- panel van 108,325
- Houston, TX
-
- autoshopper.com
- panel van 108,325 gasoline white automatic
2010 Ford Transit Connect Review This car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Tall and thin to navigate crowded roads, they are designed for mileage and efficiency. Although not so small as what we see in Japan, the Transit Connect is more akin to this kind of vehicle than anything so far available in North America. It's intended to be the ideal transportation tool for florists, caterers, decorators, phone jack installers, plumbers, and other small businesses. The Transit Connect combines unibody construction with rear leaf springs. Think of it as a low-slung mini-truck with a highly organized, walk-in utility body. Although evocative of the Japanese transportation model, the Transit Connect is actually produced in Europe, where it was developed specifically as a transportation solution for small-business owners. It has been on sale in 55 countries on three continents since 2003. It has twice the cargo capacity of a Chevy HHR and delivers the fuel economy of a Toyota Camry. With a leaf-spring rear suspension, the TC has a payload better than some full-size pickups: up to 1600 pounds. When configured as a van with second row seating, it can carry up to five people and still offer a capacious rear cargo area. The cargo area is easily accessible through sliding side doors. The floor is low, to make it easier to load. When configured as a panel van, it's a popular choice as a mobile marketing tool, wrapped with logos and brand images. Low operating cost and reasonable initial purchase price are part of the appeal. Ford plans to introduce a battery electric version of the Transit in 2010 with a range of 100 miles. The battery electric Transit would be for use on predictable, short-range routes. This can be manna for carpentry or other small businesses. Advanced telematic systems are available for fleet owners and full-time delivery operators. Ford Work Solutions is a suite of efficiency tools operated using an in-dash computer, which allows the driver to connect with his desktop computer, download documents, print estimates on site, and more. LineupThe Transit Connect can be configured as a panel van with or without windows, or as a wagon with either two- or three-passenger second-row seating options. It's available in two trim levels, XL and XLT. Ford Works Tool Link ($1,220) features 50 radio frequency ID tags for tagging tools. Safety features that come on all models include frontal and side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes. WalkaroundFor those who require a delivery van that looks modern, smart and prosperous, the Ford Transit Connect fits right in. While its flat surfaces and low stance are designed primarily for efficiency, the little van presents a tidy visual image in keeping with a well-managed business. When painted or wrapped, it becomes a rolling business card. Sliding side cargo doors, and rear doors that open 180 degrees (or 255 degrees with options) make it easy to get at cargo no matter where the TC is parked. Windows are better when second-row seating is used. The Transit Connect id designed to hold up to the elements in big city with locking exterior hood, Lock-in-Latch shielded door locks, and a locking fuel door. InteriorThe Ford Transit Connect is about cargo, more than anything else. It's especially well designed for tall, bulky cargo that would be hard to get in or out of the average van or SUV. The Transit Connect carries the kind of big-box loads that might also fit in the bed of a pickup truck, but keeps them cool, dry and secure. And it's more convenient than a pickup with a cap. The cargo area is 59.1 inches tall, floor to ceiling. There is more than six feet of cargo floor space, with 48 inches of flat space between the wheelwells. Even when configured to seat five with the rear bench, there is 78.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. Bulkheads, racks, bins and other storage equipment can be mixed, matched and configured to suit specific commercial applications and needs. There is an entire catalog of custom-designed, port-installed equipment that can be specified through Ford, so a fleet owner who wants practically any kind of cargo control equipment can have it built into the vehicle prior to delivery. The Transit is better at carrying cargo than people, but it can be configured to transport a mix of both. A Wagon version is available with a folding second-row bench seat, in either two- or three-passenger configurations. The second-row seat splits 60/40, with the smaller seat being foldable to create more cargo space. The seat does not fold flat to the floor, but it does move well out of the way. When configured as a wagon, the second row of seats are not designed to be removable. We spent a day driving and riding in the back seat of a five-passenger Wagon. We found the second-row seats have a huge amount of head room, but not a lot of legroom. The front seating area is better appointed than we expected. The seats are soft and cushy; if not especially supportive, certainly not punishing in any way. Center armrests are in the right place, and the seat backs adjust well enough to make a day of driving in city traffic tolerable. Air conditioning is via an in-dash system. We found it was powerful enough to cool the entire cabin, even on a 96-degree day in the city. Forward visibility is very good, thanks to a huge front window, low nose and upright driving position. The sideview mirrors are large and adjust just like a car. Instead, the Ford Work Solutions suite of applications permits business oriented communications, from remote access to an office work station to comprehensive fleet management. Used by a fleet manager, the Crew Chief system logs vehicle location, speed, idle time, fuel usage and 30 other diagnostic measures. An available Garmin navigation function enables optimized delivery efficiency. Hands-free Bluetooth functionality is an available option. There is also a system that keeps track of tools. Driving ImpressionTo test big-city maneuverability, we spent a day driving the Transit Connect in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, along side streets made narrow by parked cars, through stop-and-go traffic, and across giant intersections with major boulevards. The operating experience is more like driving a front-wheel-drive compact wagon than a commercial vehicle, but with a stiffer leaf spring rear suspension. Steering is based on a rack-and-pinion system; the turning circle is just 39 feet, curb-to-curb. We participated in a series of maneuvering exercises, with cones marking a tight, curved path, and can vouch for the f. AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Player✔ Remote Start✔ Air Conditioning✔ Bluetooth
Houston, TXHouston, TX at autoshopper.com