2001 Ford Ka 1 review from Australia and New Zealand

Hydraulic fluid hose failed - my daughter reported smoke from the engine bay and had the good sense not to drive further. Hose was repaired under warranty - and subsequent recall of all KA in Australia followed.

Front plastic guards came loose and wore away on the front wheel.

Gear lever knob fell off.

Clock failed and was replaced.

Black plastic fenders fade quickly in the Australian sun.

Window clip caps fall off and steel stud corrodes quickly.

Gearbox whines at certain speeds and tends to lunge when changing gears.

Fruitbat droppings (a car hazard in our area) stripped paintwork very quickly.

Cabin is noisy.

Great air conditioning - a must for all cars in Australia.

Tight black shag pile of floor carpet shows dirt and hard to clean.

A nippy little car that holds its own in city traffic. Fuel economy is great and has been a very good learning to drive car for my daughter.

Bright and breezy and fun to drive.

Pricing by Ford was eratic and initially high for the quality. Sales discontinued early - not well supported by Ford. Service costs are high for a cheap car.

Ford tried to market the car against higher quality low priced small cars and came off second best. I now think Ford do not to know about them.