SoloRiver Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 The LA Times has an interesting entry about the Ford Transit Connect, a European-style small cargo van that will be introduced to the US this year. (Be sure to check out the article. It has good photos that the board wouldn't let me link to because the extension is the wrong type.) They've had vans like this forever in Europe. My compatriots and I used to refer to them as cartruckvans, because they're sort of hard to categorize. It looks like a decent option for someone who wants to haul multiple dogs around (according to the article, it is customizable in terms of storage, shelving, etc. because it's aimed at small business customers) and supposedly gets a respectable 22/25 mpg. Ford is marketing the Transit Connect as a customizable solution to small-business owners’ transportation problems. The inside of the van can be equipped with what Ford is calling "Up Fits": An array of shelves, lockers and storage devices that, when optioned correctly, promise to be as space-efficient as a college freshman’s dorm room. The retrofitted space savers range in price, and Ford promises that more variations on the theme will be released. Ford is supposedly developing a consumer version of this van as well. Maybe they should offer a version optimized for dog hauling? I am not a big fan of Fords, but this looks like it's about the right size and shape for people who have between two and six dogs and are looking for a vehicle that will accomodate multiple crates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 BustopherJones brought up the Transit on p. 3 of Christine's "good dog vehicle" thread in the coffee break section. As I said in that thread, I would certainly consider a Transit--looks like a pretty good dogmobile for me. It doesn't cost any more than the Safari and gets slightly better gas mileage, but for me, having something like a Transit will have to wait until I run the Safari into the ground (and I'd need to know it can tow a small trailer or camper).... J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I wouldn't drive a Ford as they are here in the US. But we love driving English Ford Fiestas. The European versions are well-made, are fuel-efficient, fit on Yorkshire lanes, and have plenty of pep for the M1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I've seen several of these on the roads, mainly 101, in Sonoma and Marin counties just in the last 2-3 weeks. They're brand spanking new and very shiny! They seemed fairly stable and looked as though they handled well. The ones I saw were all commercial type vehicles. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRipley Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Actually, Consumer Report says that now Ford is making cars that are just as reliable and well-made as the good Japanese cars. I have a 2005 Ford Escape with 82,000 miles on it and still going strong. This Ford Cartruckvan looks interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Actually, Consumer Report says that now Ford is making cars that are just as reliable and well-made as the good Japanese cars. I have a 2005 Ford Escape with 82,000 miles on it and still going strong. This Ford Cartruckvan looks interesting. I gotta say, "going strong" at 82,000 miles is not exactly a huge accomplishment...did the old Fords not even make it that long? I drive a Toyota and expect at least 250,000 out of my vehicle... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC-Liz Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I gotta say, "going strong" at 82,000 miles is not exactly a huge accomplishment...did the old Fords not even make it that long? I drive a Toyota and expect at least 250,000 out of my vehicle... I'd agree but every little bit counts. Fords are actually doing better these days. Just gotta get the new ones. That thing looks like a mini version of a Dodge Sprinter. Which are interesting in themselves because you can get them customized to your needs (like the Transit) but you can also get a mortgage on them because they can be considered Mobile Homes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRipley Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I gotta say, "going strong" at 82,000 miles is not exactly a huge accomplishment...did the old Fords not even make it that long? I drive a Toyota and expect at least 250,000 out of my vehicle... Jeez, I didn't mean it that way. I like this car -- it's been very reliable, with decent gas mileage, and I plan to keep it for quite some time. I think 80,000 miles for a 1982 Ford Fairmont would have been a mighty accomplishment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustopherJones Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 FORD = Found On Roadside Dead Ford has been pursuing a "world car" strategy for many years. Several models already being sold in the US have been influenced by this vision, and either have designs based on successful European vehicles or actual components/assemblies from Ford Europe, Merkur, and Volvo. (Mazda is also owned by Ford.) The Ford Transit has been around for some time in Europe; the decision to introduce it in the US is in part driven by the furthering of Ford's "world car" vision, and in part by forward-looking management that perceive that the current domestic product offering does not provide a fuel-efficient, small footprint, high volumetric solution that can compete against some of the Japanese variants and Mini Clubman that we are seeing. As I stated earlier, this vehicle could be a home run for Ford in the US, and better fill a gap currently occupied by vehicles like the Scion xB. (FYI, I am not a Scion fan, given the quality problems that accompanied their initial introduction through Toyota.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I wouldn't drive a Ford as they are here in the US. But we love driving English Ford Fiestas. The European versions are well-made, are fuel-efficient, fit on Yorkshire lanes, and have plenty of pep for the M1. You'll be happy to know then that the Ford Fiesta will be available in 2010 in the US! If I wasn't hooked on MINIs right now, I would most certainly get one of them. They look really nice! As for Fords - my mom has never had anything but Fords. She loves them, she had a Farimont, then a Bronco, then 2 Escorts back to back and is now on her 2nd Focus. She's never had a problem with them. And just as a side note..... Ford is the only US automaker that hasn't taken bailout money.... Just something to think about. They are making it by without help primarily because of their popularity in Europe. When I was in Europe last September I saw an overwhelming about of Fords compare to other car types. (This is not meant to be a nasty comment or a political statement or anything of that nature.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Billadeau Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 This would be much better if Ford offered them with the new DuraTorq diesel engines available over seas. TWO NEW FORD TRANSIT ENGINES GIVE EXTRA TORQUE AT A GREAT PRICE Drive Ratio 3.77 => 25.4/39.8 MPG Drive Ratio 4.27 => 34.4/38.7 MPG 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallons (divide by 1.2) Sorry, these are for the LARGER Ford Transit vans, not the Transit Connect. Okay, here is the Transit Connect diesel info: Go Further For Less With Ford Transit And Transit ConnectPublished: 4th October 2002 The all-new Ford Transit Connect also established a new record. The Transit Connect achieved 52.42 mpg (SWB) and 51.05 mpg (LWB) respectively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegy Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 FORD = Found On Roadside Dead That's how I feel about my Focus. Nothing but problems. Cute, nice to drive when it's not broken, gets good gas milage. But it's been a total money-suck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie&Me Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 That's how I feel about my Focus. Nothing but problems. Cute, nice to drive when it's not broken, gets good gas milage. But it's been a total money-suck. I have an '05 Focus, I love it. Great gas mileage and really peppy for a four-banger. Haven't had to put any money into it (except for winter tires and that was money well spent). I drove a Ford Aspire for eight years, it had 230,000 km's when I traded it in, if I could've afforded it I would've kept it! My Grandpa swears by Ford's - he always gets over 200,000 kms on his (and he likes to go around corners in third gear LOL!) and has been driving them for as long as he's been driving. I will admit, though, I do want a Toyota! Wonder what the mobile groomers think of the Ford Transit..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary M Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 FORD = Found On Roadside Dead FORD = First On Race Day I have 5 Ford vehicles. 98 Continental, 208,500 miles 94 F150 4X4, 236,000 miles 68 Cougar, restored 05 Aviator, 30,000 miles 05 Mariner, 65,000 miles. There have been a few major repairs amongst the bunch, but nothing I would consider extraordinary. One reason that Ford has not brought some of its better mileage vehicles from Europe and Asia also is due to the fact that they would require major changes to meet US standards for safety and emissions. Another for diesel based models is that the US consumer has not bought into the diesel concept enough to justify the investment. Its not exactly like the old days where if I wanted to I could swap the 302 engine and C4 trans for a big block and a C6 in a weekend, so many the electronics are different and transmissions for gas vs. diesel are differentt as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 I gave away a 12 yr old Toyota with 330,000 miles on it. It needed new brakes and a few other parts, but the engine was in excellent condition and the body looked great considering it hadn't been painted since it was made. Growing up we had one that had nearly 300K on it when we finally traded it in (for the one I gave away). Before that my parents had one that they sold with well over 200K miles. My current car, also a Toyota, has just over 55K and runs like it's brand new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 OK, you all driving the Escape and Focus - how on earth are you hauling dogs in them?? I'm with Julie, I'll drive my Astro into the ground before I think about another dog vehicle. Which by that time, hopefully, the prices will not require a 2nd mortgage or I can get a used one w/o depreciation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I have a 2000 Ford Focus wagon with 272,000 km on it. I carry 2 dogs in crates, and 2 dogs in seatbelts and my DH. We also fit luggage. I haven't had too many issues with it. It gets about 37 mpg and when I need to pass someone, 120 km is still easy. Given the fact that I've been driving a lot of gravel roads for the last 5 years, even the body is in decent shape. I'll be looking at an Escape soon since the biggest issue I've had is the enormous amount of snow that doesn't get plowed as quickly as it used to! Plowing with a Focus can be a challenge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy Evans Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I have a 95 Ford Ranger with 382,000 miles on it, and the odometer died in Nov. of 07. Who really knows how many miles it has. I really like that little truck! I hate to say it but I have to put a new slave cylinder for the clutch in it soon, because if I use the clutch a lot (as in backing a trailer) it quits on me. Can't complain though. It will be the first new part that's been put in since I got it in 95! How many of you can say that about your Toyota's? Routine upkeep is a good thing. I did buy a Chevy Uplander last year to travel in. Can't say I trust the Ford on the road anymore. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustopherJones Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I noticed that none of the Ford lovers mentioned their Edsels or Pintos... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nellie's Dad Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 Hey I actually did see a 1971 Ford Pinto on the road the other day. All souped up into a race car. May be the only one still on the roads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat W. Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I got a 08 Focus SE, love it, love it, love it. Its gone to trials with 2 dogs with the 60/40 split I can lay the seats down and put the dogs in the back, HUGE trunk for a car of its size, I can put tent, supplies, chairs and still have lots of room inside. Excellent MPG avg 30 city/36-37 hwy. Very comfortable and lots of giddyup for the highway. I just went from Pa to Vt 850mi rt on 1.5 tanks of gas. Im not a big Ford person but this little car suits me right down to the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I have a 1977 F150. It has a gazillion miles on it. We have put two motors in it at a total cost of 2,300. It is an icon in our family; several claim they will inherit it! I love that truck! We just bought a 2006 Ford Escape. I am loving it also! I would never drive anything but a Ford. All the Guvment Motors people can say what they want, I'll stick with what I know! Ford is awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 68 Cougar, restored JEALOUS..... These are my favorite classic cars.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustopherJones Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 Hey I actually did see a 1971 Ford Pinto on the road the other day. All souped up into a race car. May be the only one still on the roads. Probably the only one left that didn't explode after contact with any solid object. The last Ford I owned and liked was a 1950 Ford Convertible "lead sled" (rolled front and rear pans with Nerf bar bumpers, Corvette "shark tooth" grill, rear bumper extension with a Continental kit, rear fender skirts, Moon hubcaps) with a souped-up Flathead 8 engine. Color scheme: metallic burgundy paint with white naugahyde interior and top. Boy, I wish I still had that car... Then I bought a 1966 Mustang that almost bankrupted me with repairs; after that, I swore I would never own another Ford. This vehicle was the quintessential case of FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily. I know that Ford now makes quality vehicles that are competitive in the world market; but I have been happy with my Chevies, and see no reason to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie&Me Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 OK, you all driving the Escape and Focus - how on earth are you hauling dogs in them?? Not easily. LOL. I'm OK with two in my Focus (4 door), but three is really pushing and I rarely carry them all. When I have to, I borrow a Suzuki Vitara (same size as the Escape), put the back seats down and all three dogs fit with A Lot of room to spare. But yeah, my next vehicle is definitely going to be an SUV. With 4 x 4 (totally with you on the snow issue KrisK LOL!) and leather interior! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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