2002 Ford Mondeo ST220 from UK and Ireland - Comments

No faults.

I am shocked and amazed at how good this car is. Not only does it comprehensively out-perform and out-handle my previous Mercedes C280 Sport, but it seems just as well made.

Engine is a peach - power everywhere and a lovely growl. Love the Recaros and the classy (if German rip-off) dash layout. Steering and handling are flawless. Didn't realise front wheel drive could be so capable.

My friend drives a BMW 328i and was on the verge of ordering a new 330Ci when my ST was delivered. Now he's driven it, he's thinking twice, but being a badge snob I doubt he'll actually do it. Says a lot for the ST's ability though that he's even thinking about it.

As someone who couldn't care two hoots about the badge on a car, I don't believe a better all rounder exists at this price, or some way above it. You don't need to buy German to get a top notch sports saloon.

My friend, sure you don't have to buy a German car. Just try a FRENCH one, equal and much better to yours, the PEUGEOT 406, 3.0 V6 24v petrol Manual, which is a lot of a fabulous car. If you dare, just try it!!

And at last but not least,do not make the mistake to contrary it, in any road.

You'll be surprised for good.....my friend.

Had one for half a day from the local Pug dealer. I like Peugeots a lot - my wife's had two 306's which were great to drive.

The 406 V6 is a very nice car don't get me wrong - it's fairly quick, smooth, comfortable and has decent handling. It's quite significantly slower than the ST220 though, and the build quality is not as good.

Ford will never be able to match

the quality of mercedes and BMW

Dream on!!!

The new Honda Accord on the other hand

is 10 times better than the Mondeo.

Having owned (and enjoyed) both the C280 and the Mondeo, I feel I am more than qualified to make that comment regarding quality. If you have owned equivalent examples of both marques and found otherwise, please say so. Have you driven a new Mondeo, or even sat in one? I suspect not. I suggest you try it. It also says a lot when a Ford is rarer on British roads than a Mercedes or particularly a BMW.

As for the Accord, I haven't driven one so cannot comment. That said, I have yet to see any press comments which say it is as good as the Mondeo, let alone "10 times better". I will keep an open mind until I've tried it for myself, however.

I am just about to replace my 3-year old Volvo V70 T5 (which I have been pleased with to be honest) but I decided to have a good look around and compare different cars to eachother. Money is not the decidng factor, but would obviously be considered if performance between two cars were similar. To begin with I tested the following cars:

1. Rover 75

2. BMW 330i

3. BMW 530i

4. MB C320

5. Volvo V70 R.

Then I picked up some positive news about the new Mondeo ST220 and decided to have a test drive, but I must admit that I was skeptical. After 30 min in the car I was amazed. Here was a Ford that could actually compete with all of the above cars and even beat most of them! I am not going to post a test drive breakdown here, but I had some real thinking to do...

I went back to the Ford dealer had a proposal made up including ALL extra equipment one can get (DVD Nav system etc) and the price still came out cheaper than any of the above cars. So I ordered one. I am going to drive a Ford! I could have gone for a BMW, but choose not to...

Don't take my word for this. Go and test one! If you don't care to much about the badge on the car I will not be surprised if you drive away in one too!

Sat.

Funny, the anti-Ford comments have gone quiet...

Another thing on the side of the Mondeo.

A Jaguar X type is built around the Ford Mondeo engine and chassis. It must be good.

I have owned a Mondeo ST24 and currently own a Jaguar X Type 3.0 sport. The mondeo, believe it or not, was the more reliable of the two. Interior switches in the Jaguar are very similar to those in the mondeo. Same build quality.

To conclude, when I consider my next vehicle, I would not have an X type again, but would seriously consider the new Mondeo ST220 and spend the money I saved on every extra for it and possibly get an induction kit/chip for the engine to bring it up to the Jag's speed.

The 3.0 liter X-type engine is the same engine as the ST220. The only difference, I believe, is the top, air intake and chip. There are now sport chips out that will extend the 220 to the exact same spec as the Jag.

I am waiting delivery of a 220 estate, having not driven one and only compared with other manufacturers by reading and asking questions I Can't WAIT 2weeks and counting.

I think it's foolish to compare the Pug 406 Coupe to the ST220.

One is a 2-door Italian designed coupe designed (forgive the stereotyping) probably for middle aged person who has children living away from home and a high disposable income.

Sure it's got some shove, but I would expect most to cruise around gently on Motorways and A-roads cutting a dash with those Pininfarina good looks.

The ST220 to my minds seems to be an all-rounder - practical enough for an everyday car and taking it down to Asda for the monthly shop, taking the kids to the Zoo etc...

Or as a precisely honed tool for the keen driver to throw around on twisty B-roads. It's aimed at enthusiast drivers with a family. A recent ad for it summed it up "For tigers with cubs to protect'

I am seriously looking at a ST220 saloon as the next car after my current car - a BMW 323 Coupe. While the supreme balance and build quality of the BMW is not in doubt. When starting a family the practicality of a 4-door takes priority.

That's said, I want something with a bit of shove and that looks good. You cannot mistake the ST220 for a regular Mondeo with the muscular bodykit, twin tailpipes, 18inch alloys and front spoiler. I personally think there is little to upstage the ST220 in the looks dept, even against a monster like the BMW M5.

It is something you look forward to driving at the end of the work day, something with resonable running and service costs. I would expect the ST220 to have half the service costs every interval compared to the equivalent BMW or Mercedes. What Car? magazine shows the service cost at interval to be 911 UKP.

And I think that's Not Bad for a performance saloon with a 3L V6 and sports suspension, uprated brakes, and the rest.

I have owned BMW/Mercedes cars for the past 10 years. My current car being a 328-sport coupe. I have never given Ford cars a thought due to it’s ‘rep’ image until I had test driven the ST220 which was lent to me whilst on a lunch break.

An outstanding car!! capable of embarrassing drivers of more established sports saloons.

I would even say that it is slightly better than my BMW.

My new ST220 in panther black arrives in 3 weeks!

I currently have a Mondeo ST24, which I'm looking to change. I am looking at either a Seat Leon Cuprua R or the ST220. Whilst the Seat is slightly cheaper the ST220 really appeals to me due to the levels of equipment. The comments here are encouraging as I'm still to find a decent road test on the Ford. If people could put the badge prejudices to one side they would see that Ford do have a good product here.

Are there any 'gotchas' to look out for in the Ford?

Last September I bought a nine month old ST220 estate. I have had many many cars, but this is amazing. Speed, road holding, extras, finish, good looks and a very comfortable ride. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Well done Ford.

I own a 2001 Saab 93 Aero and recently aquired a 2004 Mondeo ST220. The ST200 outruns the Saab by far as well as my mate's 2003 BMW 330i. Living in South Africa with wide open highways, I have pushed the Mondeo past the 260 kph mark with a standard engine and a free flow exhaust system. In the upper-end of the market, no comparison can be made with any other make regarding performance & quality versus pricing. WAY TO GO FORD!!

Which exhaust have you fitted? I'm trying to find some tuning mods for the ST, but I can't find any. 260kph is very impressive! I had no idea that the ST could do 160mph! what is it like at that speed?