1997 Ford Transit SWB Mid roof 2.2 petrol

Summary:

It is the perfect van to turn into a camper, which I have done. A high roof LWB would be better

Faults:

Engine rebuild, broken engine mount, air conditioner fell off.

General Comments:

Very reliable, getting 10 litres to the 100 kms @ 90 kph.

Rides well; comfortable for the driver, not so for the passenger.

Converted to basic camper and is ideal for that. It has been on several trips over 3000 km and hasn't missed a beat. Cruises at 110 comfortably.

The engine rebuild and total running gear fitout at 211000 km cost about $8000, so the van has now cost me $10000, but I feel that this has been a good buy. I have added 40000 km to it and it is my pride and joy.

As a manual petrol, there haven't been any major transmission costs so far.

In summary it has been the most fun vehicle that I have owned in my 60 years, and the most versatile, having served the family for many house moves and camping holidays. Next vehicle will be a LWB high roof version.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2014

2008 Ford Transit FWD SWB 2.2L common rail diesel

Summary:

10/10, A commercial vehicle that compares with a sporty passenger hatch. Comfortable and efficient

Faults:

Nothing, it is a new vehicle. (1 year / 22 000Kms)

General Comments:

The Ford Transit was worthy of the 2007 van of the year.

Ford have got this one right.

The Transit handles like a nimble hatchback on busy city roads, and cruises effortlessly humming on an open motorway.

The 5-speed transmission is perfectly matched to a smooth and powerful 2.2L common rail diesel engine.

Fuel efficiency is brilliant (+800Kms on 75 Litres)

I have never been more impressed with a commercial vehicle, and I believe it should be compared in favour with comfort and performance of a smaller passenger vehicle.

Based on the older Transit models, Ford have stripped out the running gear and interior and started fresh with very good intentions.

There is a quality European feel to the build of this van, thick pressed panels add to a solid "Clunk" every time you open and close the door.

Available in several models in Australia.

Option of FWD or RWD, SWB MWB and LWB. (Mine is the FWD SWB and you could be mistaken you're driving a Focus XR5)

I have had many commercial vehicles through the years at my work, and nothing has compared to the Transit. (Thumbs down to Renault, Kia and Toyota)

If you are after a larger van that drives and handles much like a sports hatchback, with the comfort and space of a family sedan, along with the efficiency of a scooter, then I highly recommend the FWD Ford Transit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2009

29th Jan 2009, 21:18

Sure you don't work for Ford? This sounds like it's straight out of a brochure for the Transit. Drives like an XR5 turbo?!? I'm sure owners of either the Focus or Mondeo XR5 turbo's would love to hear the handling of their cars being compared to a van. I hope you aren't one of the unlucky people who've had one of these Transits fall apart around them. You might want to get hold of the latest "Dog and Lemon guide" to see what will no doubt go wrong with it. The only advantage these vans have over a Toyota Hiace is space and maybe some safety features. There's no such thing as "Quality European" anymore, and I drive a european Ford.

1st Apr 2009, 01:35

I find the transit van so uncomfortable, I have a 08 plate, no lower back support, on this Ford have gone cheap cheap cheap.

In reply to 1st Apr 2009, 01:35

25th Jan 2016, 08:28

Owner of a Transit 1 tonne 2.4 litre diesel 2007, voted van of the year. Money well spent on mechanical inspection has provided me with a reliable, economical and zippy van. Much like a car, it is very responsive and direct. Worked as a daily courier work horse, the van has impressed. Regularly serviced and looked after, this van is certainly capable of handling high km. A very happy camper here.