2000 Ford Galaxy Zetec review from UK and Ireland

* New windscreen wiper motor fitted.

* New headlight light bulbs fitted.

* Various rattles from the dashboard and passenger door.

* Complete electrical failure on two occasions.

* Bonnet lid would not close.

* Third row seats get damaged when folded forwards and are impossible to remove without taking out the middle row seats too (design fault on all new Galaxy 2000 models).

Things did not get off to a very good start when we went to pick up my wife's Galaxy from the dealership in Eastbourne. The car was not ready at the arranged time, the number plates had not been fitted and I doubt whether it had been PDI'd, as the bonnet lid was impossible to close after the salesman opened it. Also the washer bottle filler lid was left open and there was muck in the filter for it. We soon found out the reason why, as the wipers never worked properly and eventually failed completely.

This car has been a disappointment for many reasons. Firstly some car magazines in initial reviews of the new Galaxy 2000 model raved about the new VW stlye quality of this model. If this car of ours demonstrates VW quality, then they have only been dragged down to Ford's level.

Also reports that the Galaxy is the most 'car like' to drive is a gross exageration. A Transit van is now very good to drive and probably better made. The Galaxy drives like a van, full stop.

Although more powerful than the previous 110 bhp VW diesel engine, this new Pump Deuse unit is not as smooth and the economy has been disappointing. On a fast run in France it only averaged 31 mpg on the Autoroutes, and the best we have ever achieved is 36 mpg. The power band is quite narrow and it is pointless revving the engine. If I was buying this car again I would seriously consider the VW sourced 5 speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, as you forever seem to be changing gears with the manual.

The new six speed gearbox is notchy and it is easy to select third gear by mistake instead of first. Sixth gear you hardly ever use, as speeds under 60mph in this gear cause the engine to labour. Until you get used to it, the engine is very easy to stall when pulling away.

The ride quality is generally good but rather van-like. It sort of nods and hops in corners if you encounter bumps.

There is a design fault with the seats made for this car which I demonstrated to the dealership on their identical showroom model. Because it is such a tight fit, the third row seats get damaged if forced forwards and are impossible to remove without first taking out the middle row. Ford say they are aware of this problem, but have been unable to tell me when it will be remedied.

Since this car will be mainly driven by women, it is not very lady friendly. What is a must though, are the parking sensors fitted as standard to the Zetec model. Never buy a secondhand "Shalaxy" without air conditioning, otherwise it will mist up all the time.