2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT

Ford gets back in the minivan game with an accent.

[@VideoMenu]

4:05 - When I drove mine for the first time, I heard love music in the air. I think the same thing: it's not powerful, it's not the fastest, and things fly around the back if they aren't in a tie-down. But it was love. :D 4:38 - This guy gets it. Except, I wasn't thinking picking up friends--I thought about living and traveling in it.

[@101perspective]

+VideoMenu I got a 2012 xlt cargo version. I love it. The only thing I wish it had was maybe one more gear. Btw, I have mine set up for traveling. I even have a vent and solar panel on the roof. Surprisingly, you have to see it from above to know the panel is up there. I kept the inside very simple. A piece of plywood with carpet wrapped/stabled to it for the floor. Some couch cushions and a couple home depot buckets with a piece of wrapped plywood for a small chair/couch. Take the plywood off and put it against the back door... move the buckets to the side... and lay the cushions on the floor for my bed. It already had metal work shelving on one side of the van which I use for storage, propane tank, solar system, etc. Then a couple black out curtains up front. The nice thing is that the shelves are the only thing that needs to be bolted down. Everything else, including the floor, I can pull out in less than 5 minutes by myself. Then use the back like a normal cargo van. Then 5 minutes later to put it all back in. My favorite feature is that space above the front cabin. Nice having such easy access to various stuff.

[@colintang3910]

awe!

[@TimYoung817]

If I had money I'd but one of these for a side car, to move furniture and getting around town. Looks very useful

[@101perspective]

+Tim Young I had a honda civic before getting my 2012 transit connect. I got tired of never being able to transport much stuff when I needed. This transit connect rocks for that. The used ones aren't that expensive these days if you can find one. About $12k maybe for a 2011 or 2012. That said, most are snatched up by dealerships that then hike the price way up.

[@tgmail6744]

Even with its shortcomings, this box-on-wheels sways people with it's versatility. This guy says things people think, but normally don't say. Another great review. Nice work.

[@ihearthipsters]

I'd like to have one of these as a band van. No natoional tours or anything, but a convenient and effiicient vehicle to haul 3 or 4 musicians and all of our gear around for local shows.

[@JAYFROMHARLEM]

I have always loved the looks of the connect. When ford update this will a 6speed, better seats, better media system and rear entertainment system this will be a smash hit. Seating for seven should also be available. WRX Owner

[@dasboot5903]

Honestly ..... I do NOT like FORD Transit Connect models ..... made from 2013 and UP !!!! They are so UGLY ..... and too much computerized !!!!

[@ShiftedPerspective]

Makes the most sense for small businesses, especially for the MPG, i would doubt anyone would buy this for a household vehicle.

[@04dram04]

To add to his final comment on the wheels. The newer generation for focus and transit connect wheels, for this perfectly.

[@FPVsean]

A word to anyone, those rear seats DO come out.. With ease infact..

[@BigSexyVanMan]

Great review! I personally, like everything about the little Transit Connect. I would consider buying one except I'm not sure it has the guts to pull my boat. Needs another 60 horsepower and a 6-speed transmission.

[@norasteel5353]

BEG YOU'RE PARDON...THE AEROSTAR FORD VAN WAS ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!!!

[@vaiol123]

Somehow I really really really want one of these. It looks so useful and simple, kinda like a yaris except big.

[@gopherling]

lovely minivan. it's real fun to drive

[@brandoneggleston25]

This vehicle is great for those who want a lot of room for great mileage. Roughly 25 mpg for a larger vehicle?? I'll take it!! I love mountain biking and skiing w/ friends so its necessary to have a large bed. I glad that ford is going in this direction because its exactly what I need.

[@mrs2691]

GM markets the Savana/Express which competes with the Econoline. Nissan's NV models are also geared more toward the Econoline or Mercedes Sprinter crowd (similar size and towing capacity, but lower height). The transit connects closest direct competition in the commercial market is the Ram C/V, which is longer, but far shorter in the cargo area.

[@mrs2691]

Its also GREAT mileage compared to its competition. The E series, which is the alternative, (in the business van segment you get either very small vehicles or really huge vehicles, with not much in between), gets around 12 mpg AT BEST.

[@KyleMontalvan]

Can't wait to drive my grandparents and their friends in this!!!

[@gavranarh]

brian cooley is working his way up to become my favourite car reviewer.

[@tommenzel3591]

Well done, short review, thanks...

[@mrs2691]

Because a lot of small businesses need a basic vehicle with good gas mileage, as well as decent cargo capacity. The alternative is a typical minivan, where you have to remove a bunch of stuff. The height really makes it better for businesses. Plus, full size work vans are uneconomical for a lot of businesses that do not need a vehicle of that size with that much power.

[@tecnocato]

The demise of the Honda Element is part of the success of this .... whatever it is. I own one and I love it.

[@ellesnyder942]

that's what has me interested in it. old elements are too expensive.

[@Watch-0w1]

@@ellesnyder942 why U think that old element expensive?

[@rws91942]

I wish Ford tried a a little bit harder to market this as a passenger van. ( I also wish they still even made the cargo version. Not everyone needs a full size van or box truck.)

[@czg2012]

it's the ford pinto 2012, without the explosion-on-rearend-impact feature.

[@at400andromada]

lol my dad owns one of these in Turkiye and its fun to ride in it when we go there for vacations. It isn't a ford, its an Opel but they are both very similar.

[@04dram04]

Ive never seen one of these premium trims on the road

[@s.flanders]

I've driven the cargo version (given to a friend as work vehicle), and it's very uncomfortable. But quirky in its own way. And much more economical than a truck. All in all, good for a business (as most of these will be used), but not really for personal use.

[@sendomike1990]

this guy's as funny as hell :D

[@102ashrafc]

I hate how ford isn't making the crown victoria anymore. This thing will be replacing the crown vic taxis in NYC. It's gonna be a pain in the ass driving around these things when I go to work everyday.

[@04dram04]

These look so good with a set of nice wheels

[@Rome1017Lights]

The car actually looks fun to drive

[@s.flanders]

First minivan since the Aerostar? How about the Windstar? It was in production 'till 2003.

[@mrs2691]

Although Nissan is about to release the NV200 which is pretty close to a Transit Connect. I'm gonna wait and see what that is like b4 deciding. I may end up needing a full size Transit or NV.

[@ArtOfHealth]

You are exposing a good sense of humor! Thanks. Maybe you will like the new Ram CV for 2012. Do you personally like windows or metal panels in the back? Thanks. Your comments on the CV would be nice.

[@braydenmartindale]

First van since the Aerostar? What about the Windstar, Freestar?

[@mrs2691]

Does Toyota or GM also make similar vehicles available in America?

[@mrs2691]

Depends on your use, I would prefer windows in the back and metal on the sides.

[@ReligiousZombie]

Looks tall. Might it roll easily?

[@Lucky8s]

+ReligiousZombie With ABS and ESC, it's unlikely for any vehicle to rollover now.

[@azimuth361]

I just retired and took a look at one to convert into a camper for cross country road trips. Trouble was, the rear bed is just a little too short. I need six clear feet, and this falls just a bit too short. I also would like all or four wheel drive. The Honda Element or even the Dodge Caliber is a better car for road trips.

[@justaguywhocares4478]

My only complaint about mine is that I can't put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in it.

[@TheGarvito]

That is the sexiest car...my dream

[@yukonstriker1703]

Stealth Camper :)

[@Aaronhouston33]

This is the 1998-2001 ford focus America never saw

[@DragnBarZ]

@TheSuzberry have you seen any other prices for cargo vans? then ya its ok

[@dulceypeligroso]

Well, we all do have our personal vacation moments! LOL

[@TheSuzberry]

This car leaves me with questions: is 22/27 mpg good mileage for a new van? Is there any reason to expect that the transmission a car that's 'in the wrong gear almost all the time' is durable? A lock on the engine compartment? Is $24K base price reasonable for such a 'basic' vehicle?

[@AnabolicAsylum]

5:03 - 5:15 Come on CNET! Your CarTech recording procedures need to be seriously evaluated so we're not constantly seeing visible camera overlap and white Chevy Express vans you use to film.

[@eskimochild87]

@sirmasterpimp the aerostar is a conversion van

[@HAL-dm1eh]

"don't put your tongue on that, kids" hahahahah Ford did all that to step ahead in the game and then put a friggin 4 speed in it? WTF

[@ScenicMirage]

I heard this was made to replace the Ford Crown Victoria, to use as a taxi vehicle. What a odd replacement, Ford.

[@dtrrtd774]

the taxi companies in N.Y.run these with the special taxi package to 250,000 miles and then sell them off for about $2k. They apparently are fairly durable with regular maintenance-

[@Rome1017Lights]

Its not the first minivan since the aerostar, there was the freestar

[@mastergp4life]

I thought this was joke...until i clicked the video.

[@JustinCarlson]

I want one of these and I don't even have a legitimate use for one!

[@sweetwater88]

Well the 2014 version available next year will get over 30 mpg.

[@lotsblocks]

wasnt there a ford windstar

[@ej_tech]

If it came with an M/T, it is a very awesome utility vehicle. Boxes of booze anyone?

[@dulceypeligroso]

Actually no. The TRANSIT is the replacement for the E-Class. The Transit Connect is a different animal altogether.

[@FatSongProduction]

whats ford thinking!?

[@domingopaniagua3865]

Como cambiar la transmisión

[@ise.a7170]

what is that noise 1:16-1:18

[@mrs2691]

It's more comfortable than an E series though.

[@mrs2691]

A baseline E series starts at 27k and is just as spartan.

[@WitchyWhale]

i really one to replace my hyundai because of its small size and massive cargo space.

[@Dankcatvacs]

@sirmasterpimp no prob

[@Dankcatvacs]

@sirmasterpimp thats not unique so did mazda mpv and gmc safari

[@Dilbagh0210]

5:12 u can see film crew in a van

[@AbdulElHajIbrahim]

i'd love this car if it was a handmedown.

[@joelbrody4106]

windstar, not aerostar

[@rolceron]

this should be in the sub 20K price. Im just saying.

[@ThEuNdYiNg1]

why does this exist?

[@pwnrzero]

*Ahem* Ford Windstar, anyone?

[@oldschool1928]

Strictly utilitarian.

[@mcg18993]

Who buys this "truck"? A delivering man?

[@DragnBarZ]

if it can fit a dirtbike it will do decent

[@diyaryavuzant3997]

FORD MUSTANG

[@Timmyc4t]

Brian Cooley... get a clue.. the "unloved Aerostar"? You dunce... they were going to shit can it back in 95, but got so much backlash/demand for it,,, they continued it till 97. Do your homework before putting your mouth in gear.

[@AlmightyUniden]

Hilarious

[@BrutalFates]

Reminds me of a Fiat...

[@gary_beniford]

to be serious it's kind of ugly as a family van

[@VideoMenu]

+jump oricakle - Which makes it perfect--only you would use it. :P

[@101perspective]

+jump oricakle Yeah, you can tell that it was mainly designed as a small work van. It's just a bonus that it can be set up as a small passenger van. Not very pretty as a passenger van but it will get the job done... and at a reasonable price.

[@MadmaxMusic93]

🥱😴😴😴

[@mayurgaitonde5069]

Why the eff did Cnet even bother reviewing this shit

[@VideoMenu]

+Mayuresh Gaitonde - For all the humans who aren't you. (You should have grown out of your id phase after the toddler years.) examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-id-ego-and-superego.html

[@mayurgaitonde5069]

+VideoMenu people like you who buy these things probably don't even know what the internet is, i bet your 7 year old taught you how to get on here and make a hair brained comment like that

[@mb013962]

what a shame

[@toasterbread75]

eww?

[@joelbrody4106]

windstar, not aerostar