Test drove a new Transit Connect

Looking to replace an 01 Odyssey and was going to try a Sienna because my life wasn't quite boring enough already. My buddy, who is a salesman at a Ford dealer, told me the new Transit Connects were pretty cool. I test drove the long wheelbase, 3 row, 2.5 liter model. It had leather and 17 in. alloys. I was very impressed with the handling compared to my Odyssey. I don't drive new cars very often, but this felt much more car like than my old van. Power was ok, but will be much less so with all of the fam aboard. SWMBO actually likes the looks of it, but is withholding judgment until she sees how we all fit. It's not nearly as plush as the newer Hondas and Toyotas, but it is big on utility and has mad headroom. Overall, I was quite impressed. It really does handle great. My kingdom for a manual, though.

I just saw one on the street for the first time - it certainly looks distinctive. Did the one you drove have the overhead cargo bins?

I just made one on the Ford sight and am kind of disturbed to say that I really like it.

Mazda5 still comes with a manual...

Also, the V6 Dodge/Chrysler vans are still the best. You can option them out to Learjet levels inside, stowable seating, etc. Tuna's got one.

I was going to get a 2014 TC to replace my 2010 model. I wanted to get the larger engine, better transmission (6spd vs. 4spd) and the better rear suspension. But, since I use mine mainly for hauling stuff and occasionally some extra passengers I decided to keep mine. If you want one for people hauling or hauling cargo I think they are great but getting one that works as a combo van isn't possible. So I will be keeping my 2010.

I can't imagine a N/A 2.5 having enough cajones to move a family of 5 or more around while cutting a hole that big in the air.

I can't imagine a N/A 2.5 having enough cajones to move a family of 5 or more around while cutting a hole that big in the air.

Which is exactly why nobody here likes the Mazda MPV, right?

Granted, i'd prefer the turbo motor.. even if it is .9L SMALLER.

Yep, it had the overhead storage, although it didn't have doors to keep stuff in place like the better optioned model. Lots of room up there. The Mazda 5 is pretty tiny inside compared to the TC. Wish they had put the 2.0 ecoboost in it, as the 1.6 is rated at a whopping 1 mpg better on the hwy. Seems kind of pointless. Still leaning towards a used Sienna due to comfort and power. The wife has final say because she will be driving it. I'm thinking Ford might have to offer some good rebates to move these as they just don't seem to be Murican enough for the ignorant masses, at least as family haulers.

Oh yeah, does everyone like the Dodges? They've always seemed a rung down from the Sienna/Odyssey to me, but the Pentastar seems to be a nice motor. Tranny issues?

The best new-vehicle bargain today is the Dodge Grand Caravan AVP. There's a $1500 rebate right now, making the MSRP $18,500. What else does $18.5k get you??

I just bought a 14 Caravan R/T.... I LOVE IT! The slightly stiffer R/T suspension isn't going to make it not a 4500lb minivan, but is a nice improvement...

So far we LOVE the van.. Bought it for not only just minivan kid duty, but long road trips pulling the Hobie 16... So Dual DVD ect...

The only issue I have is the "blacktop" package with blacked out wheels and grill isn't an option on the R/T trim... The Redline red is a really great looking color though!

Dollar for dollar the Toyota and Honda were not even a consideration. Wife hated the looks of the Ford..

Stow and go seats are awesome...

EvanR wrote: The best new-vehicle bargain today is the Dodge Grand Caravan AVP. There's a $1500 rebate right now, making the MSRP $18,500. What else does $18.5k get you??

I might consider this for my work car as I deliver some stuff to customers. I would be stepping out of an Accord. Is the Caravan, Honda reliable?

I hope my life never brings me to create one of these threads.

DrBoost wrote: I can't imagine a N/A 2.5 having enough cajones to move a family of 5 or more around while cutting a hole that big in the air.

Mine with a 2.0L and a 4 speed transmission instead of 2.5l/6 speed had no problems with 3 ~250# men and a washer and dryer. Or with similar loads I have had in it.

Datsun310Guy wrote:

EvanR wrote: The best new-vehicle bargain today is the Dodge Grand Caravan AVP. There's a $1500 rebate right now, making the MSRP $18,500. What else does $18.5k get you??

I might consider this for my work car as I deliver some stuff to customers. I would be stepping out of an Accord. Is the Caravan, Honda reliable?

I would sure think so.. The Pentastar is a great engine.. No known tranny problems... Ect.. FWIW I think "Honda reliability" is overrated... My Grandparents have an Odyssey.. It just doesn't impress me.. Some things look and feel "higher quality" than the dodge.. but at the end of the day just as much stuff seems to break on it, and it only ends up being more expensive to fix.

DirtyBird222 wrote: I hope my life never brings me to create one of these threads.

Why? I have a whole collection of minivans.. They beat trucks hands down for the work I do... and the kids which fill up the family truckster certainly not a curse on my life...

Have you considered one of these?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL6dbljs9XE

ronholm wrote:

DirtyBird222 wrote: I hope my life never brings me to create one of these threads.

Why? I have a whole collection of minivans.. They beat trucks hands down for the work I do... and the kids which fill up the family truckster certainly not a curse on my life...

I absolutely hated the caravan I grew up in. Leisure suit blue, dad removed the 3rd row so he could put car parts or other things he acquired on the trips we went on so I was always stuck next to my little sister. Luckily my mom talked him out of it and they bought a truck for him and a tahoe for her soon after. I carry my moms despise for them as well. I came into this thread because as far as the Transit Connect goes....very cool work vehicle. Like a E150 or Chevy Express but without the huge cumbersome body/frame.

Datsun310Guy wrote:

EvanR wrote: The best new-vehicle bargain today is the Dodge Grand Caravan AVP. There's a $1500 rebate right now, making the MSRP $18,500. What else does $18.5k get you??

I might consider this for my work car as I deliver some stuff to customers. I would be stepping out of an Accord. Is the Caravan, Honda reliable?

Try the Dodge C/V. It's the commercial van.

As far as I am concerned, the Mazda5 is not a mini van. It's a Mazda3 with a back pack.

I absolutely hated the caravan I grew up in. ...dad removed the 3rd row

Well that sort of defeats the purpose for most people. MOST families buy minivans specifically so that their kids can hang out on different rows. I loved the caravans i grew up in.

I think the Transit has a bright future

Vigo wrote:

I absolutely hated the caravan I grew up in. ...dad removed the 3rd row

Well that sort of defeats the purpose for most people. MOST families buy minivans specifically so that their kids can hang out on different rows. I loved the caravans i grew up in.

Yup. Loved our GC for the space. Each kid got their own row and the dogs fit behind the back seat. The in floor storage carries most of our gear when the seats aren't stowed. We still have our GC but our kids have grown up so it'll likely be let go sometime this summer. Not sure what we'll replace it with.