Used 2013 Ford Transit Connect Cargo

The 2013 Ford Transit Connect is, along with the newish Fiesta and all-new Focus, the embodiment of the company’s "One Ford" product philosophy. Designed and developed for European markets, the Transit Connect combines an upright, 2-box profile and expansive interior volume with a front-wheel-drive platform almost agricultural in its execution. The end result is an affordable and economical van/wagon with equal appeal to both commercial carriers and activity-oriented families. The 2013 Transit Connect may be the most singular lifestyle introduction since Toyota’s launch of its Scion xB, and the most functional since VW’s original Microbus.

With its tall roof and relatively narrow track, Ford’s Transit Connect is far removed from its long-time predecessor in the cab industry, the Crown Victoria. But with a turning radius of just under 39 feet, and an overall width close to that of Ford’s subcompact Focus, the Transit Connect proves appropriately nimble for short hauls, and generous in its interior volume for the long haul. Fill it with cargo, however, and the lack of a more contemporary engine/transmission combination becomes readily apparent. The Transit Connect’s 136 horsepower is wheezy at speed, while the 128 lb-ft of torque (multiplied by a 4-speed automatic) comes up short when asked to propel almost 5,000 pounds of van and cargo.

Within almost 130 cubic feet of cargo volume the Transit Connect provides most of the room an active imagination might require. If your tasks are primarily commercial, Ford partners with any number of aftermarket suppliers able to tailor a cargo configuration to your particular needs. And if you’re hauling perishable goods – like children – the Transit Connect’s passenger wagon can accommodate up to five. The interior accommodations aren’t (by any stretch) upscale, but they’re fully functional and easily washable.

Owners of Scion’s first-gen xB, upon seeing the Transit Connect for the first time, invariably suffer from box envy – there is nothing else like it offered in today’s showroom.. If the upright profile speaks to its commercial mission, a raked windshield and aero-massaged hood provide at least a passing nod to efficiency.

The passenger-centric wagon comes with glass side windows, while the commercial Connect features solid sheet metal. That sheet metal is effective at concealing cargo (and serves as a great background for commercial graphics), but severely restricts visibility. Thankfully, Ford offers an available rear view camera and reverse sensing system.

OPEN ARCHITECTURE
Although not offering stand-up headroom, the Transit Connect’s upright and open architecture provides a convenient work station for the tradesman. And if your activity is recreational, the Transit Connect’s small-box profile works beautifully as a fully functional base camp.

255-DEGREE SWING-OPEN REAR DOORS
At work or play, rear doors that fold completely out of the way make for much easier loading of cargo. Add to that the Transit Connect’s low liftover height and cargo has rarely been more accessible.

Ford’s 2013 Transit Connect scores high on functionality and low on decor. The commercial van is available in two trim levels, XL and XLT (which adds power windows, locks and cruise control), while the passenger wagon offers XLT and "upmarket" XLT Premium versions. Under all Transit Connect hoods is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Safety is enhanced with electronic stability and roll control. Audio on the XLT is supplied by a standard AM/FM radio, single CD player and four speakers. Opt for the XLT Premium (passenger wagon only) and enjoy side/rear privacy glass, along with a small sampling of comfort and convenience items.

If you’re biased toward its commercial application, the Ford Transit Connect’s option sheet can fill a book. Cargo-carrying can be customized, and the load can be optimized with roof cargo baskets and Thule cross bars. And since this is a Ford, electronic options include a rear view camera, reverse sensing system and voice-activated SYNC. If your passengers include the physically handicapped, a mobility package includes pre-wiring for mobility devices. And if you look to optimize efficiency, a CNG/LPG-capable engine prep package allows for easy conversion to natural gas or liquid propane.

In a Ford showroom chock full of EcoBoost, the Transit Connect’s 2.0-liter four is neither "eco" nor "boosted." In its normally aspirated guise it produces but 136 horsepower (at a high 6,300 rpm) and 128 lb-ft of torque, at a marginally better 4,750 rpm. And although its efficiency will run circles around the EPA estimates of its full-size brethren, its EPA estimated 22 city/27 highway (passenger) will seem thirsty if you’re comparing the 2013 Transit Connect with a Ford Fusion or Escape. With that, the Transit is relatively responsive in the day-in/day-out shuttle, but lacking power if loaded or subjected to driving at higher altitudes.

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 mpg (passenger wagon) 21/27 mpg (cargo van)