I would drive this New Ford Van! (And no, it isn't a Windstar!)

Ford of Europe gets all the good stuff, I say. This is the new Ford S-MAX, based on the European Ford Mondeo platform. (Nothing like that atrocious Ford Contour version we got a few years back. Did you know that vehicle holds the record for most recalls for a Ford product? And that is saying something. You will understand if you have ever had a Ford.)

Anyway, back to this S-Max. I takes the standard Van shape and adds some modern dynamism to it. Most people today buy NEW vans because they NEED to, not because they WANT to. Vans from earlier decades were cool and carried a certain cachet. People personalized them and made them their own. No one does that with their Kia Sedona. Just thought I would show everyone another thing we don't get here. Because they think all we will buy is the Ford Edge.



 

LIke the wheels! I wonder about the Specs..  

The top line motor in Europe is a 2.5 liter turbocharged 5 cylinder worth about 250 horsepower. More importantly to Europe is the long list of optional diesel motors available. It is always hard to say what Ford in the U.S. would offer as Engine Choices. As I am not privvy to the Engineering Specs, I can't really say.  

It would be a nice option here in the states for a soccer mom...  

Sorry, all I see is a rather ugly station wagon. It's not a van in my book.  
Mike Cook
Vice President
Inland Vans Berdoo
2008 Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee

I agree, it's not a Van, but it does have style..  

I think what appealed to me was the fact that it wasn't just another dirty "crossover" SUV. It is sort of a crossover van, I guess you could say. And the thought of a manual transmission (even when it is three on the tree...), turbocharged van is a good idea. Styling can be worked on...I also like the horizontal, van-like placing of the steering wheel. And I am SO GLAD no one on this site has an OPINION! Keep em coming!  

I'd call that more of a crossover than a van, but it's cool. Definitely a lot cooler-looking that most of the company's lame, stale U.S. lineup.  

Well, Now this new ford comes to market. Will it ever make it too a van show. Never! Not a van. Needs to be made on a van chassis for it too be a van. Crossover SUV yes but not a van. Take out all the windows and still its a SUV. Just my venting. Attend a van show and see what all the fuss is about. Van Nationals, July 8 - 12th. Summit Station, Pa. Must have a van or mini van, panel to attend. Not open to general public. check out www.vanning.com for more info.  

The more I look at it the more it makes my skin crawl. I wouldn't be caught dead in one but that is just me. I am an old school vanner and still have a hard time accepting any minivan as a real van. In fact back in vannings hey day we used to say "if it has a hood it is no good". That being said the Astro van seems to be growing on me more and more and is probably the only mini van ( it has to be a panel)I like at all. I have seen many Astros that are very nice and coming from me that is the ultimate compliment I can give. As a rule of thumb (to me)if it isn't built on a truck chassis then it isn't a van.  
Mike Cook
Vice President
Inland Vans Berdoo
2008 Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee

yeah it looks like a Honda Accord on roids.  Big thumbs down on this one.  
-Cody