If you're looking for the most space for the least cash, the Transit Connect should be on your radar screen. Ford's relatively small commercial van was gussied up just enough to transform it into a credible people mover.
The highly functional cargo van will seat seven passengers comfortably when configured as a people mover. Sliding side doors and a super-high roofline make access a cinch.
Keep in mind, Transit Connect was designed to be a work van, so don't confuse its roominess with luxury. Common minivan features like power-sliding side doors and rear-seat entertainment are absent. Most mainstream minivans also offer sophisticated electronic safety gear, such as forward-collision warning, which you can't get in the Transit Connect.
It's not easy to fold, lift, and manipulate the Transit Connect's rear seats to convert the van from people to cargo-carrying configurations. But once you get the seats folded, the tall roof leaves enough room to stand up bikes inside -- something you can't say for many SUVs or wagons.
Based on the nice-driving Ford Focus, this big, tall box also drives surprisingly well, with impressive agility and a steady and supple ride.
Transit Connect clearly excels more for around-town people-moving than a comfy road-trip machine. Wind noise is high and power from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is just adequate, even with a light load. Load all the seats or max out the payload and it will feel pretty slow, especially when climbing hills.
In addition to cargo vans, Transit Connect has a wide range of configurations, including shorter five-passenger and longer seven-passenger versions, as well as different rear door styles. They all deliver a lot of room and a decent driving experience for the money.