2011 Ford Transit Connect Review
2011 Ford Transit Connect Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compact dimensions make for great maneuverability, above average fuel economy, large cargo area, clever in-dash computer with Internet capability.
Cons
- Anemic acceleration, limited 1,600-pound payload capacity, quirky styling.
What’s new
For the 2011 Ford Transit Connect, the entry-level XL Wagon passenger van has been dropped, while a new XLT Premium Wagon model debuts. Foglights are now standard on passenger versions.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect offers business owners an attractive alternative to larger, thirstier and more expensive cargo vans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/o Side & Rear Glass (2.0L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$188/mo for Transit Connect Cargo Van XL
Transit Connect Cargo Van XL
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
Spend any time in Europe and you're bound to notice all kinds of quirky vehicles that aren't sold stateside. That list got a little shorter last year, however, with the U.S. debut of the Ford Transit Connect van.
Like most European-bred vans, the 2011 Ford Transit Connect is all about packing maximum functionality into minimum space. While it won't win any beauty contests -- imagine the unholy spawn of a Dodge Sprinter and a Ford Fusion crunched in a trash compactor -- its compact exterior dimensions, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and large cargo area with a tall roof and low load floor make it a tremendously useful alternative to traditional V8-powered cargo vans.
Cargo versions can be outfitted with a wide range of work-friendly options, from parts bins and shelving to an in-dash computer with wireless keyboard and broadband Internet access. The 2011 Ford Transit Connect is also offered in somewhat less utilitarian five-passenger Wagon versions -- including a new top-of-the-line XLT Premium model -- though its backseat is best suited for extra co-workers rather than family members. Downsides include rather anemic acceleration, modest towing capacity and unibody construction that makes it unsuitable for more rugged applications.
Even so, the fact that it has no direct competitors -- the Chevrolet HHR panel van is considerably smaller, and full-size work vans are significantly larger, thirstier and more expensive -- the Transit Connect looks to be one European model many American business owners will be glad to have here in the United States.
Performance & mpg
Every 2011 Ford Transit Connect features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. In our testing, we recorded a sluggish 0-60-mph time of 12.4 seconds. The standard four-speed automatic transmission sends that meager thrust to the front wheels. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear) and front side airbags. Stability control is standard on Wagon models and available as an option on Van body styles. In NHTSA frontal crash tests, the Transit Connect earned a top five-star frontal crash rating for the driver and a four-star rating for the front seat passenger, as well as five stars for both front and rear passengers in side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect's emphasis on practicality is reflected in the driving experience. Its combination of compact dimensions and a turning circle of just 39 feet makes it easy to motor in and out of places that would be a tight squeeze for larger vans. The fact that a vehicle this nimble can also haul 135 cubic feet of cargo is even more impressive.
While the Transit Connect's fuel economy numbers put larger cargo vans to shame, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood -- a variation of the engine found in the much lighter Ford Focus compact sedan -- feels seriously overworked here. Acceleration is lackluster with no cargo on board, and loading it up is only likely to make matters worse.
Interior
Inside, the Transit Connect offers a carlike driving position. The overall look is utilitarian, though patterned upholstery fabric adds a nice touch. Climate and stereo controls are simple and straightforward. The in-dash computer and wireless keyboard are bound to come in handy for folks who spend all day in the field.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Transit Connect Van offers a healthy 135 cubic feet, which is about 100 cubic feet less than Ford's larger Econoline vans. That space is made more usable by the 6-by-4-foot flat load floor and a ceiling height of just under 5 feet. Maximum payload is a modest 1,600 pounds.
For ferrying people around, the Wagon's rear seats offer a firm seat bottom and reasonable elbow room. The five-passenger seating capacity and lack of amenities make it a less than ideal choice for families, however.
2011 Ford Transit Connect models
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect is a compact work van available in XL Van, XLT Van, XLT Wagon and XLT Premium Wagon trim levels. The main difference between Van and Wagon models is the presence of a second-row seat. All versions come with dual sliding side doors, but these can be deleted, as can the rear glass on the Van.
Standard equipment on the XL Van includes 15-inch steel wheels, gray plastic bumpers, 180-degree rear doors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, cloth upholstery and a two-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The XLT Van adds body-color bumpers, full power accessories, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, a cargo area 12-volt power point and a CD player.
Entry-level XLT Wagon models get stability control, foglights and a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger second-row bench seat. The new XLT Premium Wagon adds flip-open rear side windows, storage pockets in the rear doors and a four-speaker audio system.
Options on all trims include an in-dash computer (featuring a touchscreen display, a Microsoft operating system, a wireless mouse and keyboard, a Garmin navigation system and Internet access) and the Crew Chief vehicle tracking system. The Van trims can also be equipped with the Tool Link by DeWalt tool tracking and inventory system. Options available on the XLT trims include rear parking sensors, rear doors that open to 255 degrees, Bluetooth and remote ignition. Dealer-installed bulkheads, rear shelving units and other customization options are also available.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#3 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Transit Connect from 2008-2022.$740/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.78x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.8%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Ford Transit Connect.
5 star(46%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(12%)
52 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.88 out of 5 stars
Poor performer
elevatorman79, 07/01/2011
2011 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XLT 4dr Minivan w/Side & Rear Glass (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Handles well at slow speeds but be careful at high speeds a quick lane change could be a problem . If you dont need the hight this is not a vehicle for you I am still not sure how to use the interior hight for anything.
The biggest problem is the horse power . I have to tach 6500 rpm in the first 3 gears in order to enter the parkway at 40 mph . From a standing start it is the slowest … vehicle I have ever driven . I drive alone and only cary 300 lbs of tools and supplies . I have 5000 miles on it and its not getting any better .
2.75 out of 5 stars
you get what you pay for!
siz113, 07/13/2011
2011 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
OK $23,000 for a van so, you know. Bought it today, seat seems comfortable. Need it for a small business and to tote an almost adult kid or 2. 4 cylinders and I could bearly get up a steep hill with only me in it and no passengers or payload. That scares me. Probably won't return it, cause I traded in my car. Shoulda shopped more! Yes, turning radius good. Ugly too. Still mileage good. … Price good. Little scared about being able to get up to speed on highway or change lanes. If I can't get up a hill at 25 miles an hour, what will happen on the highway?
4 out of 5 stars
Used Delivery Van Converted Into Nice Mini-Camper
Ray, 12/31/2016
2011 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Glass (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
My Wife and I both love the outdoors , but my backpacking days are over :-( . The answer was to have a little, mini-camper/shelter that was agile enough to be a daily driver for work. We bought a used (123,000 mi) 2011 Connect that had been a work van. We had our mechanic service the transmission - no problems, but it had never been serviced, we also had the suspension rebuilt. I … gutted the back, installed a screened, tinted window from E-bay into the passenger side door for extra visibility/safety and fresh air while in the 'house' portion of the camper, added a ceiling vent/skylight with fan, LED 'house' lights in the back and built in a fold out twin bed, with storage underneath. This is all powered from a deep cycle, sealed ,AGM battery recharged by a very low profile, solar panel and regulator. That was expensive, but now it drives WONDERFULLY - well, it's not a Jaguar: it's a re-purposed delivery van... so, compared to its peers - it's wonderful. It's quite nice in the back part of our mini-camper, being far more comfortable and snug than a tent. Highways out here are 80 MPH and we've done about 15,000 miles of them in the last year, with no troubles. For a work vehicle, the acceleration is more than adequate and (to me) noticeably than what I read in other reviews. Yes, in mountains with heavy loads, it's not climbing like the V8's - that's reality, but climb it does while being thrifty on gas. On flat or rolling highways, no problem at all. >>> I wish that it had BRIGHTER headlights, but it was a fleet vehicle, so I replaced them with after market LED headlights from Amazon. Great daily driver, comfy and well traveled mini-camper - and our dog loves it.
2 out of 5 stars
Looks good, performs bad
Betsy, 07/30/2015
2010 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
We have had brake issues from day 1. First set had to be replaced at 8000 miles. Dealer said it was "normal wear" not covered under warranty. Second day we had van a hubcap flew off while travelling on the highway at 65 mph. Dealer said that it was our fault and that without the hubcap there was no evidence that it was defective and that it is not covered under warranty. Side sliding … doors constantly go out of alignment and require tightening of set bolt. Dealer over torqued bolt and door wont shut correctly now, not covered under warranty. Plastic adjustment handle for driver's seat broke off in my hand at about 10,000 miles, Ford dealer said not covered under warranty. Original tires had to be replaced at 25,000 miles, not covered under warranty. TPMS light wont go off. Dealer tried to reset using procedure in owners manual and it didn't work. Said they "weren't real good with these import Fords" and that it was probably due to "abuse" and not covered under warranty. At 69,250 miles suffered brake failure that caused serious rear end collision that injured passenger. Pedal fully depressed, no skid marks while traveling at 45 mph. Van undriveable. Looking to replace it with anything but a Ford now.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect, so we've included reviews for other years of the Transit Connect since its last redesign.
2011 Transit Connect Highlights
Cargo Van XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,290 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 135.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Transit Connect include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover25.6%
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