2004 Ford Mondeo ST220 review from UK and Ireland

Reversing lights stopped working. New switch fitted under warranty.

I am "Mondeo Man". I've previously had a MK1 - 1.8 LX, MK2 2.0 Zetec and MK3 - 2.5 Ghia X. So I've seen it all and have done many miles in the Mondeo family.

The ST220 is by far the best of the bunch.

It is very fast when you need it and yet can also be civilised and relaxed.

The V6 is very refined and does not make very much of a noise below 3,000 rpm, but develops a lovely growl as the 24 valves cut in at 3,500 rpm.

The only gripe I have with the interior is the fact that the Recaro Seats seem to have too many adjustments on them, making it awkward to find a comfortable position, after another driver has altered it. Also, I have no idea why ford decided to give the passenger the same electrically adjusted seat - my passengers are constantly adjusting it, which I find annoying.

The Mondeo is a big car and therefore is not designed to be "ragged" everywhere. The handling is good, but you do know it is a heavy car on the windy country lanes. It likes the open roads and is particularly at home on the fast A-roads and the motorways. It is a monster on the motorways and I have found the cruise control is an excellent way of keeping one's license!

The dealers are acceptable, providing you do not have a problem too complicated for them! I am talking from previous experience with my other Mondeos.

Fuel consumption is around 27 mpg, but most of my journeys are local, so it is not too bad for a big engine.

The 6-speed box is a gem and easily takes block changing when not wishing to make too much progress. When driving round coutry lanes, the car can easily be left in 4th gear to as low as 20 mph and it will pull away happily, up to around 100 mph if required. Driving through 30 Zones, I always put the car in 5th gear. This is the first car I have driven with such in gear flexibility. Smaller turbo engines cannot compete for driver freindliness.

In my opinion, the Mondeo is the best value for money family sized car on the market. It just depends if you can live with the blue oval. However, the Mondeo is not as common as the 3 series BMW! Car reviews state that the ST220 is expensive to run - it's not! My 2.0 Zetec, used to return around 32 mpg, which is not exactly amazing. The ST220 will drink like a jet if you contiuously boot it, but why do you need to?!

I think me and this Mondeo will have a long and happy relationship - providing it stays as reliable as it has been!