2002 Ford Mondeo ST220 from UK and Ireland - Comments

It took just a 20 minute test drive to fall in love with this car. The 3.0 V6 Duratec lump is creamy smooth, sounds wonderful and gives the car serious performance (0-60 in 6.5 seconds). The interior quality and ergonomics are as good as, if not better than my previous BMW 328i, the Recaro seats are superb and the handling and chassis feedback are wonderful. It also has a slick gearbox and indeed a lovely weighty, well oiled feel to all the controls. This is a real drivers car, make no mistake.

I've racked up 4,500 miles in just over a month, yet the car hasn't missed a beat and still feels as tight and new as the day I picked it up. Apart from the engine which has become noticeably keener and more free-revving as the miles have gone on.

My only complaint really is the fuel consumption which can drop into the low 20's with serious hard use, although it will achieve 32 mpg on the motorway. Not bad for the performance on tap though, and not noticeably worse than the 328i. Whether the dealers let the ownership experience down remains to be seen, although friends who own Fords assure me that this often reported downside to Ford ownership is massively exaggerated. I am keeping an open mind for now.

This is a refined, beautifully built and elegantly understated performance saloon with an engine which is easily the match of the fabled Beemer straight six, and with a useful turn of speed. After this admittedly limited ownership period, I cannot seriously fault it.

An update: Now racked up 14,000 miles (yes, I virtually live in my car) and still impressed. First service was a bit of a milestone as I was apprehensive about Ford dealers, but to be honest I needn't have worried. The work was carried out efficiently by my local Ford dealer, and the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful (most were gobsmacked at the mileage on the car which seemed to be quite a talking point).

When I picked the car up, it had been valeted inside and out, and had gained an evil smelling air freshener (still, the thought counts). The bill was pleasant surprise at £102.16 all-in, including replacing a dicky sidelight bulb! Dug out a copy of the invoice for the first service on the 328i - £296.61 (4 years ago!)

Car continues to run well and the performance and handling are still very impressive. I think this is going to be a pleasant relationship.

Glad to hear such a positive review. I hope to take delivery of my ST220 next week so looking forward to a similarly pleasant experience - will keep you posted.

Test drove & ordered my ST220 on Saturday. Is great to read some very positive reviews, very impressed with the first service report (especially after 14,000 miles, which is more than I drive in year, or used to).

Would be good to hear if your 2nd service is a lot worse.

I quite agree! I've had my ST220 for two months now and it gets better every day! Brilliant balance of pure driveability and performance with not-too-bad fuel consumption either. No downsides as far as I can tell yet. Even the big tyres aren't as expensive to replace as the Beemer's (not that I've had to replace any yet!). The gearbox is the best I have ever driven.

Not disappointed with my choice in any shape or form. Have now had the ST220 for 3 months, and unlike other contributors, only get the opportunity to drive what is an excellent car at weekends. Nothing bad to report so far.

I've had my Saloon ST220 for 3 weeks. I like it a lot, Just finding it hard to keep it on the road. If first failed 3 hours after I picked it up (100 miles on the clock), dashboard lit up like a xmas tree. Was put down to a poor connector on the alternator, which caused the alternator to die and also a sub-harness with an in-line fuse to blow. After 4 days of the road I got it back. 3 days later, and to cut a long story short, all the steering fluid emptied onto my driveway. Diagnosed to a poorly torque connection in the steering fluid system.

I've had it back now about a week.

Any other owners notice some "groaning" from the steering, I'm putting it down to those big 18 inch wheels, anyone else heard it?

Had my ST220 for 3 months now and it just gets better and better. The Recaro seats are the best ever (heated in winter is the icing on the cake) and the build quality is superb. Lovely roar from the engine when pushed and super traction from the 18" Continental rubber. It just gets better every day!

Great review's... I like the comment regarding your dealer cleaning your car.

Count your self very very lucky, when I collect my car from my main dealer they certainly "NEVER" clean it, in fact they cannot even be bothered to remove the plastic seat protection, the same applies for the paper floor cover too.

How times change it's all quantity certainly not quality, attention to detail is everything, well at least for some main dealers it is !

I have just ordered an ST220, and having read such great comments on the net, can't wait to take delivery of it. I've got a funny feeling it's going to be a long month.

I have searched for any bad reviews I could find on it and haven't been able to find a single one.

I'll let you know if it lives up to my expectations once I've had chance to drive it for a while, although I don't really expect it not too.

I have had my ST220 for only 4 weeks.

I have problems selecting 1st, 3rd and 5th.

The car was checked by my dealership today and some adjustment made. Problem still there, so I will be calling them tomorrow.

I am obviously disapointed as I have read all the other good comments, particularly the ones about such a smooth gear change.

Sounds like a badly adjusted linkage - not serious or difficult to fix.

Shame to get the problem on such a new car though. Unfortunately some Ford dealers are totally hopeless which doesn't help.

I took delivery of my ST220 last November and it is just coming up to 12000 miles, service booked for next week. I had always been a Vauxhall Driver (hooked on the Omega until the messed about with this insides) but was 'forced' to run around in a ST170 Focus for a month which really impressed me (Problem was friends and family took the Michael because it was a Ford Focus!). Then I saw the ST220 on Display at the Ryder Cup last year. That was it, car ordered on the Monday, no more Vauxhalls or Jags, and since its delivery, I have been the envy of the town. To my knowledge, its the only one in Nuneaton, and turns everybody's head when I pass. Its Performance Blue, and those 18" wheels are just the business. In twenty years of Driving Mercs, Audi's, BMW's, Rovers and Vauxhall's (plus a couple of Japanese entries) I can wholeheartedly say that this is the best car ever! My nephew did say the other day though that I could get an Induction Kit for it to give it another 15 BHP!!!

Thanks all for your reviews - It's made my mind up to order a new 220 ASAP.

I surprised myself (and the family) last time I changed cars by buying a "W 2000" plate ST-24 rather than the Audi / Volvo's I had been looking!

Needed a bit of additional reassurance that getting another "Mondeo" was a good idea!

Ordered my ST220 on 1 March 2003 and I'm still waiting for delivery?! How long did others have to wait? I'd be interested to hear. Every review I have read about this car has been really positive, which is good as I haven't even seen one in the 'flesh' yet! There are certainly no more about in my part of Somerset. Performance blue certainly looks the colour to have. I'll post a report after I have had it for a few months.

Fell in love with the ST220 and ordered the car back in summer last year. Took delivery on 30 Sept 02. Since then I list the following complaints

Knocking noise when you pulled away. Sticky throttle. Car recalled for faulty power steering cable. New throttle cable also fitted. Parcel shelf fell to bits, now the motor on the sunroof needs to be replaced. The jacking points cover keeps falling down - new one needs to be fitted. Still unresolved items so have logged a complaint with Ford now and have a case no. Maybe we just got a bad one of a good bunch! Very unimpressed with the level of service and help from our local dealer.