2010 Ford Transit Connect XLT Van

I used my evening with the Transit Connect as an opportunity to take some bulky objects to our nearby storage unit, but a couple Christmas-tree boxes and the like barely made a dent in the Ford's cavernous cargo area. Despite the vehicle's size, it feels much, much smaller from behind the wheel, a feeling aided by responsive steering and a low, comfortable, carlike seating position. I'm sure that the little four-cylinder can be taxed by large loads, but when the Transit Connect is empty, it seems decently peppy (although I suspect much of that impression is created because of the four-cylinder's noise at high revs and not necessarily its urge). Either way, the Ford can keep up with traffic, as long as you're not afraid to exercise your right foot. Overall, Ford's little cargo van should be a great package for many small businesses. I see lots of Dodge/Freightliner Sprinters on the road these days, but I bet that the Transit Connect will be a better fit for people with slightly smaller needs, particularly when pricing (the Ford is more than $15,000 cheaper!) and fuel economy are considered. Personally, though, I'd like to try the "Wagon" version, which has a three-passenger back seat; I have little need for a two-seater that's not a sports car. Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor