Used 2012 Ford Transit Connect Cargo

Ford’s 2012 Transit Connect van is the little truck that wasn’t supposed to be. But, despite all the critics and macho truck guys who swore they’d never be caught dead in one, the Transit Connect van has won over numerous converts and changed the costs of transportation for thousands of businesses. The compact Transit Connect van has succeeded where others failed, due to its incredible flexibility, good fuel economy and low maintenance costs. The Transit Connect’s small size also makes it much easier to maneuver through confined city streets and narrow alleys, a plus for parcel and delivery services. To further help sales, Ford has partnered with a number of aftermarket providers capable of customizing the 2012 Transit Connect however its owner requires. Other manufacturers are now making gestures toward bringing their own European microvan to market but, to date, the 2012 Ford Transit Connect has the market all to itself.

Driving the 2012 Ford Transit Connect is much like driving a small minivan or compact crossover utility vehicle, except it’s a much taller experience. While you’ll have to watch that you don’t bump the tall roof going under garage openings, the Transit Connect van isn’t much wider than a Ford Focus so, once in, getting around the parking structure or loading dock is a breeze. With a turning radius just under 39 feet, the 2012 Ford Transit Connect is far easier to turn around than a full-size van, and it easily fits into car-sized parking spaces, too. If there is one weak spot for the 2012 Transit Connect it can be found under the hood. The 2.0-liter gas engine is strong enough to get you where you’re going but, when loaded down, the engine strains to reach higher speeds in a timely manner. The Europeans get a lovely little diesel engine in their version but, for now, Ford says there are no plans to bring the diesel engine stateside.

The 2012 Ford Transit Connect’s interior is highly functional, but not terrible attractive. Hard gray plastics and dated gauges speak to a previous generation of Fords long since retired in this country. But, from a utility standpoint, the Transit Connect’s interior is a thing of beauty, offering so many variations it’s mind boggling. The cargo bay can be used to carry passengers, or emptied to create a large level loading area with over 135 cubic feet of space and nearly five feet of vertical room. Ford’s army of aftermarket suppliers can custom-tailor the 2012 Transit Connect with multi-tiered shelving, lockable storage drawers and small work tables. A Taxi prep package outfits the Transit Connect with a heavy-duty vinyl seat and rear-seat heater.

If there is one car you won’t have a problem finding in a crowded parking lot, it’s the 2012 Ford Transit Connect van. The tall roofline speaks to the Transit Connect’s mission in life, but its sharply-raked windshield and hood tell a tale of attempted aerodynamics and a car-like driving experience. The driver’s seat allows a good view forward, but the solid sheetmetal walls limit side and rearward vision, prompting use of the big side mirrors and available Rear Sensing system. With large sliding side doors and available split-hinged rear doors that swing around to rest flush against the van’s sides, there isn’t much that can’t be placed inside the Transit Connect. Small-business owners will appreciate Ford’s graphics program that allows them to design their own graphic logos online. Once the design is finalized it can be transferred to a vinyl "wrap" that can be adhered to the Transit Connect’s sheet metal.

255-Degree Swing-Open Rear Doors
The 255-degree angle folds the doors completely out of the way, allowing for much easier access to the cargo area.

Mobility Motoring Package
Includes a heavy-duty battery and wiring harness for chair uplift device.

The 2012 Ford Transit Connect van comes standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system with Roll Stability Control (which includes the functions of traction control and anti-lock brakes), 15-inch covered steel wheels, rear 180-degree swing-open doors and an AM/FM radio with two speakers. The higher XLT trims come with more features, including side and rear-door privacy glass, a single-disc CD player, audio input jack, cruise control, dual front map lights and the Power Equipment Group, which includes remote keyless entry and power windows, door locks and side mirrors.

Some notable options on the 2012 Ford Transit Connect include the Nokia Bluetooth system, 255-degree-opening rear doors, reverse-sensing system and Crew Chief (which allows fleet managers to track their fleet vehicles and staff).Some notable packages include the Mobility prep package, that includes pre-wiring for added mobility devices such as wheel chairs and lifts, and the CNG/LPG-capable engine prep package, that allows for conversion to natural gas or liquid propane. The package includes hardened intake and exhaust valves, as well as hardened valve seals.

The 2012 Ford Transit Connect van is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Duratec engine that gives it a fair balance of fuel economy and power. Although a 4-cylinder engine seems rather small for a vehicle that weighs over 3,000 pounds and is meant to haul large cargo, it’s surprisingly spritely and supplies enough torque to get the Transit Connect everywhere it needs to go. And, it delivers decent fuel economy.

2.0-liter inline-4
136 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
128 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 (passenger wagon) 21/27 (cargo van)