Ford Motor Company is the only U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy.  But they’re by no means assured of long term success. Part of their plan to prosper hinges on bringing their best overseas vehicles here. First to arrive is the Transit Connect van.  Since 2003, some 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold in 58 countries.  Its compact size appeals to small businesses. But will it connect with American entrepreneurs? Well, let’s load up and find out.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect does indeed look narrow and quirky by American work van standards. But this Turkish-made front-wheel drive hauler is clearly a Ford truck- from the sharp-edged headlight stacks and understated three-bar grille to the F-150-style stepped front windows and side mirrors.

Even in top XLT trim, work-grey fender flares surround no-nonsense 15-inch steel wheels with plastic lug-nut covers. But, while styling won’t raise any pulses, the Transit Connect’s form follows its function to a ‘T.’

Indeed, the most striking feature is its short but tall proportions. With a wheelbase of 114.6 inches, it’s only 180.6 inches long overall. That’s three feet shorter than Ford’s E-Series full size van. But at 79.3 inches tall, it’s more than 10 inches taller than Ford’s last minivan, the Freestar.

That makes it ideal for small businesses that carry bulky items, like the tasty creations from our friends at Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes.

MARY ALICE YESKEY: We got the Ford Transit about six months ago, and the whole experience was really cool for us because it was truly custom made from start to finish.  We couldn’t have designed a better vehicle to transport cakes. It’s awesome. 

There are two body styles. The base cargo Van has no glass aft of the B-pillars, but windows can be added in the twin sliding side doors, the rear swing doors, or both. Optional are 255-degree split rear cargo doors with rubber bump stops.

In passenger Wagon form, windows are standard and seating is available for two, four, or five.

There’s an impressive 78.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind that second row. But fold it up, or don’t tick the option box, and that figure swells to 135.3 cubic feet. Payload capacity is a more than adequate 1,600 pounds.

The driver’s space is also work-focused: bland but roomy. There are echoes of Ford’s first-gen Focus here, with which the Transit Connect shares platform components.

Our XLT came with an in-dash computer featuring navigation, Internet access, Bluetooth, and wireless keyboard; perfect for staying in touch with the office. And above the windshield there is a useful storage shelf.  Given the van’s limited rear visibility, the reverse-sensing system is another good choice.

While most Transit Connects abroad use diesel power, we’ll have to make do with a gasoline 2.0-liter I4 with 136 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Our only transmission is a four-speed automatic. Still, Government Fuel Economy ratings are fine at 22 city, 25 highway. We managed 23.6 miles per regular gallon in mixed driving. 

But the economy comes with a price.  The Transit Connect strolls to 60 mph in 12.1 seconds, and covers the quarter-mile in 18.7 seconds at just 75 miles per hour. So, plan your merging and passing well in advance. On the other hand, 60 to 0 stops averaged an acceptable 129 feet, with a solid response.

Our van had optional Roll Stability Control. So, even with a simple torsion beam rear suspension, our Transit Connect felt light on its feet and never top-heavy through the slalom. Add in a tight 39-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter and the result is an easy-to-maneuver city hauler.

The base Transit Connect van starts at $21,475. The wagon begins at $21,830. Our well-equipped wagon ticketed for just under 25 grand. An electric-powered version will be coming to the States in 2010.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect impressed us with its cargo space, efficiency, city-smart agility, and very useful, very cool job-site gadgets. And if the Transit Connect is a true indication of how other off-shore Fords will take to America, the company’s fortunes are bound to keep improving.

 

This is easily the best handling Camry we’ve driven.