2003 Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCi
Summary:
Sensible car and cheap to run
Faults:
The all plastic oil stick snapped, had to open the oil sump to get the piece out.
The air bag light went on, bad connector under front passenger seat was replaced.
General Comments:
The car is very cheap to own. Consumption is around 4,5l/100km. You have to remember to check the oil level because it seems to use it quite a bit.
Performance isn't so good, but is enough for a little diesel car. The boost starts just before 2000rpm and below that the power is quite poor. You can tow a cart with it, but it's a bit of agony.
Interior is a bit on the cheap side, but not the worst out there. There's no squeaks or rattles, but the road noise is quite loud. The engine however is very quiet for a diesel. Seats are firm and give good support. Everything is simplistic, but in a good way. The dash look nicely muscular. Big windows give excellent view to every direction.
The drive is firm and stable. Steering is superbly responsive. The car is quite high so there is some movement when cornering in higher speeds. For a small car it is surprisingly comfortable on highways.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th January, 2008
2nd Dec 2016, 06:33
I have had a 2003 Ford Fusion 1.4 TDI from new. No problems except the diesel hose fracturing, apparently a common fault. This happened at around the 100,000 miles. The original clutch started slipping at 197,000 miles so I had a replacement fitted. The plastic dip stick does harden and the way it is routed causes it to hit something and snap. Replaced mine at 110,000. Otherwise the car is the most reliable I have ever owned. Still using the original 13 year old battery. Still getting 52 miles per gallon and still not burning any oil between oil changes. All I do is change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles. Slick 50 from new and every 100,000 miles. Cam belt at 100,000 and it's never been to a garage for a service. Now done almost 200,000 miles, it's brilliant!!