2011 Ford Transit Connect

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(3.2) 9 reviews
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2011 Ford Transit Connect
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
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Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2011 Ford Transit Connect. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Interior headroom
  • Affordability
  • Cargo space
  • Low cargo floor height
  • Excellent forward visibility
  • Gas mileage

The Bad

  • Small side mirrors
  • No side airbags for second row
  • Low-tech rear drum brakes
  • Customized versions could get expensive

Notable Features of the 2011 Ford Transit Connect

  • Based on European utility van
  • Cargo or passenger configurations
  • 135 cubic feet of cargo volume
  • Four-cylinder engine
  • Mid-20s highway mileage
  • Taxi prep package
  • Online custom graphics program
  • Mobility prep package

2011 Ford Transit Connect Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Ford's "One Ford" strategy, which refers to the company's plan to leverage its global product lineup to spread models across new markets, is responsible for bringing the Transit Connect stateside. It's a small commercial van Ford introduced in Europe and other markets in 2003. Maximum cargo space is about 135 cubic feet, close to that of larger minivans. Ford says it made a few styling tweaks to suit the U.S. market, but the Transit Connect's 2.0-liter four-cylinder — the sort of engine you'd find in a compact car — speaks more to Europe's fuel prices than to America's penchant for horsepower.

The front-wheel-drive Transit Connect comes in cargo and passenger configurations, the latter with a second row. Trim levels include a base XL and a better-equipped XLT.

New for 2011
Ford adds a taxi prep package and a package for people with disabilities, as well as an online custom graphics program.

Exterior
The Transit Connect isn't very long from nose to tail, but its height allows for the cavernous interior. At 180.6 inches long, the van is significantly longer than hatchbacks like the Chevy HHR and Scion xB, but it's nearly 2 feet shorter than minivans like the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna. Total height, at nearly 80 inches, tops the minivans by almost a foot. Exterior features include:
  • Sliding second-row doors available with or without windows
  • Rear doors swing open 180 degrees or (opti...
Vehicle Overview
Ford's "One Ford" strategy, which refers to the company's plan to leverage its global product lineup to spread models across new markets, is responsible for bringing the Transit Connect stateside. It's a small commercial van Ford introduced in Europe and other markets in 2003. Maximum cargo space is about 135 cubic feet, close to that of larger minivans. Ford says it made a few styling tweaks to suit the U.S. market, but the Transit Connect's 2.0-liter four-cylinder — the sort of engine you'd find in a compact car — speaks more to Europe's fuel prices than to America's penchant for horsepower.

The front-wheel-drive Transit Connect comes in cargo and passenger configurations, the latter with a second row. Trim levels include a base XL and a better-equipped XLT.

New for 2011
Ford adds a taxi prep package and a package for people with disabilities, as well as an online custom graphics program.

Exterior
The Transit Connect isn't very long from nose to tail, but its height allows for the cavernous interior. At 180.6 inches long, the van is significantly longer than hatchbacks like the Chevy HHR and Scion xB, but it's nearly 2 feet shorter than minivans like the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna. Total height, at nearly 80 inches, tops the minivans by almost a foot. Exterior features include:
  • Sliding second-row doors available with or without windows
  • Rear doors swing open 180 degrees or (optionally) 255 degrees
  • Standard 15-inch wheels


Interior
The cabin has basic seats and plenty of hard, industrial contours. Storage areas include a large shelf above the windshield made possible by the van's high ceiling. From the load floor to the ceiling, Ford says there's up to 59.1 inches of room, just 5.9 inches short of what a standard-height Dodge Sprinter offers.

In passenger versions, the second row can be configured with two seats grouped to one side or three seats across. They can be folded down to maximize cargo room. Interior features include:
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard AM/FM stereo
  • Optional power windows and door locks
  • Optional Ford Work Solutions system, which can track inventory and fleet vehicles
  • Optional interior customization to manage cargo


Under the Hood
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 136 horsepower and 128 pounds-feet of torque. Small numbers, but enough to haul a 1,600-pound payload, according to Ford. That's a figure comparable to many light-duty pickup trucks.

A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Ford estimates combined city/highway gas mileage will be in the low to mid-20s.

Safety
Safety features include:
  • Standard front-and side-impact airbags
  • Standard front disc and rear drum antilock brakes
  • An electronic stability system with rollover mitigation standard on passenger version and optional on the cargo van



View 20 Photos

Latest 2011 Transit Connect Stories

See all 2011 Ford Transit Connect articles >

Consumer Reviews

3.2
9 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.0)
Performance
(3.4)
Interior Design
(3.8)
Comfort
(3.6)
Reliability
(3.6)
Value For The Money
(3.3)

What Drivers Are Saying

(4.0)

Excellent and reliable vechile

by RiverRat15 from Western Washington state on October 12, 2018

We converted to a wheelchair van. It gets good mileage and at 80? high it fits in Parking Garages. It was a little noisy so put sound insulation behind rear panels to hold medical supplies. Have ... Read full review

(4.0)

Great vehicle and practical to boot

by +JMJ+ from CLINTON TOWNSHIP on May 27, 2018

The vehicle is great. When I read reviews on this I get confused as to the brake problems and other issues with this vehicle. The vehicle is low level maintenance. It is spacious and the windows are ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2011 Ford Transit Connect currently has 1 recall

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2011 Ford Transit Connect has not been tested.

Manufacturer Warranties

Backed by Ford
New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    Less than 6 years old/less than 80,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    12 months/12,000 miles

  • Powertrain warranty

    7 years/100,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    172-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website .

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Transit Connect received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker