1998 Ford Galaxy Concept 2.3 petrol
Summary:
Excellent MPV. Rugged, safe, and reliable
Faults:
Water loss through the hoses or due to faults in the expansion tank cap.
Valve seals and gaskets tend to harden, leading to internal oil consumption or leaks on the engine block.
Misfires (Ignition coils and spark plugs).
Windshield wiper motor lockout.
The gear shift linkage tends to develop play over time, making it difficult to engage the gears (especially reverse and first).
General Comments:
There was a reason I kept this vehicle for nearly 20 years. I bought it when it was already almost 10 years old, yet it was still in good condition. It is truly a car built to last, at least, that was my experience.
To start with, if you need space and comfort, this MPV is the right choice. Its price wasn't higher than that of the Sharan or Alhambra (with which it shares a platform), but for my taste, it is clearly superior in terms of its interior. It features very high-quality materials (unlike other Fords from the 90s); I didn't have to replace a single component during 18 years of ownership. The seats are comfortable and foldable, and my model came well-equipped, featuring standard air conditioning and power windows on all doors.
Despite being a large, heavy vehicle, it is very easy to handle, with good steering and brakes. It is very safe for long trips. It is not only ideal for a family of five or more; you can also use it like a van to haul plenty of gear. It works just as well for a solo excursion where you want to load up all kinds of stuff, the vehicle handles it effortlessly; that’s what it’s built for.
On the highway, you can drive it almost like a standard sedan; you can cruise at over 150–160 km/h knowing you're in a safe vehicle (one of the safest from the late 20th century). The engine (2.3) is a perfect match for the car. The 2.0-liter petrol engine is somewhat underpowered for the Galaxy.
Yes, it’s a bit thirsty (especially if you drive it hard) but that’s not really what this type of car is for. So, with normal driving, you won't have any major issues with fuel consumption; I can assure you of that.
No matter how massive it might look from the outside, ultimately it’s nothing more than a larger sedan, but one that’s more fun and offers far more things to do.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2026
3rd Sep 2026, 23:26
Good review.
Always thought the early Galaxies looked better than the Sharans and Alhambras, even though they were much more similar to each other than the later MPVs were.
I remember a neighbor had one of the early ones too, and at the time, they looked huge. I was really drawn to the rounded design, so typical of 90s Euro Fords, and saw them almost like a minivan version of the Mondeo.
Never drove or owned one, but that neighbor always spoke highly of his Galaxy; he told me it drove really well and was more practical than many station wagons.