Faults:

Drivers door body strip came away, replaced foc under warranty.

Passenger door body strip came away, 50% reduction by Ford on cost, over a year old, so not under warranty.

Grating noise from gearbox when first start car, either from hot/cold engine, now on second visit to Ford.

General Comments:

I wrote a review some time ago when I first bought the car, I said "Small Pocket Rocket".

My view is generally still the same, although I think that the engine could do with a bit more power top end.

Also the ride comfort is a little harder when compared to other Fiesta's, but this is to be expected due to the stiffer suspension.

I really enjoy the car and it still turns heads, looks a lot better than the new one. Handling is superb and gives great confidence as does the acceleration between the gears. There is also a good level of quality within the car. This is a car to treasure and be proud, it is a classic, but not in the true sense, due to its lack of popularity.

This is due to the Saxo's reputation, I would advise not to follow the heard and go get a quick Fezza, a lot more fun and a lot cheaper to run.

Go buy now...

Faults:

The drivers side electric window fell off its runners when I drove it away from the dealer.

The stereo took Ford 2 weeks to fix & make all 4 speakers work.

On both front seats the material is starting to tear away from the seat release clip.

Drivers seat has creasing in the material.

I've gone through two sets of Ford brakes and pads in the first 25000 miles.

General Comments:

Despite the build quality and lack of attention to detail from Ford - this car is fantastic.

Best described as a "warm hatch"

Rather than focusing on outright speed the little Fiesta focuses itself on handling and road holding.

If you expect a (very) small fun car without any serious aspirations, then the Zetec S will not dissappoint.

There are plenty of niggles surrounding build quality, but the sheer enjoyment of driving pretty much pushes these to the back of your mind.

When replacing brakes buy aftermarket performance parts as the Ford standard kit isn't up for the job.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

The Zetec-S isn't the quickest in a straight line compared to Saxo VTS's or Pug 106 GTi's, but will keep up in the twisty stuff.

The handling is really good, and it's cheaper to insure than the above examples.

The car has to have the best steering feel and feedback, although the car's turning circle is pretty poor for such a small car!

The gear change is excellent, and the braking is very good for a car with drums at the rear.

The car returns good MPG if you drive sensibly. If you get a Zetec-S with air conditioning and drive hard, your fuel gauge will drop very quickly, you have been warned.

Servicing is cheaper compared to my previous car, and the Fiesta has a larger engine!

The car needs more power and better seats, as they don't hold you too well when pushing hard across country.

There are parts available to modify the Zetec-S to increase power, handling and braking.

All in all, I am glad I bought my Zetec-S. I test drove a Saxo VTS and Pug 106 GTi. I was impressed more with the GTi than the VTS, as it felt more solidly built.

But when I took out a Zetec-S, the steering, handling and gear change just blew me away. I had to have one, although it didn't go as fast as the VTS or GTi, but I pay less insurance for my Zetec-S compared to the quotes I got for the VTS and GTi, and the Fiesta is cheaper to service and run.