Are you searching for a vehicle that will let you handle all your business and personal needs in style? If so, look no further than the Ford Transit van. You can see if this vehicle is the right one for you by exploring all its key specs.
Which Ford Transit specs tell you the most about the capabilities of this vehicle?
Well, there are several to remember, such as:
- Engines: Ample engine options across all model years
- Power output: Up to 310 horsepower and 410 lb-ft.
- Brakes: 12.1-inch rotors at the front and the rear
These specs are all worth considering while deciding whether you should buy a Ford Transit, but they aren’t the whole story. You need to learn about the vehicle’s utility, high-tech safety features, and more to make the best buying decision. Thankfully, you can use this article to do just that.
The Long History of the Ford Transit Van
Whether you need to haul your business cargo from here to there or just have a big family to get from A to B, you can trust the Ford Transit to come through for you. Ever since it was first released in 1953, this capable van has been known for easily tackling whatever task is thrown its way.
While not officially the first generation of the line, the original Transit was dubbed the FK 1000 before earning the Ford Taunus Transit designation. It had a simple 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that could buzz around town with ease.
The official Transit Mark 1 arrived on the market in 1965, though it still had not landed on U.S. shores.
In fact, that would not occur until 2013, when the manufacturer sought to replace the E-Series before retiring it.
The second generation arrived in 1986, bigger and more powerful than ever before. This one got several engine options that ranged from the 2.0L four-cylinder to the much beefier 3.0L V6.
By the third generation’s release in 2000, Ford had really gotten into the groove of things with the Transit van. The manufacturer made it look as professional as it felt across all its configurations. Ford also rolled out a handful of adept four- and five- cylinder turbodiesel engine options. This model earned the International Van of the Year award in 2001 as a result.
The fourth-generation Transit arrived in 2013 and was announced at the North American International Auto Show. As the first of its line to show up in the U.S., it was big news at that time. Ford made it wholly customizable from the factory by offering multiple chassis types, rooflines, and features.
For that rollout, the Transit’s appearance was reworked to make it look even more sleek and modern.
Then, in 2020, this van received yet another update to its appearance to ensure it could keep up with the times.
Where Utility Meets Power and Comfort
Ever since the first of the Transit vans landed on the market, utility remained at the forefront of its build. These vans are designed to carry lots of cargo or passengers without ever breaking a sweat — and they do it well.
Beyond that, they always have enough power to get up to speed and up hills while fully loaded. Yet they are not gas guzzlers, ensuring that they can keep more money in your pocket as you complete your daily tasks.
As Ford continues to produce this van, the company has never lost sight of its mission to provide a utility-minded and cost-effective vehicle. In fact, the newest in the line, the 2021 Ford Transit, is everything the others have always been, just in a much nicer package.
You can equip this van with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel or go for the twin-turbo V6. If you want the most power, the turbocharged six-cylinder is where it’s at. It produces 310 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. on demand. But if it’s fuel efficiency you’re after, then only the 2.0L turbo EcoBlue engine will do.
Ford put this van on heavy-duty 16-inch steel rims that easily withstand its high payload limits of at least 4,530 pounds. And when you need new tires, they won’t cost an arm and a leg, as you would expect with 17-inch and bigger rims.
As you pilot this van from place to place, you’ll love how comfortable the four-way adjustable driver seat is. Plus, you’ll adore how well it pairs with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel to position you behind the wheel just right.
High-Tech Safety Features Come Standard
Ford knows that Transit van drivers benefit greatly from all the assistance features thrown their way.
For that reason, Ford has decided to make many of its high-tech safety features standard on the 2021 model.
You can count on lane-keeping assistance to help you stay between the lines. With that system on your side, you can navigate through the toughest stretches of road without worry.
The van also comes with Ford’s forward-collision warning system, which will not only let you know of an impending crash but help you avoid it as well. With this system at the helm, if you do not respond in a timely manner, the van will automatically activate the brakes and safely bring itself to a stop.
A few systems still remain optional, however, such as the adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Considering how well they help drivers stay comfortable and avoid disaster, these features are well worth the extra expense.
Ford Transit Benefits and Drawbacks
While browsing all the different Ford Transit specs, have you made a decision on what vehicle to buy?
If not, perhaps these pros and cons will help you out.
Benefits:
- Tons of customization options
- Excellent steering
- Standard driver-assistance features
- Powerful engine options
- Quiet, comfortable ride
Drawbacks:
- Relatively small payload limits
- Expensive to buy and maintain
- Poor passenger side crash rating
- Busy interior design
- Less passenger-friendly than competitors
If the Transit doesn’t speak to you, no worries. You also have a few of its competitors to consider on your search to buy the perfect van, like the Nissan NV200, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Ram ProMaster City.
Is it Time to Buy a Ford Transit? Do a Vehicle History Check
If you have your heart set on buying the Ford Transit, you can start your search with confidence you are on the right track. Just remember to use Vehicle History to check for hidden problems that could impact the value of your van. With those results, you can rule out vans with a history of minor to severe accidents and many other issues.
