1996 Ford Mondeo LX 1.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Basic but reliable

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

The addition of the heated windscreen on the LX was handy, but otherwise this car didn't feel in the same class at other MK1 Mondeos I've owned.

The cheap cloth materials used in the interior seemed such a contrast to the Velour used in Ghia models, and somehow the overall effect conspired to make it look and feel nasty. The seats weren't nearly as comfortable either, lacking lumbar support and feeling quite flat and, well, cheap.

I never grew to love it like my other Mondeos, but it did everything I asked of it without any problem at all, so it wasn't a bad old thing really.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2009

1996 Ford Mondeo 1.8 16v petrol from Slovenia

Summary:

Very reliable, calm, beautiful and roomy sedan

Faults:

Switch for lights on-off on armature panel burned out. Replacing at unofficial dealer cost 20 EUR.

Windows washers became swollen up. Replacing with originals cost 30 EUR per every washer (common Mondeo Mk1/Mk2 problem).

Rust around gas tank (common Mondeo Mk1/Mk2 problem).

General Comments:

Despite quite a lot of kilometers until now, nothing was going wrong with this car despite the light switch.

Car drives really calm and quiet. Engine also loves low-revs. Because it has a lot of space in, it is like a mobile living room.

Car handles beautifully, despite a little bit too soft suspension.

A lot of room in the front, back, and the luggage compartment.

Electronic is very reliable, only the airbag sensor sometimes fails. If that happens you must only check a contact under the seats.

Car is beautiful on the outside also.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th September, 2008

1996 Ford Mondeo LX 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Amazing car

Faults:

Not much really; the sparks plugs went after 3 years, but apart from that, nothing else has gone wrong.

General Comments:

The car has done a lot of miles without anything going wrong. It has gone from Reading to:

Essex - 3 times and back

Bedfordshire - 5 times

Amsterdam - 1 time

Dover - 1 time.

And it went from France to Holland.

And this car is very economical!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2008

3rd Jul 2008, 11:37

Essex isn't that far from Reading! If you're impressed with that, you are easy to please. My 140,000 Volvo regularly goes from Reading to the Highlands of Scotland, To and around Belgium and tours around mainland Europe including France, Netherlands and Germany. I would never expect it to fail me. It sounds like you actually expect the Ford to die and just surprised it hasn't!

1996 Ford Mondeo Ghia 2.0 litre from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Big, comfortable, reliable yet staid car

Faults:

Had to have the air conditioning serviced some years ago - not too expensive.

Never had any major faults with it - other than starter motor, battery - just wear and tear really. (Speed bumps take their toll on the suspension joints etc)

General Comments:

Very comfortable ride, can find speed creeping up on the motorway with little deterioration of comfort.

Plenty of room in the boot - with rear seats folded down there is some serious space in there. Also plenty of leg room for rear passengers.

The size of it makes it difficult to park at times; despite having power steering, it's still awkward to manouvre into tight spaces - The boot is such that you can't tell how close to the car behind you are.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2008

1996 Ford Mondeo Ghia X 4x4 2.0 petrol zetec from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Solid reliable friend

Faults:

Brake discs warped, sticky calliper.

Temperature gauge faulty.

Passenger foot-well filled up with water.

Trip computer failed.

Driver's electric seat failed.

Track-rod ends failed.

General Comments:

Handling is great, with the 60/40 torque split.

The 2.0 Zetec is fast above 4000 revs, but below that it's a bit sluggish. I wish they made a 2.5 V6 instead.

A few problems, but cheaply fixed being a Ford.

Around town it gets 28mpg, and on a run 35mpg. Not bad for a heavy car.

Comfortable and sure footed.

Came with cruise control, 4 electric windows, sunroof, seats, air con, PAS, and leather for less than £700; not bad! Oh and the heated windscreen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2007