1998 Ford Mondeo Ghia 5 door 1.8 turbodiesel

Summary:

Great car, except for the engine

Faults:

I bought the car practically new, with only 2,000 kilometers on the clock. However, the engine has been causing a lot of problems.

The Endura engine (also found in the Escort and Focus) mixes a lot of oil and water, the main symptom being oil in the coolant reservoir and swollen hoses. This is usually caused by a blown gasket or, less commonly, a damaged cylinder head.

The more it is used, the more it loses power and emits black smoke. Poor acceleration and black smoke indicate that the turbo is not working properly or that there is a problem in the exhaust system, for example a catalytic converter or a clogged exhaust.

It has enormous difficulty starting from cold due to multiple failures in the fuel injection system, the pump, and engine compression problems

Furthermore, due to turbo problems, it generates abnormal engine noises that end up being unbearable, more vibrating than a diesel from the 1960s.

This engine turned out to be quite poor, nothing like the old 1.6-liter Ford diesel from the 1980s. Without a turbo, it would have caused fewer problems.

General Comments:

Aside from the mechanical issues stemming from the engine, the car is really good. In the late 1990s, it was the best in Europe in terms of comfort and equipment. The Ghia trim level included power seats with memory for the driver, heating, a sunroof, air conditioning, and a CD player.

Despite its good cornering behavior, the Mondeo Ghia is a very comfortable car for daily use and travel, with a good balance between suspension and cabin noise. The quality of the materials is also noteworthy, including the interior materials, with wood-like details and an overall finish that conveys a sense of solidity and durability.

It has excellent cornering and stability at high speeds, providing safety even on good road surfaces. The balance, although good, the suspension is somewhat rough and abrupt on broken or cobblestone surfaces. The brakes are very good, smooth and firm, with great response at both low and high speeds.

In short, a very good, comfortable car with plenty of features, ahead of its time, that deserved to have an engine that matched its performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2025

11th Oct 2025, 17:27

The Endura engine has always been known for its countless problems and lack of reliability. Starting with the Escort and Orion, which also had naturally aspirated versions, I imagine the turbo will cause even more problems.

As you say, it's a shame the first diesel Mondeos had that engine.

2003 Ford Mondeo Trend 2.0 TDCI 115 BHP

Summary:

Dull, but worthy

Faults:

Small rattle from the driver seatbelt holder.

General Comments:

Car's design (both inside & out) is very bland. The recent 2005 face lift looks a lot better and the interiors in sporty versions can be quite OK, but unfortunately this is just a run-of-the-mill 2003 Trend.

More on the interior:

- Seats are good if not the best (try a Volvo sometime) and driving position is well adjustable

- Plastics are actually not *that* hard, but just look very cheap

- Fit and finish is beyond reproach, very solidly built

- Came with a pack with auto wipers, auto lights and dimming rear view mirror - all are perfect except the lights which sometimes take too long to switch on (already dark)

- Obviously the car is very roomy (not to say huge), with good seating space for 4 adults and a generous boot

- Radio quality is OK, but the possibility to plug an MP3 player into the glove compartment and play it on AUX is fantastic

Road handling is good - excellent steering feel (many 'premium' car manufacturers, Audi most notably, could learn from this), very safe behaviour on the limit (really no need for ESP) and strong brakes. Mine lacks a bit of incisiveness at times, but that is probably due to 16" steel wheels.

Comfort is another strong point, somehow the card manages to combine good road holding manners with good filtering and firm, but comfortable suspension.

Engine is OK in 115 BHP TDCI version, with the 5-speed manual fun to use (plus as engine noise is OK and there is enough torque a 6th is not really required). Biggest complaint would be that they did not fit a variable turbo to this version of engine, which results in a very predictable turbo 'spike' somewhere over 2000 RMP, with very little on offer below. Not a storming engine, but perfectly reasonable for everyday (highway) use.

Summary: A car that doesn't appeal to your (or at least my) emotions in any way, but can't be faulted objectively. For the money, it would be hard to find a better transport. Note that I say transport, because as a car enthusiast this is definitely not a car I would get if it were my money (but (un) fortunately it is not). Still, the basics are so good that I would not be entirely unconvinced by a smart-looking, facelift 2005 2.2 TDCI (155 BHP) in Titanium trim (but then again, probably not).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st October, 2005