Buckle up, Transit Connect enthusiasts! We’re diving into the best and worst years of this adaptable compact van.
This no-nonsense guide is backed by hard data from trusted sources like NHTSA and Consumer Reports. We’ll examine everything from engine performance to resale values across generations.
Ready to uncover your perfect Transit Connect?
Let’s roll!
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Ford Transit Connect Generations
The Ford Transit Connect burst onto the scene in 2009, shaking up the compact panel van market. This small workhorse quickly became a go-to choice for small businesses and fleets looking for a nimble, productive urban warrior.
What made it stand out? Its compact size, fuel-efficient engines, and a cargo space that could rival Mary Poppins’ handbag. For city-based businesses needing to zip through tight spaces while hauling gear, the Transit Connect was a game-changer.
Below is a table outlining the Ford Transit Connect generations from 2010 to 2023:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2010-2013 |
| 2nd generation | 2014-2023 |
Knowing these generational differences isn’t just for van nerds – it’s crucial intel for anyone eyeing a Ford Transit Connect. Each generation brings its own flavor, and understanding these shifts can help you pinpoint the perfect model year for your commercial needs. Whether you’re hauling tools or delivering flowers, there’s a Transit Connect out there with your name on it.
Ford Transit Connect Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff in Ford Transit Connect models, we don’t mess around. Our evaluation dives into a smorgasbord of factors, including:
- What owners are saying (because who knows better than the folks behind the wheel?)
- How much it’ll cost you to keep it running
- How well it’ll protect your bacon in a crash
- What the experts at Consumer Reports think about its reliability and owner satisfaction
- The nitty-gritty from NHTSA on recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from the likes of Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’ve crunched all these figures and opinions into one convenient graph. Think of it as your Transit Connect report card across the years.
And because we know you’re busy, we’ve boiled it all down into a simple best, neutral, and worst year categorization:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2011 2012 | 2013 | 2010 |
| 2nd generation | 2017 2018 2021 2022 2023 | 2019 2020 | 2014 2015 2016 |
Now, about those “Neutral Years” – they’re the vanilla ice cream of the Transit Connect world. Not bad, not amazing, just… there. They kept the lights on without any fireworks or major facepalms.
One thing to keep in mind: NHTSA recalls are like demerits on this report card. The more recalls and complaints a year racked up, the lower it sank in our rankings. It’s just common sense – more problems equal less reliability.
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the best and worst years?
Let’s roll!
Best & Worst Years for Ford Transit Connect 1st Generation (2010-2013)
The first-gen Ford Transit Connect was Ford’s love letter to urban businesses. It was compact, versatile, and efficient – everything a city-dwelling commercial vehicle should be.
So, which years hit the sweet spot? 2011 and 2012 take the crown as the best years, while 2010 is the black sheep you’ll want to steer clear of.
The Best Years: 2011, 2012
If you’re hunting for a first-gen Transit Connect, set your sights on 2011 and 2012. These models were the cream of the crop, and here’s why:
- Under the hood: A 2.0L I4 engine pumping out 136 horses, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It’s the Goldilocks combo – just right for zipping around town with a full load.
- Fuel efficiency: These vans sipped fuel at a respectable 21 city/25 highway MPG. Not too shabby for a workhorse!
- Variety is the spice of life: Available in XL and XLT trims, in both cargo and wagon flavors. Whatever your business needs, there’s a configuration to match.
- Safety first: Front, side, and curtain airbags, plus anti-lock brakes and stability control. Because getting the job done means nothing if you can’t do it safely.
Sure, they weren’t flawless – a few electrical gremlins popped up here and there. But overall, these years were reliable performers that didn’t cause many headaches for their owners.
The Neutral Years: 2013
The 2013 model year sits squarely in the middle of the pack. It kept the 2.0L engine and 4-speed auto from its predecessors, maintaining that reliable performance.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing:
- Some owners faced coolant leaks due to cracked engine cylinder heads. This led to a recall in 2017.
- There was also a safety concern about unintended rollaways from detached shift cables. Another recall in the books.
Despite these hiccups, the 2013 Transit Connect still delivered on its promises of practicality and versatility. It offered the same range of trims and configurations, keeping its appeal as a functional urban commercial vehicle.
The Worst Years: 2010
Ah, 2010 – the year the Transit Connect made its North American debut. Regrettably, it stumbled out of the gate with some initial problems:
- Electrical issues were the bane of many owners, especially with those pesky power door lock actuators.
- Safety concerns cropped up, particularly regarding potential rollaway risks.
- As the new kid on the block, it lacked some of the refinements that later years would bring.
These issues were more than just irritations – they seriously dented the 2010 model’s reliability and safety reputation. If you’re in the market for a dependable compact commercial van, you’d be wise to give this year a wide berth.
For the complete lowdown on recalls and complaints for the 2010 model, check out the NHTSA website. Knowledge is strength, especially when it comes to choosing a workhorse for your business.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Transit Connect 2nd Generation (2014-2023)
The second-gen Ford Transit Connect stepped up its game, bringing enhanced design, tech upgrades, and performance enhancements to the table. It was Ford’s answer to the evolving needs of small businesses and fleet operators.
So, which years hit the bullseye? 2017, 2018, and 2021-2023 are your top bets. On the flip side, you’ll want to steer clear of 2014-2016.
The Best Years: 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023
Looking for the most trustworthy Ford Transit Connect? These years are your golden ticket:
- Engine options galore: 2017 and 2018 rocked a 2.5L I4, while later models introduced a peppier 2.0L I4 with 162 hp and a fuel-sipping 1.5L EcoBlue diesel.
- Smooth operator: An 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the old 6-speed, offering better fuel economy and silky-smooth shifts.
- Fuel efficiency champion: These models could squeeze out up to 24 city/27 highway MPG. Your wallet will thank you at the pump.
- Safety first: Standard features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking joined the party.
- Tech-savvy: Higher trims like the Titanium boasted advanced infotainment systems with larger touchscreens and connectivity features that would make a smartphone jealous.
These years weren’t just good – they were exceptional, offering a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and technology.
The Neutral Years: 2019, 2020
The 2019 and 2020 models didn’t shake the boat too much:
- They kept the same engine choices and 8-speed auto, maintaining the solid performance of the best years.
- Fuel economy remained impressive, and the range of trims from basic XL to luxurious Titanium catered to everyone from no-frills fleet operators to comfort-seeking small business owners.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing:
- Some owners reported transmission issues, with complaints about rough shifting into lower gears.
- Recalls addressed concerns about engine overheating and those pesky rollaway risks from detached shift cables.
These years weren’t bad by any means, but they didn’t quite reach the heights of the best years.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2016
If the Transit Connect had an uncomfortable teenage phase, this was it. These years racked up the most recalls and owner grievances:
- Electrical system woes: Instrument cluster failures left some drivers in the dark.
- Structural concerns: Door latch issues – not something you want in a work van!
- Transmission troubles: Slipping and rough shifting made for a bumpy ride.
The recall list for these years reads like a greatest hits of automotive issues:
- Inoperative instrument clusters
- Cracked engine cylinder heads leading to oil leaks
- Fuel pump failures
- And yes, more rollaway risks
These problems weren’t just annoyances – they significantly dented the reliability reputation of these model years. If you’re shopping for a used Transit Connect, you might want to skip over these troublesome vehicles.
For the full scoop on recalls and complaints for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 models, head over to the NHTSA website. It’s always better to be informed before making a big purchase.
Ford Transit Connect Resale Values
Want to know how well your Transit Connect will maintain its value? This graph tells the tale of depreciation across different model years. It’s a useful tool for both buyers and sellers – after all, who doesn’t like to know the long-term value of their investment?
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the highs of 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2021-2023, to the lows of 2010 and 2014-2016. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to make an informed decision on which Ford Transit Connect is right for you.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Which year of the Ford Transit Connect speaks to you? Is it the reliable workhorse of 2018, or are you drawn to the tech-savvy features of the latest models?
Don’t keep it to yourself – share your thoughts in the comments! Your insight could be just what another Transit Connect shopper needs to hear.
Let’s keep this discussion rolling!
