Faults:

Most unexpected thing was that the heater matrix needed replacing. Also, suspension bushes had to be replaced (common, apparently). Nothing much else apart from service items - just don't use a main dealer if you can help it, they don't have a clue and they couldn't care less.

General Comments:

Don't believe everything motoring journalists tell you about diesels! I'm reliably informed that diesels get through far fewer exhausts and batteries, so that should offset the extra servicing frequency. Very good car, but poor demister and not much rear legroom for its size.

Faults:

So far just the air-con has refused to work, although the engine runs badly if you try and turn it on. Strange clonking from the rear, but I'll wait until they fix the air-con until I moan about that.

General Comments:

Bloody good car, does everything very well, including drink petrol (20-24mpg). Ford personnel are the worst people in the world. A half dead dog would inspire more confidence.

Faults:

Nothing really. Just standard services and parts replacements.

General Comments:

First car over 2.0 litres and it was really fun to drive. Using the automatic gearbox means that you have to "learn" how to accelerate to its maximum capability. "Bucket" type seats were VERY uncomfortable on long journeys and just tended to fold my shoulders in rather than provide support in cornering etc. Really good for annoying XR3i drivers and other hot hatches at the lights.

Faults:

While driving in Belgium all three catalysts suffered meltdown, and the car dropped to what seemed like about 30bhp. Ford there thought there was nothing wrong with the car so I nursed it back to the UK. Here the dealers took ages to diagnose the problem and initially wanted 1,300 pounds to fix it. Eventually they fixed it for free but I'm still out of pocket for the best part of two months car rental.

Other than it's just been niggling little things.

General Comments:

Nice engine and gearbox, great handling but shocking build and reliabilty for a car of this price. My immediate previous cars had been Japanese and German and Ford's efforts don't bear comparison in the areas of build, reliability and dealer service.

Faults:

Surges during deceleration - sometimes violently (not resolved).

Leak into passenger footwell (not reported - life's too short!).

Pulls to left without warning; heavy tyre wear (not resolved).

Starter motor makes metallic scraping/shrieking noise on disengagement in wet weather (not yet reported).

Central locking failed (about 5 times).

Dashboard lighting failed totally.

Rear brake light bulb failed (fixed myself).

Rattle from tailgate (fixed myself).

Carpet falling off from behind one of the back seats (again, life's too short ...)

General Comments:

I tried to get this car replaced under the Ford Committment scheme, but failed. I am dissatisfied with the car and more so with the manufacturer.

It also guzzles fuel at an alarming rate. Nice audio equipment, though.

Faults:

The car has been without fault to date (40,000 miles). This is the most reliable car I have owned.

General Comments:

This is the most effective estate car I have owned. It is comfortable for long journeys and has reasonable performance. The Auto. box is very smooth and sure. My one reservation is that fuel economy falls sharply when the car is pushed.

Faults:

Loose connection on starter motor - Fixed by AA man.

At 30,000 mls service needed new drivers door central locking solenoid, new hand brake cables due to stretching and a recall notice for the replacement of the exhaustcatalyst manifold assembly was carried out (only affects the V6 engines).

General Comments:

Excellent car, superb performance.

Faults:

Replacement starter motor.

Loose wire in engine management control.

Doors are now stiff.

Dashboard switch broke.

Front shocks replaced twice.

Hatchback struts failed.

Pulls to left.

Engine very rough.

Leak into driver footwell after heavy rain.

Speakers intermittently fail.

Engine struggles when AirCon on.

General rattles.

General Comments:

I would never buy a Ford again.

This car has been "rough" from day 1, I also consider this to be unacceptable wear and tear on a car that has only done 50k miles in 3 years.

In fairness though, I have driven other Mondeo's in this period and have not noticed the lack of finesse/power.

Faults:

Starter motor is locking up sometimes.

Engine temperature gauge not working (the car has done just under 30K miles).

General Comments:

If you need a sensible economical car which is also fairly engaging to drive, the Mondeo is a good choice.

Stay away from 'thrashed' company cars.

Faults:

Stainless steel spare tyre cover used to fall off, this was replaced free of charge and no problems since.

Door handles and rear locating pins pitted, again replaced free of charge and no problems since.

General Comments:

We were looking for a 4x4 car (we had a 2 month old Renault Laguna RT at the time, and decided that it was not the car for us), because of my wife having a couple of horses, and at the time we were looking, we tried a wide variety of makes, and for the money we felt that we were getting the most for the money.

P.S. It is my wife that drives the car the most, and she is very happy and feels secure driving it.