FORD consumer reviews

John, Oxfordshire on the Ford Transit

Bad news... so far clutch gone, ecu brakes bind, roof leaks, winds in 3rd, back wheel bearings gone. Apart from that a bloody good van!

Chris, England on the Ford Transit Connect

Hi folks just took delivery of a Tornio and fitted alloy wheels when the Ford dealer spotted that the back axle was out of centre. This meant that the off side back wheel was 20mm further out than the near side. Ford says this is ok but in my opinion is it not and the dealers agree, but Ford still says it is ok. Have any of you folks hade a good look at your axle to check if it is central? It may be a contributing factor to tyre wear? Apart from that the Tornio is superb, its a pity that Ford has such a poor attitude in correcting this manufacturing over site. I would like to hear feed-back.

Geoff, Kent on the Ford Fiesta

I use this car for my driving school, my pupils find it very easy to drive. Just recently the seat belt warning light keeps chiming during lessons checked everything but cannot solve problem, any ideas out there? The funny thing is it dosen’t do it when I am driving? I agree with the poor fuel consumption, I’m getting around 47/48 mpg compared with 53/54 on old model, a much better car in my mind. I also dislike the silver dash board, too chavy by far.

Diane, London on the Ford Fiesta

I purchased a 1.4 Zetec Fiesta on 16th January. 5 days later the power steering failed. Many phone calls to Ford Customer Services and the Dealership and have now been told the part to repair it will not be available until 22nd February. This leads me to question why there are no parts available? Is it because they have had so many similar faults they have utilised all the stock or are they having problems with the part and having to resolve this before producing a new batch? I have now told Ford that I am not accepting the vehicle back as it is not fit for purpose and insisting they supply me with a new vehicle. If you bought any other item that broke down after 5 days and they could not repair it for another month there would be no question that they would have to replace the item but Ford continue to think it is acceptable to provide me with a courtesy car and for me to wait until the car is repaired!

Peter, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Fiesta

My last 3 cars were Ford Fiesta 1.4 tdci’s and I was very pleased with all of them. Took delivery of this car March 2009. The car is very nice to drive but problem after problem. Oil leak on engine returned to garage 3 times. Blue smoke when starting first thing in the morning (none of my previous Fiesta, did that) If you lock the doors with the remote then try to open the door with the key (as if the battery had failed in the remote) then you nearly break the key you have to put that much pressure on it and ford say "We know they are stiff but acceptable" what rubbish. A known problem is the squeeky clutch pedal, remedy? Grease it; I suppose that will work until the warranty expires. Since they greased the pedal the clutch has now started to judder. I will be returing it for them to register that before the warranty expires. Same as everyone else fuel consumption nothing like what is advertised. When you turn the heater control to "windscreen" the air condition comes on, that is just great when the temperature outside is minus 2. The heater stays just warm not hot until you have done about 7 miles. I know this is a problem because they gave me a courtesy car once and it heated up in about a mile and a half. I have had this about 11 months now and although I like the car I am fed up with taking it back to the garage. All this and although I have had it 11 months it has only covered 4500 miles. I am looking at what to replace it with but not sure at the moment. Very disappointed.

Adrian, County Fermanagh on the Ford Fiesta

Buying this car is the biggest mistake I made, I got it in October of 2009 and I’m having trouble already, the door handle came off on me when I pulled it and the power steering pump failed after 6 weeks, also the handle for sliding the seat back and foward does not work for some reason. I’m not impressed with it because it isn’t overally comforable and not that nice to drive. I had a Peugeot 207 SPORT HDI 110 before this and I wish I had never sold it. There was more equipment in the 207 and it was cheaper than the Fiesta when new, also it was far more comfortable to drive and it was better looking with the bold front end styling. Lastly the dashboard is poorly built with cheap plastics, it has developed an annoying rattle and the silver effect around the dash is flaking off in small pieces. My old 207 had a higher quality dash and everything in it was easier to reach and was it was much easier to make out and to see the buttons. I am going to change my Fiesta already for the new 207 because its really bugging me.

Colin, Derbyshire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought this car for my wife in November, it drives well and the build quality is excellent, the only down side is the fuel comsumption, it’s doing around 48mpg. My wife had a petrol 1.25 58 reg Fiesta new shape for 3 months, this was obtaining 39mpg but had no mid range power so we swopped it for the diesel plus £2,500.

Shaun, England on the Ford Fiesta

Hi. I love my new Fiesta! But sadly today its started making a loud knocking noise from the engine! its only done 10k! anyone any ideas or have a fault like this? just a bit gutted, I only got it 2 days ago!

Arnold, Scotland on the Ford Transit Connect

Absolutlely rubbish, Bought T220 new few months ago and was told it goes like **** and that i would have no bother reaching top speeds of 120mph, Not that i want to ever drive that speed but its good to know its got some punch. Can only get 80mph max out of it and its acceleration is non existent, Another problem is that the Multifunction Warning light kept coming on when it heated up, took to ford garage where I bought it and they supposedly fixed it, it goes even slower now than it did before. Ford say there is nothing wrong with it and that’s the performance I should expect. If anybody can let me know how to make it go faster with more acceleration please let me know.

Tony, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Mondeo

I dont understand why some people are complaining about road noise. Did you not test drive the car before you purchased it?? Yes there is some road noise, but You can still talk in a normal voise in the 70s. So far the only complaint I have is, you cant open the boot from inside the car.

Peter, Cornwall on the Ford Transit Tipper

Within five hundred miles of new purchase both leaf springs on each side of axle broke off and fell in the road causing the truck to go back under warranty. The truck was not over loaded the repair garage told me that the leaf springs and main spring were not fitted properly on manufacture. When they fitted new springs I asked for a report in writing from the repair garage so I could go to Ford Motor Company for compensation through loss of earnings but they refused to give me a written copy. Also I agree with other peoples’ reviews that the truck has very poor fuel consumption and I wait to see what other problems will emerge in the future while under warranty, I will let you know.

David, England on the Ford Mondeo

I have owned mine for 5 months now. Couple of problems, started off with sat nav not working (needed new antenna,done under warranty) then new bonnet catch as alarm kept going off, also a warranty fix. Lots of gizmo’s to play with, drives really great, is quiet at speed even with the 18" alloys. There is a strange noise when I switch off the engine from under the bonnet, will get checked out at service in Feb, otherwise a great car.

M, Essex on the Ford Fiesta

The steering is over-sensitive, especially at slow speeds, there is no engine temperature gauge, the rear seats do not fold flat enough, the car is easily buffeted on motorways on windy days, fuel consumption could be better, is there really 120HP under the bonnet? Mine just broke down and had to be recovered by the AA and taken to the local dealer, just conked out and won’t start!!

Colin, Leicestershire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought a Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec to replace the Toyota Yaris 1.3 T3 I had owned for 5 years & 28,000 miles. I have always monitored my fuel consumption and achieved about 49.5 MPG overall. In my new Fiesta (same driving style, same petrol, same journeys) I have achieved only 39.8 MPG over its first 2,000 miles. The car is fine although a bit sluggish, but the MPG is a great let down. The official MPG figures for my 2004 Yaris and this 2009 Fiesta are very similar yet I am getting about 20% less than I used to. I suspect that Ford have been less than honest on these figures and have emailed customer services with my suspicions. That was over a month ago and I still await a reply! Where the 60.1 MPG extra urban figure comes from I can’t contemplate - perhaps down a steep hill with a following wind? Ford should not be allowed to get away with these fairy stories.

John, Durham on the Ford Fiesta

Have owned the car for 6 weeks now and overall it is a decent motor. My main gripe is the same as just about everyone else`s on this site - the pitiful fuel consumption. I am lucky if i get 40 mpg at any time and these figures fall well short of the figures claimed by Ford, so with that in mind I contacted Ford directly and was told that these figures are made up from tests done in a lab of all places and that the actual consumption may differ to the published figures YOU DON`T SAY... The only other thing I can see is that the range you have in your tank, once the reserve light comes on is very inaccurate - do not trust it. I did and narrowly avoided breaking down due to lack of fuel. So to sum up: the car is an improvement on the older versions but there seems to be a pattern developing with the faults that occuring. My advice is, yes, buy a Fiesta but question your dealer well about what will be covered in the warranty.

Chris, England on the Ford Ranger

Great to drive but for the feeling that the clutch is crying when you pull off. I’ve had the plates stinking just reversing solo up a slope?? The stainless sill bars are rusting!! hardly stainless of any quality, can’t comment yet on customer services as I am just about to embark on that path, I’ll let you know what occurs. Finally, amongst all the gadgets why no heated mirrors?? They are as big as a mans face and bloody useless in winter.

Syd, Staffordshire on the Ford Fiesta

Question. What does this 3 Door Hatch have that others don’t? Answer. The ’blue oval’ on the bonnet that signifies Ford. And Ford, "As any fule no" (To quote the legendary Molesworth) is THE dependably progressive mass motor manufacturer of all time. As reassuring as belt and braces both and as enterprising as a dozen ’Dragons’ smoking away with hot ideas in their den to hatch forth trendsetting hatchbacks of prodigal style and variety. If you haven’t guessed by now..I’m IN! For generations now, Ford has been a byword in the trade for practical driveability, sensible economics and superlative motoring at all levels of performance from the prosaic potterings of the happy shopper to the roaring abandon of hot racing at its best. This is a company, which is both David and Goliath. For example, the legendary GT40 might only have been knee high to a grasshopper - but to its opposition it was as formidable as Everest. Time now to festoon the plaza, strike up the band, load the tables with goodies and ring all the bells to welcome the new Fiesta into the fold. Just in case you fear that your correspondent has been gorging with happy pills, let’s look at some no-nonsense, straight from the hip, plain talking facts. This is a car that’s not going to break the bank because of the purchase price (although for a car in this class £15,877 OTR is no bargain even though it is the top spec Titanium model) - but it might break a few hearts as your neighbours look on with envy and wish that they’d had the foresight to depend on the ever dependable. Here is a car that has got more extras than Ben Hur and - as the 3 Door 1.4 litre 16v Duratec 4 speed automatic - has enough horses (96) to put similar specified chariots to shame. Behind the wheel of this little wonder you will be forgiven for thinking that, with a twitch of an eyebrow, you could part the Red Sea - or at very least, find a parking space in Piccadilly. This car is ’full bore fun’ for everyone from the dashing young blade to the working mum. Nimble, smooth, quiet and refined; on the go in this Ford you’re not going to want the experience to stop. Seats are comfortable and supportive, even for the corpulent - and as a driver, the position at the wheel can be tailored to be nigh on perfect. Rear seat passengers are not cramped either, as testified to by ’Tiny’ - my rugby playing anthropoidal pal from the hills. Inside you’re greeted with attractive features made of functional and elegant materials and a composition of fine touches to put this model high up in the comfort line. The chic and stylish interior can only be described as ’tasteful’. Naturally you can tailor it to suit your fancy with the likes of a leather trimmed handbrake and premium velour mats. The range of colour and trim combination is so extensive that you might wonder if Ford has acquired the rights to all the rainbows in both hemispheres - and then borrowed a few more from Saturn. You personalise the colours so that it becomes your very own right from the word ’go’. In our eco-conscious age, you can feel reassured that while economy itself (I only achieved an overall figure of 31.8 mpg) isn’t going to save you a packet, the low CO2 emissions (154) might help to save the planet. Not only that, but the new ’keyless’ refuelling system is going to save you valuable time by sparing you the hassle of fiddling with a recalcitrant filler cap - a procedure that has become quite a hobby these days. Just look around at any filling station and see what I mean. If any curious acquaintance demands to know ’What are they like?’ in reference to this car, then you have to tell them that words aren’t really enough - you have to be behind the wheel. It’s quite simply a delight to drive whether pottering along or exploring the outer edges of the performance envelope which isn’t wildly exciting (about 105mph top speed) - but certainly enough for most needs these days. The handling and ride, however, are remarkably good, and should you wish to drive like a demon through bends you’ll remain safe and secure with no nasty moments because it’s a driver’s delight; fluid and rewarding A responsive and willing engine, linked to only a four speed automatic, means that ’sedate’ is the order of the day. This version is the one in which to sit back and relax and enjoy the qualities of refinement that are there in abundance. Everybody has their own ideas of what the ideal small car should offer these days, and the new Fiesta, with its indomitable charm, seems to be the solution that embraces them all.

Roger, Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire) on the Ford Fiesta

Road noise is terrible on bad surfaces, especially on the motorway. I’m not sure if it’s just the Bridgestone tyres to blame I think it’s a combination of the tyres and the Fiesta. It can get so loud I’m pretty sure extended use would cause hearing damage.

Bob, Somerset on the Ford Fiesta

Bought a 09 Reg 3-door Fiesta Style in March and really like it. Not only does it look great but it also drives great. The ride and handling is excellent for a car this size and the speed-sensitive steering is a real noticeable bonus too. The only problem I had was the apparently common issue of an over-sensitive electronic boot latch where it kept saying boot open and needed a good slam shut to clear. Fortunately, this stopped happening after about 3 months - so although my Ford dealer said they would replace it under warranty, I didn’t actually need it replaced in the end. The peppy little 82 bhp 1.25 cc engine is nice and nippy too with just a little lag at the beginning of any foot-to-the-floor hard acceleration. Petrol consumption is fine as well. I am getting regular 46mpg with a mixture of motorway driving and to a lesser extent, town driving. I’ve also driven for another 75 miles after the fuel empty light came on and still had a couple of litres left in the 45 litre tank when I filled up again. It would definitely be better if the rear seats folded flat to make the boot space more versatile but I knew they didn’t before I bought it so can’t really complain. I also think that the silver plastic trim around the console looks a bit cheap but I can’t say the same about the installed sound system because it is excellent. All in all, a lovely car that I find a real pleasure to drive.

Anne, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Fiesta

I brought my Fiesta back in May 2009, and apart from having the common problem of the boot, having to slam it shut, but had it sorted out under warranty (has been fine ever since), it’s a superb car. The fuel consumption is very good, only fill up £30 for the tank and it drives so well. It’s very nippy and the steering is brilliant. All in all an excellent run around, Ford have really improved this car. I used to have a Vauxhall and can honestly say that my Ford drives so much better and feels safer. Very happy customer.

Steve , England on the Ford Transit Connect

Exactly the same problem but here in France - 2 front tyres bald after 13,500 KM’s. Had to pay for 2 new tyres and alignment in full before dealer would release van back to us. Ford France told us to get lost re paying for all but 50 per cent of new tyre cost - unreal! I wonder if its an all too common story? How many others have been delivered without front wheel alignment set correctly?

Shampa, Hertfordshire on the Ford Fiesta

I was happy with the car because the road tax is low and the fuel consumption on this diesel model is very good. That was until last week when I had to stop the car in the middle of the road because of real dense smoke coming from the bonnet. When the AA looked at it, they stated that because I drove on the steep hill, mostly on the clutch, the clutch plate has worked hard and thus the smoke, but no need to replace the clutch. However when I took the car to the Ford dealer I bought it from, they suggested I have the clutch replaced at a cost of £462. As the car has only done 5,000+ miles, I hoped it was covered under warranty, but Ford is denying that. How can a car with 5,000 miles need a clutch replacement? I feel strongly that it was a faulty clutch and Ford should pay for a replacement.

Joe, London on the Ford Fiesta

I haven’t obtained the car yet and after reading your article on its reliability I think I will go for the new VW instead. Its a pity because it sounds like a nice car in all the blurb and hype. Spoilt by the quality of components and Fords inspectors not doing their job properly.

Peter, Surrey on the Ford Fiesta

I have had my Fiesta for 3 months now; - it is the first new vehicle I have ever bought that is completely faultless and has not needed any remedial attention from the dealer. The 1.4 engine is smooth, quiet, and surprisingly lively, and it’s steering, road holding, and comfort puts it in a class way ahead of the competition. The dealer included the audio/bluetooth package foc, which has resulted in one very satisfied owner.

Alan, Hertfordshire on the Ford Fiesta

We have a 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec bought in January. The car has recently broken down. The fuel range read 45 miles at the time. The AA found that the car had run out of fuel. The facts were all witnessed and recorded by the AA on its Breakdown Report. The dealer (Evans Halshaw) is unwilling to repair the vehicle because they say they don’t think anything is wrong. They have suggested verbally that we should fill up wth fuel before the car shows a range of 60 miles or less!! We consider that this is dangerous and we have therefore left the car with Evans Halshaw.

William, Berwickshire on the Ford Fiesta

On behalf of my next door neighbour and his 2009 Fiesta Titanium. When the weather is really blustery, with driving rainv for some reason he has water on his back seats and boot space. We had the reply of "did you have the windows down a bit?", but the car was secure all around. Anybody any ideas?

John, Oxfordshire on the Ford Focus Estate

Great all-rounder (interior space/handling) save for: interior design / styling is a bit Soviet bloc for this day and age. Oh, and gearbox on the 1.6 tdci is as precise as moving a hammer round in a bag of nails.

Eddie, Worcestershire on the Ford Kuga

Superb handling... excellent fuel figures... seating and trim first class finish. All-around vision excellent. In fact, I am very pleased with the whole package... only one minus... After spending 25,000 + I did expect to have a cable to handle my grand-children’s iPod... any suggestions?

Robert, Derbyshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

A great car, the 1800 has enough power for a 6th gear - high revving on motorway, economy affected by this. Come on Ford - give customers the choice.

Karl, England on the Ford Mondeo Estate

Love the car but the drivers side footwells front and rear keep filling up with water. Any ideas?

Dan, Northamptonshire on the Ford Focus RS

When I got in this car it looked as good on the inside as it does on the out, the shear excitment on my face was a picture. I set off and it drove like a normal car whilst around town, easy on the clutch and fine on the brakes, then on to the main roads it was opened up and my god it pulled like a train. I haven’t been in such a car that pulled in that way. The torque steer adds to the excitment of the drive, fighting the steering wheel that precision feeling makes the drive what it is. The cornering is surreal and handles so well, the continental contact sports wrapped around the RS rims do the job very well. The brakes are excellent although I would have expected a nice Brembo set up, but these stoppers work just as well. It truly is a fantastic car and for the £25,000 asking price it comes pretty cheap for what it is near supercar for next to nothing. Bearing in mind it is only limited to 155 mph and not able to do the 163 mph stated, for day to day driving or a thrash around Wales it is what it is- brilliant.

Jill, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Fiesta

This is an excellent car. I bought mine with the heated front screen, spare wheel, scuff plates amongst other things. It runs very well and I’m very pleased with the car. Well done Ford.

George, Durham on the Ford Kuga

We too are very happy with the new Kuga, although we have had 2 Nissan X Trails which served us well, however, I do like Fords and this model does turn heads. Our economy is fair 38/40mpg but I expect it to get better. I have 3 little niggles: water drips onto rear seats when doors are opened in rain; a little more boot space would have been handy; I am not a lover of ’skinny wheels’ either and a spare wheel bay big enough for the nice alloys would of been better. We find it lovely to drive, visability good, comfort good, quietness, smoothness and responsiveness are all very good. I know we had a few extra packages on the Kuga we ordered but a sliding sunroof would of been nice too. I only hope the AWD lives up to its expectations in the snow too. I don’t like to nit pick but I would have of preferred to see the Model identification on the rear of the boot too. All in all we are very happy with the Kuga and its quality for the price we paid.

Paul, England on the Ford Focus

I’ve never had any problems with the Focus and I have owned quite a few. This model is sporty and eye-catching. A great car to drive.

Katherine, Northern Ireland on the Ford Fiesta

I purchased my car in March and had a few little problems but was very happy with the car until I discovered water in my boot today. It is going into the dealer on Thursday. Has anyone else had this problem and what was the cause?

Bruce, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Ranger

I originally went to buy a Navara, but when I saw the Thunder I just fell in love with it. It has the best cabin out off all of the pickups; I drove and I tested them all. Even though The Nissen is more powerful on paper it just didnt feel that way on the road. The Ranger is never short of power. The suspension was initially very bouncy but the dealer told me it would settle with time, which it did after about 6,000 miles. I’ve had it two and a half years now and done over 50,000 miles. The only faults it’s had have been minor and the dealer dealt with them. I can’t see me changing in the near future as Im still very much in love with driving it and it still looks great. If you want a 4x4 pickup, this is a no brainer. It’s in the top 3 best cars I’ve ever had. I didn’t expect ever to say that about a truck but it is.

Mike, Yorkshire on the Ford Fiesta

I collected a 59 plate Fiesta Zetec s tdci with 17" alloys, body kit and privacy glass at the end of sept 2009. It’s been to the garage 3 times already. The first time was for an oil leak, they said the oil cooler was loose. The second time was for a bonnet respray and the third time was last week for another oil leak and what I thought was a turbo whine. The car now requires a complete new oil cooler and a full new gearbox. The car is back at home unable to be used. I am going to start rejection proceedings, never ever another Ford.

Andrew, Lancashire on the Ford Fiesta

On the whole I’m happy with the car but like so many reviews on here "Boot open" problem is driving me mad. Every time I get in the car and go to start the engine the boot pops open and I have to get out and slam the thing shut. I then have to drive the car with the doors locked for fear of it popping open again. It’s going into the dealer’s on Thursday so fingers crossed they sort it but the review’s I have read don’t fill me full of confidence.

John, England on the Ford Fiesta

After owning a Ford Sierra for about 20 years with no problems I have now traded it in on the scrappage deal this year. I decided to get a brand new Ford Fiesta Style 1.25 (82), I am now beginning to regret buying this 59 Reg Ford Fiesta. The petrol consumption on the Fiesta is only about 28-29mpg around town, my old 1.8 Sierra did 30mpg. The gearbox on the Fiesta clunks when you go in a forward gear and crunches when you try to go in reverse, I think they forgot to put the synchromesh in the gearbox on this new car? If you ever need to change a rear lightbulb you have to dismantle half the boot to take the whole light unit out just to get at the bulb assembly, it’s the same with the front headlamps you have to take the whole light unit out. I expect a lot of the new Fiesta owners will have to pay Ford mechanics to change the light bulbs for them "expensive". Overall I think it is a very disappointing car.

William, Torfaen on the Ford Fiesta

A great little car, I love the feel and drive, BUT cannot stand or get used to the wing mirrors. They seem to have a left hand drive overtaking mirror fitted for a left hand drive car. Is this because we are not considered over here, only being a region of the great EU?

Dave, Northamptonshire on the Ford Fiesta

I Rejected a late 08 car due to all the problems: Doors jammed shut, duff engine, droning sound in the car at idle, stink from somewhere,etc., etc!! Got it swapped for a new one. Covered 12 miles in the replacement car and the gear linkage fell apart and onto the road and had to be pushed to the roadside by the AA. A temp repair was carried out. Rejected this car too. Unbelievable, 2 duff new Fiestas one after the other. I’ve got a Peugeot 207 now, no problems at all !!

N, Gloucestershire on the Ford Fiesta

Like other people I am unhappy with fuel consumption. Is this correct it takes a while to kick in, as this sounds rubbish to me? Happy with the rest of the car though. Can I get a refund I wonder?

Sue, Kent on the Ford Fiesta

Purchased car Feb 2009. Model 1.25 (82) Style 3 door. Not very impressed at all with fuel consumption as averaging at 30mpg which is far less than my 2003 Fiesta 1.4. Interior is not very well finished and the rear seats do not fold down flat, despite being told by the dealership that they did. The inside appears to be much smaller than my old Fiesta and the front seats are not very easy to move when rear passengers need to get in or out. No problems with the engine yet, but all the doors and boot require a hard slam to shut properly. Performance not great, but handles the road well and the steering is very light. However would think twice about buying another one in the future.

Martin, Fife and Kinross Shires on the Ford Transit

I have only had this vehicle for 6 weeks and I can’t believe how unrefined it is compared to my previous vehicle: a Vivaro. It’s noisy, slow and terrible on fuel. I used to drive quite hard and got approx 38-42 mpg; I now don’t go over 70 and am lucky to get 32-35 mpg if I try and stick to 50-60. Ford need to look at their competitors and learn that this van needs another gear to bring the revs down on a long run.

Paul, Swansea on the Ford Fiesta

I entirely endorse Amar’s comments on fuel consumption, I manage only 60mpg nursing the car on a long journey, and consider that Ford’s published figures of 78.5 extra urban impossible to achieve, even in artificial conditions of a flat road, no wind and cruising at a steady 55mph! I too bought this car partly because of the published fuel consumption figures. Otherwise I am very happy with the car, but would like to hold Ford to account for misleading advertising on fuel economy.

Chris, Carmarthenshire on the Ford Mondeo Estate

This car is a huge disappointment - Poor fuel consumption (15mpg less than my previous Vectra 150bhp auto diesel estate) Annoying vibration at low revs that dealer tells me they all have. After all the media hype saying the Mondeo compares with Audi’s, BMW’s and Mercedes. - I think Ford must have bribed all the road testers!

Philip, Gloucestershire on the Ford Fiesta

Bought my wife a Style+ 5 door in May 09. Only done 500 miles so far so haven’t worked out the economy yet. On collection one of the rear doors wouldn’t open from the outside, but it would from the inside. Ford had ordered the relevant parts to fix this but fault cleared next time we tried it. Ford still changed the lock in case it was intermittent. The car came with no driver’s handbook. Ford say they will send one as soon as they are ready - 6 weeks later still no handbook! The car handles brilliantly; acceleration is excellent for a 1.25. The CD / MP3 player is also brilliant. The only thing I’ve noticed is there is a bit of acceleration lag if the air con is on. Overall a fantastic car, I like it so much I’ve ordered 1.6 Titanium with all the extras for myself which will be a 4 month wait from the time of ordering.

Susan, Fife and Kinross Shires on the Ford Fiesta

Bought new Ford Fiesta Style in March 2009 only to find that repairs had been done before registration! NOT A VERY HAPPY BUNNY!!! Rear window shattered from inside car. I have been in touch with Ford - IT IS NO FAULT OF MINE. They say no defects regards window and I will have to claim from my insurance. Seeking advice from my solicitors. Anyone had any problems with windows?

Paul, Staffordshire on the Ford Fiesta

Took receipt of a brand new fiesta on 30/06/09. On 01/07/09, whilst driving round a roundabout the electric power steering failed with no warning causing the steering to go from light to excessively heavy. I narrowly avoided accident. I feel I can not trust the car after this, and also, if this happens with no warning somebody may get killed.

Sue, Staffordshire on the Ford Fiesta

Car delivered 2nd Jan 2009. No antifreeze in washer bottle, blew fuses on operation, sat in car to check car over for about 30 mins seat material sagged. I weigh 9 stone!! Car returned to dealers 3rd Jan for fuse change charged £8. New seat material ordered. All doors and boot very difficult to shut. Seat height drops daily constantly, jacking seat up, must be my weight!! Paint extremely brittle (Squeeze Green), chips all over bonnet, sills anywhere a brick can hit it. Noisy inside sounds like a fuel pump running constantly. The rear folding seats could have been designed to actually fold flat very disappointing carrying capacity. Quite powerful, pulls well and will cruise at high speed. Done 9,000 miles ( 11/07/09) and engine malfunction lights and service indicator lit up. Service due at 12000. Drives better than Corsa 1.3 tdi but quality of Corsa better. Bought the car based on design, 1st Ford owned not sure if I would buy another. Overall only just about happy with the car and looking forward to the lease ending. Shame!!

Michael, Lincolnshire on the Ford Galaxy

Only had the vehicle 10 weeks and done 14k. Up to now it has measured up to my expectations, the only disappointment I have had with this vehicle is that it comes with no spare wheel, and there is no option of one. So at the cost of approx &pound200 I have had to purchase a steel wheel and tyre and jack and wheel brace. In the trade that this vehicle is used in along with others that will be sold this is not very acceptable. If I had known before buying the vehicle I probably wouldn’t have.

Gemma, Essex on the Ford Fiesta

I got a new Ford Fiesta Titanium on Option plan and have had the car for a total of 6 months- in that time I have experienced problems with both the boot sensor as this rattles a lot where it has come loose and won’t close properly and I keep having to shut the drivers door forcedly so that it registers as shut. Overall I am very disappointed as I have been advised that 2 of the wheels need replacing due to them being slightly buckled, which is not down to me as I had not been in a pot holes or over anything to warrant that level of damage. The wheels seem to be crap as I had a 2001 VW Lupo and in all that time never had to replace a wheel. The average cost for a new wheel is £150 from the dealer and I think that this is disgusting having to pay out that sort of money as well as £260 per month for a new car. Fair enough if I went off roading in it!!!! However, can anyone advise if this is something I can take up with Ford? Thanks

Peter, Hampshire on the Ford Fiesta

Initially I was very pleased with the new Ford Fiesta 1.25 that I use to instruct pupils. My particular gripe with this car is that the fuel economy is a disappointing 34mpg and the rubber seals on the doors do not allow the door to be closed with a firm clunk like VWs that I have had before. The clutch squeaks when pressed down and the seats and upholstery has not worn that well. The previous model Fiesta that I had before was a better car and more fun to drive. I doubt that I would go for another one when the hire is up in six months time. By then I will be on around 40000 miles. Options that could be considered are the Yaris and Clio. Both drive nicely and exude quality---and economy.

Chris, Lancashire on the Ford Kuga

I have now had my Kuga for 4 months and I am really pleased with it. The handling is great and the power seems plenty for the driving I do, which is mostly motorway. It is comfortable and the build quality seems very good. I opted for the titanium model because of the better trim level and the added extras including the DAB radio which is fabulous. It has even held its price over the first six months. Only criticism is that the marketing material says up to 54.6mpg and I am averaging 38/39 and I am not a particularly hard driver.

Amy, England on the Ford Fiesta

I bought my new car back in March and had nothing but problems with it. Within 3 hours of having the car and filling up with fuel it leaked about 10 litres of disel everywhere. The AA had to come and fix it and it turned out to be a loose filler neck clip. Since then there has been a constant fuel leak every time it is filled up. I have taken it back to the garge 6 times, 4 of these times I was asked if I was filling it up correctly! I was not happy as they did not find the fault but it still kept leaking. The next time I took it in they had it for 3 days and said the fault had been rectified. This was not the case and my car has now been in the garage and classed as off road as they are wating for a new designed part. There is no release date for it. I have been told that there will be no compenstation for this, even though every time it is filled up I lose about 5 litres straight away. I do excessive miles and have to fill the car up about 3 times a week so this has cost me alot in fuel. All I want now is my car to be fixed and to have an apoligy. All I can say to the people who have the new Fiesta is to check after they have filled up that there is no fuel leaking from under the vehicle.

Anne, Yorkshire on the Ford Fiesta

Bought it in January; by February the seat belt warning sound started constantly bonging! Applying indicator cancelled it! Petrol consumption not good. In July knocking began on steering, new steering column fitted. It is now August and the steering has gone again!!!

Sarah, Cardiff on the Ford Fiesta

Brill little car, why is everyone whinging about fuel consumption? I had a 2.0 S-Max before this and spent £70 a week (300miles); now I only spend £30 a week and get around 300 miles out of the tank - brillant in my eyes. Although problems are there; the doors have to be slammed due to the high pressure in the car, keeping another door open or window open whilst shutting car has a better effect (not when locking I admit). Power folding mirror have just started to have a whinge on fold in so keeping an eye on them. Clutch release bearing is the problem with the noisey clutch. You will never get rid of it! I have the aux & bluetooth on the stereo which are now causing me probs but I’m going to re-set the stereo 1st before going back to the dealer, its less hassle, plus if you re-set the ipod as well that re-boots the system. Only real problem is the noise from the front tyres, whiring noise and now increased to a loud metal noise. I’ve had the tyres off, brakes cleaned and its still there. No idea what it is. Thankfully I have a trained Ford technician at home who has helped solved some probs & too can be stumped on what actually wrong. But generally its a little fab car, there are better cars out there that do cost a lot more I have to agree.

Mandy, England on the Ford Fiesta

I have had my Fiesta Zetec 1.25 for 5 weeks now... not good. Have done 1200 miles but spent £207!!! I’ve only been driving for a year but I seem to think this is not good!! I use to spend £70 a month in my old Fiesta 1.3 1997 plate. My average mile per gallon is currently saying 30 when it is suppose to be 49.8mpg, Ford told me it takes a while to "kick in" before I start getting my 49mpg. I do a lot of mixed driving, motorways etc... so I’m sure it is not my fault, also it is impossible to get the car into reverse without it making a crunching noise!!! Nice car but tooooo expensive to run.

Matt, England on the Ford Focus

Positives: The car handles well and the build quality is fine. It has a nice level of standard equipment. The face-lifted model looks very nice. It has proven reliable in the 12 months I have had the vehicle, as was the previous Focus I ran. Negatives: The seats in the Zetec trim are very very uncomfortable, as a high mileage driver that is a problem. The engine is noisy, inflexible and the economy is poor for a diesel. The vehicle is a company car. I would buy a Focus as a private buyer but not this spec or engine. Overall, its a nice car but wrong model.

Sue, England on the Ford Tourneo

Nice to drive, handles well, quite economical. Cruise control was handy but unfortunately, like all other Transits, you just know it is going to be a rust bucket before you have finished paying for it!!!

Pete, Cardiff on the Ford Mondeo Estate

I’ve bought two for my business and have had them just over a year now. Both have done over 50 thousand miles each now. It is a huge car with plenty of room and we get 51 mpg plus it’s surpirisingly quick. Go for the 2-litre diesel as it gives the best of all worlds.

Robin, Gloucestershire on the Ford Fiesta

Update on creaking doors: just booked car into dealer to have a look at the problem. I did manage to get service manager to have a quick look. He agreed it is unacceptable, which is a minor victory. We checked a few more Fiesta’s that were on the forecourt and began pressing the window frames where the rubber weather strip is. They all had a bit of inward movement but I was told that it is normal and in fairness, none of them sounded like a herd of frogs were trapped in the door - unlike my car. I await what happens next.

Robin, England on the Ford Fiesta

I bought, from new (58 plate), a Fiesta Zetec Climate (5 door). I have just clocked 5K miles. The driver and passenger doors are creaking very badly at low speeds and my Ford main dealer’s answer was to put some kind of silicone on to the door seals. I am pleased to say that it is now worse than ever and sounds like Henry 8th’s four-poster bed - with all six wives on board! It’s driving me crazy. I fear this is going to be one of those back and forward to the dealer episodes and could lead to depression or worse. I’ve read similar on other forums and this problem seems to be prevalent on new Fords. You’d think Ford would read these forums and be proactive and fight to keep their customers in these ’difficult times’ but it’s probably a case of "they’ve had your money".

Nick, Suffolk on the Ford Fiesta

This is my first Ford (bought as a dealer, ex demo car - 6 months old). Previously, I’ve generally bought Citroen/Renault. Overall, I like the Fiesta: body shape, interior layout, general handling and visibility is great. On the down side, fuel economy is poor, as noted in a number of reviews posted here already. Ford use a Peugeot 1.6 HDI series diesel in the Fiesta and this engine’s fuel economy in similar, rival French cars, is significantly better: approx. 15-20% more mpg compared with my initial readings. I had an ECU software update (via Ford dealer) yesterday as a result of an engine management error and mpg is now 57-60; was previously 46-50. Door seals are a bit inflexible and this leads to door closure errors but it seems to be improving as the seals bed in. My local Ford dealer (John Grosse) has been very helpful in resolving issues. Overall, I think Ford has a great product but it is let down slightly by cheap plastics in the interior, poor rubber seals on doors and boot, and poor engine management software.

Stephen, Staffordshire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought the car din December 08 and the car itself is not bad; but for one overriding problem - tyre noise! The noise from the tyres really ruins what would otherwise be an enjoyable drive. I contacted the dealer and also Ford who both, after several visits, agreed the noise was indeed excessive and from the tyres. The dealers maintained that tyres were not a warranty item and that was the end of the matter for them. Ford suggested I replace the tyres but gave me no guarantee this would cure my problem. Has anybody else experienced this problem? I have also experienced the need to slam doors and boot lid as described by other reviewers.

Tasha, Leicestershire on the Ford Fiesta

I was delighted when my car was delivered on 19th December 2008. I have had the car six months and have been back to the local Ford garage who have been very good. First problem, the RPM were going crazy when I turned the engine on and eventually I couldn’t drive the car. They found a problem with the throttle on the engine and had to be replaced. The car is going back in the garage next week next week due to many problems, the boot is closed and the display says it is open even though I know it it closed shut, so I have to slam it so hard to get to register, I have a pack on my car and the wing mirrors which fold in when the car is locked continue to make a grinding noise even when they are closed, I have to alter the seat position every day and it deflates but the best thing is where the CD player is the dash above has began to melt and all the paintwork has bubbled and flaking off. The guy at the garage thinks the CD player is faulty because my CD’s are really hot when I take them out. They think it is overheating causing the dash to melt and have told me not to play it! My local Ford have been great and have said they will take the car after all the repairs and do full overview to check the car out, fill the tank and give it a full valet! Even though with all these problems I still love the car but each time my confidence in it is getting less and less but Ford are being so cooperative. Thank god for warranty!

Chris, Wiltshire on the Ford Fiesta

The car is excellent but has been back to dealer five times since purchase for high pitched whine when engine revs are between 1500 & 2000 rpm. Dealer has at long last agreed with me that there is a problem, previously I was told that this is a characteristic of the car, not content with this I kept hassling them and eventually told them that I was not bringing the courtesy car back until the problem was sorted. Eight days later they told me the fuel pipes were the problem, you could feel the fuel pulsating through the pipes and this was causing the whine, a report was submitted to Ford and I have now been told the service manager is attending a Ford service forum on May 6th and will hopefully have a fix for the problem. They clearly know there is a problem so why try and deny it?

Brian, Wales on the Ford Mondeo

Awesome car; our sixth Mondeo, 2.0 Auto diesel. Last car was the Ghia x V6 and it puts it in the shade. Just watch the heads turning when you go by. Never had this with any other car. Excellent tow car with good MPG. Had a factory fitted sun roof, parking sensors, DVD SatNav (not as good as the Tom Tom 300 Go I own at a tenth of price). The turning head lights are also a bonus. Now the reason why I only gave it 4stars is that the road noise from the 18 inch wheels at 25 to 35 mph hurts my ears. Also tramlining on bad roads surely - this must be a safety hazard. Going to write to Ford when tyres wear down for any suggestion from them.

Mike, Dorset on the Ford Fiesta

I bought a 1.25 Zetec (new shape) in December 08. The day after buying it I had to take it back mainly due to the fuel consumption, which was showing to be poor on the distance to empty after filling up. Was told that Fiesta’s are not very economical and to give it a while to settle in?? The car since then has been in at least another 3 times for poor fuel economy. I have had the fuel sender & pump changed, and now it is worse. The technicians don’t seem to think that there is a problem with a Fiesta only doing 22 mpg!!! It’s going in again tomorrow, for that, and problems with the clutch/gears. Had the clutch spring oiled, but now its hard to get into reverse and grinds like a good ’un, and jumps out of reverse. Its hard to get into 1st & 2nd, and there’s a noise that stops when depressing the clutch pedal. It lacks power and there is hesitation. The wipers stopped working as did the washer jets, so had them sorted as well. The doors are hard to shut, and the warning lights come on even when they are shut. The rear lights do not line up, the alloys are soft. The wing mirror knob has broken and the dashboard has split (only a very small split). When I took it in to have the doors looked at, the service department said they tested them and there was nothing wrong!! The test they did was to open the windows slightly then close the doors, and as the doors closed properly then they said it was OK. How many people shut their doors lock their car and leave it with the windows open?? Honestly its mad!!! I put £10 in the other day, and it gave nearly half a tank full on the fuel gauge, but on distance to empty showed 58 miles to the half a tank full!!! As for the distance to empty, its sooo unreliable. Can be driving along and it will say 40 miles to empty, will drive a couple of miles and it will go down to 10 miles to empty. Then another few hundred yards and there are no miles to empty. The distance to empty goes up and down so much that I never know what fuel is in it!!! I am now getting really annoyed and will be having words with them. I have previously taken a nearly new car back to a dealer recently (not Ford) due to problems and demanded a full refund which they said I couldn’t have, but after finding out my rights, and 10 days of stress and hell with them I got it back in full. So if anyone not happy then a full refund can be got if stand your ground!!

Iain, Essex on the Ford Transit

Excellent van, had 6 of them now and only had 1 major problem on one of them (flywheel) and one EGR valve on another. The interior on the new model is excellent and very comfortable. I can get 450 miles on a tank includes city & motorway driving. Central locking key can fail sometimes but is an easy self fix. Wouldn’t buy anything else except maybe a sprinter. Had an LDV for 3 weeks... rubbish!

P, Surrey on the Ford Fiesta

I’ve only had my car for nearly 3 weeks and I’ve not had and problems yet. I have noticed a slightly higher noise when car is started in neutral but this disappears as soon as you clutch down. I like the car and hopefully won’t get any problems like other people are getting, the problem nowadays is that car’s are too engineered with too many gadgets to go wrong. At least its under guarantee for 3 years.

John, Worcestershire on the Ford Fiesta

Just a quick update on noisy clutch/gearbox, now done over 1500 miles and the noise is no better, so took it back to my local dealer who again got in touch with Ford technical who advised them to try a different oil in the gearbox, this made no difference. So the car was booked in to have the gearbox dropped so they could have a look for any obvious faults. They found that the clutch release bearing was shot, this was replaced and the gearbox put back in. However this did not cure the problem, so they got back in touch with Ford technical who said it could be something to do with some green thing on 5th gear, at least that’s what I think he said, my mind was wandering by then, now I have to wait for them to get some parts in and then rebook it in. Will let you all know the outcome.

Stephen, Yorkshire on the Ford Fiesta

I got my car at the end of November and initially it was great but then on came the driver door open warning going off in the car. This gradually got worse until, like Carol, my car would not lock. I then booked the car into the dealers where I bought it from. The fault diagnostics told them that the drivers side lock was faulty. After repeatedly trying to get spares from Ford for the car, after a week they had to strip down another car for the spares. This initially was OK until it all started again. Again the car went into the dealers for repair. I told them what had been happening and again they put it onto the diagnostics and this time they found a loose connection on a cable and changed a wiring loop in the car. Since then (2 weeks) I have not had a problem with the car. The jury is out at the moment on the car I hope it is the end of my problems as for Ford - no help at all. I cannot blame the dealer they are doing all they can.

Mark, Wales on the Ford Focus

The Focus is a good car - no problems with my Focus.

Paul, Yorkshire on the Ford Fiesta

Bought new Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 3 dr, 01/03/09, for my daughter. Only 16 days old and noise coming from clutch/gearbox, only done 200 miles, will be back to Polar Ford this week.

Natalie, Berkshire on the Ford Fiesta

To Paul from Yorkshire and others. Before I start I’d like to say our Ford is a really lovely little car without many of the issues described by others in their reviews. However ..... .... The car displays a whine from the gearbox/clutch when idling which disappears when the clutch is depressed (car not moving). Then, if you select 1st gear and rev the engine slightly there’s a terrible whine which corresponds in volume and pitch to the amount of revs applied. It gets worse; if you then drive off in 1st and have to slow down back to a halt (say in slow moving traffic), depressing the clutch just before you stop, there’s a terrible whine until the car physically stops moving. Again, pitch and volume consistent with engine revs. If you get into 2nd and allow the car to stop in 2nd (clutch depressed of course!) it’s the same. If you drop the gearbox into neutral while the car is moving the whine disappears straight away. So when engine is idling, car is stationary, no gear selected and clutch is out, there’s a whine. When moving, gear is selected, clutch is in or out, there’s a whine. When moving, gearbox in neutral, there’s no whine. It’s appears to have something to do with forward motion of the car. Paul from Yorkshire, is this consistent with your car’s behaviour? Many thanks.

K P, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Fiesta

Owner since Oct 08. I too have problems with my Fiesta. My issues are 1. Sensors - the passenger door sensor showing open when not. Also the boot 2. Occasionally when I turn the engine on the alarm light does not extinguish and goes solid. My workaround on this is to turn the engine off and turn the key more slowly 3. I ordered the full dress up kit - my colour is Morello and the front and rear spoilers do not match the bodywork paint 4. The fuel economy is poor compared to my previous 2006 Fiesta Zetec S 1.6 tdci. Initially I was getting 48 mpg on my commute and and now 5 months on I am getting about 51 whereas before my Zetec S was giving me 59mpg. I did have a gearbox oil leak approx 3 weeks after purchase and that was sorted under the warranty. But as yet I have not seen the local dealer regarding my other issues. I have completed the marketing company’s questionnaire that was sent out and I hope that Ford take on board all the issues raised by their customers and acknowledge and address them sooner rather than later. If not I for one may look to other manufacturers for my next purchase.

David, Lancashire on the Ford Transit

Best van I’ve ever bought. I got it last September with only 95000 on the clock!! Bodywork was a bit rusty but all sorted now, just waiting to get it resprayed excellent drive.

Keith, Lancashire on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

After reading reports on the leaking roof up to the 2008 model... I was wondering... has the leak on the newest models been sorted as I am thinking of buying one?

David, Somerset on the Ford Fiesta

Purchased this car in October 2008 and completed 12000 miles as a business user. Have similar problems with boot shut sensor but a firm shut does the trick. Had some initial fuel economy issues obtained about 54 mpg but this has improved with the miles now returns about 59 on mixed driving. Have achieved 64 so is improving. In all other respects the car is fantastic and a great drive.

Dave, Herefordshire on the Ford Transit Connect

Buying my van has been an abortion from day one. The Ford dealer knew nothing about disabled drivers benefits and had to be nursed through procedure. This including me having to arrange a local engineer to fit wheelchair clamps. At this point they refused my previously agreed finance saying my wife must have finance as she is the disabled person. So my van sat on forecourt taxed and insured and I couldnt have it until I paid the balance ( £6,000 ). I had already paid half down and wanted rest on finance, but had to pay full amount to get my van. They did lend me a car to get about in until I found the money but it had £1000 excess so I was scared to drive it unless I really had to ... When I did get the van ,the drivers door did not fit and was out of line, the steering wheel was out of line ( I asked them to check tracking after reading this page!!) The van also had the wrong tyre pressures, low engine oil, number plates out of line and well on the lash ..so they took it in and sorted some probs but damaged my door, then painted it wrong shade, then took whole thing to proper paint shop who did a good job making it look new, but the drivers door now needs to be slammed or it doesn’t close properly and they ground 10mm off the rubber bumpstop to make door fit. So something is 10 mm out of whack ..the door panels ..and I mean all of them rattle and groan as do all the doors ..at anything over 45 mph there is so much wind noise it sounds like the window is open !! And it only has 800 miles on the clock .. yes 800 .....in case you are thinking "it cant be that bad" I am a recently retired time served mechainic who ran my own garage for 25 years and have been in the motor trade since 1975. So I know what I`m talking about ..On the plus side, its nice to drive,nippy around town good on M ways and returns fantastic milege, really ,really fantastic milage. Sometimes I think the gauge has stopped working its so good ..pity the build quality and local dealer abilities are so piss poor. i am now in process of trying to get Ford head office to send an engineer to find out if it is within manufacturers specs or not. If I get a refund I will be buying a well made vehicle ie a Volkswagen. Fed up with Ford.

David, Norfolk on the Ford Fiesta

Bought this car in December 2008, it then went back three times with water in the boot!. The spoiler hits the bodywork and the paint is coming off on the inside of it. The immobiliser light stays on sometimes when you start the car and you have to turn off and on again to clear it. The stereo occasionally has a mind of it’s own. Several annoying rattles and a creaking sound have appeared. The rear seat has started creaking when it has been sat in for a while. I too have to slam the boot to get it shut and have noted sharp and unfinished edges on the interior fit and finish. I drove a 1.25 Zetec 2008 model demo as a loan car and have also heard the terrible whine when the clutch is released. I have never bought a Ford before and was swayed by the looks and handling but after this I won’t be buying another one. Fuel economy is an underwhelming 50 mpg. Far short of what Ford are suggesting what you should get, my 2.2 Almera DCi did 47 mpg!

Ger, Northern Ireland on the Ford Transit

Possibly the worst piece of c**p I ever bought, power steering pump replaced twice and still leaking, alternator, vacuum pump, pullies all over the place, front wheel bearings, dash board clocks the lot of them, clutch, flywheel, starter motor, intercooler unit, turbo unit, wishbones both of them, fuel tank sensor unit, fan blade twice, keep changing brake lights - wasting my time, back door lock, 3 windscreens - finally found out 3rd time; factory fault on bodywork where glass goes in. I could keep this up but won’t because I’m getting annoyed. If you know anybody considering buying a Ford... shoot them!

Dan, Essex on the Ford Fiesta

I have had the new shape Fiesta since the 28th of Nov and I must say that everything has been fine with it. However, recently I have noticed that the gears are not smooth anymore, especially when I am changing from 2nd to 3rd. Also I find it difficult to get it into 1st gear and sometimes find myself having to keep going into neutral just to get it into 1st (not good when your at traffic lights). I contacted my dealer today and am going to arrange a date to bring it in as I am a bit annoyed with this. Oh, another thing, my steering seems to want to go off to left sometimes, so I will get them to check it out as well. Apart from that all is OK!

Amar, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Fiesta

Yes, the consumption is not good as the 2007 Fiesta. I have had diesels since 1982 and Fiesta models have been my last three. The 2007 Fiesta Diesel 1600 gave me 60-62 MPG on my normal driving commuting to work with economy in mind and this is as registered by the fuel computer in the car. The results were achieved as soon as the car was on the road with only 7 miles on the clock. This matched the figures specified by the Ford’s own specification. However, the new Fiesta even after doing 4400 miles is giving me 54 MPG on the same journeys and again with more economy in mind to try and get maximum MPGs. I expect at least 62 or more, and taking Fords specification I should be getting at least 65MPG. Fords spec for New Fiesta is 54.3 (Urban), 78.5 (Extra Urban) and 67.2 (Combined) in comparison with its predecessor 54.3 (Urban), 72.4 (Extra Urban) and 64.2 (Combined). One of the reasons for purchase of the New Fiesta was better MPGs, but I am disappointed. I have been to the dealership who say that they checked everything as required in its first 1500 courtesy check and all is OK. And also that the fuel computer could be inaccurate so don’t go by that- I fail to understand. I have also checked and calculated the MPGs on every fill up, this has been same as the fuel computer. I have tried to contact Ford’s customer relations and am going round in loops from their customer relations to Technical. By the way, going to technical on phone costs £1.00 a minute. I am thinking of taking some advice from consumer advise bureaus or trade descriptions offices. I would like to hear if any more drivers have the same experience.

Les, Blaenau Gwent on the Ford Fiesta

Update: My car has now been returned after spending 2 weeks in the workshop having the gearbox repaired. I was told the garage has changed the layshaft and that it has OK now. Sorry, but the gearbox whine is still there, nothing has altered. What a shame; a nice looking car that sounds like a electric milk float... I’m now thinking what to do next???

Les, Blaenau Gwent on the Ford Fiesta

Latest update.... Ford HAVE finally agreed that the whine from the gearbox is louder than normal and requires repair. The car has been in the workshop over a week now and I have been told the gearbox is under going repairs (why not just fit a new gearbox I say)... car should be back Thursday or Friday this week... Will it be any different? I will let you all know.

K, Derbyshire on the Ford Fiesta

Gorgeous looking car, but I have had nothing but problems with it from the first week of owning it. Not happy with the customer service care from Ford, as I have taken this into the dealer 3 times since buying it in November, and wasn’t even offered a courtesy car for my troubles... had to arrange for one from a garage which had nothing to do with the Ford ’after care’!!! I too have noticed a ’ticking’ noise coming from the engine when you press the accelerator, but yet it stops when the pedal is depressed! I have noticed a low knocking noise coming from the passenger side rear wheel. This happens on many an occasion, but is very particular when reversing the car first thing in the morning. I have also had to take it back into the garage to have a tinny rattling sound looked at coming from underneath the car at the front...especially more so when driving over speed humps. And finally, to top it all off, the windscreen wipers packed in!!! I truly am annoyed as it is a new car, and the dealers don’t really want to know about it when you take them in. I have had a new shocker and this had no effect on the noise. If I purchased a new TV or furniture from a shop and it was faulty, I would be offered a new one. Why should a car be any different? It’s obviously faulty and I understand there will be teething problems with a new model, but having to take the car back in on numerous occasions is just not on! I am that disheartened now, that I am not taking it into a dealer anymore, and I’m going to wait for the problems to get considerably worse, so when I do decide to take the car in, it will be a ’ball-ache’ for them because it will create much more work for them to repair in the long run. Thank goodness it’s under warranty!

Sue, Essex on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

I have owned my CC3 since October 2008, very pleased with the car, handles beautifully, there have been no leaks on my car to date. If you are thinking of buying, you run the risk of leaking (haven’t had the roof down yet though, although I know of later CC’s that leak). If you are considering buying one, parking sensors are a must as you cant see much out the rear window. Boot space is more than adequate, I can get two weeks worth of shopping in. I’ve put 18" Alloys on, the only downside is I get a little road noise between 40-65mph but I’m getting used to it now, just turn the radio up!! The car has adequate space inside as well, I would liken it to a Mondeo, its much more roomier than my husbands MK1 Focus, seats are comfortable (mine are leather), voice control button is a bit of a waste of time though, time you tell the computer what to do, you could have done it 20 seconds earlier by pressing a button!

Carol, England on the Ford Fiesta

I AM SO FURIOUS!!! Got the car on the 27th of December 2008. 4 weeks later the message came up saying passenger door open. After slamming and slamming it would still not recognise the door was closed and therefore I was unable to lock my car in anyway. Ford told me "Oh it is because it is cold!!! The problem had resolved by the time I got it to Ford’s. However 2 weeks later this problem happened again. 4 days in a row. Ford put it on there diagnostic machine and said they were unable to find a fault, therefore unable to fix a problem they could not find. Now, 3 weeks after that, my car alarm went off and again says passenger door open and once again for 8 hours I was unable to secure my car. I am told that it appears to be an intermittent fault so unless I get it to them while it will not lock, they can not fix it. May I mention THE SALES OF GOODS ACT 1979. This car was delivered to me with this fault, they can not find the fault to fix, therefore this car is faulty and of unsatisfactory quality. I am bringing in legal advice. Imagine going away for the day, arriving and being unable to lock your car. Great day out. I have no faith in this car or in Ford’s. This is the first and last ford I will ever own. I am currently looking to see if I can reject the car. How dare they say it is the cold weather. Even if it is to do with that, it still means there is a fault. The height adjustment on the drivers seat deflates and I have to inflate it every other day and my god do you have to slam the boot. I should have gone to Vauxhall or stuck with Peugeot. Stiff gear change from 1st to 2nd. Did you know you are meant to have a special nozzle to fit the fuel tank in case you run out and need to use the little green tank to put fuel in. I am angry, and really disappointed.

Peter, Cumberland on the Ford Fiesta

Had my Zetec petrol since November 2008 and have now clocked up 3,500 miles. MPG stuck on 37.2; not quite matching Ford’s claimed 47? Also, a rattle occurs, more so on a cold day, from the left door speaker. Also, had recent problems with the boot lid, which only shuts with a massive slam! Now fixed.

William, England on the Ford Kuga

I test-drove this vehicle the other day with a certain amount of apprehension but it handled so much better than my present car (C-Max) that I ordered one on the spot. I know it’s early-days but I think Ford have a ’winner’ in the Kuga. Many of its features are quite remarkable such as the split tailgate which I think is an excellent idea, and something which will be used often.

Dave, Northamptonshire on the Ford Fiesta

Brand new Fiesta 1.4TDCI... just 10 days old. Flywheel AND clutch problems. Drivers door won’t open. Interior light not working. Door trim falling off. Apart from that probably ok!!!

Tony, Shropshire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought a 1.25 style climate in July. First of all it was OK with the fuel average around 42-45 mpg. Even 50 mpg on a long run. But recently my fuel range display has dropped from 409 miles down to 350miles, even when I have brim filled the tank. And my mpg on the last 3 fills has been down to 36mpg. Also the interior light switch has broken and the front passenger hand rail came out of it’s mounting when my son put his hand on it. Anyone else having these troubles? Especially the poor mpg?

Dave, Northamptonshire on the Ford Fiesta

Update ! Dealer says clutch and flywheel now replaced, however, clutch smell returned almost immediately. Also shudders when moving off and performance dropping off.....ABSOLUTE DISASTER of a car !!

Dave, Northamptonshire on the Ford Fiesta

Forgot to mention......both front seat cushions have saggy fabric to the point that they look worn out ...... 3 WEEK OLD CAR !!!!!!!!!!!!

John, Worcestershire on the Ford Fiesta

What a disappointment this cars turned out to be. I agree with Gary Whittle about the whining clutch/gearbox, I took mine back to my local ford dealer who got in touch with Ford’s technical department and they were told that the noise "will be a lot better or even almost gone between 1200 and 1500 miles". So far the cars only 850 miles so I guess I will have to wait and see if it gets better. The fuel consumption is a depressing 29.4 mpg. OK, I do a lot of short journeys, 4 or 5 miles, most of it in heavy traffic, but my old car, a Rover 214 , returned 35 mpg on the same journey. I also find that the car takes ages to warm up, perhaps that’s why the fuel consumption is poor, I think I will pop into Ford and get the thermostat checked/replaced, by the way is it just me or do other owners find it strange that there’s no temperature gauge? I like to see where the needle is on the gauge as its an early warning indicator of cooling/overheating problems.

Kayla, Hampshire on the Ford Fiesta

Bought a gorgeous new shape green Fiesta in September but have just started to have problems with boot - you have to slam it down so hard otherwise the warning light comes on in the car and it’s a right pain when you have to pull over and check it’s not open. When you do its always closed, was told by the dealer you do have to slam it shut!!!!. Now have a problem with the fuel gauge, needle shows full,, but computer warning says 34 miles and a a petrol sign with a circle with a cross running through it. Phoned ford and told that its a problem they are now aware of so expect a recall at some point. I also find it takes ages to warm up in the morning, however I love it and am hoping its just teething problems.

Les, Monmouthshire on the Ford Fiesta

Reported the gearbox whine to Fords UK and sent the 2nd email of complaint to my local dealership. Had a phone call from the Dealership asking me to return the car as the possible fault on the 5th gear and may be caused by low oil level in the gearbox! Its going in Monday 2nd Feb 09, will let you know the out come. Yes I have to slam the tail gate to stop the alarm coming on. But I still love driving the car....

Mike, Cornwall on the Ford Transit

After having used an 02 T350 model for 6 years I was looking forward to getting my 08 T330. But it seems that Ford have shoehorned a Focus dash into the transit can which just doesn’t seem to work for me. The steering wheel appears smaller than the older model, and with a 4 tonne laden wagon, that small wheel feels just wrong. My old van, when I turned the engine over, used to growl and snarl at me as if to say "COME ONE! LET’S GET TO WORK!" This new one just seems to whine at me "Ooh, do you mind awfully if we take it easy this morning?" I used to put my foot to the floor in the old girl and she would say "Oh? Want some more do you? ’ave it!" This one? "Uh? What? Oh heavens no." Nothing, and I mean nothing happens. No comforting lunge forward, no pitch change and no growl. You can’t though fault it as still the best work horse on the road. The load area and access is second to none and I would always recommend one to any tradesman, but the square shaped interior and weak engine just take the edge of what would otherwise be another winner. Come on Ford. Why did you change the engine?

Les, Blaenau Gwent on the Ford Fiesta

Return my Fiesta due to whining noise whilst idling and was told Fords are aware of the problems and suspect a fault on the 5th gear? Anyway the first check is the gearbox oil level, so this was checked and topped up... whining noise still the same. Getting back to the dealer to find out that is next on the list. I have registered a complaint with Fords customer relations on 0845 8411111 and have a fault number against the car, I suggest everyone with this fault do the same.

Justin, Devon on the Ford Ranger

I woke with bleary eyes and a heavy heart - it was the day for me to be test driving the new Ford Ranger Thunder, but the thought of getting behind the wheel of a car carrying the blue oval on the front grill was not filling me with enthusiasm. I swung my leaden legs out of bed, creaked upright, splashed about in the shower, showed a razor to my stubbly chin, threw on some Ralph Lauren labelled rags, fed the dogs, and made my way into the office. At eight am, as promised by Ford, the buzzer on the door "buzzed" to herald the arrival of my nemesis. Now a few weeks ago, when a sexy little BMW 125 was delivered to the office, no-one even raised an eyebrow. This morning the boys were in early - not just early for them, I mean early! Even more surprising was the way that they snaked down the stairs behind me to witness events. It could have been a genuine interest in the truck, or wanting to mock me behind the wheel despite me very vocal antipathetic view of the entire Ford range (apart from the Transits!), or it could have been just a bloody good excuse to stop work (or should that be "not to start work"?!). I nonchalantly strolled around to the rear car park where, I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the masculine aesthetics of this new Ford Ranger. In fact, at first glance, this Thunder really did look the part; the metallic Titanium Grey paint did the truck plenty of favours - drawing the truck away from the plain whites and reds of the utility truck and into the realms of the much more highly regarded, and higher priced, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200. Two circles of the Ranger confirmed that everything was as it should be. It was a double cab, it had lights, alloy wheels, glass in the windows, and a well sized and accessible load space (simple latches on the drop down tail-gate that even cold and gloved hands could operate with ease). It was very tempting to put a little tape over the blue Ford oval before I headed off, but I took the mind over matter approach, swallowed the bitter little pill, and hopped into the drivers seat. Craig and Tom were already seated and buckled up, bouncing up and down like kids, opening every compartment and pushing every button (and I can confirm that the sound system is efficient enough to blare out some track by the Blackout Crew at an astonishing level of decibels). The cab was well laid out, surprisingly spacious, and had that "new car leather" smell that I adore. Everything was well finished and was very conspicuously absent of the "plasticy" interior that I have come to expect from Ford. One thing that really drives me potty in any car is engine noise. In this case the engine noise in the cab was minimal and in no way interrupted the noise emitting from the standard fit CD player (courtesy of a CD provide by Craig and Tom). The first thing to strike me about driving the Ford Ranger Thunder was how simple it was. The car didn’t feel "heavy" at all; it felt more like driving a large car and reminded me of the first time I drove a Vauxhall Vectra - but bigger and with a much better field of vision. One of the best things I like about driving Land Rovers and pickups is the visibility. You can see all four corners of the vehicle so despite them being much larger than a standard car they’re still easy to manoeuvre, and the Ford Ranger is no exception. We took off along the dual carriageway to open the engine up a little. It flew along quite comfortably in fifth gear, with a little positive acceleration still available for overtaking. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to take the Thunder off road, but I did check out the selectable four wheel drive box. It’s difficult to tell how well the four wheel drive works when you’re on a freshly tarmacked road, but all of the gears were easy to select and the instructions for use were clear and precise. I tried the Ranger Thunder, which is towards the top end of the Ford pickup range, but even in it’s most basic form the Ford Ranger is a great truck offering good "workable" functionality. The Ford Ranger could be the unsung hero of the working pickup truck - the saviour of its breed, the last of the true working vehicles. All in all, despite carrying the blue Ford oval on the front grill, this Ford Ranger Thunder is a fantastic piece of kit and offers terrific value when compared with other trucks in the category such as the Hilux and L200. Look out for deals around the £13700 (plus VAT) mark; they are few and far between, but they are out there. I really did enjoy driving the Ford Ranger Thunder, and at this price it knocks spots off of it’s competitors. Could it be that, thanks to this one truck, my nemesis is transmogrifying into my nirvana? Check out www.bestpricedvans.com for more info.

Justin, Devon on the Ford Kuga

"You’re testing what?" asked my girlfriend. "The Ford Cougar isn’t new - it’s been out for years you fool!". "Ok Honey, if you say so"; I feigned ignorance and graciously accepted her mocking snigger at yet another demonstration of my inherent stupidity - then I slipped the glossy brochure onto the table before her. "Oh" she said as her smile faded, "It sounds like the other one". She’s right, of course, Cougar and Kuga do sound the same. The first was a valiant effort by Ford to market a sports coupe (it was around the same time that Vauxhall came out with the Calibra), whilst the second is their entry into a new market, the compact SUV (yet another bloody urban 4x4!). An hour or so before I was due to pick up the shiny new Ford Kuga an announcement was made in the slightly dysfunctional family kitchen - Jacob, my girlfriends son, had to stay away from school for the day. and I was designated babysitter. Eight year old Jacobs eyes were bulging as he checked out the range of new cars in the Ford showroom whilst we waited for our chariot to arrive. Not being particularly used to babysitting an eight year old boy alone I could feel my chest tightening under the stress as he fired question after question at the bemused sales staff. The surprising part was that he did actually know a fair bit about the cars, and in some instances proved that he knew more about them than the sales team! Now, if I hadn’t been "forced" behind the wheel of a Ford Ranger Thunder just a few weeks ago I probably wouldn’t have even contemplated taking out the Ford Kuga. I hated Fords, or thought I did, until the Ford Ranger Thunder single handedly reversed my views entirely. We watched, Jacob somewhat impatiently, as the Ford Kuga turned into the car park and snaked its way towards us. With its familiar looking grill, sweeping headlights, and menacingly masculine body styling it was already winning me over. The Ford Kuga, is a little more impressive looking, I’d say, than the Nissan Qashqai, without going overboard on the "mean" stakes. The chap from Ford gave me a very good tour of the Kuga, not just pointing out the obvious but talking at some depth about the pro’s and con’s to each feature (an unusual, but admirable trait in a showroom sales person). Some of the features were very obviously of more use than others, whilst some it seemed, were simply there to fill line space in the brochure. The first feature which springs to mind as being particularly brilliant and worthy of mention on the Ford Kuga is that you can’t accidentally shove a petrol pump nozzle into the diesel filling point - it simply won’t fit. As a driver of both diesel and petrol cars this little feature is reassuringly comforting. Another feature which I would find useful are the "secret" compartments (shhh!) hidden in the footwell behind the front seats. Ideal for hiding valuables from sight when parking up, but would be so much better if the designers had just added a simple locking mechanism of some kind. I was a little confused as to exactly what the purpose of the dual opening tailgate/boot is on a car like the Ford Kuga. Why would anyone want to only partly open the boot? The smaller opening is quite high up, so it would make loading anything into the car quite a tricky operation (imagine split shopping bags spilling fruit and veg all over the nice clean interior). Personally, I think that the money spent on developing and building this little addition would have been better spent on enhancing other aspects of the car (like adding a lock to the "secret" compartments!) or shaving a little off of the price. We jumped in. The driving position in the Kuga was excellent - the electrically operated and heated leather seat was comfortable with really good lumbar support, the multi-position steering wheel enhanced the feeling of control, and all of the buttons and gadgets were well within reach. Up front, the interior felt airy and spacious despite the dark colour. Jacob hopped onto the large and very comfortable rear seat (belted for three people). The rear seats of the Ford Kuga are elevated slightly to give a nice riding position. On the downside, legroom in the rear of the Kuga isn’t brilliant. Even with my stunted little legs in the front there wasn’t a huge amount of legroom in the back which seems to detract from the comfort-ability afforded by the elevated sitting position. I do love the capacious boot of the Ford Kuga though. Plenty of room to put in a dog cage and more than a few shopping bags, or golf clubs, or gun cases, or as Jacob mentioned, body-boards and wetsuits. The rear seats fold flat or split too so that you can carry loads that are just a little longer. One does wonder though, if the Ford Kuga is being sold as a family vehicle, why a little of the boot space wasn’t sacrificed to afford a smidgen more leg room for passengers in the rear seats. We pulled away from the forecourt, made our way through the town, and headed up the dual carriageway. The first thing that I noticed, as I always do, was the engine noise, or lack of it. Noise inside the Kuga was minimal - not at all like driving the diesel monsters of yesteryear. The car handled fantastically well. Steering was positive, and the visibility was generally very good (although the rear pillars did create a bit of blind spot for reversing). The six speed box was lovely and smooth, and for a heavy car with just a 2.0 litre engine, the Kuga didn’t feel particularly sluggish at all. Another version of the Ford Kuga is due to be released with a 2.5 litre turbo petrol engine (the same as in the Ford Focus ST) which should make the car much more exciting to drive. All in all I did like the Ford Kuga, but the 2.5 turbo petrol should make a great addition to the range. Nissan were first off the blocks for SUV’s with this type of styling with their Qashqai, and some would say that Ford were just a little too late too release the Kuga, but I disagree. The Nissan Qashqai set the scene, opened the market up if you like, and prepared it for the arrival of the Ford Kuga. I think sales of the Ford Kuga will take off quite nicely as a result. Being so new, outright purchase deals on the Ford Kuga are slim. Ford aren’t about to rush out and offer everybody generous discounts on their new baby when they really don’t need to. Contract hire deals are out there though, so take advantage of the cheap money.

Matthew, Hampshire on the Ford Fiesta

I’ve got a new shape 1.6TDCI and, after 4500 miles, it is by far the most disappointing car I’ve ever had. I bought it for its "good" fuel economy, however I get less than 46mpg at 70mph and only 48mpg at 60mph. I have been back to my dealer but all they said was "it takes time". I think it’s had long enough and it is not fit for purpose. There are loads of trim quality issues, the boot doesn’t shut properly, the passenger door doesn’t shut properly, the stereo often has no sound and I have to change to another source to get any output. There are sharp edges on the handbrake, the climate control buttons were defective (fixed under warranty). This is the 3rd brand new Ford I have had and unless something drastic happens, it will be my last.

David, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus

Just taken delivery of my new car [previous car 1.6 tivct focus 2007 model] what can i say its an awesome beast, interior tons better, diesel engine gave me 54.3 mpg on a run out yesterday tons better than petrol engine 38 on same run in previous car, both cars stood next to each other at my local dealers yesterday they look totally different a job well done thanks ford go on buy on they are an awesome car.

Nigel, Cheshire on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

When this car arrived I was initially mistaken that the front was the back, the bonnet measures 2’6" whilst the boot, although unmeasured (I only had my wifes sewing kit tape, and it wasn’t long enough), looked to be approx 12". I decided to take my eldest son with me, I opened the door, worked the mechanism for the seat to come forward, so he could get in the back, I nearly lost my thumb as the seat shot forward with all the force of a blunder bus propelling forward at an alarming rate, almost like an ejector seat facing the wrong way. The sculptured seat was better suited to the catwalk, not in style, simply was built for a size zero. I decided we would go to Tesco, the roof release was easy to operate, all I can say is , its a good job its 24 hour opening, that said we were on our way. The Auto box seemed to be straight from an 81 on the W Volvo 343 GL. The gear change was as seamless as Doctor Frankensteins stitching, I was left wondering whether the seat forward mechanism was also part of the gear box as it had the same motion, Like a giant elastic band. We did our shop, returned to the car, I went to put the shopping in the boot, luckily for us Geoff Capes was loading his car next to us and helped raise the boot lid as it was like raising a double up and over garage door with a faulty mechanism, I couldn’t help wondering if they had used the seat mechanism on it I could have loaded the lid and fired the shopping home, yet incredibly for space because of the roof, you have to squash all your shopping into a 6" void. This would be an ideal pizza delivery vehicle as we thought we could probably get 22, 15" pepperoni in their. I can not determine fuel economy as I never went out in it again, as I was being treated for minor whiplash

Sharon, Middlesex on the Ford Focus

This is my 3rd Focus and I don’t see me changing at anytime in the future as long as Ford continue producing such a brilliant car. It’s reliable, affordable, fun to drive and still looks great. It does everything I need and never lets me down.

Darren, Berkshire on the Ford Transit

The best van I have ever owned, I cannot fault it.

Mathew, Derbyshire on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

Having read ’Nigel’s’ summary I really wasn’t sure he had tested the right car....it seems to me the way his report was written was so we could all admire his literary talents rather than an assessment of a motor vehicle. Having tested the entire range I opted for the CC3 2 litre petrol manual version and have never been happier with a convertible. For the price the quality is superb and the car always gathers an admiring crowd when left parked whether the roof be down or up. I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone considering buying and would also suggest Nigel gives up the pizzas and starts consuming humble pie instead.

Louise, Berkshire on the Ford Focus

I have recently part exchanged my old car for a new focus Zetec to accommodate my growing family! After looking at every possible family type cars on the market we fell in love with the focus. Inside is very spacious and we are able to fit three car seats on the back seat which is a must for us, the boot is also huge and was one of the only boots that would have fitted our pushchair! The car feels great to drive, very smooth, the only downside is it can feel slightly underpowered at times but thats not a major concern for me. I’d definitely recommend this car to anyone as it doesn’t look like your typical family car it drives great and looks great with the alloys and Sony CD player.

Jon, Kent on the Ford Mondeo

Just got rid of a new shape 2007 Mercedes C Class costing nearly £30k and the Mondeo is far superior in virtually every respect.

Joaquin, London on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

I bought this car in Spain at the beginning of 2008 and in my opinion it is fantastic. Beautiful, good fuel economy, easy to drive, brilliant roof and good inside details. I definitely recommend this gorgeous car.

Richard, Worcestershire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Ready to buy the 1.8 Titanium. The test drive proved very informative. Living in a hilly urban area driving through crowded streets was an 8 out 10 rating. Open road the same. My main gripes are cosmetics. After about 7-8 miles I was constantly changing `cheeks’ on the very firm driving seat. Also... considering the Titanium is only second to the top models the trim options are extremely poor with only 2 choice colours (Non Metallic) but plenty as `optional extras’. Worse... there is only one choice of upholstery trim and that’s a dull grey black. Cheap Skate FORD.

D, Surrey on the Ford Ka

For starters Ford had a deal so the purchase price was £5995 OTR, very good when you consider this has ABS, PS, Climate, coloured bumpers/spoiler and all the accessories. Overall a very good little motor for the price though I wouldn’t pay full whack for it. Handling is exceptionally good with enough from the engine to make it fun. The finish/quality is not brilliant, especially when you think that Ford have made this model for 12 years now, I would expect all the fit and finish to be ironed out to perfection. Generally a good fun car that can easily put a smile on your face and would be very good for a first time driver as it is so sure footed. Have spent an extra £500 making it look right. This has taken the form of silver Ford stripes over the top, SportKa leather, colour coded instrument surround, eyebrows on the headlights, mudflaps all round and a different tailpipe. Why do all this? I prefer the original Ka shape to the SportKa but after many years in design I see things that just don’t look quite right. At the end of the day it still only cost me £6500 and people tend to walk past it that little bit slower to have a nose. Would I recommend a Ka to a friend. Yes. Expect to have a budget small car and you’ll be happy. If you want better build quality spend more on a Japanese motor and put up with the bland styling you’ll get.

Gary, Lancashire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought my Fiesta 1.25 zetec on 1st October 2008. I had a Fiesta before that for 5 1/2 years - a 1.3 Duratec. This was a much quieter car. The new one suffers from a whining noise whilst idling. It also has a strange "ticking" noise, again at idling speed, but this disappears when the clutch is depressed!! Not impressed with it - taking it back to the dealer to check, although I’m not optimistic!

Lisa, Lancashire on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

We bought a cc3 2 litre diesel in march 2008 and since then it has been to the garage 6 times to have the leak repaired and guess what? It’s leaking yet again and that’s not even mentioning the creaking roof. With Ford being as big a company that it is I expected this to be resolved quite quickly but no; I’ve been passed from pillar to post and now that we want to reject the car they are saying we’ve got no right to do that but when they took £20,000 of our money for a car that is as defective as it is I think we’ve got every right; it’s a good job we have got leather seats or my upholstery would be destroyed by now and my car would stink. Overall though; if anyone asked me would I recommend the car I’d still say definitely NO - NO! I think they should just give up with these cars and scrap the lot and try again.

Geoffrey, Flintshire on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

The car performs perfectly. All the features work. It handles well and fulfils all the manufacturers claims. Seats are comfortable. Space is good at front and adequate in rear. Only slight problem is judging distance behind car when reversing but this is just a matter of getting used to size of boot. Fuel consumption for 2litre car is satisfactory. It has all the advantages of a two seater sports car with the added bonus of additional storage space or space for two extra passengers.

Barry, Staffordshire on the Ford Transit

Looks good, drives very well, good on fuel, no faults yet after 6000 miles. I just love going to work in it. A nice car like feel inside - shop around for a good deal - I got my from Heartland Ford - nice to deal with and I got a good deal on my van.

Melvin, Sussex on the Ford Fiesta

Very pleased with this car. It’s like a diesel Puma estate! Handling is sublime on 16 inch wheels, I have to regularly remind myself I’m not in a sports car when pushing hard through bends. I chose a 3 door to get a coupe feel, with that the cabin is great fun to be in and has everything I could ever want, including bluetooth and USB. Engine is very smooth, torquey and quiet. Good for a long run but perfectly set up for nipping around town. Not that quick away from the lights but great torque for pulling out of bends and up hills without lots of cog swapping. Some reviewers are not so sure about the electric power steering but having also driven an earlier Fiesta recently I really like the new set up and think it is spot on. The only gripes are, I wish the engine was same spec as the Mini Cooper diesel with 110 bhp and a six speed box, perhaps more to come in the ST diesel version. Fixed back seat bench is also not so good. Overall a great looking, great fun car to drive that is practical and cheap to run. It makes the Mini look dated, cramped, impractical and very expensive. This car is the stuff of dreams.

Jerry, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Kuga

This was my first 4x4 and diesel and until the Kuga I was very sceptical of 4x4’s based on my experience of a colleagues Nissan X-trail. I need not have been worried as there is no comparison in terms of comfort, ride and handling. It is great fun to drive and it is very easy to forget you are not driving an ordinary car. We use it to tow a caravan and it has proved to be a very competent tow vehicle. Minor niggles? Yes there are a few but then that is my fault for taking delivery of a new model so soon after launch (I bought it during launch week). Niggle 1: In wet weather, when opening the rear door, water drips on to the rear seat (I had an old style Mondeo that used to drip water into the boot space so seems to be Ford designers don’t test in wet weather) Niggle 2: Well a bit more than a niggle, but beware that if you want to use a roof box, you have to have roof rails as you can’t fit roof bars without rails - they cost an arm and a leg to retrofit so ensure you get optional roof rails fitted as part of the deal! Niggle 3: There is no warning for low washer level. But despite these niggles, I am still happy to give the Kuga a five star rating.

Les, Blaenau Gwent on the Ford Fiesta

Ford have brought the new Fiesta into the future with its style and comfort... BUT I am NOT happy with the whining noise whilst idling, it sounds like an electric milk float. I have taken the car back and was told," they are all like this"... Well I am not impressed and will be writing a letter of complaint this week.

Robert, Warwickshire on the Ford S-MAX

Hi, I have got a 2008 smax, which I also tow with. I went to my local Ford dealer and asked them if they would have a look at the clutch as it was soft on the pedal. They told me that the clutch was halfway gone, as it has just come up to 12k. They also told me that the clutch pedal is ok despite me telling them it was soft.

Dasdasda, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Kuga

A very, very good car. This was my first 4x4 and diesel and until the Kuga I was very sceptical of 4x4’s.

Derek, Stirlingshire on the Ford Transit Tipper

This is the worst purchase I’ve made, 6000 mls on clock and it’s already on it’s third gearbox. I’ve had the dash insulated to try to reduce gearbox noise, the gear select itself is poor. There is also a knocking noise from the front suspension and the side door comes off the roller, nightmare! Ford customer service is not interested, so be warned! Oh, before I forget, the engine malfuncion light is on regularly, Ford say there is a ghost on the ECU; it’s time they employed the ghost busters!

Nicole, Sussex on the Ford Fiesta

A surprisingly similar story to all the others. The sensors have been adjusted by Ford and are working (for the minute). The rust on the rear wiper has been covered by Ford (it’s still there, you just can’t see it). The noise from the gear box is a "normal gearbox sound" for a Ford (according to Ford’s Mechanic), it is only there if you do not depress the clutch. The car now judders just before the gears engage. The fuel efficiency is not what I would expect of a 1.4 l car. The paint scratches even if you lightly touch the vehicle (and this is the most expensive Hot Magenta paint). The door sil on the drivers side actually has a whole in it big enough for two of my fingers (but that does not bother Ford). Oh yes, the engine warning light came on after about 5 months of owning the vehicle following a lack lustre spell of about a month. Then there was spluttering and juddering and then the problem sorted itself. Ford then updated the engine software and said it was all fixed. So do you think I am happy? Shall we say its a nice looking vehicle and I got rid of it. Now getting a new VW instead. Ford? NEVER AGAIN

Aileen, County Fermanagh on the Ford S-MAX

I bought my S Max 2LTDCi Zetec last July and it is already giving me trouble!! Firstly the boot has a mind of its own and won’t open anytime I need it to open as I have 5 children and I need to get access to the prams in the boot. Secondly the build quality is shockingly awful. My children could take it apart no problem and the quality of the interior is terrible considering I paid £18,500 for it. Lastly the dealers are very poor as I have been to two different dealers and one of them didn’t actually fix the boot and then the second dealer did but promised me another S Max as a courtesy car because I have 5 children but of course they gave me a new FORD KA instead!! What was I supossed to do but walk. Would not recomend this if you are planning on keeping it for a couple of years.

David, Perthshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I have had a variety of Fords over the years; Sierra, Orion, Mondeo and latterly a Focus 1.8TDCI Ghia. My C Max is the best of the bunch - Love it!

David, Essex on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

Traded our 06 Focus Titanium in for a 58 plate CC3 at our local Ford dealership (Rates) on Saturday morning... it broke down on Sunday afternoon with total loss of power steering making navigating the extremely narrow winding roads we were on very hazardous! I phoned Rates who said bring it in to servicing. Monday, got in it today and it is driving like a dream again, I don’t really know what to do about it now! If I take it in to Rates from past experience they won’t find any fault until it is out of warranty anyway. Other than that I Love the car - just hate Ford Motor Company. Ashamed to say I worked for them for 18 years.

David, London on the Ford Mondeo

I have just changed from 2001 2.5 v6 mondeo to a 1.8 tdi. At first I thought it would be very under powered, but although not as powerful as the old v6 it copes very well for such a big car. Loads of extras and a great drive, very cheap to to run, overall a lot of car for the money. I would highly recommend it. If you go for a nearly new one you can save £10,000 to £12,000 on a 6 month old one.

Sean, Rhondda Cynon Taff on the Ford Fiesta

Hey guys, I’ve got a 58 plate Fiesta Zetec Climate. It’s done 14k miles so far and it’s been a great car until recently I noticed that when I turn the steering wheel left/right while parking and doing a U-turn or just driving around a corner (without the indicator stalk on) I hear a quiet click/pop noise behind the steering wheel (in the steering wheel column). It sounds like a plasticky click/pop noise like a cable or something is lose within the steering column. It only happens sometimes and is not constant. I took the plastic steering wheel column surrounds off to check if anything was loose but everything seemed normal. I think the noise is coming from the steering wheel joint (bearing) or in the airbag, it doesn’t affect the steering wheel or the stalks, the horn works etc it just makes an annoying plasticky quiet click/pop noise. Any advice/ help on this? Anyone else had this noise too?

Dan, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo

A top car: acres of space all over, plenty of gadgets like voice control etc... for those who like it. The bluetooth connectivity is a dream and ease of use all over is high, all intuitively laid out. The noise at the lower speeds is noticeable but not as bad as some would suggest and on the motorway it is elegantly subtle. I’m not sure what the problem is with the gearbox that some have mentioned, mine is lovely and smooth. I find the car perfect for eating up the miles and swallowing up the family and all luggage, not to mention the best looking estate about.

Dave, Inverness-shire on the Ford Ranger

This is my second Ford Ranger. I prefer Auto’s so when the new 3.0 auto was launched I traded my 2.5 manual in for it. I am a fan of the car for a few reasons, its great value for money, nice to drive and a fairly quiet and civilised cruiser. The ride is a little bouncy but it is designed to carry loads, so to be expected. Could do with more toys, cruise control, heated mirror / screen, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer etc. However I have one major gripe with this car, and the reason I am considering swapping it for a Hilux after just 13 months, is the dreadful fuel consumption. I am averaging less than 20mpg. My previous 2.5 manual was managing 30mpg. Take a look at the brochure and it tells you that the 3.0 auto manages the exact same combined mpg as the 2.5 manual of 31.7mpg. I feel like I have been ripped off by Ford. I could live with this fuel consumption better if it had a bigger tank, however I am looking for fuel ever 250 miles. Towing a car transporter and I’m not kidding you when I say it goes through a tank full of fuel in 150 miles... Its a real shame and I will be sad to see the car go. If you want one, I would urge you to avoid the 3.0 Auto.

Peter, Cardiff on the Ford Mondeo Estate

I’ve already been using 2 mk 4’s and they are up to 90k, just ordered another 2 to replace my mk 3’s, which are reaching their retirement age at 245k, they’ve been ideal.

Dave, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo

I have just traded in my much loved 2.0 TDCI Graphite Mondeobought new in 2003, which proved to be an excellent car roomy,economical and very reliable, 66000 miles with no pronlems. The new 1.8 TDCI Zetec is even better, cavernous in size, quality finish, comfortable, plenty of power even with the smaller engine and looks great. FANTASTIC CAR!

Daniel, England on the Ford Transit

Despite some of the horror stories you would be unlucky to buy a seriosly unreliable trany. The latest model I drove for about 1000 miles wasn’t too bad, maybe a bit more van like to drive than some rivals but the new interior has a much better feel to it particuly the dash mount gear shift. One of the party pieces of the swb Transit is its ability to swallow whole 8 by 4 sheets of wood, so more of a builders van. If you’re after one steer clear of the entry level 85bhp, this unit is designed purely for economy and can get a bit tiresome, almost waiting to shift up a gear. Generaly a good van but seeing a Transit drive past only makes you think one thing, ’scrap metal collection’. Why not dig a grand deeper and get a Mercedes-Benz Vito parked on your drive?

Paul, Kent on the Ford Mondeo

Having had two old style Mondeo’s and covered over 180,000 miles, (with only one breakdown) I was looking forward of taking delivery of a 1 year old model Titanium X from Ford Direct. The new model carries on some of the highlights of the previous car - great diesel engine, very economical (44+) but not quite as good as the old model as it is having to hump around a lot more weight - be in no doubt this is a big car - bigger than the previous version all round, more shoulder room and a truly cavernous boot - go for the 2.2 engine if you need a more sprightly drive. However the dynamics are better than before, easy at low speed, good around the bends and a superb motorway cruiser. All of the Titanium X goodies work well - the sat nav has been known to have a DVD problem on some cars, but when it working its excellent, similarly the integration with the Ford Converse system is pretty good - get the total package including the voice control and you can spend many hours happily trying to work out how to use the array of buttons and commands - fun and it does work. All in all I have been very impressed, fluid drive, good economy and good engine pedigree, comfortable, looks good and can carry an astonishing amount. Only bad point?? Ford have added a chrome bezel to the drivers air vent and it sits, and gleams, right in the centre of the image from the drivers wing mirror. Annoying, but 85p for a black dry wipe marker and a nearly perfect car ticks the final box. Buy one, you will not be disappointed.

Keith, Essex on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I bought this C-Max 2,0 tr Auto Titanium after having driven Ford galaxy for over 10 years. No comparison to the Galaxy, but still a very nice car to drive. The economy is not very good, and is worse than my previous 2,3 ltr Petrol Manual. Not sure yet on the overall reliability of the C-Max as I drove Galaxy for the 10 years and never submitted to Dealership for Warranty Work. The C-Max suffered an Engine Malfunction after 6000 miles, requiring a replacement Throttle Body which incorporated an elecronic switch.

Graham, Yorkshire on the Ford Transit

Bought my new motorhome Transit in May 08, now with 8650 mls. Not many problems, took it to my local Ford dealers for spongy brakes and last Nov had an update on the computer as tick-over a bit rough. P.S. still got spongy brakes..

Keith, Lanarkshire on the Ford Transit

I’ve had ’Sportacus’, as I call her from new, I’ve had a shed load of problems with her, and went to Brentwood HQ with other members of the Ford Transit Forum, 9 in total, the main problem being tyre wear. Ford in their wisdom listened to all of our complaints and gave us all a new set of michelin primacy tyres, as well as sorting out all the other issues we had with the sportsvans. I’ve had mine over 2 years now and even with the problems I’ve had with her I’d still have another. The dealer I go to now is Evans Halshaw in Provan Rd, Glasgow, they have been a credit to the Ford name and I’ve been more than happy with the service I have received. All in all, I bought a van costing over 20k and although I’ve had problems with her, they have all been rectified thanks to Evans at Glasgow, and due to this I would definitely buy another sportsvan, as long as it was from them.

Richard, Dorset on the Ford Ranger

I have an 07 Double Cab, very comfortable. I use it privately as well as for work,plenty of room for the kids,bikes,etc. Then there is the towing....DO NOT TOW WITH IT!!!. My first clutch went at 24000 miles and I am not even towing with it that regularly. We had a battle with the Main Dealer who said that the clutch was not ’Heavy Duty’ so we had to pay £1500(!!!) for new clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder,etc,etc. It has now done 29000 miles and is going in for another new clutch next week....you guessed it, even the ’Heavy Duty’ clutch has worn out now and Main Dealer is not interested as ’you have towed with the vehicle’.....ahh yes, it is a work vehicle , but is as such NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE. I would not have another one. I know of a local Utility company who have many Rangers and most have had Clutch issues. One of their 08 models has had 3 already, maybe I’m getting off lightly. BEWARE OF THE PLASTIC CLUTCH!!!!!!!!!

John, Essex on the Ford Ranger

Bought new in 2007, drives great and auto ok for off road. Long journey no problem and with auto town also good. MPG fair for a heavy vehicle. Equipment is basic, like no heated mirror options and heated seats, nne button warms all butts, however these are minor grumbles. The main issue is RUST on all welds front and rear chassis. The dealer refuses to put right even though warranty says it’s covered; Fords customer service needs to be re-named. Currently taking action. I don’t think it will make it’s sixth birthday without needing major work. Before you buy one have it on a ramp and check. other than that it’s great ! Any one else notice the same rust conditions?

Neil, Cornwall on the Ford Fiesta

The car handles great with good turn in and little trace of understeer; fun and reliable. The interior is reasonably comfortable with the leather seats providing both support under cornering and some comfort. This face lift model looks great and in this 5 door model offers reasonable legroom and practicality. The boot space is adequate but is a little on the small side. No problems with the car mechanically in 3 years and is a joy to drive. The 1.4 engine could be a little more torquey through gears but is nothing to complain about. The fuel comsumption could also be a little better, but if you’re careful with you driving, it will be good enough. Overall, the car looks great, handles well and is reasonably comfortable, however, the boot could be bigger, the fuel economy could also be improved and some of the trim could also be uprated but other than that, mine is a joy to own.

Tom, Kent on the Ford Ranger

Re Ford Ranger Brake Problems 56 reg onwards: I had a accident 4 months ago in my Ranger truck, I was travelling from a major to a minor road at 12 to 15 mph, when I felt a kick in the back so I put my foot on the brake to stop but nothing happened, and I hit a wall. This is not a isolated case as other people have had problems stopping. My solicitor has been in contact with ford but they will not acknowledge there are serious defects, and they wont let a brake test happen at a garage of my choice , which must mean they have something to hide. People could of even been killed in these trucks like toyotas. So if you have problems please contact me at letzrecycle@btinternet.com.

Rod, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus

Hi, I’ve just finished giving my other car 2 stars its a 308. The focus though.....BRILL Love it. Can not put a foot wrong. Never let me down, now done 41000mls all its had is new tyres and one set F/Pads. Now the Bad news. I am now doing 122mls a day to work and back, around 30k a year. Need a Diesel, found one at listers in Grantham I just hope the Yaris D4D Zinc is as good as the Focus. The ford was doing 43.5mpg and hoping to get 60 plus out of the Yaris. So if you need a FAB FOCUS you can find my old one in Grantham. If you turn up as I hand over the keys you can come with your mates kids other half etc., and see a Big guy cry like a babe, no not the pig.

Gordon, Lincolnshire on the Ford Focus

Having gone down from a vauxhall omega 2.2 automatic to a focus 1600 automatic for the reason we wanted a smaller car now that we have given up caravaning & something more ecnomical, we find it is very heavy on petrol. I don’t do a lot of long distant runs so I feel that it should be better, can anyone else give me any figures on the same car? I am getting a average of 21.6 miles at the present time having had the car since August the best return on mpg as been 33 according to the onboard computer could anyone give me any figures on this car if they get better mileage.

Kirsty, Devon on the Ford Mondeo

I purchased a used Ford Mondeo Edge (57- new shape ) 1.8 Diesel 125 bhp -6 speed gears and with only 3000 miles on the clock plus it came with thunder metallic paint and factory fitted reversing sensors and alloy wheels with continental 215/55R 16 93V Tyres. It has been a perfect car with absolutely no faults although if you wish to give a pleasing criticism it can accelerate a touch too fast so if you have the glove box open everything shoots out when you boot it. I think Ford have given so much away in the Mondeo "Entry range" that it is really not whorthwhile to spend extra hundreds or thousands of pounds on bits of chrome or hi-tec gadgets.

Mark, Cornwall on the Ford Transit Box Van

I’ve had the box van now for about 5 months always had Transits, this my 6th one, lovely to drive and very refined after the old ones, so far so good.

Paul, Lancashire on the Ford Fiesta

I bought this car in Jan 09 from a main dealer,it had just turned 3 yrs old and had 21k on the clock. I had to take it back because the alloy wheels were so damaged they caused a severe wobble even though it had just had its first MOT (by them) before I drove it away. Also the glove box hinge was broken and had to be replaced. Since then the fan belt keeps slipping despite being tightened twice, and there are loads of rattles in the car from the cheap plastic design used. The alternator is noisy and as the 3 yr warranty was about to run out they wouldn’t investigate further because of the cost. I am disappinted with the MPG as i only get 54 - 55 MPG not the 60+ advertised, despite driving sensibly on long motorway journeys. I have purposely driven wel to see the max I can get. It drives well enough and holds the road but is noisey. Our other car is a Nissan Note, we get 60mpg+ and is much much quieter on the road. Theres more room inside and is a far better finish. My next car will definately be an upgarde to another Note. Ford have a long way to go to improve their standards for me to buy another Fiesta, I have no idea how it won the best supermini!

David, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Transit

I recently purchased my second Ford Transit. A couple of weeks after buying it I noticed a leak coming from the roof seam at the back of the van. I recognised the fault immediatley as the Transit I had before this had exaclty the same fault. When the seam was checked it was clear that it was manufacturing fault as there was a gap in the sealant applied to the seam. But when I took it to Ford’s, they used the fact that the previous owner who sold it to the garage had not got the body and paint work check carried out in the service book, rendering the waranty invalid. The fact that it is a manufacturing fault has not been denied by Ford, but because the paperwork was incompleted, I am left with a second van with the same fault. Have I just been unlucky in buying two consecutive Transits with this fault or is this a wider probelm with the Transit (T260 SWB)?

Gary, Sussex on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

I’ve been driving my CC-3 for almost 2 years since new. Its fun, a smooth drive, a huge boot and a great drive. With the roof up or down, it feels like a real man’s car - solid, reliable and sexy.... No real complaints at all - and I don’t understand some so-called experts criticisms about its rear end - the shape gives the car a continental coupe image and it provides an amazing boot space, with or without the roof... I am convinced that when I am ready to replace this car, I will go for a newer model of the same - the first time I have ever done that - I love it - pure and simple!

Phil, Yorkshire on the Ford S-MAX

Just had my s-max for two and a half years and am going to swap for it a 2 litre titanium version after much anguish over what to replace a fabulous car with. I have had Fords in the past and they never quite lived upto expectations. The S-Max always has. Yes, I have had quite a few niggly faults including two alarms sounders and two heated front winscreens, but my local dealer has been brilliant. Ultimately when you get in a car you want to be sure it will start and get you where you want to go. This people carrier does it with aplomb and if the mood takes it eats up the twist roads like no other people carrier and never fails to put a smile on my face. Yes, the build quility isn’t quite up to Toyota standard, but then toyotas don’t drive like a Ford. If the build issues could be sorted this would be a six star car. I have no hesitation in recommending this car to family drivers just make sure you use a good Ford dealer like the one in my area.

Jerry, Norfolk on the Ford Mondeo

I have driven many cars in the past but this car is better than any other - so there are few around... so what? It shows that there are some happy drivers out there. Interior space is amazing, boot is enormous, handling is A1 and driving it is a pleasure.

Phil, Sussex on the Ford Ranger

DO NOT BUY! What a terrible truck, nothing but problems. It can not tow. Ford customer services are not worth phoning and as for the warrenty, it is not worth the paper it is written on. I have had a new clutch, warped discs, the cam belt go, the paintwork peel off, various knocking sounds that couldn’t be explained by Ford, the car shuddering when it hits 60 miles an hour, the list goes on, and its not 3 years old yet!

David, Cambridgeshire on the Ford Ranger

Great truck until you need parts. The truck overheated and needs a new coolant temperature sensor. Due to Ford having no parts in stock worldwide I will have been without the vehicle for a month!! Spoke to customer service and they won’t help with a courtesy vehicle. The truck has covered 97,000 miles so I don’t mind it breaking down but cannot accept Ford’s inability to supply parts or Ford Customer Service unwillingness to help. I would not have another Ford based on this experience.

Dan, Devon on the Ford Transit Connect

I dont have much time for this van, even to review it. The seats are horrible, the engine is gutless, slow and uneconomical, bits of the bumper fall off for no reason, the gearchange is horrible, its equipped how you’d expect to buy a van 10 or 15 years ago and I now hope I never have the sadness of having to drive a Ford vehicle ever again!

Gary, Bedfordshire on the Ford Transit

Ordered in April 2007. Delivered in November 2007 !! OK, so it was to my own spec but 7 MONTHS?? Anyway, I got a good discount from my local dealership so I spent it on a GLX model, plus some other extras. I work as a multi-drop driver; possibly the toughest road test for any van and I wanted lots of toys. Currently covered 73k in 22 months of stop/start urban driving mainly over speed humps! Serviced every 15k and maintained regardless as I need 100% reliability. It came with air con, electric windows/mirrors, heated screen/mirrors. multi CD player, cruise control, heated drivers seat (mmm!), auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, slam locks, configurable locking, ply boarding, to name but a few. Apparently my van was built in Turkey, where, it seems, they haven’t discovered Quality Control. On delivery, apart from the poor PDI that the dealer charged 90 quid for, it had a faulty EGR valve, rasping turbo wastegate, intermittent engine management warnings, faulty heated front screen, faulty rear door lock, poor fitting side loading door, poor interior trim fit, crunchy 1st-2nd gearchange and it steered to the left. Stupidly, I believed that showing some loyalty to the dealership that gave me the decent discount would mean a decent experience in the service department. It didn’t. And they were pitiful; if it wasn’t broken then they couldn’t be arsed to investigate it. Waste of time. Without going through the entire maintenance schedule, I’ve had the following parts replaced in addition to the regular service items. Turbo and wastegate (cured rasp/hesitation) 2 EGR valves, (what DO they do??!) Fuel pump pressure regulator (cured poor starting/idling/stalling) Starter motor (shagged!) Vacuum pump (leaking) Radiator (leaking) Sump seal (leaking) Steering rack (recall?) Steering column (fell apart) Rear axle (diff fault) Ignition lock (fell apart) Radio/CD player (cd’s jamming) Driver’s seat base (internal foam fell apart) Rear door lock (jammed internally) Front screen (hit by rock). Amazingly, I haven’t needed a clutch/flywheel assembly (common on the previous model) and while this may all sound like a bit of a horror story, I would point out that none of these things actually left me sitting by the side of the road. All of the above were sorted under Warranty after having found myself a decent Ford service department (they do exist!) in Evans Halshaw in St Albans. They get it right first time about 70-80% of the time, but undoubtedly the most important ’service’ they offer me is a courtesy van. If only all Ford dealers knew the value of such a benefit it would surely cut their customer complaints massively?? There are a few extras I wouldn’t bother with again. Slam locking and configurable locking spring to mind. Slam locking allows you to press the ’lock’ button on your fob with the door open so that when you close the door it self-locks. Great idea for delivery drivers as you can open door, ’lock’ door while it’s open, grab parcel, nudge the door shut with your bum, door locks (I wear my keys on a chain so I’d never lock them in). However, Ford also have a system where if you haven’t shut a door properly and try and lock the van, it warns you of this by tooting the horn. Suffice to say, when using the slam lock function it still toots the horn to annoy/attract the attention of those around you. Nice try, Ford, but no cigar. Similarly, with configurable locking you can unlock the rear door or drivers door or SLD independently, so while you’re in the back, no-one is climbing in the front. Nice idea. However, if you’re in the cab and get out, both the driver and passenger doors automatically unlock. So to keep the front secure while you’re in the back you need to relock the van and then unlock the back door. A bit pointless? Worthwhile extras? Cruise control? Definitely. Apart from the inevitable mobile speed cameras/ average speed cameras that you can avoid getting caught in, it also saves fuel in a job that hammers consumption. Heated drivers seat (lol)? If you have a bad back and it’s sub zero at 4am, it’s a must. Pity it’s only on a 5 minute timer! Heated front screen? No more scraping at 4am either. Overall, I think it’s a great van let down by poor QC at the factory, poor dealer support (but there are good ones) and indifferent Customer Support (unless you make a fuss). It’s comfortable, fast enough, economy is reasonable and it can cope with the punishment my work dishes out without leaving me stranded. STILL the best van on the road.

Sandra, Cheshire on the Ford Mondeo

This car is brilliant for long journeys, however, it is murder to park and awful in traffic jams. It is very noisy. Main issue with the car is that it intermittently loses power. It’s happened 7 times in 45K miles, however, the last time was at 70 mph going down the motorway. Losing all power, including steering etc., is never ideal whilst you’re overtaking. Dealership cannot find the problem until it happens again!! The scientific testing they suggest is to drive it around and see if they can replicate the problem. I have contested the car with the leasing company as I no longer feel safe in the car and believe it is not fit for purpose. I would no longer recommend it to anybody.

George, Lincolnshire on the Ford Fiesta

Gary whittle of Lancashire - you are having the same trouble as I am. My car, which I purchased new has been to 3 different Ford dealers and they have all said the same - that this is a characteristic of the Fiesta clutch release bearing. Ford have stated that if changed the noise could be even worse. Let me know what your dealer has to say.

George, Lincolnshire on the Ford Fiesta

Very disappointed with the gear box noise when idling. I have taken this back to 3 different garage’s they have all told me the same that this is a characteristic of the Fiesta car and that the noise in some is much worse than others. Apart from this the car is a lovely drive.

George, Lincolnshire on the Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta 1.4 Ghia Reference to my report of the 24Sept 08 concerning the excessive noise of the gear box when the car is idling. Once the car is in gear the noise disappears and all the dealers visited said it was a Characteristic with the Fiesta and that some are worse than others. Is there anyone out there who have the same problem?

Stephen, Surrey on the Ford Mondeo

Ford have come a long way - having run several Mondeo’s; the new shape is a credit to them!

George, Lincolnshire on the Ford Fiesta

Re David of Suffolk thanks for your comments regarding the gear box trouble I thought I was the only one with this problem and that the dealer’s were trying it on. All new Fiesta cars since 2006 according to the manufacture have had the gear box modified ???

Phil, England on the Ford Focus

Of all the cars I’ve owned this is the biggest let down of all. Whilst is isn’t a bad car, it is poorly put together, unreliable and although it has a hot hatch engine, the handling is too soft. The interior panels weren’t properly put on in the factory, i had to pop those on and in the back it needed aligning properly, the lights on the dials flicker annoying at times, the turbo gauge gets stuck, the immobiliser is a little too keen - I’ve had to disconnect the battery several times to reset it when it wont start! The rear suspension bushes are worn out and make a nasty noise over the slightest bump and the car is just over 6 months old! Theres more but you get the idea, its crap! If you want a proper hot hatch look at the Seat Leon Cupra (i had one of these before and it was 10 times better!) or Golf GTI, I’m getting rid of the Focus for another Leon...

Mark, England on the Ford Mondeo

After all the hype and glowing reports of the new Mondeo, I thought I’d give it a go after driving and Audi for a number of years and looking to change. I find the road noise unbearable, the auto box can only be described as "Industrial" and it is completely uninspiring to drive. It has some decent features and is quite a good looking car, it is huge inside and the boot is cavernous. The electrical malfunctions suffered to date have been numerous (broke down 1 day after delivery and didn’t see the car again for another month and still have niggling issues!!) leave me feeling that Ford have tried to put too much wizardry into the car which will cause headaches for many owners. Like Gary, I am stuck with the thing for a couple more years and once it’s time is up, I’ll be walking straight back into my nearest Audi dealership.

Peter, Northamptonshire on the Ford Mondeo

Had 2 of the previous models with the same engine and had no trouble at all. I’ve had trouble from day 1 with the new one, the electrics are a total disaster, gearbox gives of a knocking noise every time you engage a gear and whines all the time, they have tried to fix the faults on numerous visits no success. the only good thing about it is the size.

Tilly, Essex on the Ford Mondeo

Big boot but otherwise it’s like driving a skate board down the road. Nothing good to say about it - worst car I have ever driven.

David, Surrey on the Ford Focus

We recently purchased a 2007 3-door Ford Focus Zetec Climate. The first fault we found was a strong pull to the left the second fault was an annoying drivers window rattle not the best result for £7,494.

Ivor, Essex on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

We took delivery of CC3 on 26 Sept 2007, the car of our dreams, after years of Focuses and Mondeos.The weather for the first couple of weeks was fabulous, and driving was a great time. Then the weather broke, and it hammered down, and in. The car went back to Dealer, and to give them their due, they tried everything to cure leaks, eventually the car went back again to dealer in Feb. 2008 and there it stayed until end of May when Ford agreed to buy car back. We were offered a replacement CC3, but Ford said that they would not offer to warranty the roof against leaks. In its favour the car drove extremely well, the level of trim was very good and we took car for two trips to France touring Normandy each time and it ran fantastic.

Patrick, Lancashire on the Ford Transit Connect

Well, where do I start? Having run 4 Escort vans for years, some with over 350,000 miles for each van. I made the decision to try the new Transit Connect 210 LX with all the extras. On collection we were very pleased with our new cash purchase. However at approx 7,500 miles I noticed that the front two tyres had gone completely bald so I took it back to the main dealer to be checked assuming that as the van was just three months old that all would be sorted out under warranty. This turned out not to be the case and we had to pay for the new tyres and tracking. The dealer was not able to obtain any factory test certificates to confirm if the vehicle had ever been tracked correctly and this is not carried out as part of the pre-sale check. It is my opinion that the van had been delivered to us with the tracking out of alignment. At approx 13,000 miles I noticed that the engine had a flat spot at approx 3000 RPM so I again took the van to the main dealer who carried out tests but were unable to find the fault. I was informed that I would have to wait until the van broke down or that the fault was persistent. I carried on driving the van for a further 4,000 miles and took the van to the main again and demonstrated the fault. It turned out to be the turbo that had blown and there followed another week off the road with a new van at six months old. The van has been fine for the last six months but this week as I was driving down the motorway the engine lost partial power and I thought that it was a repeat of the turbo fault so I telephoned Ford for assistance and that turns out to be the AA and nothing to do with Ford and the service was excellent. I telephoned Evans Halshaw in Preston (the dealer where I purchased the van from) and was told be their service manager that the soonest that they could investigate the problem was 2/3 weeks. I called Ford Customer Care to see if they could help and was told that they could send me a list of telephone numbers of other dealers and I should ring round and see if any of them could get the van in any quicker and they would not provide any hire vehicle. This van is still under 12 months old and have just been informed that it now requires a new engine and waiting to hear if it is going to be covered under warranty. The moral of this sorry story if you rely on your van for business do go near a Ford Transit Connect.

Nick, Leicestershire on the Ford Focus

Initially, I was absolutely thrilled with my ST. The performance was awesome, and the build quality seemed sound. Just over a year on, I am gravely disappointed with the vehicle. Creaking plastics are a regular occurance with just about every piece of trim sounding like it is ready to fall off. Ford Customer Services, including the service department are very poor, as I have had many problems mis-diagnosed, with the vehicle returning to the dealer on numerous occasions. And to put the icing on the cake, considering how thirsty the ST is, it isn’t much faster than any of its main rivals. I am very disappointed with this, my first and probably last Ford. I put the Focus ahead of the VW Golf when purchasing, but I now wish I’d spent a little extra cash and gone for the VW. Final verdict: If you are like me and are very picky about the quality of your cars, i.e. - cannot tolerate creaking interiors and endless problems, stay well clear of the ST.

Bill, County Londonderry on the Ford Mondeo

I spend at least 40 hours a week on the roads and needed an economic, comfortable and professional looking car. I looked at both the Volkswagen Passat and the Peugeot 407 but the superior power of the engine and impressive fuel economy swung me towards the Mondeo. The 2 litre diesel engine gives me what I need from a car - performance, pull and economy. The one thing for which the Mondeo completely stands out from its rivals? It’s stops you putting the wrong type of fuel in your car!

Gary, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo

John Groves. Are you sure the Mondeo Titanium X is the best car you have driven? The ride is hard due to the 18inch alloys and 40 profile tyres. Also, the road noise is unbearable. Compared to the equivalent Laguna’s; this car is the pits. I’ve had 3 Laguna’s and thought I’d try a Diesel Titanium X Mondeo rather than the Laguna. More fool me. Now I’m stuck with a car that is way inferior to the Laguna.

Peter, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Expected to buy car tomorrow but read the faults submitted and I may not. Thanks for your comments, it was going to be a 1.6 as there would normally be only two of us in the car but would now consider a 1.8 or is it 1.9 Have they put the faults right on the 05/06/07 cars, or even the 08 plate, no answer no buy.

Gary, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo

I have to say having previously owned 3 Renault Laguna’s, I think i’ve made a major mistake opting to buy a Ford Mondeo Titanium X Tdci 130Bhp. Where do i start. The Road noise even at slow speed is very annoying. Also you feel every bump in the road. I put this down to the 225/40/18 low profile tyres on the 18 Titanium X rims. The Six speed box is far from a smooth gear change. The half leather seats are very uncomfortable when on long journeys. The only benefit with this car is the MPG you get with the 6th gear on motorways. If you can put up with the road noise.

David, Durham on the Ford Ranger

Had a Toyota Hilux and an Isuzu Rodeo 3.0tdi previously but this Ranger is in a class above. Anyone contemplating a pickup, must try one.

Colin, Bridgend on the Ford Ka

I bought a Ka on the weekend for work and for running around in. I took it for a test drive and I was very impressed, part exchanged for a 02 Vauxhall Agila and got a one year old car for £3000!! 13000 miles on the clock.

Rex, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus

I have owned my new Ford Focus for 12 months now. I love driving this car, the 1.6 115 VCT Ghia, it is a real pleasure. My only complaint is that in some situations it is under powered, the handbrake is awkward as it was designed for left hand drive models but I still love it.

David, Hampshire on the Ford Transit

The Transit is good on fuel and ride is good too. Front wheel drive has a low floor so loading is easy. Had problem with the E.C.M. and the radio needed replacing within three weeks of collecting the van and had to wait six weeks for replacement. Nice drive but steering has no adjustment.

William, Caerphilly on the Ford Focus

Simply the best car I have ever had. Drives well and I get over 50 miles to the gallon to boot. It is well screwed together, what more do you want or need?

Anonymous, England on the Ford Transit Tipper

Better than a car to drive empty, clutch doesn€™t have much guts in it loaded, short gear ratios make it fairly nippy but kill mpg - around 300miles to 70 odd litres worth so about 80 quid.

Sarah, Kent on the Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is an ideal compact family car, ideal for school runs, shopping trips etc. The interior is nice & comfortable with lots of space. The car has a large boot for holding extra luggage. The car is made of high quality with safety features. The Ford Focus has been created to empower the driver. Each precision built component, each advanced technology, chosen to work in harmony and deliver a smooth, exciting driving experience - one that allows you to enjoy every twist and turn in the road and leave stress behind. The Ford Focus is packed full of technology that delivers at every turn from the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) to the optional Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with Traction Assist for extra stability. Driving is always more enjoyable when you are protected. So the Ford Focus's tough body structure is complemented by an Intelligent Protection System (IPS). Ford Focus has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and has also been awarded a 4-star child restraints rating and a 2-star pedestrian protection rating. You can feel the excitement of driving the Ford Focus just by looking at it. Refined design and functional elegance provide a look that's solid and well crafted.

Molly, Bedfordshire on the Ford Transit Minibus

I bought this vehicle because there are so many transits in all sorts of guises on the road and I thought there must be a reason for it. All the others are modelled on it.

John, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo

Best car I have ever driven. I would definately recommend the Ford Mondeo as I have had lots of Fords but this is the best!!!!!

Daniel, England on the Ford Transit

No review submitted.

David, England on the Ford Transit

hired a transit from a major hire company to move some equipment from Lynmouth to Bristol. The vehicle didnt disappoint, from a well designed interior to a large load space, and with sufficient power to cope with most of the hills that the roads of West Somerset threw at it. The only exception was the incredibly steep and bendy Porlock Hill, where, unladen, the transit struggled to have enough traction to get up what is officially (and surprisingly) a main road, and as the ever-annoying traction control kicked in almost all power was lost. Having arrived at our destination in Lynmouth the transit was easy to load, with plenty of space and wide opening doors making access easy. The maneuvrability of the van, with large wingmirrors, made light work of reversing it into a narrow gateway, aided by good power steering. Once laden, the van continued to exhibit a powerful engine, pulling away happily even on a couple of tricky hill starts. On the motorway the engine noise was more of a whistle than a roar, and it could barely be heard over the radio. Road noise also was no problem. The driving position and drivers seat were comfortable, with a folding arm rest, while a solid bulkhead provided confidence that sudden braking wouldnt bring the whole load crashing down on me! On the way back a stop at the motorway services for lunch and fuel was required, as the onboard computer was telling me that i could only complete another 20 miles. With its fold-out table the cab made a comfortable place to eat lunch, and the plentiful cup / bottle holders around the cab meant that a drink was always on hand throughout the day. On entering Bristol during the school-run, the transit was easily maneuvrable among the mothers in their chelsea tractors, and again coped with some of bristols toughest hill starts. All in all a well rounded van which i would recommend to anyone.

Donal, County Antrim on the Ford Galaxy

Great drive either on Motorway or secondary roads. Good punchy acceleration. Low down Turbo lag lets it down around town, very refined, economical and comfortable - average 43 mpg over last 15k miles.

Norman, Surrey on the Ford Focus

I LOVE MY FOCUS BECAUSE IT A CAR THAT LIVES UPTO IT’S NAME FOR ME,A CAR THAT FOCUS ON EVERY DETAIL A CAR SHOULD HAVE.

Walther, Durham on the Ford Focus

Jamie Hobb does indeed sum the Focus up nicely. Lovely to drive, comfortable inside and the best family car. I would like to add that the 2.0 litre diesel is the pick of the engines and gives me almost 50 miles per gallon.

Dan, Powys on the Ford Ka

An excellent car, suitable for almost any purpose, big enough for the kids but small enough to make it easy for the wife to park. A good choice for those of us on a budget.

Jamie, Cornwall on the Ford Fiesta

Fun car to drive, nicely built and a pleasure to drive. Good on fuel economy. What more could you want?

Rex, England on the Ford Focus

I have had my new Ford Focus for 9 months now. It’s the 1.6 VCT 115 Ghia and it’s great to drive, nice to look at and I love the automatic lights. The windscreen wipers are self dipping and the Focus features cruise control. I just love driving it.

Donald, Kent on the Ford Mondeo

This is the best family car available in the UK market today. Both Top Gear and What Car? magazines award the Modeo the full five stars out of five, an award that is very difficult to achieve. Why is the Mondeo so highly rated? The Modeo offers the smoothest, quietest drive that I have ever had. It almost feels like you are not moving. Road noise is barely noticeable, even at higher speeds. There is plenty of room inside the quality interior, the boot is HUGE and the rear seats split to offer you different seating arrangements. The Mondeo is, quite simply, quality The new car price being between £15,000 and £23,000 and this makes it excellent value for money. I honestly thought that Ford were losing their edge but I must say that I am mightily impressed!

Michael, Somerset on the Ford Focus

There are some great points made in the other reviews. Although this not a BMW, Volkswagen or Audi it does have the same level of reliability and build quality. This is the best hatchback available and the price range means that it is affordable and excellent value for money. There is a lovely feeling of space in the cabin and a great safety record adds to a very comfortable ride. The economy is good, especially on the diesel. THE BEST HATCHBACK

Ben, Banffshire on the Ford Mondeo Estate

This is the best family estate by a country mile. The boot space is enormous but this is not at the expense of the passengers, there is also plenty of room for them too. The rear seats can be folder down and you could conceivably use the Mondeo Estate to move house! I bought the Mondeo Estate on the basis of the advice I had read in a Top Gear magazine, it was the Top Gear choice for family estates. I wish that I had paid a little extra and gone for the 2 litre diesel but the 1.6 gives you a very credible performance. This is a very big, very safe family estate. The best in the category by some distance. I would recommend the 2.0 diesel engine if you are thinking of buying one in the near future.

Matthew, Norfolk on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

Fab car. This is a brilliant entry for Ford into the Coupe-carbriolet market. Good fuel econmoy and lovely to drive.

Dimitrios, England on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I’m really surprised to find continuously on the Net reports about this car.As an owner I’ve never had any real problems with my 2.0TDCi C-max.As a matter of fact I’ve started to believe that all this kind of malfunctions appears to cars made in G.B. I clearly remember that before ordering my car I asked them where it’s been made and the answer was "Colonia,Germany."I’m really sorry to believe this but till now all bad reports come from U.K. However,those men in Ford should have do ne something in order to save the company’s good profile.Looking forward to read any comments on my report. Dimitris, Hellas

Ilya, England on the Ford Mondeo

No review submitted.

Tara, Yorkshire on the Ford Streetka

Lovely on the outside but skimped on the interior. Fun to drive though and excellent torque.

Stan, Leicestershire on the Ford Ranger

This is a working van and is used to it’s full potential everyday (in construction). This is a cracker of a workhorse and has towed, lugged and hauled just about every piece of machinery on site without any problems whatsoever. The only negative is the handbrake which, in my opinion, is in a stupid place, but you do get used to it. Highly recommended.

Marion , Gloucestershire on the Ford Fusion

I bought this car to fit my lifestyle and it certainly ticks all the boxes it looks at home on the country lanes, and in the town holds the road and pulls well up the hill, its roomy comfortable, takes me and my three dogs in comfort (and style) with the tinted privacy glass tto the rear they look like celeb pooches. Its leather upholstrey is a luxury I decided to reward myself with as its something Ive always wantd. Its easy to park, the rear parking sensors are practical and audible. The blue tooth sytem makes business on the move safe and legal. I dont agree its a fiesta on stilts as someone wrote. To me its a a classy, yet practical car and I would best describe it as a Ford "For all reasons all seasons!!!

Harry, Essex on the Ford Tourneo Connect

Rather than buying a family car and a seperate van for work I have gone for the option of combining the two needs into one vehicle, which is just what the Tourneo Connect has been designed for, and it works brilliantly. The car has excellent security and excellent load space when the seats are folded and it flexible enough and comfortable in its roll as family vehicle. I’m really pleased with this van, it’s a very cost effective and pleasantly drivable option for people looking for a dual purpose vehicle.

Fraser, Northumberland on the Ford Focus C-MAX

This is my second new TDCi C Max. I drove Citroens for years so it was a big decision to buy Ford. I tow and found that it had more pulling power. I had no problems with the first, but 4 weeks after I got this one. It was on the back of a tow truck heading west to Angouleme in west France. having stopped and failed to restart. I had it back in three days with the computer "reset" Two weeks later, whilst still in France it stopped again, but as I’d kept the engine running, but no acceleration, it regained its power before the breakdown service arrived. It was checked out at the dealer on my return but no problem was found. In April 2008 on my return from SW Scotland I lost the power assisted steering and was lifted home. A new unit was fitted on warranty. In October it went again, but I was able to drive it the short distance home and borrow my wife’s car to continue on my necessary journey. The following day it had corrected itself and when checked at the dealership, no fault was detected. This occurred again in December following heavy rain. This was outside my brother’s home and the problem had again cleared by the following morning. Nothing more frustrating that an intermittent fault, or is there... On January 30th, the day after another visit to Scotland, I put the car through an intensive car wash. After parking up, I found that the steering had again failed. I was in the supermarket car park with a boot full of shopping, which my wife had to take home by taxi while I awaited roadside assistance. It was taken to the same dealer where it remains. I like the model, but hate my model. I suppose my real gripe is with Ford Customer Relationships, itself an interesting expression. I use my car during the course of my work and my wife has her own car for her convenience, but mainly to visit her mother daily in a nursing home. I contacted Ford on their 0845 number and requested the use of a rental car at their expense. I was told that they could not do this without a diagnosis. My diagnosis is that my car is unusable through no fault of mine and is in need of specialised repairs. The dealer is unable to determine the fault and following contact with Ford engineers and following their advice have been unable to find the fault. My dealership has no car available, so we re-contacted Ford CR today to be told. No diagnosis, no car! This took 25 minutes to go nowhere, a little like my car you may think. I have no real understanding of car mechanics, but it did occur to me to mention that my car had been very wet on two of the occasions and they may look at water egress. My dealer says I can have a car for the weekend and then again from Tuesday next. I am going on, but I’m not expecting a "diagnosis" until after then! I am fortunate that we have a second vehicle that I have been able to use to carry on my work, or else I would have had to hire at my expense. Apart from the inconvenience and frustration, I realise that the whole set up is a bit of a sham and that customer care, once you have purchased a pig, doesn’t really exist. I will soon be changing my car and this whole experience of Ford apathy and lack of anything that resembles customer care, means that I will return to Citroen as my preferred option. I suppose the truly saving grace is that this has only happened whilst stationery or at very slow speed.

David, Warwickshire on the Ford Fiesta

I agree with Melvin about most points. It’s a good car but occasional gripes can let it down. I struggle to find a really comfortable driving position. Town only mpg is dropping to 46 but I expect it to improve significantly on longer runs. As it’s the Zetec S it seems I can’t put a towbar on - why not, Ford?? My car came with auto wipers which I must admit I could do without - I certainly prefer to be able to make my own choice for a delay. You’re right about the rear seat, Melvin. Why do Ford not split the base so you can put one side completely flat?? This is a real pain. My old xr2i was much better - each side of the rear seat dropped flat and you didn’t even have to lift the base. Even my old MG Metro (did I have to mention that?) had a brilliant split fold rear seat. These apart I really like the car - I was looking at Mini Coopers when I decided to save money and buy the Fiesta instead and after a year although I look at Mini’s I reckon I saved a load of money buying the Fiesta. Most of the extras were included and for the same money; a Mini was nowhere near as good value. The cheap Car Tax helps as well...

Rob, England on the Ford Mondeo

I love this car, and having driven many, it’s without doubt my favourite. The performance: handling is superb, I’ve sports suspension which can indeed make the ride a little bumpier coupled with the lower profile tyres; however, the cornering, the poise - fantastic. I’m surprised at people reporting high interior noise. I’ve never driven a quieter car. Perhaps consider your type of tyres. Despite being a big car, the torque is impressive and a delight for driving. Brakes are powerful indeed. The gizmo’s inside are a delight - I’ve now driven 10000miles without a single problem. Fuel economy averages around 37mpg so not too bad, although I’d have expected better. If you’re a badge snob, buy a BMW or Audi, but I’d rather save my thousands of pounds and stick with this car. A Ford Mondeo and people are impressed - what more could you want in a family car? What I don’t like: parking! I’d recommend parking sensors if you’ve the option. Tramlines a little whilst braking hard - but nothing to be concerned about, water can drip into the boot on opening - no big deal if you open it slowly. And that’s it. :)

D, County Down on the Ford Ka

Just got a 2007 Ka, 1,400 (yes, one thousand four hundred) miles for £3000!!! It was a write-off but has been fixed and is now like brand new. Very happy! Great wee car!

DJ, England on the Ford Transit Tipper

Grilliant!!!!!!!!!!

George, Lincolnshire on the Ford Fiesta

Re Fiesta Ghia 2007. Purchased new as mentioned before - I am still having problems with the clutch noise - the dealer offered to put in a new clutch under the warranty. This has just been done but the noise is no better, in fact it sounds louder. Re to John Pugh - if you get any more information would you let me know - regarding the mileage they have mentioned I have done 15000 miles so I think that your dealer is having you on - they told me the same when I bought the car This a bad fault with this model and the worst part about it is that Ford agree.

David, County Antrim on the Ford Focus

This has been my second Mk2 Focus, 3rd just purchased. Overall an excellent motor car with excellent fuel economy, fault free and also comfortable and versatile. Have readily recommended to others...

Steve, Gloucestershire on the Ford Focus

Nice blend of performance and practicality. Mid-range surge and addictive exhaust grumble are great. Averages 34 MPG on motorway runs but this drops to 23 MPG when pushing hard cross country. No getting away from 224g/km CO2 and resulting tax bill. Brakes resist fade and ABS is not intrusive. Chassis/suspension set up is mini GT rather than hot hatch. Driven as mini GT, for the money, there are not many alternatives that would beat it. If you want a hot hatch then look elsewhere there are better alternatives. Interior is holding up well, nothing fallen off or broken, WD40 has cured seat squeak and odd rattle. Standard fit Recaros are great - fabric grips better than leather on ST3. Have built in sat-nav which is easy to use and works well. Overall, the performance (as a mini GT), practicality and noise outweigh fuel and CO2 - just!

Robert, England on the Ford Ranger

I bought a demo Ranger with 20 miles on the clock in December 2007. It has now done 9 thousand miles and the clutch has gone. Ford told me it is wear and tear and I had to pay 700 pounds to fix it - worst still - if I took it away to get a better quote I would have to pay 300 pounds to put it together again. Has any one else had this fault as I think if this happens after this mileage something is wrong?

Lee, Somerset on the Ford Focus

I leased this car for first time. It drives pretty well and is pretty nippy but watch out for knocking noise on front suspension. Had it in garage 4 times trying to cure it; in the end got fed up and gave up. Other than that it is a really nice car; all round plenty of room for kids dogs!

Kevin, Sussex on the Ford Mondeo

This car started out with great promise but has become the worst I’ve owned for electrical problems. Even my BL Allegro was more reliable! These faults have caused it to be returned to the dealer just too many times. I have owned this car for 22 months and I have now had enough and have traded it in for a Mazda6.

Robert, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Mondeo

Great car marred by noisy 18" low profiles which I have now changed for 215x55 x16 on nice rims to keep rolling radius the same - now much, much better. Juicier than my 05 130 Zetec by about 5 mpg - less overall but you get a lot of car for your money. Parking sensors are a must and despite what they tell you they can be retro fitted (it cost me £24 DIY) and has not affected the computer. I intend to run a clear mastic bead in the gap under the rear window to lessen the volume which spills after rain into the boot, if it works I will have no complaints about the car. If your pocket stops you from new rims/tyres try cutting thick carpet to the profile of the boot mat and placing it underneath also put some under the back seat, it might lessen the drumming effect.

Andrew, Moray (Elgin) and Nairn Shire on the Ford Ranger

I use my 2007 ranger 2.5 as a workhorse in the water industry. Working in the Highlands and islands of Scotland on all sorts o’ sump busting, wheel spinning and bogging down stuff! I had been using a Ford Connect for 3 years previously, broke it heaps of times and persuaded the boss to get me something a bit more appropriate, ie 4x4! finally the day came that Mr Ranger appeared. Immediately I loved the look, the 2.5 is bare, not chromy and leathery like the higher level models, but that’s what makes it look so good. You can see the bash plates underneath clearly, no frills and sparkly bits, immediately one can tell it means business! Having driven Land rovers in the military, I thought also that it may be all look and no action. I got in, liked the interior. I do find the nooks and crannies are way too small though, and in a working vehicle they can get manky pretty quickly, dust, spilt coffee etc, and can be fiddly to clean. I drove off and immediately found the Ranger has the turning circle of an oil tanker!!! it is a long vehicle, parking in a busy street is another problem. City boys, do NOT buy this vehicle! long drives on main roads are a pleasure, with enough whoomph in the engine to do confident overtakes, a rarity in a hard core fourby. Good fun with nippy third acceleration. Proof of the pudding though was getting to my work locations, up steep fields, crossing moorland and rocky ground, not bogging down! Didn’t like having to stop to change into four wheel drive, not convenient when you hit a bad patch and you have to stop to change into 4x4! bloody annoying! You know when you see a spot that looks nice steep, scary and do able? Well, I’ve taken the Ranger up anything I would attempt in a Landie, had it at alarming angles where I was positive it would roll and had it as deep in water as I dare! It came through with flying colours - apart from one thing... why is it, when in full lock in 4x4, especially in reverse, that it feels like the handbrake is on? It doesn’t want to move! In all, I love it! Price is reasonable, looks good, and does what it says on the tin! Get one!

Paul, England on the Ford Focus

This is my second focus. First one a mark 1 and gave me no problems. So far after 18 months, nor has this one. It’s a good car. The mark 1 was more fun to drive on B roads due to hydraulic steering (1.8 mark 2 has electro hydraulic which is worse), better visibility and felt more agile but this mark 2 is much more of an all rounder. Nicely made, no rattles anywhere, smooth clutch and gearbox. Still handles pretty well although in a more mature, sure footed way. 1.8 petrol is good once you get the revs up, a bit lacking in low down torque as per most 16 valve petrols. Diesel probably better cos you’re more likely to get power when you want it and get much more MPG. I get 35 out of this overall. Not too bad, but motorway economy should be better, gearing is too short. Very very stable at speed, side winds barely noticeable but also a bit too noisy. Those 16 inch tyres kick up a fair racket although no where near as much as my mark 1 which was awful in this area. Far from flawless but I haven’t found anything else without significant drawbacks. Its practical, comfortable, nicely laid out (the steering wheel stereo control stalk is ideally positioned), good in every area but road noise which remains a focus weakness, though I hear, significantly better in 2008 facelift model.

Colin, Lanarkshire on the Ford Transit Tipper

Good working van with good pulling power but poor diesel consumption.

Ann, County Tyrone on the Ford Ranger

My brother has just bought a "new" 2007 Ranger with 2 miles on the clock and after driving a couple of hundred miles the clutch went and Ford refused to repair it and said it was wear and tear. I think this is utter rubbish! Ford should take responsibility for this especially in this economic climate. I shall be writing to the chief executive of Ford and also to TV’s watchdog programme.

Graham, Lincolnshire on the Ford Ranger

Just brought an 07 plates with 25,000 on the clock. Awesome! I am a part-time game-keeper, landscaper and a mad fisherman. It performs every time.

Dave, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus

Bought 57 plate 1.6tdci focus from Evans Halshaw. I had the car half a day and a fuel leak covered the engine; then steering pump bearings went. I’ve been back 3 times for same leak and steam cleaning. Excellent drive, superb economy but absolutely none existent customer service from Evans Halshaw. Ford I would recommend but not Evans Halshaw.

Robert, Devon on the Ford Ranger

Last week it would have been a 4star! Clutch has gone!! Oh and Ford have upgraded the clutch plate now but its still our fault! I was told when towing you should start in low box and when on the move change to high! that’s fine! Have you tried that I asked ? NO! that’s good eh! coz you cant go from low to high unless you stop!! or will Ford replace the gearbox when it goes?? If you want to tow ’do not buy one!’ hell of an engine, pulls like a train! but first gear is geared like second, so you have problems pulling away! People even stall it with out a trailer!! I was told this was to do with emissions!! Talk about "bull" I bought the truck coz it said it was a work horse and industry leading pulling capacity of three tonne, which is fine but the clutch is not up to the job so that makes the Ranger not up to the job!! Am I strong enough to take on Ford ? No, but I will not buy any thing else from them!!

Mike, Shropshire on the Ford Focus Estate

Only visited the dealer twice since new, both times merely for annual/12000m service with no faults reported. Car comfortable and capacious for external size. Only downside is poor fuel consumption. Never got more than 31mpg on trip average. In fact consumption is the same as previous 2.0-litre Picasso petrol auto.

Mark, Cornwall on the Ford Ranger

Well here goes thought I would spoil myself a couple of years ago and buy a Nissan Navara but having been patted on the head by an overbearing salesman in the Nissan garage in Bodmin I decided to check out Ford and stumbled across the Ranger. Absolutely fabulous to drive, superb engine, very usable and 3K cheaper than the Nissan - fantastic! Then it all went wrong; pretty much the first time I towed with it! It goes forward OK but reversing was a nightmare - I had to engage low gear everytime otherwise it would fry the clutch. Literally, I had been used to an old Pajero which could pull a freighted 7.5Tonner off a duel carriageway but the first Ranger Clutch lasted 7 thousand miles and it was a brand new one! I am now not towing with the vehicle which makes it worthless to me so am trading it in for a new Transit this week. So to recap: if you want the Ranger as a cheap 4wd fine; if you want to tow with it AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!

Alan, Surrey on the Ford Focus

Great family car. Boot space a little short, but very well-balanced, good driving position, and good visibility all round. One problem with dash electrical pod - speedo/rev counter flicking on and off, lighting failed and intermittent nuisance red/amber fail lights. Whole pod replaced at 65,000 miles and worked fine ever since. Cheap to run and goes about 500 town and country miles to a tank of diesel. Would definitely get another one.

Jeanette, London on the Ford Focus

I have not had a good experience from the word go. Ergonomically, even with an automatic model, the design of the car is all wrong for me - something you don’t find out on the average test drive. I went to a mobility centre for an assessment. The depth of the seat was nipping a nerve behind my knee and giving me parasthesia! I got a wedge to sit on and a wedge for the footwell, which means I am virtually touching the roof while driving! Now I wish I had swallowed the depreciation rate and got a different car because after only 30,000 miles I had to have a new alternator. It was out of warranty by five months. I put it down to bad luck. However, after the power assisted steering pump went as well last week, costing nearly £800 to fix, it is more than bad luck. It has 35,000 on the clock! This car is a lemon. I had a Daewoo for 8 years from brand new and did considerably higher mileage per annum but it never cost as much as this heap of junk to fix or maintain.

Karen, England on the Ford Transit Connect

We have had continuous problems with the tracking of the front wheels, causing us to buy numerous tyres.

Bob, England on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Great car. Pros: I pull a caravan and have been impressed with its power. The more weight you put on the back, the better it pulls! Very smooth and comfortable with plenty of acceleration. Economy (solo) can be as high as 60 mpg but for general motoring I expect to maintain the high 40s. Exceptionally manoeuverable and easy to drive. Very versatile luggage space. Cons: Can be heavy on front tyres and I have an expensive air con problem to get sorted.

Rich, England on the Ford Focus

Who ever said the 2.0 TDCi is c**p because it’s a Peugeot unit... how wrong you are!!!!! The EGR valve went because the Peugeot and Citroen variant use hardened steel gears in the EGR valve and when Ford take the engine they use plastic gears inside the EGR - a bit of cost cutting. All the HDi engines built in France by Peugeot are very reliable and never go wrong. My Dad has a transit 2.2 AA van and engine built by Ford and it’s the 2nd transit in under a year, 2nd engine and the Ford dealer have it more than he does.

Dan, Staffordshire on the Ford Transit

Within a week of collecting my van it was back in the garage with engine warning light on, after 3 visits and having no van for almost a month it appeared to be sorted. A few months later the clutch went and was taken back. It was also taken back twice again for product recalls, one serious as a van had blown up due to wiring not been protected properly. For a few months the van was fantastic, but this was the calm before the storm. In March the van was parked up at 5pm. At 10.25 3 explosions were heard, the van was in flames! The fire brigade pointed out it was an electrical fault along with the insurance underwriter as the van was a complete write off. As I write this almost 3 months later Ford do not want to know and I have no vehicle. I have had many heated arguments with Ford customer services who assured me that they are in contact with my insurance company as van is still under warranty, but according to my insurance they have never been contacted by Ford. When the insurance decide to settle I doubt I will be able to buy another van of the same value, so after 2 1/2 years of paying off a 23k van I will probable have enough left to buy a 3k van. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE IN THAT?

Louis, Warwickshire on the Ford Transit

Shocking van. Under powered, had to have a new engine, clutch, gearbox rebuilt, back doors packed up, roof leaks. A pile of crap - stay away. Buy a Mercedes. Ford customer service is a joke.

James , Worcestershire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Owned car for two years, 6m, not one problem must b lucky. 0nly one thing is the paint, mine is black scratches as soon as you look at it.

Jason, England on the Ford Focus C-MAX

1825mm - yes, that’s the width of the C-MAX. Now you try and find a car that wide, that cheap. Well, I couldn’t, especially as I wanted a TD auto. So began the investigations. Horror story after horror story, and yet the "What Car?" types give accolade after accolade. "As good as the Focus!" they say, and then you turn over to page 2, and read through the customer complaints. I come from Impreza country, and Focus’s are fodder to be ignored as a complete waste of effort. I shall now adopt this philosophy with the C-MAX BEFORE buying it. I am sorry for those who have, as clearly, once again, myriads are duped and manipulated into directions they all wished they had never gone. I am buying a Volkswagen Caravelle, where others can breathe my exhaust fumes beneath me, and in thirty years time, I can drive past the rust ridden graveyards of former Dagenham Dustbins, no doubt with over 400,000 miles on the clock, and a breakdown free history. One thing I can certainly claim, is that Caravelle’s will always grow old gracefully, whereas the C-MAX will be retired before it’s middle-aged, with so many ailments, the National Health Service will never be able to keep it alive. But then, it doesn’t deserve it, does it. It’s a cheap vehicle, built with a cheap outlook with cheap support and backup. Interestingly, Ford equates to: Fodder Others Regret Driving = FORD.

John, Wiltshire on the Ford Focus

This is my second Focus having had a MK 1 for 5 years and this MK 2 for the last 3 years. So far so good with little or no problems at all. To all you Focus owners though check your spark plug receptacles are not filling up with water during heavy rain. It is a common problem and it requires a modification to the windscreen washer nozzles which are letting water by and onto the top of the engine. If not rectified this can cause the spark plugs to "explode". It would have been nice if Ford had contacted everyone rather than having you to find out this for yourself and to contact your Ford garage to have the mod done. Other than that it is a good solid reliable car and I would recommended the Focus to anyone thinking of buying one.

Andy, England on the Ford Transit

The Transit 90 is a gutless thing with a sad excuse for an engine. I say an engine, because sometimes I think it is an elastic band underneath the bonnet. Had no end of troubles with its stupid glow plug light coming on and cutting down my engine speed which is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when overtaking something like a truck. Then you pull in, turn the engine off and it resets itself. Then, 3 hours later, it does the same again. Avoid like the plague. Terrible van.

Mark, Worcestershire on the Ford S-MAX

Now at the end of the lease, 45K on the clock and time to keep or get rid... and the verdict is... get rid. I read somewhere that this has been one of Britain’s most unreliable cars, and I must say I share this experience. Blew a fuse with a cheap mobile phone charger, went to replace them... and none were fitted as spares where they should be. A handle came off a seat tilt lever, the air con defrosted into the footwell so I was paddling whilst driving, 1/3 of the quick clear elements in the window fail to work on a frosty day, but the worse of all was when I had to call out the AA when the clutch failed. Evidently the dual mass flywheel fell apart, with 40K miles on the clock. And I AM the guy who spends all his time on motorways. Cost me over £200 in clutch parts (you see clutch parts are not covered under the warranty) and yes, before you ask it was serviced religiously. So in summary, the concept of the S-MAX is great, but yet again it has been let down by poor build quality. This is my second Ford from new, the last, a Mondeo was a crock of you know what as well, with a hydraulic valve failing on the power steering and an engine core plug dropping out ! It’s about time Ford employed some Japanese expertise on reliability... and then it would be a 6 star car.

David, Dumfriesshire on the Ford Mondeo

Have driven the 2 litre TDI Estate for 2 years and often fully laden. The car is very economical and handles brilliantly on every occasion. First Mondeo I’ve owned and it certainly won’t be the last. Been driving for 50 years and tried many different models, but this is the best.

Erjon, Warwickshire on the Ford Transit

The best van I have ever owned, I cannot fault it.

Patrick, Berkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Do not buy this car - if you are unlucky enough to own one - get rid of it before it kills you, your family or an innocent third party. Strong words, why so damming you may ask? Last week, my wife was driving our children home on a dark country road when without any warning what-so-ever, her C-Max power assisted steering and ABS brakes simultaneously failed. I am not talking about heavy steering here - the brake peddle went hard and the steering wheel would not move more than 10 to 15 degrees from centre. Fortunately my wife was cool headed enough to eventually bring the car to a halt from around 35mph before careering into a ditch or having a "head-on" with an on-coming articulated lorry. The cause was a faulty alternator - replaced under warranty - only after a blazing row with Ford Customer Relations.

Chris, Gloucestershire on the Ford Transit

Had van from new, when it’s running excellent drive but had numerous trips to garage for warranty faults, egr valve, abs faults and the latest, turbo failed just after being serviced by main dealer. The engine is a right-off £4500 to put right and Ford say no warranty as van on its very 1st service was serviced 2000miles early. Yet they seem to operate a selective warranty scheme, as other warranty is done, except this claim, obviously the recession hit em hard and they need to save a bit here and there, mileage now is 47,000 and its completely useless unless I fork out this much to put right. Other Transit we operate, just as bad, numerous trips to garage for egr valve and abs faults. Never buying again as Ford customer services is crap!!!

Jerry, Huntingdonshire on the Ford Transit

Still the best van around. I wouldn’t use anything else.

Mark, Worcestershire on the Ford S-MAX

They say you should never be the first to get a new model car..........they use the first year to sort out all the problems. I wish I had listened, sometimes, but overall this has been a great experience for me. The marketing was aimed square at me, 42 and 3 young kids starting world war three across the back seats of my older model Honda Accord. Time for more than 5 seats, so I could put one seat between them. Ford wanted to build a MPV that appeals to a driver, and in this respect it should have 6 stars. I tested the Toyota Avensis verso, 7 seats , 2 small ones and a CRACKING new diesel Engine, but the road noise from the tyres was horrendous. The Mazda 7 was too small and under powered. Second choice for me would have been the Honda FRV with its funky 3 across in the front, but tiny rear boot. I test drove the 1.8TDci (thought this was great ! and bought the 2.0 Tdci titanium. This car drives REALLY well for a 7 seater. The torque available is huge, a rolling start coming up to traffic lights and it will equal a 2.0 Petrol no problem. The suspension is great, you can throw it around a roundabout and have some real fun. OK, it is not a sports car, but it is good for a 7 seater. My kids LOVE the back seats, they are full sized and the car has good all round visability. THe Titanium spec has cruise, an in dash 6 CD player, front and back park sensors, auto wipers, twin climate control. I added the panoramic glass sunroof as MPVs can be very dark places. It is actually two large glass roofs, each with a blind, and they make an enormous difference on a lovely sunny day. Well worth it. 90% of the time I use this to motorway burn solo and get 40 mpg at 70 to a bit more than 70.;-) Why not 5 stars ? Well the build quality let it down initailly. One seat handle came off in my 6 year olds hand, it leaked water into the footwell when the A/c defrosted, there were no spare fuses where there should be some after I blew the cigarette lighter. It has all been fixed now and it hasbeen fault free 9 months. So Good things.....the drive, style, equipment, cost of ownership, size ( it is a BIG car),seat flexability, sunroofs Bad things.....teething problems in the beginning, you have to unload the boot to lower the back two seats, wife says passenger seat is hard. Get one.

Rodney, Surrey on the Ford Transit Connect

Not a great deal to be said here, really. Awesome van, quick, quiet, and very very comfortable. Spacious load area due to square shape, reliable (29k in 3 months, no breakdowns). LX pack a real addition, heated windscreen great in cold weather, armrest nice in traffic, driving position and view of road second only to full size transits. Surprisingly good handling, decent fuel economy (same on average as astravan 1.7cdti that replaced it). Only thing mine missed was air con, get that and you’ll grin for years. This van doesn’t get you to work, it helps you at work. Sounds odd, that. Truly capable vans and well worthy of the Transit badge. Definitive 5 stars.

Barry, Ceredigion on the Ford Fiesta

I used to drive a Fiesta in the 1980s and thankfully they have come a long way since then. I had to loan a friend’s Fiesta for a couple of weeks because my own car was in the garage. I found it good to drive with plenty of space, good controls and an inexpensive mode of transport. I would not call it visually inspiring but it is a HUGE improvement on my first model!

Neil, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus

Right then; the last Ford I drove was a 1982 Escort straight into the back of a two ton Ford Transit van full of angry policemen heading for a environmental rally down in Worcestershire, where some prat called Swampy was hiding high up in a forest full of engineers who wanted to build a new motorway straight through it. My passenger at the time was a brand new boss of a chicken factory where I had started work two weeks earlier. So I was encouraged by fate, never to own a Ford car again. Last week I was asked if I would go along with my in-laws to help them check out a used Focus, and guess what ... they asked me to drive it. The internal quality and finish was really good with plenty of room for the four of us, (that’s the two in-laws, me and the wife). Comfortable and well buttoned up; with easy to use controls is what was so noticeable, as well as the smooth and really quite keen diesel engine. The car felt a lot newer than the 18 months old it actually was. There was a couple of small issues i had, in that the drivers seat was a little lacking in movement and adjustability, which was awkward for a guy who is over 6 feet tall and the rear vision is not what it maybe could be, (that could have been affected by the rear view vision of the two in-laws though)! Overall, a very solid and reliable feel to this car, and easy to see why so many families are prepared to go out and buy what must be the best car in its class. Oh and i managed to get 6 points on my driving licence, for driving without due care and attention, speeding, and a £120 fine for verbal abuse! Thanks Swampy....

KELLY, England on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

THIS IS A SUPER CAR GREAT MILES TO THE GALLON LOVELY TO DRIVE GREAT INSIDE DETAIL. COULD NOT GET A BETTER CAR THEN THIS SUPER....

Paul, Lothians on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I bought this car in August 2007 and since December have had the most aggravating experience of my life. The car started cutting out for no reason while driving and the first three times the Ford dealer in Edinburgh just re-set the computer and told me it was fine. The fourth time, after they couldn’t find the fault, I looked on the forums and read about the faulty EGR valve causing these kinds of problems. The next day after I told the garage this, they miraculously said that the EGR valve needed changing. I waited a week for them to do this, and then a few days after getting the car back, I got stranded at Prestwick airport with the same problem and had to get towed back to Edinburgh. So the car is now in for the FIFTH time and four times the AA have had to tow me to the garage. Ford will not provide any replacement vehicle for me so I have had to hire a car four times which has cost me several hundred pounds. Now- they say that the EGR valve they fitted last week must have been faulty too!!!!! and have ordered another one. Because they don’t know how long it will take to come in, Ford still will not help me out with any vehicle hire!!! Both the dealer and Ford customer services have been very, very abysmal and as soon as they tell me the car is repaired I will trade it in at the same garage as I have no confidence in Ford or Ford Customer Services whatsoever.

Andy, Aberdeenshire on the Ford Fiesta

Cracking little car - drives like a go kart. Seriously needs a 6th gear as it revs highly in 5th at 70mph. I never got better than 30mpg from my ST, but it was excellent fun when putting your foot down.

Alice, Cheshire on the Ford Ka

I love my little Ka. It’s a car with bags of personality and even though it’s been around a while the shape still looks funky and makes it stand out. Good, solid and reliable and doesn’t cost me the earth to run.

Sarah, Clackmannanshire on the Ford Fiesta

The 2006 Fiesta had undergone a face lift and is a good ride with impressive handling. This is possibly the best supermini available (although the Fiat 500 is extremely tempting...). Front and rear visibility are very good and it is a joy to park. The tyre noise is a negative though. This is a great first car, reasonably priced and fun to drive.

Dean, Derbyshire on the Ford Transit

Unreliable, problem after problem, two new sets of injectors, new turbo, faulty fly wheel this in turn destroyed the clutch, pipe came off the power steering pump, fuel leak of valve replaced, this is all from new!! I’ll never have one again and can’t wait to swap!

David, Suffolk on the Ford Fiesta

Like George Roberts from Lincolnshire, I also have a very noisy gearbox in neutral. It is worse when cold. It has been like it from day one, and has been back to the dealer on several occasions. I have also been told it is characteristic of the model, and that it is the clutch release bearing. I also find that 1st and 2nd gear whine, more of a howl, and with the wide section tyres roaring it is a very noisy car.

Chris, Cornwall on the Ford Fiesta

One of the worse cars I have owned! Bought from new but very disappointed with the finish - lots of rattles from the poor plastic interior; the paint is soft and marks too easily - no customer care from Ford. I have just been charged £20 to drill a drain hole in drivers door as Ford did not put it in when made. I have no faith in Ford at all; even now they are saying they will refund the £20.

Jim, Clackmannanshire on the Ford Mondeo

I bought my new shape Mondeo approximately 5 weeks ago from a local independant dealer (Mazda), which ironically is situated next to the Ford dealer where the car was first registered. I love the car, exceptionally large boot (apart from the water ingress when you open the tailgate) with a quality interior finish that is certainly up there with MB, BMW and Audi with great fuel economy for such a large car. My problem is that my car has an absolutely horrible notchy gear change (predominantly between 1st and 2nd, 2nd to 3rd and similarly back down the gearbox all the other gears are fine). It is going back to the Ford dealer for further investigation under the manufacturer’s warranty for the second time in 5 weeks. On it’s previous visit they diagnosed a clutch cable and linkage adjustment, but it still has the same fault. Are there any other owners who have had similar problems with their new shape mondeo? This is my 4th Mondeo my previous car being a 2.0Ltr petrol Ghia X 53plate and have encountered no such problems.

Gareth, Berkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Hi, just had had my C-Max back from the garage after it suffered a power failure whilst driving, engine management light on etc., etc. It has had a new coil pack and spark plugs put on and all seemed fine. I drove away from the garage and bugger me if 200 yards down the road everything failed, engine revs dropped,power steering failed and all the dash lights came on. It turns out that the power switch that goes to the side of the coil pack wasn’t in properly, and when i went over a speed bump it lost connection but did’t actually come out. Just a thought for all the others out there with a similiar problem of which there seems quite a few. Fingers crossed

Suzanne, Cheshire on the Ford Focus

I bought my focus in 2006 (1600 Ghia) new. The car seemed fine, although I thought steering was a bit noisy (whirring sound), the windscreen water ran out quickly and the air con light was always on. I Took it back to dealers but they said everything was ok. I then took it for its first service 1 year on (8000 miles); first I got ripped off for key fob battrey replacement (£14) and they charged me £28 for oil on top of the service charge £130. When i picked my car up i had only driven for 5mins when the steering felt sloppy and made a loud screeching noise. I had to join the AA as Ford said there was no one available to collect me off a busy A road. They said the Pipe off the Powersteeing pump needed replacing and fixed it. Here is a summary of what has happend upto this weekend: Leeking oil detected in july 2007 - Ford wanted nearly £300 to fix this but I took it to another garage and they fixed for £170 (2nd garage said it was pump but Fords insisted it was the pipe; Had to be towed by AA to garage. Had a new pump and two new pipes - garage found Ford had cut through a barcket and left it loose. My husband asked Ford about this and they said it was common practise. Fords would not take liability for fault pumpp, even though one of their sales assistants admitted 2006 Ford cars have faulty pumps; In September 2009 I noticed more oil leaking. The AA mechanic said it was definitely the pump-, which cost £400 from 2nd garage. Ford wanted £170 for pipes and £550 plus vat for pump without fitting. Sorry for going on folks but Ford after care service has left me incensed. I will never ever buy a Ford or trust them to service my car ever again. I hope this is useful to anyone considering buying a focus 2006 model or any Ford model! PS I had to choose 1 star as score of no stars not available.

David, Cheshire on the Ford Transit Connect

Had it one week engine and the engine has seized. I swear on my life. I pulled over from the motorway as soon as possible but when RAC came and turned engine over again it seized. Oil leak from the filter... Anyway, thank god I leased it. I found the seat very hard and uncomfortable. Cabin noisy and everything squeaks and rattles etc... Very slow, I had the 75 bhp. Turning circle good, steering excellent if a little heavy. Needs a sixth gear for motorways. My advise is if you want it for same day courier work, for example, long journeys... DON’T GET IT. Pretty poor fuel consumption and the clutch I found to be heavy. Plus it is very ugly.

Philip, Somerset on the Ford Transit

Bought from new, now done 56,000 miles, mostly motorway miles. No major problems to report apart from 2 x new windscreen wipers,, ECU fault causing it to hunt when at idle. Fixed with a software upgrade! The engine sounds a bit noisy when starting from cold (they are like that sir!) but soon settles down. Servicing has always been reasonable. Still on original tyres and brake pads which is pretty good. Oh yes, a new back door catch was fitted under warranty. Good metallic grey paint and loads of room in front with the small gear knob which means you can now lie down in the front! Overall a very good workhorse which I can recommend.. 8/10.

Mark, Derbyshire on the Ford Mondeo

I’ve had my Mondeo for 3 years and 74k miles. It’s been less than admirable from a reliability viewpoint and although the 2.2 engine is worth having, there is really nothing else special about it. Go and do the weekly shopping, come out, and you will find at least 4 cars in the car park identical to yours. If it was brilliant in every other way, then maybe it would be worth that level of anonymity. But it’s not. So if you must have one, get it painted flourescent pink.

Barbara, Kent on the Ford Focus

2006 Ford Focus. How do I reset the mpg and average speed read-out as they are way out? Can anybody help? Car is great.

Alan, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Transit Connect

Bought this van 2nd hand - 1 previous owner and 40,000 miles - to start up a courier business, in preference to others due to load capacity and even though I have previously steered well clear of Ford! Have to say I find most of these reports staggering - I have nothing but praise for it and it returns an average 44 mpg on Tesco bog standard diesel - the only time this faltered was after I inadvertently put a tank full of BP’s ULTIMATE in after which consumption dropped by 4.5 mpg - still waiting for BP’s answer on that! It is comfortable, has all the bits I need, relatively quiet for a van, and the air con is tremendous - just a pity there’s so little need for it in the UK! I still believe that much of what Ford turn out, particularly in terms of family cars, is crap - but in this they have a winner.

Alistair, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Transit

I bought this van second hand from a Ford dealer with 45000 0n clock, traded in my Peugeot Expert van. I love it, fast, reliable, as a bathroom fitter it gets some hammer but take it all in its stride. All it’s had is front tyres, exhast, and a front wheel bearing, oh and central locking moter went on passenger door. Best van I’ve had and I have had a few. Stylish, comfortable, fast, reliable, cheap to service, it’s more like driving a car than a van. I will certainly have another but I think it will be a long wheelbase model.

Keith, Aberdeenshire on the Ford Ranger

During the last few weeks very bad weather our Ford Ranger has been virtually impossible to stop when trying to brake on a steep incline. It rolled backwards for over 100 yards on one steep drive before I could stop it. Another time it shot forwards onto a main road when I lightly applied the brake. My wife had a similar experience with it and could not stop it even when applying the hand brake as well. We are now very wary of it and wonder whether to just get rid of it.

Lionel, England on the Ford Fiesta

I have had my 06 fiesta since 07 and I think it’s a great car. I’ve never broken down, or had any engine problems with it so far. I don’t really hear any noise from the motor and it’s still a pretty smooth drive, it’s only recently that my clutch went and to be honest I have driven this car about like a boy racer and I have also lent it out to a number a friends over the years. I must say it’s well worth £7500 and it’s done its job but now it’s 4 years old, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts making noises and braking down on me all of a sudden, lol.

Eric, Surrey on the Ford Fiesta

65K and had enough really. Great little car, but just too many issues and poor Ford service just continues year after year. Oil leaks from sump gasket - replaced - worse than before, oil leaks from engine block meaning new cam belt and engine rebuild, started leaking again 5k later (all warranty luckily). Slipping clutch sound, it’s fine says ford. Out of warranty 3 months ago so this week, exhaust fume smell into cabin, ticking from cold, injector seal/s gone. Supposedly the injector seal is a fairly common issue. Poor quality parts in first place. Unfortunately the injector in question is stuck in the head. Also not unknown as per Ford technician. So far just to replace 1 seal (a copper washer) and a few pipes (2 hours work max) the bill is up to £500 + as they need to remove the head completely. 4 days and still no car. Oh fuel consuption...I think I managed 57mpg once with the wind behind, down hill being towed by a bus!! Time for a change, not a Ford though. After 3 in a row I have learnt my lesson.

Sam, Worcestershire on the Ford Mondeo Estate

Had the car two months, love the luxury / comfort and esp the heated seats. Central heating broke down over Xmas so the family ended up sitting in the car in the superb heated leather seats (now how do I move them into the house??). Fuel not so hot - 43mph in mostly motorway work. Perfectly acceptable. Would I buy another? You bet!

Graham, Derbyshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Completely happy with the C-MAX, I have had no problems whatsoever, the most versatile car I have owned I will definately buy the new model when available.

Paul, Yorkshire on the Ford Transit

What can I say? Sold my good old 2000 v reg smiley Transit and bought a new shape 2005 05 plate one, reading all the reviews on the new shape ones mine is still going strong at 189,000 miles and still only just over 4 years old.

Sarah, Lothians on the Ford

Bought this car second-hand in February after a bad experience with a Mazda 6. Was assured by the dealer that Fords are reliable. No problems until this week and have now been rescued by the AA twice in the last 4 days. The engine just loses all power, both times going at speed on dangerous roads (A9 & M90). First time the car was returned on a transporter. The garage said the battery was at end of life (dead). Second time the AA man checked a few things (fuel relay fuse etc), banged the fuel pump, etc with no success. It started after trying some random things like pressing the fuel cut-off switch, re-inserting the wires into the main fuse box and twiddling wires around the engine. Not sure which one worked. Have read a lot of reviews today and this seems like a common problem. Does anyone know what the real cause is?

Lee, Northern Ireland on the Ford Ranger

I bought my Ranger at 54000 miles. Comfortable on long journeys, I use 4wd low on hills, taking off to save clutch and changing immediately when reaching level ground saves clutch. I often pull 3 TON. I had a problem with a flashing glow plug light and the engine going into slow mode I took off the EGR valve, cleaned out soot and blanked off pipework near the rear of bonnet where the pipes connect with a piece of aluminium from brake fluid bottle. I’ve no problems since, however, the Ranger is only doing 15 -18 mpg since I got it, What do I need to do to improve this? That is 15-18 MPG empty, even on long journeys.

Rob, Hertfordshire on the Ford Transit

Please don’t buy a Ford Transit unless your pockets are full and deep. If you stand by Ford with initial servicing etc., when major faults occur they will deem warrantys are invalid through red tape. I see from here people have waived their time for support so maybe it’s just a lottery that we recieved this dog. Ford were very helpful when I suggest selling and buying a new one from them. They suggested I buy a new one and up my APR from 5% to 18% and up my monthly payment from £289 a month to £479 and over a extra year. Silly me, it was when i got home and looked in the mirror that I had the letters T**C on me forehead. DO NOT TOUCH YOU HAVE ABOUT A 20% Chance of a real costly nightmare. I don’t use ford anymore but still have the van, it causes fits of histeria when i turn up to the local garage, all the guys there I know on first name terms. Thanks Ford.

Chris, Norfolk on the Ford Transit Connect

Let’s start with the good points: The driving position is nice and high, with a short bonnet which makes it easy to manouvre into tight spaces, the ride quality is also good. There are very basic features - nothing fancy to distract you, and not a lot to go wrong with it, and the styling is up-to-date. The gearbox is almost silent - especially in reverse due to the stronger MTX-75 Mondeo gearbox with syncromesh reverse. The engine (mine being a TDdi) sounds very smooth - none of that diesel clatter like the Escort diesel, and none of the fiddly bits like a TDCI. The lighting is slightly intelligent, so that you can still see what you’re doing in the dark when the doors are closed, but lights go off when you start the engine. The central locking is also very handy. There is plenty of room in the back due to it’s cube-style shape and it’s nice to have the height without having to compromise on width and weight limits of a bigger van. The engine is pokey for only 75 horsepower and the turbo is quiet. The large and wide-angle mirrors are a brilliant idea. The rear bumper is solid which means there’s hardly any damage to the van if you back into anything. You can’t fault the handling in ice and show - she handles perfectly! (watch those poor Vauxhall Combos struggle!!! hehehe) But now for the faults... Interior is made out of cheap plastic which scratches easily, exterior plastic colour fades quickly and is hard to bring back to colour. The alternator wiring loom is too short and prone to breaking and chafing, causing the battery light to come on when it finally breaks. The sound system isn’t anything special. The clock slows down 1 minute every 3 weeks. Passenger seat isn’t comfortable at all. Should have come with a 6-speed box, or higher ratio 5th gear for motorway journeys. Apart from the above, I am happy with it. I’d only replace it for the newer 2009-10 version, as the styling is nicer :-)

Arthur, Cheshire on the Ford Mondeo

Owned a 2001 , 2.0 Ghia TDDI for 4yrs prior to buying the one I always wanted and haven’t been disappointed . It has every extra you can imagine. I’ve owned it for 20 months now and apart from a broken front spring (the same fault on my last one), has been faultless. It costs pennies to run, 50+mpg on 80 mph motorway runs, oil and filters service costs £80 by a trusted local garage, i just can’t see the latest mondeo beating this car, it’s a dream!. About the same time i paid £6100 for this car, my business partner splashed out £33k on a 300 series Mercedes, it’s been a disgrace, on both the mechanical and electrical sides, with over £8000 worth warranty work done so far!

Martin, Cornwall on the Ford Streetka

I bought one new in June 2005, a red, luxury version in West Yorkshire prior to my move to down to Devon/ Cornwall. I can honestly say that myself and my wife enjoyed every minute we had it, even driving over Dartmoor on Xmas morning with the roof down. We owned it for over 2 years. Forget about the fuel it uses just enjoy the ultimate pleasure of driving such a small, exilarating, cheap car, You will not find one better for the price. And do not forget the large boot and the ease of putting the roof up or down...and of course the heated seats.

Lorraine, Sussex on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Less than a year ago we bought our Ford Focus Zetec Max and have suddely found out that the automatic gear box needs replacing. When we bought it, it was only three and a half years old(first registered in May 2005) and also had just over 17,000 on the clock. On looking at our receipt and guarantee etc., typically it showed just a six month guarantee!!!! So we didn;t qualifiy. This is a second car as we have a first family car and my husband uses the focus just to travel to and from his soccer school locally and also to and from our local train station. We havn’t done many miles in the past 10/11 months since purchasing it. Jermyns our local Ford dealership where we bought it have quoted £4000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!to put a new auto gear box in. My husband has protested on the grounds that we cant believe that only having bought it this year, it should cost us so much that we seriously think it would financially not be worth our while paying such a high amount. So far Jermyns havn’t been that helpful to our cause. We have bought 2 previous car from them. They’ve suggested a part exchange deal (out of, as they say good will gesture). We feel that this gear box must have already been on it’s way out when we purchased it and are not happy at all. Clearly if we had done many more miles within the six month guarantee it would have shown the fault but due to such low mileage it’s happened outside this warrenty period.

David, Lancashire on the Ford Transit Connect

I bought mine 14 months ago and had usual tracking and tyre problems etc. Overall I’m very disappointed with the vehicle and was planning to sell until last week when it decided to start shaking and juddering between 45 and 70 mph. After having new gearbox mountings, followed last Monday by new engine mountings I am now told that it looks like being the flywheel. I’ve been told this will cost around £800, but no guarantees of course !! I wouldn’t have another one given me right now. Anyone else had the same problems and can you offer any advice?? Dave 07973 131467

Dave, Lincolnshire on the Ford Ranger

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! 6000 mile service intervals, 24 mpg, way too low geared hence very noisey cabin at m-way speeds and comedy handling as standard. This vehicle has cost the lease company thousands in repair bills! The ranger now has 117,50 miles on the clock. Over the last 4 months it has been in the garage for 3 of them. It has had a new fuel injection pump, head gasket, water pump, radiator and two sets of glow plugs. There are approx 150 rangers in the fleet for the company I work for and I’ve heard of quite a few overheating and also some with the big end bearings going after 90,000 miles ( requiring new/ reconditioned engines ). In my opinion this is the worst vehicle ive every driven!

Mr, Yorkshire on the Ford Fiesta

Totally reliable just fabulous. Ride is good and handles well.

Paul, Cheshire on the Ford Fiesta

I’m a driving instructor and have clocked up around 110,000 miles in this car, just about to change it. I bought the 1.6 diesel and pleased that I did. This has been the most reliable car I have owned so far with very little going wrong. The clutch lasted 97,000 miles. The fuel consumption ideal, I have nearly always got over 400 miles on a full tank of fuel and most of that is town driving. The performance is superb; this engine being hard to beat in its class. My negatives would be the gear box it is a bit notchey when putting it into 1st and reverse is a bit of a pain having to double the clutch to get it into at times but overall an excellent car with performance and economy to match. Would highly recommend.

K B, England on the Ford Focus

I have had my Ford Focus for 3 years, it is absolutely fantastic to drive and I have had no problems with it at all... I have just ordered my new Focus that I will be collecting in September. I recommend this car to anyone.

Daniel, Sussex on the Ford Focus Estate

Overall, this is an excellent car. I was a little surprised by the comment from Ian Jones as the Focus feels incredibly solid, particularly when compared to rivals like the Citroen C4. In my variant, the engine is quite noisy at motorway speeds but the car always feel nimble and up to pretty much whatever you throw at it. The seats stain with water marks very easily, but realistic family buyers usually accept that small children will always find a way to ’customise’ your cars interior. This might have been improved with the 2008 models. I totally recommend this car.

Keith, Surrey on the Ford Fiesta

The car is excellent to drive around town and is economical and reliable. The ride is harsh on bumpy roads but road holding is good. The 1.6 diesel gives a lot of torque (more than the 2.0ST) so is easy to drive and surprisingly quick. I test drove the 1.4 which I found sluggish. The negative points are the seats, I cannot get comfortable as the back slopes away from the shoulders. Also there is no space to put your left foot to the side of the pedal. Otherwise a fun car to own.

Mark, Wales on the Ford Focus

I have owned a Volkswagen Golf GT TDI 130 bhp and I have to say I was a little bit optimistic at the thought of having to trade it in for a Focus. I have to say that everything about the Focus, when compared to the Golf, is outstanding; value for money and drive quality are second to none and I still get that little grin when i put my foot down. So those of you who are thinking of getting a Focus go on get down to your dealer and buy one .

Andy, Aberdeenshire on the Ford Focus

Lovely car to drive. However, I only kept it for a year as it broke down 8 times! Problem was with EGR valve - Ford dealers were unable to fix it. Ford UK didn’t care. These diesels are developed with Peugeot, a BIG mistake if you ask me - they are guaranteed to give problems. Peugeot reliability is very poor.

Jamie, England on the Ford Fiesta

The ford fiesta is very stylish outside and inside. In the cab there is enough room to seat four adults comfortably the cabin is very spacious and the interior is stylish with little detailing. The silver CD player stands out from the dash board and is a nice feature. To drive it is very nippy in low gears but does tend to struggle at higher speeds. It is very easy to drive and viewing capability is extremely good you can see the corners of the car from driver’s seat and visibility to the rear is very good. The exterior of the car is nice looking with quite wide arches to house the width of the tyre. Two distinct lines run up the bonnet and are a nice feature along with the headlights and chrome grill sets the front of the car nicely. The boot is a little lacking in space and you would struggle to fit luggage for four in the back. Handling in the car is very good with very little body roll through the corners at any speed; the steering is very responsive and with the addition of power steering makes manoeuvring simple. All in all the fiesta is a solid well built super mini perfect for around town driving and can seat 4 passengers comfortably although the boot may be a little lacking you could still fit the weeks shopping in. Perfect for cities but not so suited to the motorway.

Gary, Worcestershire on the Ford Focus

Like many of you out there the Focus is my work hack. In a fetching grey and with a diesel lump it does little to stir the imagination of any driver BUT I have to say, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Reliability is second to none, build quality is good and she has now withstood more than two years of daily toil and isn’t yet showing any signs of age. Able to cruise effortlessly at the national maximum and still provide a reasonable return per gallon the Focus is a comfortable ride for anyone doing serious mileage. A few forays into the twistier stuff have revealed she is taut and holds a line well. A racy little number ......No! A head-turner ....... No! An everyday work horse and no nonsense, get the family where they have to be with all of their, and their mates’, baggage, drive..... Definitely. If you can put up with the handbrake been ideally positioned for left hand drive but being in exactly the wrong place for right hand drive vehicles you can’t ask for more from an everyday vehicle. Save the Caterham for the weekends!

Peter, Worcestershire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

very interesting to read Michael Williams’s report regarding fear factor with his C-Max I have had my 2.00TDCI Ghia for one year having bought it from Brooklyn Ford Evesham. First year only driven by their manager. First time it happened I took it in and because their was no computor indication of the fault they couldn’t find anything, second time they still couldn’t but suggested it was the air filter which they changed, lasted a week before it happened again. Usually it happens when pulling away however last Monday it happened five times and then at 60mph on the motorway and then last Friday and as I had free road in front of me I tested to see how long it would last for before coming off the accelerator( which cures the problem , almost immediately ) and it stayed at 15mph for 500 metres. Back in to Ford this week and hopefully this information will solve the problem....I await in anticipation

Craig, Gloucestershire on the Ford Focus

After months of research I finally decided in Sept 2007 to go for a Focus to upgrade from my Ibiza. Having a diesel was a must for me as it is so much more economical (especially with today’s prices). MPG is great, around 55MPG. It is comfortable, spacious and looks great too. Boot space is especially generous.

Chris, Warwickshire on the Ford Transit

Had the van a year; had the AA out 5 times - says it all really. Clutch, starter motor, battery; Ford customer service is terrible, once bought they are not interested. Just out of interest the van is going in on Thurs 5th Feb 09 for a new heater switch, it came of in my hand. Buy a Sprinter if you want a good van.

Roy, Fife and Kinross Shires on the Ford Focus Estate

Purchased my 1.6 Ghia auto estate in January 2009 - what a pleasant surprise! Excellent drive, comfortable, very roomy, auto box superb, good performance for a small engine, could extol it’s virtues for ever... superb.

Sam, Lancashire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

My daughters car purchased from new in 2005 and has been fault free until six months ago, began with engine cutting out, not starting, loss of power steering & ABS - cause alternator, but as car out of warranty, had to pay up. Latest fault is problems starting and loosing power, press accelerator and no response, pumping accelerator eventually gets revs up followed by a big cloud of black smoke. I’ve read on other reports about EGR valve being replaced. Dealership are at a loss, but say bring it in and we can put it on the diagnosis computer at £75 / hour and maybe we can fix it! Very disappointed with Ford Customer Services response to what is clearly a problem but as a retired Ford employee I’m not surprised, remember the Firestone tyre debacle - cost Ford billions.

Louise, Essex on the Ford Fiesta

Just bought a second-hand Ghia - wow!

CAB, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus Estate

"The Ford Focus is defined by its attention to detail. The exterior of the vehicle has a look that is sporty and refined, whilst the interior is thoughtful in design and high in comfort. Whether you choose the sporty 3-door hatchback, refined 5-door hatchback, sophisticated 4-door saloon or the stylish and practical 5-door Estate, the Ford Focus takes the best possible care of you and your passengers whilst making no compromise on the excitement of the drive." OK - that`s the official blurb, and I bought a `55 Diesel Estate 2 years ago on the basis of this kind of puff. Don`t get me wrong - the Focus is not a bad car - just do not believe the puff. The attention to detail (see above) falls way below what Ford were achieving 20 years ago. Items include switchgear, headrests, seats, pedals, visibility, storage, door pockets, the list goes on. Did you know that if you cannot put a child seat in the rear without pushing the front seats too far forward? Or that turning out of a "T" the hopeless headrests combine with the 20cm wide "B" post to create a dangerous blind spot? Or ---- The list goes on. It`s said Ford hired designers from VW/Audi Group to really buzz up the design of the Focus. If true, then VAG must be laughing all the way to the Bank ,to have got rid of their duds. And these idiots spoiled what could have been a very good car indeed. The Focus is "exciting to drive" - true - but it is neither stylish (sort of egg blob), "thoughtful in design", nor "refined". This is one of the noisiest cars I have ever owned - not engine (quite good) - but road rumble. It`s like being rolled down the gravel on Brighton Beach in an oil drum. And as it`s also one of the heaviest (same as my old Rover V8) - one wonders at 1.4 tonnes, (for a "small family car?") why there is no sound proofing? It`s bad enough you cannot have a conversation on most motorways, or listen to the radio, and after an hour or so, it really gets to you. I` d like to like the Focus it`s been bog reliable over 30,000 miles, - and buzzing 4 miles into town, it`s very nice (if you like heavy metal music -I don`t) - but on a long journey it becomes miserable. Only 3 1/2 years old - but it`s got to go. I`ve had enough of it. Badly designed, un-refined, bumpy, rough, noisy, and hard to live with. AS

Ann, Devon on the Ford Focus Estate

The worst car I ever owned. I bought it second hand from the local dealer. Electric problems just inside 3 year guarantee, and Ford refused to accept liability saying that the car doesn’t like driving in rainy conditions! Clutch failed; AA came to my assistance and said they had seen it all... Before then the air conditioning failed. Two days ago there was a total loss of gears - good old AA to the rescue again!! I can’t wait to get rid of it. Ford’s customer service is hopeless. All we want is a decent fairly modest estate car. Any ideas?

Michelle, Sussex on the Ford Focus

Its a very good car BUT you must get the turbo intercooler pipe replaced before it cracks and is out of warranty. I did not and it cost £220 to have it replaced. Also, if you have a complaint and you can’t find the email address of Ford’s complaint department this one works although they’re not happy I’m passing it out - corrospo@ford.com. Many thanks, Michelle.

Adrian, England on the Ford Ka

Purchased new in 04 and I still own it. I put CD player in and it broke, so put original radio/cassette back in. The dealer serviced at Ford and have had no problems, driven all over UK and it performed well, only niggle is suspension creaks a little and paintwork showing age and plastic bumpers are fading a little, but just needs a little TLC. Over all for a purchase price of 5K new and little maintenance it was bargain buy. As for being a girl’s car it ain’t, but you do get Neanderthal man complete with bad attitude trying to cut you up thinking it only has a 50cc engine, but when the 1.3cc engine complete with sensible driver holds its own, they lose their temper and throw toys out of pram and play horn honking. Ka: a design classic and fun car.Variant: base model. Year Of Make: This car was leased

Becci, Kent on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Pile of rubbish... Engine replaced after 40,000 under warranty, now I’m having the same faults with this engine (out of warranty). Engine looses power randomly, no fault codes or engine management lights show up on the dash. Sometimes pulling over and restarting the engine cures this problem but sometimes it doesn’t and I have to continue the journey with no power and struggling to get up to 3,000 rpm. (limp/safe mode) POWER STEERING!!!! Where to start. Useless and a down right death trap. My model has the electronic power steering pump, and a can barely turn the steering from centre when going round a corner, then all of a sudden BAM, power steering kicks in and I look like a drunk driver as the car suddenly decides to turn.... More severe on right hand turns than left hand turns. This has had Ford totally stumped and said it could cost up to £2000 to have fixed! What a joke. Totally hate this car, OK it might have useful boot space and nice headroom in the back but be prepared for it to fall apart as you drive it. Ford are crummy cars with shocking build quality, customer relations are equally appalling and I will NEVER buy a Ford again. The C-Max should be taken off the road by VOSA...

Jim, Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire) on the Ford Mondeo

Bought car from second hand dealer. Had completed around 85000 miles. Very quickly required new clutch & starter motor under guarantee. Still had to pay 25% of cost! Previously drove 1994 Mondeo diesel -great car, no undue problems over 250.000 miles. Have done about 10.000 miles with ’new’ Mondeo and the verdict: good mpg; computer shows 53.1 mpg over 10.000 miles. Verdict: Very satisfied -spacious, comfortable, and to date very reliable. Service car myself. Dithering whether I should get another timing chain at this mileage? Hear different views on that. Got real spare wheel from Breakers. I highly recommend Mondeo diesel.

John, Somerset on the Ford Ranger

This is by way of an update and a recommendation regarding the flashing glow plug lamp and the injection system. The flashing glow plug lamp is usually an indication that the on board computer has detected a problem, although it may be due to a worn out glow plug (worth checking at about 50K miles). The flashing may be accompanied by a loss of power at around 3000 rpm in all gears and may even give up. If you stop the vehicle, let it stand for a minute and re- start the problem may go away until the next time power is required. If this is the case then the Zexel injection pump is faulty. I have just had mine rebuilt at 54000 miles , (£2000) and been given back all the faulty parts. The speed regulator and priming pump were replaced as was a ball race and other parts. The immediately noticeable thing was that some of the parts were brown gummed, and this is the fault of poor diesel or water in diesel. The recommendation from the diesel expert here in France, (and France runs on diesel) is;- that as the pump is known to be faulty by design ( I believe the new parts fitted are improved), it is worth using a good injection system cleaner additive (like Bardahl winter cleaner or Wynns) in the diesel to keep the pump clean from gumming. In winter bleed off any trapped water from the fuel filter- there is a butterfly bleeding nut on the bottom of the filter. The only other recommendation for owners with the Mazda engine configuration is to get an extended parts warranty, the extra cost is negligible compared to my own experience. Apart from this ’hiccup’ I’m not going to get rid of it, it is the most flexible and surprisingly good machine.

Richard, Yorkshire on the Ford Mondeo

My first week in the Mondeo. Comfortable and economical. To all the complaining Audi/BMW/Merc Drivers who now complain about the Mondeo, get a life. I worked for Mercedes-Benz for 27 years, yes they are nice cars but the Mondeo does exactly the same job but at fraction of the cost, and don’t kid anyone, probably more reliably too.

Lyndon, England on the Ford Transit Tipper

125ps had to have a new clutch at 30k no help from Ford. Heavy on fuel; 380miles on a tank. Revs keep dropping down to tickover when you are driving - not good! Lots of power in the engine; pulls fully laden well.

John, Somerset on the Ford Ranger

It seems that there is a problem with the Injection system on the Rangers fitted with the Mazda engine. I have had the same problem as well with the flashing glow plug lamp. The Rexel? ( now Bosch) injection pump appears to be prone to a ’sticky valve’, and whilst it may not appear to be much initially, the pump may suddenly go wonky without notice and cause a sudden loss of power. The only solution is to change the pump, which is a ’ VERY’ expensive business. Here in France, a pump is 4000 (yes that’s four thousand) Euro’s. It’s cheaper to buy a new engine! In the U.K. they are about £2K for a rebuilt exchange unit. Luckily I have managed to get a second hand pump sent over from the U.K. for £300 and will get the other re-manufactured at the local Bosch service unit. Otherwise the Ranger is magic. I have used it everyday in very rough country to haul trailers heavily laden with logs and farm machinery. It copes beautifully with no fuss at all. I am having it repaired and wouldn’t dream of parting with it!

Norman, County Down on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I bought this car from my local Ford dealership. It was the manager’s car and I purchased it when it was one year old. The past few years I have enjoyed the car with very few problems. But over the last few months it has started to give problems. I have just received it back from the dealer after spending £340 having a new EGR valve fitted. This has not cured the problem which is lack of acceleration (almost cutting out) and very "lumpy" driving in all gears. Happy to hear of similar experiences and hopefully solutions.

Helen, Lincolnshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

NEVER EVER BUY A C-MAX! This is the worst car I have ever encountered, mine has had a new engine at 48,000mls, the power steering has failed on numerous occasions and now the car is making a strange rattling sound when you take your foot off the accelerator. Don’t know what it is not investigated yet so if anyone has experienced the same problem please comment. I bought this car because I needed a large car, but I didn’t want the huge people carrier! I wish I had now because this car is a death trap!!! All us C-MAX drivers should go to trading standards because we’ve been ripped off. I paid £18000 and have spent at least 8,000 to keep it road worthy. The problems just keep coming!!!!!!!

Christopher, Surrey on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Thought I had the perfect car until it lost power randomly. A really frightening experience. Bought from a car supermarket under warranty. The fiddled with it, had it back three times and then finally sent it to Fords who have had another three attempts. Nearly 4 weeks and still no car. Surely Ford knows about this fault as it’s well documented. My first Ford and hopefully my last.

Barry, Northamptonshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Purchased the car second hand from Seniors of Market Harborough. First noticed problem after 4 or 5 weeks when the car lost power at 1700 - 2000 revs when starting off. When the power kicked in there was a putter of black smoke coming out of the exhaust. Quite disconcerting! The car went back under warranty and eventually had its computer ECU updated by the local Ford dealer, they hoped this would fix the problem. It didn’t! And whilst I was finding this out, I had one of those power losses which Ford call ’get you home mode’. Fortunately I had just got off a dual carriageway when this happened as it only allows you to go at 20mph. Back to Ford main dealer again on 19th December 2007, they have changed the transmission fluids, checked the wiring and generally cleaned up. However, another test drive showed that the problem is still there. It has now been suggested that the EGR valve needs changing. I am now waiting for Seniors to decide if they want to pay out any more or exchange. C Max has lost all of my confidence. Seniors have been brilliant. They have given me a loan car for the whole period. Cannot praise them enough. But it is now the 12th February 2008 and I am still C Max less.

Martin, Warwickshire on the Ford Galaxy

Excellent car. Has never gone wrong in nearly 4 years of driving, reliable, enjoyable to drive, bags of room. Price-to-value and reliability beats the opposition hands down. The gearbox in particular is the smoothest of any car I have ever owned. Sorry to hand it back and just hope the new Galaxy is as good. I can heartily recommend the Ford Galaxy.

David, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

only had it 2 months, 70000 miles on clock, no rds on radio, known fault, back door started to open itself, scary, back window shades don’t retract too good, apart from these minor details this c max is comfortable and very fast, just started with electronic handbrake fault too, doesn’t come off on first push of switch, takes 2 or 3 goes, Japanese equivalents far better, inside and out, but ford engine is better, had a galaxy for 10 years before this and it knocked the spots off the c max

Toni, England on the Ford Mondeo

My Mondeo at first seems ordinary but you really feel her kick in on motorways, no rattle, no shake, just a smooth effortless drive, and the computer lets me know regarding lights, washer fluid oil etc, and a god send for a busy lady like me. Leather seats beautiful and comfortable, and what can i say the fast defrosting windscreen makes winter mornings easy!!! Heated seats give me a warm start! I feel i have a very luxurious car for my money and am quietly very impressed and pleased.

Mark, Essex on the Ford Ranger

I was wondering if anyone else has had a problem with the fuel injection system on the 04 ranger - ours went wrong at 16000 miles was repaired under warranty but has just started to go again - the warning sign is when the glow plug light comes on and flashes.

Charlene, England on the Ford Ka

The Ford Ka is excellent as it is easy to drive because it's small but big enough for the children to get in. It's reliable, cheap to insure and cheap to run.

Michael, London on the Ford Galaxy

3 new clutches.............driver fault from ford uk.......2nd clutch replaced free only after i brought it to ireland and main ford dealer said should be under warranty.......fly wheel slipping.......... anyone else with the same problem e-mail me walshandson@talktalk.net

Stan, Lancashire on the Ford Transit Dropside

No review submitted.

Fareed, Northern Ireland on the Ford Mondeo

driving feels very good, it is a fabulous car having nice comfort. Please don’t miss to drive a Ford Mondeo

Steve, Cardiff on the Ford Focus C-MAX

My C-MAX 2.0ltr diesel is in for a service with a Ford dealer. I had told them about the lack of power in the car and smoke coming out of it when the car is turned off. They have just phoned me to say that the Egr valve is faulty on the car, the cost to me to have it fitted by Ford is £400. This is the last straw, I have had this problem with this car on and off over the last 3 years and it’s only done 26,000 miles. Ford never found the problem until it was out of warranty, funny that. Money talks. Come on Ford, do the right thing.

Allan, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I really like this car - does everything I need and drives really well, but... I’ve also had similar problems to others. After 1 year the EGR valve stuck and it let me down a few times before Ford admitted a problem. The symptoms were that the car started fine but didn’t restart after a short journey - if it hadn’t had time to warm up properly. Having sorted this, I then had a problem with it losing all power at speed on the moterway with a baby in the back and massive wagon’s up my backside. Ford’s computer said ’no’ so Ford told the dealer to hand the car back with no action. I complained to Ford and got a smooth ’not our problem’. I have now got starting problems again and been let down again this morning. Car now out of warranty. TIP from AA man. Carry a rubber mallet. Take off the engine cover (I now leave mine off) and tap the aluminium pipe to the right of the engine as you look at it, somewhere along the middle of it. This frees the valve and the car starts. Not a permanent solution, but has got me going when I’ve been stuck. Planning to sell but still love the car...

Phil, Oxfordshire on the Ford Transit Connect

I’ve been the only driver since new - it’s my only van, and used for my work as a carpenter. I ordered the van to my spec for my particular needs, and has virtually everything - even the ’no glass tailgate special order’. I have to say that it has been very reliable (now 60,000 miles) and the only problems have been (ongoing) unreliable aircon and that the clock seems to loose time (quite a common problem it seems). Van is used 3/4 loaded most of the time, although it only returns a regular average of 38 - 41 mpg. Mind you the engine is a ’tweaked and tweaked’ version of the doggy Ford diesel of old - must be about time Ford called it a day and fitted something better like the French do in their vans. It is comfortable to drive, can motor well when needed, load area is nice and ’square’ and will carry nigh on 800kg. Would recommend the Connect, but if a better engine is in the offering, wait for that.

John, West Lothian (Linlithgowshire) on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Just a note to say modified egr valves have been fitted from about March 06 so together with modified software should cure problem. Valve has to be programmed by Ford ids though but there are many independents that have the kit now... I have and i know others have too. Regards

Francis, Devon on the Ford Focus

My job means that I spend a lot of time driving and I needed a reliable and comfortable car. The fuel economy works out at over 50 miles to the gallon provided you drive sensibly and attempt to avoid rush-hour traffic. It is not the best looking car I have ever seen, in fact it looks a bit dated now but the interior is very stylish. Suspension handles motorways and country roads well. The doors shut with that satisfying clunk that I love. Performance is good, everything is good, just wished that it was a tad more pleasing on the eye...

Jen, England on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Was sold a 6 month old demo c-max at polar ford in thirsk. Was all good until we were on holiday in Wales, halfway up a hill when we lost power and the car cut out! After 10 minutes it started up fine and had no more problems. Then, with our 3 month old daughter in the back of the car on a very busy motorway the c-max cut out again at 70mph! We managed to pull over without causing an accident! After contacting the dealership we purchased from we were advised "it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about".....how stupid do Ford think we are?! Needless to say we sold the car within the following 6 months........and lost a grand total of £6000! We bought the car when they had just been brought out and cost a very pricey £12,000 - £13,000. We now have a Mondeo and in all honesty I think Ford customer services is total rubbish. We have just found out that we were sold a vehicle with no paint and perforation warranty because "the previous owner never had the paintwork checked and the service history book stamped for it ". I will next be purchasing a Vauxhall!

Rose, Essex on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I have a c-max and have just taken it in to a Ford garage, engine management light came on, diagnostic said the EGR valve needed replacing. Only £325 to replace. It might be nearly 4 years old but it has only 17,000 on the clock. Customer service just say pay and will look into it for you. Does it really take 2 hours to fit? Oh and they gave me the the technical depart telephone number but no one answers. Why have Ford not sorted this problem out. My car too has cut out whilst driving along, very dangerous, garage then said car was ok back then. Who will be responsible if it causes an accident?

Simon, Oxfordshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Hey - I had a C-Max auto....never again! Transmission Failure warning came on but nothing seemed wrong with the car. The garage (Hartwels Oxford) had it for over a week - chased them every day with no response. Finally the cost to replace a faulty (something) £2,000. What - but the car drives fine. Yes we agree but ’computer says no!’ Where are the real engineers - all they tell me is a fault code and present a massive bill - oh and £90 /hr labour........my solicitor would be cheaper to employ. Cack cack cack!

Adam 1, England on the Ford Transit Dropside

I bought the vehicle 3 years ago from a main dealer, since then it has had 3 starter motors, 2 turbos and 1 fuelpump. 3 weeks ago I found it hard to get in gear, the duel mass clutch needs replacing after 68000 miles at a cost of £850. I was going to get a single mass clutch fitted but in the meantime engine blew up on the way to tescos, hole in the piston. These newer transits are a peice of s**t do not buy one you will regret it! Does any one know if I can claim from Ford?

Karl, Hampshire on the Ford Transit

Buyers Beware. We bought a Transit from new from a Ford main dealer, a silver, short wheel base, mid roof transit. From the off, this vehicle belched out smoke, developed extensive rusting and had fuel problems. Ford did not find any fault with the excessive smoke problem nor could they find the true fuel fault. The vehicle came with a 5 year paint corrosion warantee but the small print in the contrat states, you have to request they inspect for corrosion at service intervals, and as a subsequence our vehicle was not covered. However the rust was put down to stone chips. Total cr*p. It has put us off buying a new Ford van.

A, Renfrewshire on the Ford Transit

Mine has only a few spots of rust, leaking rear roof and passenger side head lamps constantly need replacing but apart from that a cracking van that drives well, is comfy and heats up quick. I drove one of my companys old "smiley" transits the other week I went over a speedbump and the rear o/s bumper fell off. I got onto a duel carrigeway and lost all power, it then started spewing thick black smoke and there was oil all over the place. It was fixed by fleet support. The vehicle’s oil filter screw worn housing and had to be replaced. It rattles, squeaks, backfires, runs like chitty chitty bang bang and the seats have no spring or fabric, only W reg too! It also has rust all over the place, the rear doors are crumbling and whistle when driving on the duel carrigeway, it shudders when reversing and the road noise at 30 is unbearable. The is engine far more noisy than my 04 plate, the radio is not loud enough (when it works), the passenger window jammed 3/4 of the way up, the faults just go on and on. But there is just something about the old girl that wants to work. I would never have my own smiley because I prefer my mk6 04 plate; compared to the old transits that I’ve experienced and the LDVs and some of the sprinters too, the mk 6 is the best van I’ve ever laid hands on, even better than the new 08 plate mk7s my company has recently aquired.

David, County Londonderry on the Ford Transit

I’ve driven this van from 2004. I can’t complain. I get roughly get 520 miles for a fill of the tank which would normally cost 80 euros to fill. I get the van serviced every 15,000 miles from new. I have also not driven it into the ground when I go to and from work.

Peter, Kent on the Ford Focus Estate

Bought it second hand from Ford dealer with 6 months warranty left. Initially liked the car... powerful diesel engine, clean gearshift and it drove pretty well with reasonable fuel consumption. Those are the good points though. After a few months I started to get starting problems. Then a funny sound from the gearbox/clutch area. Asked Ford what the problem was and they said pay us £150 to take the gearbox apart and we’ll tell you. Went to local mechanic and diagnosed dual mass flywheel problem. This is a common problem with most diesel engines where the flywheel is made from two halves and bonded together with rubber. The rubber is a vibration cushion and helps prevent gearbox strip-out due to the high torque diesel engines produce. It cost me just short of £1000 to fix. Next problem: squeaky steering arm. Again replaced at a cost or £125. Then more starting problems (new starter motor at £120). The seats are not a patch on my old Astra either. Sold the car. It’s cheap and tinny. I’ll never buy a Ford or a diesel again. I’ll stick to tried and tested petrol engines in the future. If there was a rating of zero, then that would be my choice. Incidentally, at no time did Ford admit to the major dual mass flywheel problem even though they must have known.

Yony, England on the Ford Transit Dropside

This vehicle is too low geared, it needs another gear top end and other gears upping. It is using too much fuel even on long runs.

Peter, Cornwall on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I’ve had the car from 1 year old . It’s now done 64000 miles. I love the way the car drives, the room, and very poky engine. However, I am trading it in for a Honda as can not afford the constant repair bills. I have had the EGR problem from when I had it, Ford tweaked it, but it still has flat spot around 1900 revs, but I learned to live with it. Its had a new alternator (£350), brake pads don’t last long, especially the rear ones, new brake disks, it’s very heavy on tyres and I do not buy budget ones, even the back ones wear out quickly. I just had it serviced and a set of 4 tyres was £450.00. I was also told that both front wheel bearings needed replacing costing £200.00 each. The injector seals needed replacing - this is why I have a smell in cab - at a minimum cost of £300.00 but could be up to £900.00 if there are complications. I was going to purchase a new C-Max but will now be trading in for a reliable Honda.

Sean, Berkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Bought as had two small kids and wife needed mini MPV. Great boot, great when rear seat for kids when converted to a two seater, great long distance tourer, great performance and handling and comfort, so fast for a diesel minivan. BUT..soooo many breakdowns due to electrical and alternator issues, 3 faulty heated windscreens, faulty air con on long driving holidsay in baking conditions, dodgy time changing clock. Just had to get rid as too many breakdowns Disappointing as other car was a W reg Focus owned from new to 8 years old and never had an issue. Howeve, I will never have another Ford oand despite the dullness of the drive I am now a Toyota driver.

Paul, Warwickshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

After 2 weeks of purchasing the vehicle was loosing power & the engine management light was on, it also sufferd a intermitent starting fault. The vehicle was with the local Ford dealer for 1 entire month. They diagnosed & replaced the fuel pump I almost forgot I had the car. I still have a starting problem when pumping the accelerator pedal the car will then start but still suffers lack of power & now the alternator has failed the car has only covered 36000 miles. A local repairer has diagnostic equipment but it never pulls up any fault codes, I thought this would be a good family car having 2 young children sadly we have spent more time in courtesey cars & walking

Dale, Lincolnshire on the Ford Transit Connect

I’ve owned my Transit Connect for a year or so now and found it to be a good strong work horse. It has sufficient room in the back and plenty of room in the front when driving. The only mechanical problem I’ve had so far with it has happened in this last week, the alternater has packed up. The wiring looms to the alternater are also prome to failure as I understand, just something for you to bare in mind. The only reason I’ve given it 4 stars and not 5 is because I feel Ford’s service is poor. I have yet to find a Ford dealership garage in Lincolnshire that can go to the effort of being helpful. If only Vauxhall could make a van to the same strength.

Doug, Kent on the Ford Ka

I bought my first Ka in April 2008, this blue Y-reg 1300 was my first car and was the car I learned to drive in. I’m a big petrolhead and car enthusiast and I deliberatly took the Ka over cars like the 106/Saxo and VW Polo because of the way it drives. The little Ka, even in base-spec like mine will go round bends better than some cars that cost three or four times as much new! Of course, the Ka 1.3 will never be the king of straight-line speed, and if I bought another 1.3 Ka, I would probably go for the 2003-on model, which recieved a new 70BHP 1.3 engine (1996-03 cars have the 60BHP pushrod Endura-E unit that can trace it’s roots back to the Ford Anglia engine of the 60’s). However, that said, if your budget can only stretch to a pre-2003 model, then it’s far from the end of the world. My Ka has the old engine and will happily sit at 70 MPH on the motorway, theres a bit more to give afterwards and the little Ka will max out at about 100 MPH. The Ka makes a brilliant car to learn to drive in, with an easy clutch, good visibility and group 2 insurance (bear in mind that if you’re a 17 year old bloke then its still going to be £1k+ for your insurance. Even on this!). Reliability on my 2001 example has been excellent and I’ve covered about 12000 miles in it since I got it at 23k. For my 18th birthday this Feb, I decided to buy myself a little present and I upped the ante by buying myself a 2004 SportKa with 56,000 miles on the clock. The Sportka came out in 2003 and is the result of Ford shoe-horning its 1.6 litre 100 BHP engine under the bonnet of the little Ka. I have to say, that if you’re serious about having fun, then this is the Ka to go for. It’s got an improved steering and suspension set up, better brakes and a more sumptious interior (with optional leather seats and air-con). The SportKa puts in a very respectable 0-60 time of around 9 seconds, but in the real world its the time it takes to get from 40-70 that really counts, and the SportKa does this so quickly that it can put the frightners up BMW 320 drivers on a regular basis. Through the corners, the SportKa will blow other small hot hatches like the Saxo VTR to kingdom come. My Dad has a new VW Scirocco 2.0 TSi and even he admits that he has to push it to keep up with the SportKa in the bends. The slight downside to this is that the SportKa isn’t as economical as the 1.3. But, thats the price you pay for more power, and in any case, it’s no real gas-guzzler. I still have both Ka’s, I use the SportKa daily for a 75 mile commute. My girlfriend is learning to drive in the 1.3 IMPORTANT- Things to look out for. RUST! Ka’s do have a tendency to get rusty. Look for cars that have been cared for, places to check include the bottom of the boot lid, around the fuel filler cap, and around the bottom of the doors as they stand proud of the side of the car and are prone to stone chipping. Some Ka’s have been known to suffer from water ingress into the ECU (the cars electronic brain that controls the engine) look out for misfiring engines. High mileage Ka’s with the old Endura engine can sound very tappety (clacky sound) this comes with age and theres not much you can do. Listen out for a P or R-reg Ka to drive past you in the street and you might hear what I mean. Whilst on the subject of mileage, pre-03 Ka’s only have 5-digit odometers, so if you come across a P-reg Ka that appears to only have 50,000 on the clock, then check the history, it might turn out to be 150,000! Post-03 cars have LCD screens for odometers which will read up to 999,999 miles. There have been reports of older Ka’s with engines that sieze up. As long as you use the car fairly regularly, then you should’nt experience this. This only seems to be an issue with Endura powered Ka’s. Would I have another? Absoloutley, I thoroughly recommend the Ka and SportKa to anyone in search of a cheap, fun and if you go for the 1.6, fast little car. My Ford dealer has been great with me and I find the running costs excellent. How much to pay? £700-1000. This will get you into the driving seat of an early model Ka. Bear in mind that these cars can be getting on for almost 14 years old now, and they will most likely be a bit (or alot) ropey. Many of these cars will have done alot of miles so insist on a full service history. Very early base-spec cars (’96-97) had no Power Steering, best to steer clear. £1000-2500. The market for Ka’s opens up here and you should be able to pick up a nice pre-03 Ka 1.3 here. Be picky with colour, mileage and spec because base cars dont have a lot of equipment. £2500-£4000. You’ll be able to get an nice post-03 model 1.3 or an early Sportka for around £3k. Very low milage 1.3’s (less than 20k) are around for £4k £4000+ This is the domain of the SportKa and the last 2005-09 registered 1.3’s. These will be the cars on the Ford dealers forecourt and should be immaculate. Dont accept anything less than that.

Richard, Leicestershire on the Ford Ranger

Bought my 04 plate ranger when it was 2 years old; had the full chrome pack and leather seats. The paperwork shows the original owner paid £21,000, I paid £10,000 to him at 20,000 miles, so beware how much you could loose if you buy new and have all the trinkets! Use it for my Landscaping work, and has been a good reliable tool. Diesel consumption is only around 24mpg which isn’t great. Could do with a 6th gear as 70mph on the motorway is quite noisey, but I can put up with that as it is an off road tool that I have as yet not managed to get stuck. I have like other owners noticed the glow plug light flashing when being driven, its only happened 2 or 3 times in the summer and not done it for months now; ideas anyone??? Have just this week had a starting problem with the Ranger. Took out the glo plugs and found 2 not working (just drop a 12 volt current through them and see if they glo). Ford Dealer T C Harrisons wanted £104.23 per plug supply only!!!! WHAT A RIP OFF. Went down to my local Diesel specialist (Swadlincote Diesel) and they are getting me 2 genuine plugs at less than £20 each. I expect to keep the truck some years. I am still only at 38,000 miles apart from a bit of clutch judder as you pull away and the 2 issues above I would still recommend one.

Alan, England on the Ford Focus C-MAX

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst car I have ever bought! I traded in a Ka and Mondeo, which I’d owned from new as I thought my expanding family would be better in a car designed for a family. After 100 trouble-free miles the bonnet lock decided to pack in. Not much of a problem unless you do plenty of miles and need to check your levels regularly! Next one was the good old engine warning light. The car spent 3 weeks in a garage and still came out ’broken’ after having amassed a bill of £700 - just for diagnostics! After replacing various sensors and resetting the light the problem still persisted. Fuel economy was down from a pathetic 380mile range to 250miles! Turns out the fuel pump was knackered after 36000miles!! £300 from ’Fraud’ and my fingers are crossed. As soon as the HP is up I’ll be switching to something Japanese. I almost feel sorry for whoever buys my car from me.

David, Lancashire on the Ford Transit

I’ve owned this ex-BT van for the past 12 months. It’s generally a good work horse, apart from the dreaded fuel pump, 73k on clock, maybe just unlucky. It pays to shop about though as originally quoted £2000+ ended up paying £1300. Fingers crossed, so far so good.

Brian, Kent on the Ford Focus C-MAX

This is the biggest load of rubbish I have had the misfortune to buy. I bought the car second hand from a main Ford dealer and immediately had problems of sluggish turn over of engine coupled with flat battery if left for more than two days. After several visits to the dealership and leaving car for three days I was told it was the radio; a second hand one was fitted but did not seem to cure the problem. The clock kept going wrong. The cold weather set in, same old problem, fitted new battery under 90 percent warranty. still vehicle struggles to turn over to start. Thr vicious flywheel went causing a tremendous noise and I’ve had to have a new clutch fitted at same time, six hundred pounds plus fitting. Mileage thirty two thousand. several no throttle responses, I’ve had to change the valve in the exhaust manifold. No power assistance on cold mornings from the brakes, solid brake pedal, which I have ignord and has put itself right. Power steering fault keeps coming up on dash read out, which I ignore. Rear tailgate leaks water in to the boot when lifted all of which was fixed under warranty but it’s still leaking. The washer pump packed in another twenty five quid and fitted it myself. Now to continue not charging new alternator required , another three hundred quid plus fitting. This is the first car in my life that I will feel guilty about selling to some poor unsuspecting sole. This car has still only done forty thousand miles. WHAT NEXT?

James, Wiltshire on the Ford Transit

Well, I bought this van 3 1/2 years ago on 54k, tidy and well maintained. I have it serviced every 10k, and yet it lets me down. 1 new gear box and clutch at 68k, 3 drive shafts, 2 engine mounts, 1 strut, 1 power steering pump, 1 water pump, 2 new key fobs. It’s now done 106k and the injectors need changing as they are leaking, also its rusting terribly even though I have it wax oiled and keep it clean and tidy. 75bhp is fantastic on fuel, loaded up with kit on a long run I can squeeze out 39mpg but short runs average 32 mpg.

Craig, Somerset on the Ford Focus

A very reliable and good fun car. Had it 3 years before growing family forced me to get rid of it. The ride was a bit hard at times but once on the motorway was as comfortable as my dad’s new Mondeo and it took us to Scotland and back no problem doing over 1000 miles in 3 days. It drinks petrol like its going out of fashion but I put that mainly down to a few modifications I had done to it. I never had any major problems with it and kept it well serviced and it never failed me once I would defently buy this car again.

Philip, England on the Ford Transit

I bought a new Transit so that for once I would have a van that I could rely on. Two years later I had rust spots on the cills which Verwood Ford repaired on warranty. Second MOT failed on a large hole in the repaired cill. Ford claim it is not their fault and refuse to repair. The van has been great but beware the Ford warranty which you pay for is not worth the paper it is written on. I have found rust spots coming through in several places all over the van. The vehicle is well looked after and has only done 51,000 miles. I would never buy a Ford again, they are not worth the money and I will be looking elsewhere for my next vehicle.

David, Essex on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Have read all the reports, am I lucky ?? Got the car from new 2003 from Gates of Harlow, we still have the car in 2009. Problems ?? Window would not go up in 2003 since then... not one thing to report. Miles run up 97,000, it’s gettting a bit "tired" now and we are thinking of a change but... we love the C-Max . Did 1,700 miles in one weekend down to Roma & back, the C-Max did not miss a beat. Sorry guys, we must be lucky??

Ian, Sussex on the Ford Fiesta

I have had 2 expensive repairs following rusting of spark plugs despite regular servicing based on the mileage. Currently 33000 miles only. (5500m per year) This seems like a design fault. Two weeks ago it was undrivable so I called AA who towed it to my regular garage. They advised me to annually change the plugs(longlife) to avoid this problem in the future. So far this has cost me in excess of £ 350 for the two occasions this has happened. This surely is unacceptable? Your comments please as I am about to consider changing cars and have had only Fords in the past from 1962 Prefect, Anglia, 4 makes of Cortina, 2 sierras and 3 Fiestas.

Alan, Hampshire on the Ford Ka Van

I’ve had my Ka Van for only 3 weeks and can’t understand why I didn’t get one earlier. Love it. Ride,handling,50+mpg. For what I need it for it fits the bill. All I can say to others out there is..get one.

Keith, County Tyrone on the Ford Transit

A good enough van there’s not great power in this model, however, when you get the speed built up its grand and easy on diesel. Mine is starting to rust in spots and I try to keep it clean. It’s got 114,000mls now, having had it a year and I’ve had to replace a wheel bearing, fan belt and tensioner, brake shoes and handbrake cable so not too bad. I’m thinking of buying a 2008 or 2009 t280 mwb 115hp next.

John, Yorkshire on the Ford Transit Connect

I’ve just purchased my Transit Connect its a lwb 1.8 T210 and runs on LPG. It used to belong to the Humberside Police Force. Early indications are very good with 69000mls on the clock and a full history. The van feels fresh with excellent brakes, good handling and adequate performance, however, fuel consumption is disappointing only averaging in the low to mid twenty’s mpg and thats with a light right foot.

Lynda, Durham on the Ford Streetka

Fantastic looker, great road holding, especially on tight bends but the globe shaped glove box is a pain and the interior could be a whole lot better. I would recommend the Streetka but not if you do a lot of driving..... this baby drinks fuel like there’s no tomorrow!

Declan, Northern Ireland on the Ford Ranger

Super work and pleasure truck, decent handling and good on motor way too. I purchased it new and have just sold it with 90k on it. It is really easy on tyres too, the second pair were just coming to there end of life when I sold it . Ultra reliable, a must for any one who wants a 4x4 that will last for ever and cost little to run, rear light lense only cost £20. Don’t buy this if you live in a city as its just too big and has a brutal steering lock .

Spalevic, England on the Ford Maverick

I bought 2 years ago (October 2006) a second hand Ford Maverick XLT 2.0 Petrol High class (produced in 2003). At that time it was a car in perfect condition with 110,000km. A friend of mine sold Maverick on very affordable price of EUR 10,000 (EUR 12,000 with tax and registration). In the period 2006-2008 I didn’t have any serious problem with the vehicle. Good things: - Very good price of second hand cars; very comfortable and driver and passengers do not suffer after 5-6 hours of driving; as it is an American vehicle consumption is not so high: on open road I had few times 8.8 litres/100km (it is very light vehicle of with only 1515 kg); could be a very good for the off road even if it is not constructed for such conditions. I drove a few times with 7 people, 2-3-2 (in the back) in very difficult conditions without problems and we have enjoyed; very well defined car for conditions of Balkan where the roads do not offer such high speeds (max 100-120 km/h) - For the 4x4 vehicle with better stability of driving then there is the Nissan Terrano 2; very good acceleration driving between 30 - 130 km/h on flat road. Problems: we do not have first-class Ford service in Montenegro. Ordering of spare parts takes time. I did a full-size service this summer (August 2008) in Greece when I have changed all belts, stabiliser and the car now is in a perfect condition. - I am having a problem with the air-conditioning as of last year (somewhere is leaking). Ford service in Montenegro is not offering such service and recommending us another company to assist us here in Podgorica. I did repair once in Sarajevo (Bosnia) but after a while I have a problem again. It is not so strong: acceleration on slope is not so good, but driving it in the off-road conditions in first gear you will not have a problem; - It is not so fast on the motorway. 110 km/h is its best driving speed (consumption/speed), up to 130km/h is ok, but you can push the pedal on 150km/h and max is 170-180km, but the engine is suffering then and the consumption is than very high. - I think that the reservoir is very small: you have to stop each 400-500km driving it on the motorways. In principle a very good car for the price and I will keep the car for sometime.

Teresa, Hampshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I have a Ford C-Max 2.0 litre diesel and I am very disappointed with the car. After a year of buying the car I started having problems with the power. The car started losing power for no reason while driving. I have taken the car back to Ford dealer three times already and they replaced lots of parts but I still have the same problem. This happened while still under warranty and even after three attempts Ford dealer still cannot tell me what is wrong with it.

Ray, Kent on the Ford Fusion

Bought my Fusion in 2003 and 47,000 miles on the clock. A very underrated car. Absolutely reliable with no faults in 5 yrs and not even needed a replacement bulb. The diesel engine is economical (64.2 MPG combined) and performs well in all conditions. Amazingly, it seems just as happy going up hill with 5 as with one. Loads of space and a pleasure to drive.

Sharon, Lancashire on the Ford Ka Van

I’ve had my Ka Van since new and it’s been a delight with only a few minor niggles ever having gone wrong with it. I think it’s a real shame that Ford have stopped producing this instead of keeping on a good product and improving on it; I would not have hesitated to buy another. Instead my business will probably go to Citroen next time. A really good little vehicle and if you can find one in good nick and low mileage I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Mick, Cheshire on the Ford Ranger

Hi, I am currently experiencing this problem. What have the dealership done? I was about to change the air flow sensor?

Christine, England on the Ford Focus

I love my focus its ideal for me and my family very spacious the kids enjoy a drive out in it because its comfortable the only fault i have with this car is that there was a fault with the clocks and they all went off cost me a fortune to fix right when my mot was due so i couldn€™t drive it for a few weeks! till i got he cash i was guttered other than that I’ve had no other (touch wood) problems with my car.

Robert, Gwynedd on the Ford Transit Connect

Our Connect is a total lemon. Loads of trouble from new which the local Ford agent often struggled to sort out. First fault was it stopped on the dual carriageway & had to be recovered when only a few days old. Front tyres wear out on one side & the tracking has been checked & checked & checked - was doing this while under warranty but the Ford garage wouldn’t (or couldn’t) do anything about it. I’ve heard since that some of then were not aligned properly when being manufactured & there’s nothing to be done about it. The Ford garage denies this. Repetitive fault with the windscreen wiper linkage falling apart. Repetitive fault with the alternator. Massive engine oil leak which cost £800 to fix. Had to have a new gearbox at about 100,000 miles - conveniently just out of warranty. Now it’s had to be towed into the Ford garage again & they say it needs a new engine (135,000 miles with mostly main dealer service history) which will cost £2000 & it’s going to the auction - good riddance! Never again!

Gemma, Hertfordshire on the Ford Ka

I have to say this little car is reliable. My first car, a 53 plate, bought 2 years ago for £4000. The only problems I’ve had with it is that my air con kept going boiling hot on me... and the passenger side foot well was soaking with water. My dad later found out that the air con was blocked and pulled out a lot of dirt and leaves and re connected the pipe to the draining system at the bottom of the car. I have had 2 oil leaks as well!!! I’ve also had problems with the locks, being that I couldn’t open my car from the drivers side, and having to get that repaired. I’ve also needed the obvious tyres etc. However, I now have a creaking sound when turning right, so I know there’s is a problem there!!! The positives are that its started every time, and I’ve not had any problems on long journeys!

Aidan, Worcestershire on the Ford Ranger

Had the Ranger since May, since done 13500 miles in it including 2000 miles in France in July, now on 130,000. No problems in it as yet apart from the flashing glow plug light when warm as quite a few people seem to have. Can’t fault it really, its not the quickest or the most economical but it seems to keep on going, its not got the ridiculously expensive to repair components that other vans of the same age have. Example, Ford TDCI injectors and programming is apparently £1000 at the dealer. I got a 2nd hand low mileage set of 4 injectors for this Ranger for £20. As far as I know it doesn’t have a dual mass flywheel, and as far as I can tell with the detailed history its on its original clutch, which feels like new. It looks dated inside but has air con, electric windows and arm rest as standard. The only rattling comes from the truckman top I fitted myself with only 2 out of the 4 bolts. It is rear drive, therefore it doesn’t have any problems pulling away in the wet (unlike my old company T5 130bhp which either wheelspins or traction control cuts all power) You aren’t sat as upright as in a T5/Vito or similar with a bulkhead, meaning its much more comfortable. I would change it but then read about Vivaros/Traffics-gearbox and turbo faults; T5s-gearbox, clutch and flywheel; Transits-rust! clutch/flywheels, injectors?; Vitos-injectors? But otherwise very nice. Caddys cost a fortune, Astras nice, but low roof height, back of load area difficult to reach with bulkhead, and on it goes. I think my next purchase will be an 06 Thunder, last of the old shape with leather.

Mark, Suffolk on the Ford Transit

Lovely van to drive, even after 150,000 miles. Very comfortable. Problems are that it eats clutches and starters (from what I’ve heard a common problem) and back lights have earthing issues.

Michael, Essex on the Ford Focus

Overall a very good car. But has had some niggling electrical problems, one finally traced to an ABS sensor connector, the other to problems with the PCB on the dashboard which caused a lot of intermittent problems.

Aidan, Worcestershire on the Ford Ranger

Re: Everyone with flashing glow plug lights. These motors are rebadged Mazda B2500s, and as such their engines are taken from the Bongo (a camper van). As you all probably know there isn’t a normal ODB2 diagnostics port in the car, instead a unique connector in the top right of the engine bay (looking towards the car). Instead of paying Ford for a diagnostics you can do it yourself with a paperclip. Go on this link: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=25081&hilit=flashing+glow+plug. Its hard to figure out first, and I found it easier to record it on the camera phone and play it back. PS, my flashing glow plug light refers to timer control valve and EGR malfunction. As EGR is active only when warm I suspect that may be the common fault resulting in glow plug flashing when warm.

Brenda, Northumberland on the Ford Fusion

I have owned this car from new - being an ex motibility car for my husband which I bought when he died. It has been the best little work-horse I have owned, and has never let me down in 6.5 years and I intend to keep it until it drops!! For the last two years it has also been used as a tow car for a very small caravan and manages this adequately. It has had one change of tyres, no major repairs, and is still on the original exhaust after 41,000 miles. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Jan, Northamptonshire on the Ford Ranger

I’ve have had the 02 Ford Ranger for a couple of months now and have had a flashing glow plug warning light when warm. I’m told this is common but am also told this could be fuel injection problem - can anyone help? Also, the belt for the air con was missing... Is this a cover up?

Terry, Perthshire on the Ford Transit

We have had the 2002 Transit Tourneo for 3 years. No major problems although engine did cut off a few times (cylinder head cut of sensor saved our engine) and then we found out it was the water pump - pump and egr valve replaced at same time plus the usual wheel bearings. Brakes are excellent and last well, as do tyres. The abs light comes on and off for some reason as cant find any faults with it. It can rust in strange areas; like the top of the windscreen on early models like mine before they removed the rubber along the top. Very good on fuel; 470 miles per tank approximately. I was going to change to a Renault Trafic minibus but changed my mind after looking at their reviews.

Les, Kent on the Ford Fiesta

I have had the Freestyle, for two and a half years now, bought it second hand at 24k miles, it now has coming up to 90k miles without a single problem. I change the oil regularly, as I do 100 miles per week day, (work) plus the weekend odds and ends, am on the second set of tyres, and had the cambelt changed after about a year. I couldn’t recommend this car highly enough, and yes the gearbox is a bit noisy in neutral, I thought it might be the start of a major problem but it hasn’t got any worse. In the summer (lights and wipers mostly off) I can get 500 mile per tank, in the winter it comes closer to 400 (at 55~60mph, you can half that mileage if you cane it). Goes like stink for a 1250, and holds the road like glue. Good CD player and for me, the buying point was the air con’. I’m seriously thinking of buying another one, as this car does what it says on the tin.

Craig, Staffordshire on the Ford Transit

Well, apart from the new clutch, fly wheel, starter, rust all over the place, door locks droping off and now an electrical problem amonst other things. Don’t all vans have problems?

Paul, Cheshire on the Ford Fusion

We have had our Focus for a couple of years now and it handles most surfaces well with the steering responding to my every request. It is quiet enough engine wise and even inside the car external noise seems minimal. The Focus seems well put together although I find the dashboard on the passenger’s side a little uneasy on the eye. Being able to move the driver’s seat up and down electrically (via a button on the side of the seat), is especially useful when having to make all the necessary adjustments after my wife has been driving. Rear vision is excellent when reversing, with no obstructions. Although there is good headroom, my wife informs me that the Focus is not very comfortable when travelling as a rear passenger, as the suspension seems to struggle (and no it’s not the size of my wife that causes the problem). Overall the Focus has proved to be reliable for me (up to now) and the running costs have been reasonable.

Sheana, England on the Ford Ka

I purchased my little Ka just two weeks ago and am loving it! Its very nippy around town, easy to park and a joy to drive. Love the smart interior and the metallic paintwork. Would definitely purchase another one. Ka’s rock!

Ristic, Caithness on the Ford Transit Minibus

No review submitted.

Mo, County Fermanagh on the Ford Focus

I have had this car for 5 years with no problems. Have it serviced regularly and I do a lot of miles each year. A problem has arisen after driving on pot holes left by frost. My speedometer has stopped working and the volume on the radio is rising and dropping at will at the same time. This can be quite alarming as I am not too sure of exactly what speed I am doing at any given time. The mileage clock does not register the miles I do when the speedometer is at zero. What can the problem be? I have been told I could be needing a sensor, a coil pack or an air coolant thingy?! Any ideas Please?!

Stuart, Lancashire on the Ford Mondeo Estate

I have had my mk3 Mondeo for around 7 years now. It has been a great car and I would recommend one to anybody. I have had only 3 major problems in the seven years of owning the car, besides the recent replacement of all 4 injectors at 56,000 the other problems have been a new clutch and flywheel. I used to get around 30/31 mpg towing a 1400kg single axle caravan but since I had the car chipped 3 years ago I now get 34/35 mpg which is quite a differenc and a power increase from 130bhp to 160bhp and the extra torque is superb. Overall the car is superb as a tow car or a family car. There is enough room in the rear for both my dogs to move around even with a dog guard in situ. Would I buy 1 again?..I certainly would, either a newer mk3 or a mk4. This is the first Ford diesel I have had and it certainly wont be the last!

John, Oxfordshire on the Ford Focus

Brammer car, I have had no problems with this car so far. I am hoping that it keeps me on the road for a few more years as well; I am sure it will, not been let down by FORD before.

Dean, Staffordshire on the Ford Transit

Having had only second hand Ford Transit vans previously, in 2001 I decided to push the boat out and treat myself to a brand new 100ps swb medium roof van. I cherished, waxed and looked after this motor like it was a car and from the moment I drove it have only ever had enjoyment from it. 153000 miles later and still on the original clutch, exhaust, battery and with only having very little trouble decided to sell and bought a 2008 58 plate with 11000 miles on the clock. I can honestly say that my 2001 was always excellent to drive even up untill I sold it only 3 weeks ago was a joy to drive, however after initially being impressed with the 2008 I have to say feels much noisier in the cab and the engine seems to emitt horrible grinding noises when under load and climbing hills. After a drive out to mid wales for the day I was glad to get out the van as my head was pounding from the in cab row. Hope I get used to this van because so far its quite a dissapointment.

John, Suffolk on the Ford Transit

I have had several transits since 1972 and this one is complicated when something goes wrong as I used to do all my own maintainance. Although this van has now done 86,000 of which I have done 11,000 it gave me a bit of trouble the other day and two computers have diagnosed different problems which I am hoping is now ok,The engine cut out after several attempts with a horrible rattling sound just after leaving home and the engine still a bit cold with it in second gear. RAC came up with crankshaft sensor prob and fuel pump. Ford garage came up with chain tensioner problem but advised me to have oil change and flush with a higher grade oil. Failing that if it plays up again its £500 for tensioner but they are not sure! At the moment it’s running well and is comfortable to drive without any other problems. I like Fords as normally spares are cheap to find, apart from this one!

Harry, Ireland on the Ford Transit

Simply the best vans on the market!

Steve, Cardiff on the Ford Mondeo

I have found the Ford Mondeo to be a reasonably competent all round car. I have the 2 litre model, brisk acceleration, with safe handling, and plenty of safety features. Lots of room for both driver and passengers and good boot space, no major problems with car and servicing costs are very good, I’m a happy owner. I’ve had the car from 2 years old and will be keeping car for the foreseeable future.

Robert, Shropshire on the Ford Focus

Bought it in a car auction in Walsall in 2004, now done 145,000 miles had an annoying rattle on gearbox, which stops when you depress the clutch but has got no worse in 3 years so why worry. All it’s cost me is services, tyres pads, etc. I am now told it might need a clutch so I’m looking for, guess what? Another Focus turbo diesel, hope I’m as lucky this time.

I, Scotland on the Ford Transit

As usual with vehicles these days the engine will go on forever, its the stuff round about that breaks. All my probs have been well known and predicatable for its age. Its an ex BT so has been pretty well maintained so far. They don’t drive them fast either but they are loaded lot. Big fixes have been a belt pulley collapse and susequent steering pump and steering rack replacement. This was done at a main dealer and I am suspicious about the rack and pump replacement. It was an emergency, need it now fix so I took the hit. Other repairs have been consumables like pads and wear items like bushings and hubs. It has eaten batteries and needs one in good condition for cold weather. You can easily fit two. Suspension now looks like the next big repair item. it has done 85000 miles. BT flog them at about 74000.

Dale, England on the Ford Transit

I have always had a Transit, they have been the best. My first was in 1986 and I have had a total of six up to my present 2001 a 2.4 td. I have had it for four years, the horrible bosch diesel pump was the first thing to go on it; £1200 or £662 for a recon unit and that’s with out fitting. The garage bill is £400 but any one with a transit of this model will be faced with this bill. Ford should have never got the germans to build this pump. I will be looking at other makes of van, it’s a very sad day for all Transit lovers. P.S. Bring back the di engine.

Janet, Kent on the Ford Focus

I have just become the proud owner of this Focus today and have found it lovely to drive and interior very nice. But my only problem is I have lost power twice, on both times I was approaching a roundabout and for a few seconds had no control of car at all then it was fine. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be wrong? Please help.

Clyde, Wiltshire on the Ford Focus

Very reliable car and having done 60,000 miles in it I never had one problem engine wise. The only issue was coil in front suspension. Now upgraded to 1.8 tdci zetec climate 2007 and it’s brilliant. Would highly recommend.

Matthew, Suffolk on the Ford Focus

I have had this car for 2 years, and it's a dream. Smooth driving and nifty steering, in a classy exterior....what more can i say?!

Alex, England on the Ford Ka

I bought this car 4 years ago for £3000, and I have easily spent £1000 a year on repair since then. I have replaced all of the suspension yearly, brakes and disks too! the interior is a bit on the cheap side even for an entry level car. The air con work fine in winter but when i turn for its cold settings in summer it leaks water into the passenger and driver footwell. The locks are another annoyance they keep sticking and for the last year I have not been able to unlock the car from the drivers side. I would give it 1 star but on the plus side it has always started first time and never broken down on a journey. It’s just a shame its such an uncomfortable one.

Neil, Somerset on the Ford Transit

I bought my van from auction 3 years ago for £3,200 including VAT with 91,000 on the clock with a full service history. It now has 122,000 on the clock and is still driving brilliantly; starts every time. The only problems are standard every day things (starter motor, glow plugs and battery, that’s it!). I service it every year also I have started looking into getting a new Transit and have been offered a £1500 trade from a main Ford dealer! I would say that is very good value as it has seen me through my first 3 years of business with a cost of about £2000 including depreciation! Buy one do not buy any other French rubbish!

Brian, Shropshire on the Ford Transit

You are not alone! Heavy loss of power, one third lower fuel consumption and of course smoke!

Peter, West Lothian (Linlithgowshire) on the Ford Transit

I bought a Transit with 100,000 miles on the clock, and a week after the fuel pump went at the cost of £1200. 18 months later and less than 10,000 miles, same thing happened again. Seemingly the pump has a guarantee period of 12 months. The pump was fitted at one of Fords main dealers but they were not interested. I phoned Ford customer service, and the same thing, not interested. The funny thing is they would have done something about it had the van been younger than 8 years old, but since it wasn’t tough luck for me. No wonder the country is in such a state when small business owners are treated in such a way. I wouldn’t take another Transit even if it was free. £2400 in 18months with the same fault, is more than my business can handle.

Steve, Cornwall on the Ford Focus

I bought this car new in 2000. It has now covered around 70k miles, averaging around 42mpg (minimum 38 - maximum 47). It transmits more road noise than expected over rougher road surfaces and the interior storage is not the best, but driving it is still a pleasure. Very reliable so far, although the engine management system indicator lights occasionally if stuck in traffic (says due to a weak mixture on No 1 cylinder). Not a problem - just buy the tool from Gendan Ltd and reset the light. Do not go the Ford Main Dealer - expensive waste of time! My big problem will be what to replace it with! The new Focus is so ugly, although I am sure it is nice to drive. The Seat Leon is looking good, but the old Focus will be with me for a while yet.

Peter, County Londonderry on the Ford Transit

Best van on road. Mine has done 200000 and still does 105 miles a hour and 30mpg. A good van all around. Top of the morning to you!

Dominic, Essex on the Ford Ka

I bought a W reg KA recently and while I like its good handling, excellent gearbox and lively engine there are somethings I distinctly don’t like. 1/ I find the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal too close together which can mean you hit both pedals by mistake which could have lethal consequences. The accelerator should be further to the right but I think the "curves everywhere design" doesn’t allow this. 2/ Changing a headlight bulb is a nightmare and a mechanic even has extreme difficulty. The normal person will find it impossible (I kid you not). 3/ The "curves everywhere" design may look cute from the outside but prevents accessories having a flat surface to mount on. Map compartments are inadequate. The hidden "glove compartment" is ridiculous). 4/ The floor seems to have little indents suitable for nothing except perhaps putting a can of coke in. 5/ The horn is very insensitive and has to be pressed hard to work. Not what is required when you have a myopic old lady coming at you on the wrong side of the road which happened to me in Colchester. 6/ According to the previous owners service notes the brakes were getting too hot and it has now failed the MOT on every aspect of braking including the handbreak. 7/ The doors open and lock in a peculiar way which I suppose has the virtue of fooling an opportunist thief. 8/ Don’t forget to make sure you have a key for the lock nuts on the wheels and bring it with you every trip or it could be expensive if you get a puncture miles from home. This is my first Ford and I think they should know better as they have been building budget cars longer than everyone else. Ford should realise that cute design has its place but not at the expense of practicality and safety.

James, London on the Ford Transit

I know someone who had bought a white x reg ford transit mk4 and I have been in so many and I think they are the best vans ever! Reliable and fast for it’s age and a wicked work horse man. It is a bit rusty but that doesn’t effect anything and will run till they die. I have rarely known a transit to break down man. The old ones are better then any new transit sport van or transporter sportline or iveco, I’m not saying they’re bad vans but the mk4 transit can do about 100 mph and will always get you to where you wanna go man. Old mostly and new transits are the best.

Lisa, England on the Ford Mondeo

I love this car, I brought it secound hand thinking it would do to get kids to school and back, but I have found it is a very reliable car. I have since taken it on holidays and have done a lot of miles with the only problem i have had is the tyres going bald, but you get that with all cars. Ooo and needed an head light bulb for the MoT. So I am proud to say best buy ever for me.

Pete, Lincolnshire on the Ford Transit

Over one hundred thousand miles, good on fuel, drives well. The only problem I have had was a tickover problem that was soon sorted. It doesn’t hold resale value but then what does?

Steve, Cheshire on the Ford Ka

I purchased a "W" 2000 Ka, one previous owner with full main dealer service history, 40k on he clock, taxed with 9months MOT, 4xnew tyres and back box for £1500 for my daughter as her 1st car. She loves it. Handles like a go-kart and starts 1st time, every time. Then we put it in for an MOT: £500 required, Rust, broken front coil, faulty steering rack with an advisory for front discs and pads. Google Ford Ka problems and read the endless list. Ford should hold their heads in shame. The distress of seeing your daughter crying her heart out because we’d bought a lemon was heartbreaking. I picked up the tab but won’t be buying Ford again!

Ed, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus Estate

Never owned a better car. Bought with 30,000 on the clock; now got 150,000. Only ever garaged for MOT and a cam belt change. Good fuel economy; excellent drive position and the 1.8tdi has loads of power through the range; tried all manner of other cars when I felt like a change but none seem to have the same grunt, so I’ve kept. Apart from tyres, odd bulbs and a few minor bits I’ve never had to buy much else. I’d now like a change but the damn thing still keeps happily running. I do all my own servicing on a regular basis and maybe that helps. The downside is that during the recent snow, when parked up in a layby for the day some van or lorry backed into the offside wing then drove off (I wasn’t there). Not sure whether to repair (costly?) or just trade her in as scrap!

Alan, England on the Ford Mondeo

Best car I have ever owned (so far!) Brilliant driving experience, bulletproof (Honda-built) engine and totally reliable. Loads of pull and great handling but doubles as an extremely practical family car with a huge boot. Sold it after 6 years faithful service up and down the motorways and byways of Britain. Great car, wish I could afford a new one.

Adam, Yorkshire on the Ford Puma

My cousin rang me up one day to tell me that his friend had a minor crisis. She was fed up with public transport and needed a car badly. It was her first car mind you, so I had all sorts of hideous ideas in my head about what car she would choose. To my surprise, she said she wanted a Ford Puma. The last time I actually drove a Puma was back in 1999, so I was keen to get behind the wheel of this pocket rocket again. We found a reasonably priced one at around £1300, which had a few optional extras, namely a 6-Disc Changer, Electric Mirrors and Aircon. For those of you who don’t remember, the Puma was Top Gear’s Car of the Year back in 1997 and with good reason. Yes it’s based on a Fiesta, which let’s face it, isn’t exactly the best starting point, but a little nip here and a little tuck there to its chassis, topped off with a snazzy new suit and new heart and she was ready for the road. As far as the styling goes, it’s mostly feminine, but with a few aggressive tweaks. The back end is kicked high, with a definitive crease that makes the car have a ’lean forward’ stance, much like the big cat it’s named after. The front looks aggressive yet seductive, especially the front headlamps with their unique design. The light spread on the other hand is a bit useless, compared to modern standards. I found myself reaching for the high beam switch a little too often on some well lit country roads. Performance wise, I have no gripes whatsoever. OK, well maybe a couple tiny grumbles, but nothing serious. One, the engine could use a little more torque as in gear acceleration could leave you wanting a bit, and the brakes could use a bit more bite with extra cooling, for when the road gets challenging. Other than that the 1.7 Zetec-S VCT engine knock out a reasonable 123bhp, really urges you on, making wonderful fizzy noises lower down the rev range, turning into a spine tingling snarl when touching the 6750 rpm limit. 0-62 takes a scarcely believable 8 seconds, while top speed is 127mph. The steering is wonderfully weighted, feeling quite meaty and forgive the pun, changes direction like a Puma. It tucks in wonderfully, feeling for grip and holds its line everytime. Once touching the limit of the chassis, it lets you know with well controlled understeer, lift off and you can swing the back round in a controlled lift off oversteer situation. The gearbox is wonderfully weighted too, with a precise short shift action, and pedals placed well for heel and toe down-changes. As mentioned earlier, the brakes do tend to give up quite easily when making swift progress. Ford did realise this and gave the Pumas built after 1998 bigger front brakes. On a motorway cruise 38mpg is achievable, while in town you average drops to about 25mpg. My best which included town, motorway and twisty country roads I averaged about 24mpg, which still isn’t too bad. I kept thinking to myself that the car could’ve benefited with a 6th cog for a more relaxed motorway cruise and better fuel consumption. As far as ownership goes, the Puma has not let myself or my friend down once. She is utterly reliable and is a joy to drive around. The boot is huge and deep and if extra space is required, the rear seat can fold down, albeit in one piece only. The load lip is quite high and it can be a bit of a struggle to get heavy items in. If you were over 6ft tall, I won’t recommend sitting in the back seats. Headroom is tight and thanks to stiff suspension, concussions are a given on the UK’s pockmarked roads, not to mention the rear window is no bigger than a cat flap. Up front though, the seats are WAY too high, but comfortable and relatively supportive. Height adjustment was available (as an option of course) and even then the seats were too high. Never mind. the steering wheel had no adjustment for reach and rake either, but oddly enough everything fell into place perfectly. Equipment-wise, the little Puma was at the mercy of ruthless Ford dealers. Passenger airbags, CD Players, electric Mirrors and air-conditioning were all optional extras. Go for the 1.4 model and ABS and traction control were also extras. In terms of value for money, the little Puma was always a winner. It was cheap to buy new, and it’s still cheap to buy used. Limited edition models hold their value a little better than the regular specced models, but they can be had for as little as £950 now. Of course it will be a bit of a nail if that were the case, but find a clean pre 1999 model for about £1250 to £1800, while the revised models can be had anywhere between £2000 to £5000, although £5k is closer to Racing Puma money. All in all, the Puma is a wonderful little car for not much money. I dare anyone to find a small performance car for less. I severely doubt that it’s possible.

Keith, England on the Ford Transit

Hi, could you help me resolve a problem with my Transit Luton please? I bought it in Colchester for £1250 reduced from £2500. It has a reconditioned engine so - one reason why I bought it was the engine looked newer than its R reg plate, well it is by a couple of years but I believe the fuel pump may still be the old one (the wheel arches are rusty and the back step has rusted). Could the fuel pump be blocked, rusted or rusted to unrepairable - I have tried diesel injector cleaner on the four injectors by removing the injectors individually. When I first got it it was only running on 3 of 4 spark plugs with diesel so it conked out going up a hill. (The breaks disks had to be changed as they were causing no break then another day sticky breaks and steaming wheels - (fire hazard)). Thanks.

Tom , Durham on the Ford Ka

My wife’s KA has been an excellent buy. Very little has it ever needed repairing. I put two new tyres and a new battery on it a couple of weeks ago and then found that the air-flow meter needed replacing ( approx.£150). As it’s getting a bit long in the tooth now we decided to look for a replacement. The best deal is £1000 trade-in for a new KA Zetec Climate Panther black and fully kitted out - £5999 at Holloways Ford near Durham. It’s a brilliant deal - picking it up on Friday. We’d recommend a KA for all seasons !!!

Sarah, Fife and Kinross Shires on the Ford Mondeo

Okay I know what you’re thinking. When you hear the words Ford Mondeo you don’t think wow babe magnet and instantly the word "Taxi" comes to mind. But I want to tell you that the 1998 Ford Mondeo is unbelievably reliable, even for its age. This is my second Mondeo and can’t imagine driving anything else (unless anyone knows a Ferrari going for under £5,000??? - worth a try!) She handles the road wonderfully and I do over 120 miles a day for work. The most recent MOT required slight work but did not exceed £200 and tha’ts the most I’ve ever had to pay out in the 3 years I have had her. Like my last Mondeo it was the back brakes that caused the dent in my purse, so if you’re planning on getting one keep an eye on this (perhaps it could be my driving though!!!). The car is extremely comfortable and reliable. The only downside is that it is not the best when it comes to petrol costs. She is a bit of a guzzler. I put £90 in a week...but I suppose this does get me 600 miles (is that good or bad? Maths is not my strong point). Anyway overall if you are thinking of getting a Ford Mondeo I don’t think you will be disappointed....oh and ladies there’s plenty of shopping room in the boot and storage places inside (no Imp not sexist...I am female!)

Roy, Surrey on the Ford Ka

Basically a good, cheap, city car. Needs rubbing strakes on doors to prevent damage in supermarket car parks, a 4 X 4 door bouncing off it can do £500 worth of damage in seconds. Have had trouble with the air flow meter on the injection system, the door locking system can operate all night without warning, leading to a flat battery in the morning, (traced to waterlogged wiring harness in the doors) and the floor can get damp if parked facing downhill in heavy rain. Spark plugs need to be removed on a regulat basis and the threads greased, otherwise they can corrode in the head and snap off, leaving thread in head. Expensive repair! Horn is pathetic, even for town use, totally inadequate for motorways. Bought new and never had any seriopus troubles, although oil filter change is very difficult as a DIY job unless special tool is available. Would cheerfully buy another one, preferably with the more powerful 1.6 Sport engine. Tried the Fiat-based new model which, in my opinion, is nowhere near as good as the original which was miles ahead of it`s time and still looks good, and handles well, even against todays Japanese/European competitors.

Shaun, Yorkshire on the Ford Ka

I bought my 1997 1.3 Ka for a mere £450, it was extremely cheap and it was to suit me perfectly with my money income being low. I thought that the car would only last a couple of months before it would need replacing, but I’ve had the Ka for 6 months now, I’ve been travelling at least 20 miles a day and its still in full working order, it just wants to keep going. The fuel consumption is excellent, it takes only£30 to fill and can get around 300 miles out of it, it doesn’t have many luxury features but it still handles very well and I have found that it can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. When people look at it from the outside it may throw them off but when in the car it’s amazing how much room there is, with any 3 door car the back seats are cramped up but I sit nearly all the way back in the drivers seat and there’s still plenty of room in the back. I think the perception of the Ka being a girls car is nonsense, since buying mine I’ve noticed a few of the local lads investing in them. I think men are just scared what people will think of them if they drove one. Overall I would strongly recommend the Ka to people on a low income or first time drivers, they are BRILLIANT!

Pete, Berkshire on the Ford Transit

Very reliable has 166,000 on the clock have been running on 90% bio fuel, renewed cam belt, and brakes all round, looking a bit tatty now. Love the driving position, very difficult to stall unlike the modern ones, loads of room in the back and will take a two tonne trailer and everyone who has borrowed it has enjoyed the experience of driving it. Easy to do your own servicing unlike modern anything nowadays. Only paid a grand for her four year ago so all round value for money, I prefer to drive the van over the car any day - cannot imagine life without it.

Jason, England on the Ford Transit

No review submitted.

Peter, Inverness-shire on the Ford Transit

No review submitted.

Mark, Suffolk on the Ford Fiesta

No review submitted.

Peter, London on the Ford Transit

Over 240,000 reliable town and country miles! Still going strong on original mechanicals except one clutch and one set of injectors! Wheel arches are showing signs of rust (bummer). Never mind, should have undersealed them when new. Forget all your super fast engines, they all go at the same speed in traffic!

Christine, Bedfordshire on the Ford Transit

No review submitted.

Adem, England on the Ford Transit

An ebay bargain at £400 with a full years mot and I have had it for nearly a year now.It already had 160,000 on the clock and I have added another 20 and its still going!!Just!!Ok so no turbo or power steering but the reliability has more than made up for this. Also, good to run on neat veg oil with a diesel mix in winter smoother running more mpg. Overall very pleased, I would buy another 100% but next time with turbo and power steering.

Paul, Neath Port Talbot on the Ford Maverick

Hello to everyone, I’ve just bought a Ford Maverick 2.4 petrol and would like to give an insight into this style of vehicle. The vehicle I have is the long wheel base 7str type and find it’s great for carrying around my extended family (six in total ) and just got back from a week in Devon where the vehicle was certainly put through it’s paces. On the motorway it settles in with moving traffic and easily moves along at a steady 60-70mph but does take it’s time in building up speed to overtake as throttle response is not it’s forte. It is very poor on the bigger hills and lacks power greatly, requiring a change down in gears to third for any forward acceleration when fully loaded, pretty poor for a 122bhp 2.4 petrol engine. The high driving position is good for all round visibility and the vehicle’s stance on the road is great for the more modern driver. With the extras fitted as standard, such as the all round electric windows and power sunroof, the vehicle comes across as a high end vehicle which can be bought for next to nothing money. The interior fixings are up to Ford’s usual standards and break or fail with little or no warning and the plastic look is taken to the extreme, but some people like that!! Known faults are the front wheel bearings and the rear differentials (I drove mine home from Essex to our home address with NO OIL in the differential) and only when booked car in for a service, was told that the rear differential could have failed at any time - thank you to my local mechanic. The sensor that tells you that your brake pads are low doesn’t always work as mine were down to the backing of the brake pad and still no warning. The driving position is good and comfortable and after 5hrs driving I was still feeling refreshed. Overall, the Ford Maverick 2.4 petrol is slightly underpowered on hills and requires attention by the driver at all times, it’s driving position is great and keeps up with todays traffic. For towing I think the 2.7td would be better but I still enjoy every day in my Maverick and would have to be offered something of equal ability to part with mine ........... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

N, England on the Ford Mondeo

Okay - they said its durable and mine has a low mileage, but simply it is. It never fails - only the starter motor after 15 years and I replaced that for very low cost. Buy high quality tyres and it holds the road even better. It never seems to rust and shines up well. This is an ordinary looking car with extraordinary low running costs.

Derek, Sussex on the Ford Galaxy

Other than food (oil) and alcohol (cheapest available) and water he/she gets no especial tlc, not even a ’plug’ change ! Obviously he/she presents him/her-self for the annual test. Always a reliable starter and gives a super-smooth ride on varying road surfaces.

David, Herefordshire on the Ford Fiesta

OK, buying an ST?? For 10 grand a nearly new example, I think the car is superb. You’re never going to get raw performance with a Fiesta, but the grip envelope is superb, with a decent driver in control, you can upset some serious cars in A and B road territory. I’ve owned the ST for almost 2 years and it never goes wrong! Fuel consumption is the right side of 35 MPG and it’s like a faithful terrier. I wouldn’t buy another one as I’m looking for a Focus RS in 2010, but by God, what an experience this car has been. Anyone looking for a dependable, inexpensive car with a lot of bite, look no further. Seats are great by the way, and stick with Zero Neros all the way. Grippier than an Amazonian tree frog dipped in superglue.

Dave, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

This is the worst car I have ever owned, with problem after problem. I bought the car from new and as soon as I drove the car of the forecourt the engine management light came on, resulting in a 3 hour wait, a missed ferry and a hotel bill which Ford refused to pay for. Since, I’ve had problems with the gear box which was fixed under warranty after a big argument, battery, alternator, washer jets, brake calliper and the now the car rarely starts first time, if at all sometimes and it regularly cuts out, as in just switches itself of while your driving down the road. It’s happened to me on a roundabout and on the motorway, usually if you wait a minute then start the car again it fixes the problem but all the same... Don’t go near these things, they will cost you a fortune and are death traps.

T, Lancashire on the Ford Ka

Firstly my Ka gets its rating from the nippyness, and nothing else. Now for the bad bits. she has been the most expensive car to run I have ever had. Now for the catalogue of problems - apologies to people who are offended or upset, but I think my experiences are worth mentioning. In her first year of purchase she needed a steering grid at the cost of £590 fitted. Quickly followed by a second one ten months later - thankfully the garage had guaranteed the grid for twelve months. (the second one lasted a very lucky 4+ years) Since then I’ve battled with so many problems I could scream. Rust that spreads faster than weeds. The genuine Ford petrol caps failing to lock. After replacing genuine twice, I solved the problem by buying a cheaper off the shelf version. Exhausts snapping in two just over the warranty mark, thankfully when the third ’snapped’ I had found a small local garage who agreed to weld it for me till a replacement was really needed. Even thought the rest of the exhaust was fine, it snapped again in a totally different position while driving on a motorway and on the way to meet my new bosses for lunch - the shame. Electrical fault with the doors - the thing kept unlocking itself. The first time I replaced at (again not cheap) thankfully the second time happened was after I had met my local trusted garage, who offered to pop a new one in or he suggested a cheaper option, I could go home, chop the wiring in the passenger door therefore stopping the loop. The heater stopped working. Again I paid the first time it happened then when it went the second time I just wore gloves in winter. Eventually the blower itself decided to work on all settings just 10% of the time - the rest of the time, just the highest setting would work. Electric windows failing to open/close intermitently. Windscreen seal leaking - finding this out in a rain storm and 250 miles from your home and your local trusted garage isn’t pleasant, and also proved quite pricey to sort. Then finally a short in the electrics at one in the morning that involved a crew of 7 firemen and one of the boys in blue. Since my Ka finally gave up the ghost, and obsessesed with my seriously bad luck especially when so many sites seemed to say that these were really reliable cars - I decided to trawl the internet to see if I could find a different story. Typing in Ford Ka common faults gave me the answer, and over 40,000 local hits. Most of the problems with my Ka seem to be classed as common faults. Just not so common to people like me who have just a basic knowledge of cars. Would I buy another - daft question really, I have had such a nightmare with this car I’m seriously considering trading in my driving licence for a weekly bus pass.

David, Lancashire on the Ford Transit

Bought this smiley transit 4 months ago, just 100.000 on the clock, goes like the wind, doesn’t blow smoke, goes like the wind wouldn’t part the world for it. They should be still making this model, when a Transit was a Transit!

Scott , Lancashire on the Ford Transit

Bought the van new, LWB semi high with tow bar fitted at dealer, looks good and drives good but that is where the fairy tale ends. Since then nothing but problems such as the valve has gone twice, new heated front screen door, lock handles come off in your hand, had to have a new remote key, it just packed up, been in body shop to repair rust, now the transmission isn’t working currently, possibility of clutch faliure, only done 18000 miles !!!!!!! It is in dealer’s, hoping to be repaired under warranty, they wont supply hire van until fault diagnosed. I can’t look at van for 5 days, load of c***, had the van 2 years been in dealers 4 weeks out of that time. Costing me a fortune in lost time and revenue, buy a Merc. Variant: 115 350. Year Of Make: 2007

Dan, London on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Having driven back to London from Lancashire I parked the car outside my partners house. When I came to go out later on whenever I put the car into gear and released the foot brake the engine would stall; after several attempts I resorted to placing the auto box in neutral and revving the bollox off it, then placing it back into drive. This seemed to clear the problem until the other day, whilst driving at 30mph in central London the engine decided to stall. Any clues to what is happening?

Tina, Cheshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

I just logged on to find out more about mpg on this car and can’t believe what I’m hearing. This happened to me after having the car for 2 months; the car just cutting out. The ngr valve was replaced and touch wood it hasn’t happened again, has anyone experienced the clock keep changing time?

Wayne, Essex on the Ford Transit

I got the van when it was six months old, an ex-demo with some extras on it. Can’t find any faults, best van I’ve ever had. It is good on fuel as I get about 35 miles to the gallon; and I’ve got a heavy foot. It has never let me down and is always serviced on time - only got 52,000 on it. I have only had to put a new fan on it as the bearing went and had to buy whole kit for £160. I was going to buy the new mrk 7 but the works one is heap of s...t - only one year old and on second engine and gear box. Come on Ford - pull it together. I will keep my van.

Jamie, Essex on the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

Leased my CC2 in January and have enjoyed driving it ever since, although it would be better with a more powerful engine than the 2.0 litre petrol, perhaps the ST 2.5 would be a consideration. Ford have designed a very comfortable, spacious and fun car. The wind breaker is superb and I have had my roof down now for the past 2 months. Can’t really complain about much for the money. The electric roof is very efficient, and the boot space superb. Will certainly be looking to lease another one at the end of the 2 year term. Great website by the way.

Allan, Fife and Kinross Shires on the Ford Transit Connect

The connect has been a good van to us; now nearly 6 years old, 54,000 miles and only really had servicing as per book, apart from the problem with the charging light staying on. Had new battery fitted after 5 years and the light stayed on - problem with wiring I am told but it is charging the battery. It does wear the front tyres on the inside but I put that down to all the speed bumps we have around here. We have since bought 2 other Connects (1 written-off ) and a Astra sportive but I like the Connect and the local Lambert’s Ford Garage for service.

Kirsty, Cheshire on the Ford Fiesta

Not much to look at but a nice comfortable car to drive. quite a lot of space front, back and in boot for all of your shopping!!! used to drive my mum’s older model fiesta and this one is a very big improvement. very quiet and does great on fuel. all around a very good little car.... not really very many minus points to it.

Darren, Buckinghamshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Although this is a good size family car with lots of gadgets, I feel you could get more for your money on something else.From new I have also experienced a clutch problem where it had to be replaced with less than 2k miles on clock! The same problem has since come back with still less than 10k miles.Dealer has hinted this is not the first time this problem has been reported on the c-max.

Craig, Norfolk on the Ford Focus

I’ve just got this (company) car and have been driving for only 2 weeks so it’s still early days but I have to say I’m having real fun driving it. I must admit I thought this would be a boring car but so far it’s proved itself to be a nice smooth drive. Nice interior too. Quietly impressed.

Roy, Devon on the Ford Fiesta

A joy to drive. I’ve had my fiesta now for 5 months and it’s been nothing but reliable and economical to drive. I have done a couple of fair distance journeys in this car too and it handled just as well at 70mph as it does at 30mph around town. A really good all rounder and very smart looking too.

Marty, Humberside on the Ford Mondeo

This is such a great car, I’ve only had it for three weeks but it’s a fabulous car to drive and feels, not only in the drive but comfort, a lot more car than you actually pay for. The boot is huge, the only one down side being if it has rained it does tend to collect and then run straight into the boot when you open it, but not a huge amount. For all the positives this car has that really is the only flaw I can think of and it’s a minor one. Highly recommend.

Jamie, Pembrokeshire on the Ford Focus

I bought my Ford Focus a couple of years ago and can not speak highly enough of it. It only cost just over £11,000 which was the limit of my budget and I do not think that I could have done any better for the money. It is lovely to drive, comfortable inside and easy to maintain. In my opinion, the best choice of family car out there.

Sarah, Wiltshire on the Ford Focus

I completely agree with Jamie's review. I will add that the car seats are the most comfortable that I have ever had. This is also a car that is pretty good on mileage. I normally get more than 45 miles per gallon.

Ian, Lancashire on the Ford Focus Estate

Decent car, excellent on fuel consumption, car seats get uncomfortable however on long journeys if you are like me and have a dicky back. Also, the car felt very light, leaving you feeling a little exposed when passing larger vehicles.

Johnny, Cheshire on the Ford Mondeo

Probably one of the best cars I have ever driven (and there's been a few), comfort second to none, bags of room, biggest boot you will ever see. Very economical on motorways and not bad also on urban journeys.

Chris, Cheshire on the Ford Focus

I bought my nearly new Ford Focus from a car supermarket and saved ££££ on the list price. This car is a great run around, cheap to insure, economical and with the Focus being so popular will be easy to sell when I fancy a change.

Michael, Middlesex on the Ford Fiesta

Good little runaround, gets me to and from where I wish to go quite easily, even if the street cred isn't high, you wont find a better little motor than this.

Andy, Lancashire on the Ford Fiesta

There were two things I expected when I took delivery of my new Fiesta, a keen engine and slighlty jarring ride ( it is the Zetec S after all ). I got both. Over the course of the last couple of months I have come to love driving the thing though, the engine is torquey and gives you lots of punch at low revs although as always with a 'spirited' engine you find yourself wishing it had a little more power at times. Still half the insurance and running costs of the ST make it a far more sensible ownership prospect. Working out VERY cheap to lease at present!!

Martin, Lancashire on the Ford Focus

Although I have had more expensive and supposedly better cars, I must say that the Focus was a pleasure to drive, good on fuel, plenty of space, and suprisingly handled well.

Andy, Cheshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Good Points - Seating, room, comfort(5*), driving fun, gearchange, suspension.

Bad points - lots of interior rattles, leak into boot not covered under warranty (12 months only for leaks!!), quality of paintwork. Stalls easily & difficult to start in hot weather.

Overall - if the quality was upto the driving experience and comfort I'd give 5 stars.

Stephanie, Surrey on the Ford Focus

I can not think of a negative thing to say about my Focus - it does everything I need with plenty to spare. Thoroughly recommended - reliable and good-looking.

Trevor, Cumberland on the Ford Galaxy

I love this car. I originally bought it with the wife and kids in mind but have found driving it a real pleasure. It’s a great package and the whole family (including the dog) really enjoy travelling in it. Definitely recommended.

Neil, Warwickshire on the Ford Mondeo Estate

This car really does have it all. Very responsive drive; actually makes motorway driving enjoyable! Looks great too and a very comfortable interior. Well done Ford.

Mica, London on the Ford Ka

This is the perfect car for getting about around town. It’s cheap to run and insure and looks great. I had a Fiat before my Ka but would never go back to one now.

Keith, Yorkshire on the Ford S-MAX

This is a great all rounder. We looked at a number of MPV’s before settling on this one and chose it because we felt overall the quality was better. It handles brilliantly, and my wife, who was initially worried about driving something larger than her old, beloved Fiat Panda (very old) loves driving it. The kids like it too; my six year old think it looks ‘posh’, can’t argue with that!

Michael, Cheshire on the Ford Ka

Outstanding little car with bags of character and great fun to drive. Cheap to run, with inexpensive servicing costs. Having driven this car many times around central London and also up on numerous driving tours of Scotland, it has coped with every driving situation presented, has never let me down, and I can only recommend it. One word of caution, though - it IS more of a 2+2 than a real 4 seater for adults!

Simon, Herefordshire on the Ford Mondeo

I originally owned the 2.5 but found the running costs slightly high so went for the 2.0 TDCi Ghia second time round. I now have what I class to be the perfect car - lovely to drive, economical and stylish. 5 out of 5.

Gerry, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Mondeo

This car is a solid and safe drive. Very comfortable for both passengers and driver, this is a LOT of car for your money and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

Kris, Yorkshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

In general, I've found this a comfortable car with plenty of power if needed. The 136bhp 6 speed engine is lively and has considerably more power than the 1.8 model. Incidentally, I test drove the 1.6 and found it underpowered and sluggish (I have a 1.6 Focus for comparison) - I wouldn't recommend this engine size in the Cmax.

Good points:
Exciting engine, pretty good economy (45.2mpg average), the rear sliding seat system is very useful, a large boot and lots of toys including voice recognition, auto lights, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, electronic handbrake, bluetooth, decent stereo etc (note some of these are non-standard extras)

Bad points:
-Unsurprisingly with a higher centre of gravity, it doesn't corner as well as the Focus (which is excellent). However, that said, it is considerably better than I thought it would be and better than many lower cars such as the Peugeot 307.
-The auto wipers even on the most sensitive setting are sometimes not sensitive enough.
-The electronic handbrake takes some getting used to. If it thinks you are on a hill it won't let you take it off unless you depress the foot brake. This requires a new style of hill start where you achieve the biting point without the use of the accelerator. Fortunately the engine / clutch are more than capable of holding it on the hill (and indeed pulling off) without the use of the accelerator. Achievable, but as I said, it takes some getting used to.
-In 6months and 8000miles I've had one fault: The voice recognition unit packed up and was replaced under warranty.

One final point is that before purchasing I read many forums and one common fault with the Cmax relates to some cars frequently stalling when pulling off. I think I may have test driven one car with the fault as I stalled it 3 times in 2miles. Be aware of this on any test drive and don't purchase one with this fault as the forums suggest that Ford don't know how to correct it.
In general, I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend it.

Lee, Yorkshire on the Ford Transit Tipper

I hired a ’07, 100ps model and it was great but i was hoping to get better fuel economy than what i get with my 2000 75ps model but it was just the same. 400 miles to £80 of diesel. I hope the newer model transits aren’t plagued by gearbox, flywheel and diff problems like the earlier 2000 on models..

Chris, Yorkshire on the Ford Mondeo

Very quiet car and very comfortable. Smooth drive and a very high spec. Don’t worry about buying one of these you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure you have enough room on the drive as it really is a big car! Masses of room inside for the driver and passengers. I can’t think of anything that lets this car down, however I agree water does collect along the rear window and when the boot is opened it can fall inside the car. This is a very minor gripe though and opening the boot slowly does solve the problem. Buy one you’ll love it!

Adrian, Shropshire on the Ford Focus

Although the Ford Focus doesn’t have a Germanic build. This car proves itself time and time again. I have had and driven many as I work within the car industry at Acorn Finance. All derivatives keep improving with their design and build quality. I myself am a great fan of the Diesel derivatives, they prove great value for money. Even the Studio model offers a great specification with the likes of: 5000 Radio/Cassette, Anti Lock with EBD, Central Locking, Dr St Height Adjust, Driver Airbag, Generic Upholstery, High L Brake Light, Immobiliser, PAS, Passenger Airbag, Power Front Windows, Rear Head Restraints, Solid Paint and Split Rear Seat. If you are unsure I would advise taking a test drive at your local dealer!

Adrian, Shropshire on the Ford Ka

What can I say, Its Fun, Reliable, Cheap to repair, Cheap to Insure and Cheap to run with MPG ranging from circa 60mpg at a constant 56mph. I have had and driven many cars as I work within the car industry at Acorn Finance. I would say the Ford Ka offers excellent value for money. Starting with the Studio model, specification includes: 5000 Radio/Cassette, Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, High L Brake Light, Immobiliser, PAS, Rear Head Restraints, Solid Paint, Split Rear Seat, TicToc Upholstery. For further details visit your Local dealer and or go to the Manufacturers website.

Adrian, Shropshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

The all New Ford C-MAX. Yes, now this is suprising. Never liked the styling on previous models however Ford pushed the boat out with the new one! The Drive was great however even the new car had it’s squeaks and rattles, the Titanium has all the specification one needs and excellent functionality. Being a fan of Diesel cars the 1798 Diesel Engine is the one for me. I think all Ford Diesels are excellent value for money! Titanium specification includes: 17in Multi Spoke Alloys, Air Conditioning, Anti Lock with EBD, Driver Airbag, Electric Park Brake, Fr + Rr Velour Mats, Front Foglamps, Immobiliser, Overhead cons+mirror, Ovrhd Cnsl Wth RrObs, Passenger Airbag, Passenger Seat Adj, Power Rear Windows, Quickclear, Rear Head Restraints, Remote Locking, Side Curtain A/Bag, Solid Paint, Sony Aud/Sngl Slt CD, Sony CD, Span Cloth Upholstry, Split Rear Seat, Volume Sensing Alarm. For full details on this vehicle please got to the Manufacturers site and or visit you local Ford Dealer. Working in Car Finance ’Acorn’. I will say this vehicle offers great value for money when looking at Finance Packages too.

Michael, Bedfordshire on the Ford Focus C-MAX

Been caught out in some hairy situations, very dangerous pulling into traffic - engine has died no power , has not stalled and power returns pumping accelerator. Spoken to a collegue had the same problem. After two years of investigation, turned out to be the ’air mass sensor after the air filter housing’ . My vehicle currently with Ford to see if they can resolve problem, have informed Ford have to wait and see if they take any notice - would appear to be an inherent fault!

Michael, Shetland Islands on the Ford Mondeo

Excellent to drive. Holds the road really well. Loads of room so great for long journeys,even with two children. Lots of handy little gadgets. A lot of car for your money.Would highly recommend a Mondeo to anyone.

Sandra, Nottinghamshire on the Ford Fusion

I had a Fiesta before the Fusion. This car cost more, but is not really much better. Quite spacious & a nice enough drive. I purchased mine used from a car supermarket so paid a reasonable price. Basically it’s a 4x4 Fiesta!

Paul , England on the Ford Transit Tipper

After 20179 miles the clutch burnt out and ford are trying to say driver misuse i have driven a lease tipper for over a year without any problems i do not overload or keep my foot on the clutch i always use the hand break one minute it was working the next i could not get any gears so be warned you will not be under warranty.

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