Overview

The Ford Transit Connect is a special-purpose, compact panel van originally designed for the European market. Launched in 2002, the Transit Connect arrived in the United States in 2009, after a facelift and refresh. Ford dropped the entry-level XL Wagon model for the 2011 model year, but added a new XLT Premium Wagon variant. Fog lights have been added to all passenger models.

The Transit Connect is offered in four trim levels. There are two van models - designed for commercial customers - and two wagon models that feature second-row seats for passengers. The standard model is the Cargo Van XL, which includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, dual sliding doors, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a two-speaker audio system, 15-inch steel wheels, and more.

The Van XLT is upgraded with full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, CD-player, and body-color bumpers, and more. The Wagon XLT, with a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, gains stability control and fog lights. The Wagon XLT Premium is upgraded with flip-open side windows, storage pockets in the doors, and a four-speaker audio system.

Under the hood is a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, engine rated at 138 horsepower. It is mated to a standard four-speed automatic and a front-wheel drive powertrain. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Ford Transit Connect between 21 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway, depending on driveline.

The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Van XL starts with a base price of about $21,500 and tops out with the Wagon XLT Premium model, which starts around $24,000.