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AH... A specific hobbyist user. IMHO, that's a big part of what built the TC's reputation in the United States. I got introduced to Transit Connects by My Lady. Her thing was dog shows; we showed Irish Setters in Canine Agility and the Conformation ring. Conventional vans weren't quite right for dog show use; dog crates and agility course equipment are very awkward cargo to handle in them. In 2009, the first Transit Connects showed up at dog shows in our region; they were an instant hit. The sliding side doors made it PERFECT for the awkward loads. The "Cash For Clunkers" program showed up, and the die was cast... she got our first Transit, dubbed LRT (Little Red Truck), and wearing the vanity plate IR STR. It was a 2010, with side windows. The TC was PERFECT for the job! It could easily handle three large dog crates, as well as loading all of the other junk that a dog show requires. LRT was the envy of everyone on the dog show circuit, and a LOT of Transit Connects began to appear in show parking lots. I liked it because I'm addicted to wearing big hats... Stetson Ranchers and Resistols. Unlike the Ford Ranger I was driving at the time, the vast head room in LRT didn't require me to remove it to get in! Psychologically, LRT gave the impression of being a much LARGER vehicle than it actually was, and that felt GOOD. Unfortunately, My Lady passed away in 2012, and I inherited LRT. I'm a ham radio nut, and LRT was perfect for the frequent "Hamfests" (radio swap meets) that I go to, hauling electronic gear for sale and swap. I didn't have to unload it; I simply opened the sliding doors and rear cargo doors and I was set up, ready for business! Reluctantly, I just traded in LRT; extensive frame damage from road salt made her unreliable... tho everything in it still worked fine after 11 years. LRT has been replaced by LRT 2... a brand new 2020 Transit Connect XLT wagon. I've had it for about 2 weeks now and I'm LOVING it! It has all of the same virtues of the original LRT, plus a whole lot of advanced electronics that I'm still trying to get used to. LRT 2 still wears the same IR STR vanity plates that LRT wore, and the glove box contains the dog collar tags that LRT carried from the good dogs that have now gone on to the Rainbow Bridge. Some traditions ya just can't let go of...

We truly live in different worlds. I've never seen a 'commercial zone' where I couldn't drive my passenger car, nor a street with signage saying 'Commercial Vehicles Only' - Quite the opposite, all I ever do see as far as restrictive signage on streets around here is 'No Trucks' Don

I also have a full panel cargo van. Because I'm in NY and wanted regular passenger plates, I had to put a small porthole window in each rear side per DOT specs. I bought this brand new and the Ford dealer I bought it from advised me I'd have to do this. They did the install and got my plates and registration... so everything was totally "by the book legal". Even so, my insurance company who I've had for years and handles multiple vehicles and property was very, very difficult to deal with. They simply couldn't understand why this vehicle wasn't being registered as a commercial vehicle. I had to keep saying I want passenger plates so I can use the parkways, and per NY DOT this vehicle is now 100% legal to get them. They eventually said yes but were such a pain that when my policy is up for renewal I'll probably look for another company. Boggles the mind...

Never had a question, mine is the wagon version but don't think they would say anything if it were the van version.

I don't compare minivans to the TC in any way shape or form , it's not anything like a minivan , reviewers who compare them are way off base.