Faults:

I bought the car practically new, with only 2,000 kilometers on the clock. However, the engine has been causing a lot of problems.

The Endura engine (also found in the Escort and Focus) mixes a lot of oil and water, the main symptom being oil in the coolant reservoir and swollen hoses. This is usually caused by a blown gasket or, less commonly, a damaged cylinder head.

The more it is used, the more it loses power and emits black smoke. Poor acceleration and black smoke indicate that the turbo is not working properly or that there is a problem in the exhaust system, for example a catalytic converter or a clogged exhaust.

It has enormous difficulty starting from cold due to multiple failures in the fuel injection system, the pump, and engine compression problems

Furthermore, due to turbo problems, it generates abnormal engine noises that end up being unbearable, more vibrating than a diesel from the 1960s.

This engine turned out to be quite poor, nothing like the old 1.6-liter Ford diesel from the 1980s. Without a turbo, it would have caused fewer problems.

General Comments:

Aside from the mechanical issues stemming from the engine, the car is really good. In the late 1990s, it was the best in Europe in terms of comfort and equipment. The Ghia trim level included power seats with memory for the driver, heating, a sunroof, air conditioning, and a CD player.

Despite its good cornering behavior, the Mondeo Ghia is a very comfortable car for daily use and travel, with a good balance between suspension and cabin noise. The quality of the materials is also noteworthy, including the interior materials, with wood-like details and an overall finish that conveys a sense of solidity and durability.

It has excellent cornering and stability at high speeds, providing safety even on good road surfaces. The balance, although good, the suspension is somewhat rough and abrupt on broken or cobblestone surfaces. The brakes are very good, smooth and firm, with great response at both low and high speeds.

In short, a very good, comfortable car with plenty of features, ahead of its time, that deserved to have an engine that matched its performance.

Faults:

Mostly just maintenance and wear and tear items replaced over the time I had the car. No major issues.

General Comments:

One of the simplest and most reliable cars I ever had, the 1990s Mondeo remains undefeated in the reliability department for me.

Bought used in 2006, the car looked and drove great. Blue with alloy wheels, I still think they look modern when you see the odd one still on the roads today.

LX model was middle of the road, enough electrics for its time. Seats were comfortable and ride was smooth. Handling was sharp.

1.8 petrol engine did 37 mpg or more and had plenty of power. Cheap parts / service.

Miss it a lot, sold in 2013 at 15 years old, it was still going strong. My new job forced a reluctant sale. Ford never made a better all round car in my opinion.

Faults:

Washers have stopped working, think the water pump has packed in, and can find NO ONE willing to do it. Had the car 10 years now, and I am still in love with it. Had rear door handles sticking, but some grease and WD fixed that. Eats front tyres, or is that just my right foot?

General Comments:

Looks great and sounds fantastic.

I might even buy another until I find someone to do my water pump.

New shape Mondeo is not a patch on these.