2001 Ford Galaxy Ghia review from UK and Ireland

Three of the six ignition coils have failed, the last one at 40,000 miles. All have been replaced under the three-year warranty. However, Fords refused to allow the dealer to replace the other three suspect coils. The engine is made by Volkswagen and I believe they have recalled all VW cars fitted with these coils and replace all of them.

Engine cooling fan solenoid failed at 96 miles!

Windscreen wipers failed at 28,000 miles. Caused by faulty switch on steering column.

Air conditioning has to be re-charged every 10,000 miles, but dealer cannot find a leak.

Many rattles inside cabin. Not what one would expect from a Ghia.

No radio controls on steering column. I believe this has been upgraded on latest model, but my previous 1998 Omega had them. Again not what you would expect on Ghia trim.

Rear electric quarter-light windows in the brochure were, in reality, manual. After some considerable wrangling, the dealer paid £500 compensation for incorrect description.

Fuel consumption not bad considering the size of engine and weight of fully loaded car - averaging 25.5 mpg overall.

Could do with more luggage space when all seven seats are in position - car needs to be about 6 inches longer.

However, when everything is working, the car is very comfortable, powerful, and the seating arrangements are very flexible.