2003 Ford Mondeo Ghia X from UK and Ireland - Comments

Steering "clonking" when pulling away, adjusted by Dealer at service and no longer a problem.

53 Mondeo Ghia X TDCI 130bhp 6.

I have to say that I am extremely impressed with the way Ford have packaged this vehicle. I did a lot of research before parting with my cash and the choice was between a Mazda 6 and the Ford.

When you look at the reliability index the TDCi came close to the Mazda and then I discovered that Mazda are using the same Ford diesel unit.

I saw a Mazda 6 and Mondeo in traffic and could compare the physical size of both cars, the Mondeo is bigger and so I made my mind up that you get more for your money with the Mondeo.

The Ghia X has some nice toys and features that I would expect to see on more expensive cars and the overall layout, aesthetics and quality of the interior has brought Ford out of the "middle of the road" reputation.

Driving shows this to have a nicely torqued acceleration and the 6th gear gets you cruising at 85mph at 2500 revs, nice and quiet.

Suspension is set just about right for comfort, but for my tastes it's a shame they haven't put the sportier Zetec S suspension on to give you crisper handling when it matters, but comfort over handling will always be a compromise.

The fuel consumption is extremely pleasing, for me I average about 45mpg and most of my commute is motorway, so hit the cruise control and start saving money, the key to this is keep the servicing up at the specified intervals otherwise your consumption dips noticeably.

Servicing costs don't hurt too much, first 2 are £165 and then the big one will be in the region of £220.

The only criticism I can find is that 4th is a little flat, windscreen wipers are a bit feeble and the Stereo/CD sound quality could be better (my 1996 Peugeot 405 GTX stereo knocks socks off it).

My view is that the Mondeo has been around for a while, driven by many a road warrior and Ford have listened to the feedback over the years, made adjustments and refinements that are sensible, pleasing and good value for money.

A friend of mine has ones of these mondeos ghia x and I think there are better cars to drive.

Mazda 6

volkswagon passat w8

renault laguna

morris marina

vectra vxr

volkswagon golf gt-tdi

bmw 5 series

mercedes c class amg

bmw x3

toyota corolla tt kompressa

alfa romeo 155

escort rs turbo

skoda felica

fiat coupe 20v turbo?

Citreon 2 cv

seat leon 1.8 20v

mrk 2 mondeo

honda accord

peugeot 206 gti

mercedes 190e cosworth.

I have driven all of these cars in the past and they are more fun to drive than a mondeo mk3 tdci 130 ghia x.

I daresay Bentleys and Astons are more fun to drive than a Ghia X 130, which I have as well, and it's an excellent car for what it.

The original owner was comparing two similar cars, and that was a useful review.

I have owned a Mondeo a year now and they are good to drive, and the torque that diesel 130 engine produces is great.

I have being reading the reviews about Mondeo vs Vectra, and I have driven both as I have had a Vectra SRi CDTi before the Mondeo. The Vectra was a good car, solid engine, but the build quality makes the Vectra 2nd compared to the Mondeo. I think the Mondeo is the class leader; Vauxhall should follow Fords lead and improve on build quality, because the Vectra is a good car, but the Mondeo is great.

I have owned a Mondeo 2L Ghia TDCi for 7 months now, and have found it very reliable, gives good MPG; I average 40 mpg.

Lots of toys and gadgets, and the performance can be electrifying for a diesel!

Only problem I have is I don't like the ride height, which I'm having dropped 30mm and stiffened up. Also putting 18" Focus ST alloys on, hopefully this will keep me happy!

Only part to go wrong was a split intercooler hose, which cost £45 for new one from Ford, which I fitted myself.

These pipes are common for going, just because of the pressures they handle. Hope my comments are of some use.

One other thing to mention is the totally wrong 0 - 60 time given for the 2L TDCi, given as 9.8s. I tested this with two of us in car and clocked a fraction under 7s. Think it's capable of 6s with one up no problems!