Dodge Sprinter some competitionToo bad our ford dealer sucks!!!!!

Just saw this at the auto show

When will this Ford Transit van be available to buy in the usa, northeast region? Thankyou. A Hull

There’s one on the road in Ohio being tested by NCR.
I had a chance to check it out on Sunday. May be a good option for our field service techs. EMSAR is a Biomedical Equipment ISO. The one I saw was a 5 speed diesel. Too bad you won’t be offering it.

I’m thinking of purchasing a Ford Transit Connect for recreational purposes. I’m planning on using the roof-mounted ladder rack to hold my kayaks and putting mountain two bikes inside. Will a two ladder version of the roof rack be offered???

Please consider delivery of a Diesel “Series” Hybrid and/or plain turbo-diesel engine, as bin 5 diesel engine standards are attainable and on the drawing boards of you competion…..shall we say Honda and VW just to name 2, however if you don’t inovate your small car/truck line further I guess you stock price deserves to stay at record all time levels!!!….as this is nothing that you have not done overseas, with the Perkins based diesel engine before!

Hello,

Thank you to everyone for sharing your feedback on the Transit Connect and I’d like to answer a few of the questions that I can. The Transit Connect will go on sale through your local Ford dealer in the first quarter of 2009; however due to the import nature of this program, the actual units will not be in the U.S. to take delivery until the summer of 2009. It will also be available in Canada around the same time. At this time, we do not have plans to offer a diesel engine for this vehicle. Regarding the question about whether any businesses or media have had a chance to drive this vehicle yet, they have not at this time.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and questions with us.

Shelly Smith
Marketing Manager
Ford Motor Company

Some people have suggested a Hybrid. I couldn’t agree more. Ford could find better ways to spend scarce resources rather than investing in the cost of a four cylinder diesel. Gas costs less anyway. The technology for the hybrid exists and meets US standards. Looking at what is does for the Escape; Ford could probably get an average of 27 - 28 MPG in a work van. This would be a huge improvement. Young families would want one as a true minivan. It can sell in great numbers.

Personally, my only problem is that I can’t find an excuse for my business to buy one. Maybe I’ll buy Ford stock instead.

Once again, Ford seems to be out of step with trend. The vehicle, although packaged nicely, makes little sense without a diesel option given fuel prices and the need to use resources more efficiently. Introducing a new commercial vehicle that offers little advantage over a current minivan is a disappointment to say the least. For now, I’ll have to consider a Freightliner Sprinter or the upcoming diesel Chrysler or Honda minivans.

I work at a Ford dealership in Montana and was excited to see this new vehicle, but I am frustrated like many others that Ford isn’t developing all of their vehicles to get a higher mpg. How is it that as manufacturer’s (and it’s across the board) we are designing vehicles using more and more plastic, making them lighter, which should help with fuel economy and still putting vehicles on the road that only get 19 mpg? We not only should be doing better than that, but I’m disappointed that we haven’t set an industry standard of excellence in this area. How about “Nothing Under 30″ for a marketing idea? Ford’s new econo line…one truck, one car, one van to rule them all. This could be the van! If we’re capable of it, and I’ve got to believe we are, we should be doing it! Just one flunky’s opinion. Keep in mind that I understand that some vehicles are not purchased for fuel economy but instead performance and power, and that we need those too, but I still think we should be doing better in our mid-sized cars, Ranger, and this van.

I’m very excited about this vehicle as a small business remodelling carpentry contractor. I like the straightness of the sidewalls for adapting to shelving.

However I’d also like to see a lower cieling height model to accomodate a ground access rooftop rack as on my current Astro van. I can easily load and carry 16ft boards [even 20ft in a pinch] on top of the vehicle.

Also what’s up with the 6.5ft inside length? Ever heard of a 4×8 sheet of plywood????? I mean come on, even my ext Astro van got that wrong by 2.5 inches. Don’t any of you engineers live in the real world?

Also we all want diesel

Great vehicle; it represents precisely the sort of creative thinking the U.S. auto industry needs to remaincompetitive.

I’m looking forward to using the Transit Connect recreationally, as a mini-camper, with my kayak on the roof-rack. One question; aside from the “Express” version (which is a bit “racier” than I’d need), would the van be available with an optional manual transmission, to help stretch gas mileage?

Thanks again for bringing Americans a great vehicle.

Have any businesses or media in California driven this?

I am not in California but England UK and own a Connect T230 Diesel. Petrol is not avaialable here but I would only buy a petrol one anyway. as they are not popular over here. This van is far better than all of its rivals drives really well and has a superb payload. It also feels well built (I also have a Mercedes car) and well up to far harder work than I use it for. Please contact me if you want any further feedback on the van.
This van is also the standard work force of the Post office, British Telecom and many other utilities.

Regards
Simon Willoughby

Simon Willoughby

when this one will be in the market hope this year

I’ve seen these in Europe before and wondered why Ford didn’t bring them to the US. Glad to see it’s finally arrived, however, I’m extremely disappointed that it’s not available with the same diesel that’s available everywhere else. What’s the deal with the rest of the world enjoying the benefits of diesel power and the US isn’t? Is it yet another way the oil companies are controlling things? You bet it is.

WHEN will the DIESEL or HYBRID be ready….I NEED 2

I used to work an independent contractor for a courier service. The Transit would have been a great vehicle for the type of work I did and many others do. Be sure to bring the turbo-diesel version. 19 mpg in the city is good, but 25 or 30 mpg city would be better.

come on FORD give us back r small diesels!! U have it in Brasel, Europe why not here?? Had a 4dr Mercury Tempo back in the eighties w/ diesel got 50 mpg! Sold it why did I di that now own 3 x 7.3’s pick up’s burn my own fuel give AMERICA back a small diesel put it in this great small VAN

One area which Ford could market the Transit towards is adapting the vehicle for wheelchair accessibility. The flat floor and headroom make this vehicle a natural for those families which have a member in a wheelchair and want to be able to procure a vehicle which doesnt break the bank!

Several companies in Europe seem to have modified Transits for this purpose and it would seem to be a logical if niche for Ford to aggressively pursue.

thats great to know. Having been in a chair for a number of years and suffered, literally, in some of the conversions that are out there, this vehicle strikes me as the type of niche filler that could be done in a couple of ‘flavors’ as standard models. I’d certainly give my requirements list to the mobility group if I could!

Absolutely on adapting this vehicle for the disabled and or families with a member who uses a wheelchair. Don’t miss this chance, Ford, to expand your customer base.

Thank you for your feedback. We are working with the mobility alliance on this option now. There is still some testing required before we can confirm the offering however we do recoginize the need for such versatility and are working to supply you the vehicle you require.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Shelly Smith
Marketing Manager
Ford Motor Company

When will the transit and other vehicles be biofuel or hybrid ready. You really need to catch up to chevy on this.

I live in a suburb of Phila,Pa. Now, tell me WHERE in a 50 mile radius where I can buy E84! I can’t!!! Stop blaming Detroit! Show me the E85!

So ugly! I love it! The VW Microbus of the 21st century. In 20 years, this and the Scion xB will be the cool cars to have in high schools across America.

GAS MILEAGE is unaceptible.we need 50 mpg or more hybrids. get with it ford

The addition of “sport” trim for outdoor recreation would be excellent. I agree that the diesel engine would be an opportunity for North American entry…a small Sprinter with a reasonable price!

EU transplants never make it in the U.S.
Hope this one does.

I liked the Freestar and was upset when you dropped it because I was going to buy a cargo version when I turned 18….

However, this is so much better. Fuel efficient, attractive, and “useable” I will most definatly by one when it comes out….

Now if Ford would just redo the Ranger

Great Idea This is a Untouched area by others!

The powertrain is going in the right direction (smaller and more efficent) but the design is distinctly European - ewww! It will (and should) receive the same criticism as the new Focus is getting - too Euro! This is America, and we like bold, powerful looking vehicles, even if they are not especially bold nor powerful.

The idea is to have a cheap box on wheels so I can still afford a “nice” car. Leave it alone, cheap is good.

I absolutley love the Transit Connect and have been waiting for three years to see it here in North America. THX

How about a diesel?

When will Transit Connect go on sale in the US.

THIS VEHICLE IS LIKE A BREATHE OF FRESH AIR!!!!
I THREW UP WHEN I SAW THE NEW VW MINIVAN!!! WHAT A LET DOWN. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BEING THE NEW VW VAN. I’VE SEEN EUROPEAN KIDS DO WONDERS WITH THIS VAN. BRAVO FORD!!! SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I hope Ford can add a hybrid design to the Transit Connect. It would truly dominate metro areas like NYC, metro Chicago, LA, etc….

Good day,
Will it be available in Canada soon

the Transit

Sincerely,
Rene Conti

Ford transit connect manufactured since 2003 in Kocaeli, Turkey i have a transit connect 1.8 turbo diesel 75ps very very economical car .according to me it is perfect commercial car and Amerika was late meet trannsit connect, and america will import transit connect from Turkey,thanks ford produce transit

Definatly European. Will meet a lot of applications and should sell well provided it’s not to pricy. Hopfully there will be a comm. Conn., rebate for up-fits? Optional windows in the rear doors and back up cam/rev vehicle aid would also be nice. Considering it’s many bussiness applications sync should also be offerd as an option.
Just a thought. Otherwise, Bring it on!

Jeff

This has been along time coming–I hope it arrives in the fall of 2008 and that it will be offered with both a manual transmission (on the column) and with an economical, clean diesel engine, as well as the gasoline engine.

How soon can I see one here in Detroit?? I’m working out of a minivan now and have been hoping for something with better mileage than the full size cargo vans. I need to get into a new vehicle this year (08) hope this ones available soon!!

Now all we need to go with it is a 4 cyl diesel that gets 35 mpg and we will dominate that segment.

Right up until production ended, 100,000 Aerostars were sold each year, much better than competitors from GM or imports like Honda or Toyota at the time (why, Jac Nasser, did you cancel so successful a product?). Ford will hit the bulls-eye with Transit Connect, as both a work van and a window van for families. Ford’s new strategy to leverage global products across markets will ultimately be Alan Mullaly’s legacy; the best strategy benchmark is the global leader — Toyota. Hats off to AM for breaking down the barriers within Ford. Doing the right thing is never easy.

Thank you for the Transit Connect. Now what can I do with my Ranger?
Oh, when is the diesel coming? My Ranger lease is over June 2010.