2004 Ford Fiesta finesse review from UK and Ireland

Car stereo head unit failed six times - replaced with after market head unit (Kenwood) using adaptor plate.

Drivers seat handle broke to incline seat (3 door)

Plastic interior falls off - piece around gearbox tunnel next to drivers clutch pedal now lives in boot.

Gearbox replaced once.

Gearbox linkages replaced / adjusted 3 times.

Door skin / drivers wing replaced due to very weak door retainer which snapped in high wind (made of plastic!)

Front lower lip spoiler under bumper came off as ford only use a staple gun to put it on.

The car is so SLOW it's unreal. I mean 68 hp!! I know it has lots of torque, but it takes an age to get to 60mph.. officially 14.5 seconds.. disgraceful.

I don't believe the diesel consumption ford quote.. i only get about 380 miles for about £37 diesel.. it takes exactly a full tank to get to my fathers (360 miles.. at about 80mph) where I used to have a V6 Vectra which could do it for £43..i would rather have the comfort than save £6. i think this car was a pr exercise for Ford ie we have a car to save the planet...

The interior is drab made from rock hard plastic which is awful to touch.

Stereo is good quality and so are the speakers.. pity it kept breaking!

One good point on the car is even at high speeds on the motorway it handles like a big car.. ie not over sensitive on the steering plus brakes are good, but the ABS cuts in too early.

No comforts in car at all.. I know this is the base model, but no remote central locking, electric windows etc; it's like going back to the 80's.

If you think this is just my opinion of this car think again.. this is my company car and we bought over 10 cars.. every one has gone back to ford for major repairs such as engine replacement, gearbox replacement, re-wiring, new interior, driveshafts etc and we are now all handing the cars back and buying our own. head office will not officially be buying from Ford again, but looking at Honda, Nissan etc. I have just bought a 2004 Ford Mondeo Ghia X and I can't believe it's the same manufacturer.. touch screen sat nav, auto lights, auto wipers, electric seats electric everything and anything. I will never get a small Ford again. I know the Mondeo has faults, but try it; it's luxury!