1998 Ford Galaxy Ghia X review from UK and Ireland

Very little has gone wrong.

A couple of electrical gremlins, fuses needing replaced etc, but nothing major.

It's rubbish in the snow.

I own a BMW 5 series and when my wife bought the galaxy as a 3 year old used car I had low expectations. I was aware that the Galaxy has often been placed low down - sometimes last! - in reliability surveys. However, it has turned out to be an extremely reliable and hardy family car.

It is economical - 40mpg average - and has enough torque for most driving conditions.

It is a great family car - loads of space. We have taken out the back two seats and used it as a large estate car. The boots swallows prams, buggies and luggage easily.

It has been utterly reliable - much more than my BMW - and the local dealer is brilliant.

Services cost and parts and much cheaper than I expected.

Second hand values aren't bad. Buy a Ghia or Ghia X.

Who cares if is isn't quite up to the build quality of prestige marques? MPV's are not cool, don't drive like cars and never will - so why waste your money on premium brands? Consider it a cheap, tough family bus that can take the abuse your kids will throw at it. We love it.