What is the Ford Transit? It’s a van, right? Well, sort of. But it’s also a truck, and a pretty big one at that.
The Ford Transit is a van, truck, and even bus manufactured by Ford since 1965. It’s available in many variants, from a simple cargo van to a large bus. The Transit is used worldwide as a passenger and cargo van, and also as a chassis cab truck.
In this article, I’ll explain what the Ford Transit is and why it’s so popular.
In this post we'll cover:
The Many Faces of the Ford Transit: A Look at its Variants
The Ford Transit has been one of the most successful vans in Europe since its introduction in 1965. Over the years, it has undergone several modifications and design changes to cater to the varying needs of its customers. Today, the Transit is available in several models and variants, each featuring a unique setup and ability to carry components and passengers.
The Regular Transit Van
The regular Transit van is the most popular variant of the Transit. It is available in short, medium, and long wheelbase options, with a choice of low, medium, or high roof heights. The regular Transit van is marketed as a panel van and is used for commercial purposes. It has a large box-like structure that can carry a significant amount of cargo.
The Transit Connect
The Transit Connect is the smallest van in the Transit lineup. It was introduced in 2002 and is based on the Ford Focus platform. The Transit Connect is marketed as a panel van and is ideal for small businesses that require a compact and fuel-efficient van for their daily operations.
The Tourneo and County
The Tourneo and County are passenger variants of the Transit. The Tourneo is a luxurious passenger van that is marketed as a minibus. It is available in short and long wheelbase options and can carry up to nine passengers. The County, on the other hand, is a conversion of the Transit van that is lifted and coupled with a subframe to create a passenger van.
The Transit Chassis Cab and Tractors
The Transit Chassis Cab and Tractors are designed for heavy-duty commercial use. The Chassis Cab is a bare-bones van that is fitted with a flatbed or box body for carrying cargo. The Tractors, on the other hand, are designed for towing trailers and are available in both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive options.
The Transit All-Wheel Drive
The Transit All-Wheel Drive is a variant of the Transit that features an all-wheel-drive system. It is available in short and long wheelbase options and is ideal for businesses that require a van that can handle rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.
The Transit with Rear Axle Air Suspension
The Transit with Rear Axle Air Suspension is a variant of the Transit that features an independent rear suspension system. It is available in short and long wheelbase options and is ideal for businesses that require a van that can provide a smooth ride and handle heavy loads.
The Transit with Dual Rear Wheels
The Transit with Dual Rear Wheels is a variant of the Transit that features two wheels on each side of the rear axle. It is available in short and long wheelbase options and is ideal for businesses that require a van that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers.
Get Ready to Turn Heads: The Ford Transit’s Exterior Features
The Ford Transit comes in three body lengths: regular, long, and extended. The regular and long models have a low roof, while the extended model has a high roof. The Transit’s body is made of heavy-duty steel and features a black grille with chrome surround, black door handles, and black power mirrors. The Transit also has a black front and rear bumper with a black lower front fascia. The Transit is available in a variety of colors, including blue, red, dark and light metallic, white, and ebony.
Doors and Access
The Transit has two front doors and two sliding doors on the passenger side. The rear cargo doors open up to 180 degrees and have an optional fixed glass or flip-open glass. The Transit also has a rear step bumper for easy access to the cargo area. The Transit’s doors are equipped with power locks and a keyless entry system. The Transit’s cargo area has a partial overlay flooring and covers for additional convenience.
Windows and Mirrors
The Transit’s windows are made of solar-tinted glass and have power front windows with one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows. The Transit also has power-adjustable mirrors with manual fold and a large, fixed rear-view mirror. The Transit’s mirrors are equipped with a heating function to prevent fogging in cold weather.
Lighting and Sensing
The Transit’s headlamps are halogen with a black surround and have a low beam and high beam function. The Transit also has front fog lamps and automatic headlamps with rain-sensing wipers. The Transit’s rear lamps have a red lens and include turn signal and backup lamps. The Transit also has a reverse sensing system to assist with parking.
Roof and Wiring
The Transit’s roof is equipped with a high-mount stop lamp and has a roof rack mounting points for additional cargo capacity. The Transit also has a wiring package for upfitting additional electrical components. The Transit’s battery is located under the driver’s seat for easy access and maintenance.
Convenience and Entertainment
The Transit’s interior features include cloth seats, a center console with a storage compartment and a 12-volt power outlet, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with cruise control, and an auxiliary audio input jack. The Transit also has a SiriusXM satellite radio with a six-month trial subscription. The Transit’s stereo system has four speakers, and the Transit has an available SYNC 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display.
Control and Safety
The Transit’s driver and passenger seats have manual adjustability, and the Transit has a manual air conditioning system with a pollen filter. The Transit’s steering wheel has audio controls and a switch for the active park assist system. The Transit also has a lane-keeping system and a forward collision warning system with brake support. The Transit’s cargo area has inboard armrests for additional safety during transport.
Step Inside the Ford Transit: A Closer Look at its Interior Features
The Ford Transit offers a range of features to keep you connected and entertained while on the road. The base model includes Bluetooth phone connectivity and a sound system, while higher trims offer a hotspot and an infotainment system with details on the Transit’s specs and equipment. Passengers can enjoy their favorite tunes or podcasts with ease, making long drives more enjoyable.
Safety Features
The Transit is a versatile cargo and passenger van, and Ford has equipped it with a range of safety features to keep everyone on board safe. The Transit includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, driver alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. These features enhance the driving experience and help prevent accidents.
Parking and Trailer Assist
The Transit’s size can be intimidating, but Ford has included features to make maneuvering easier. The Transit offers park assist and trailer hitch assist to make parking and towing a breeze. The lane departure alert and reverse sensing system also help drivers navigate tight spaces with ease.
Seating and Cargo Space
The Transit’s interior is designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo. The compact van model can seat up to five passengers, while the larger models can accommodate up to 15 passengers. The cargo area is versatile and can be customized to fit your needs. The Transit’s wheelbase and height also make it easy to load and unload cargo.
Stability and Hill Assist
The Transit’s stability and hill assist features make it easier to drive on uneven terrain. The rearview camera and stabilization system also help drivers maintain control in challenging driving conditions. These features make the Transit a reliable and safe option for commercial use.
Overall, the Ford Transit’s interior features offer a range of benefits for both drivers and passengers. From connectivity and safety features to parking and cargo space, the Transit is a versatile and reliable option for commercial use.
Conclusion
So, the Ford Transit is a van that’s been around for over 50 years now and is still going strong.
It’s perfect for businesses and families alike, with a variety of models and variants to choose from. So, if you’re looking for a new van, you can’t go wrong with a Ford Transit!
Also read: these are the best trash cans for the Ford Transit
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
