2000 Ford Puma 1.7 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fastest point to point car available

Faults:

When the A/C is on, slight hesitation is felt. Noticable only at motorway cruising speeds. Contacted local dealer - they in turn contacted Ford and confirmed that this was normal and that a slight hesitation would be felt at cruising speeds and at idle with A/C on.

Water enters the boot when opened if it's been raining.

Sometime the automatic boot opener doesn't work if the boot hasn't been used for a few days.

General Comments:

Brilliant all round performer, superb stereo and build quality (as good if not better than my previous car).

Lotus Elise is the only car that comes close for handling and fun per mile.

Seats aren't overly comfortable over long journeys and it isn't that economical (if you bother to work out the mpg).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2000

12th Apr 2001, 07:13

The Elise doesn't handle as well as people make out, I went for a drive in an Impreza turbo with 2 friends - one in a new Toyota MR2 and another in an Elise, it was pretty wet and the Toyota kept up but the Elise got left WAY behind. The Puma is a good budget driver's car, but please don't compare it to genuine performance cars like the Impreza, Honda Integra Type-R, MR2 etc.

23rd Apr 2001, 14:49

Don't you think that could all come down to driver skill?

The car is merely a tool that works for the driver and all those cars handle well so it's what the guy behind the wheel does with it.

9th Jul 2003, 09:16

The Elise demands a lot of skill to drive quickly, unlike say the Impreza Turbo. Pushed hard, an Elise will initially understeer, but will snap into oversteer in response to a closed throttle. You can balance it in a gentle transition between the two, or even hold it tail-out, but it takes a lot of practice, and a lot of spins before you even get close.

A well driven Elise is more than a match for an Impreza, make no mistake about that. Obviously in the wet, the 4wd system, ABS equipped brakes and softer responses gives the Impreza a big advantage, especially in unskilled hands.

31st May 2004, 12:55

Give me an Elise anytime!! True drivers car.

19th Jun 2007, 16:36

Vx220 turbo anyone?

2000 Ford Puma Millennium 1.7 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good car made better

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I've bought one of the limited edition Millennium models (only 1000 produced and you can have any colour as long as it's yellow.) If you think the standard Puma is a head turner you should see the effect this one has.

For those not familiar with the model; - apart from coming equipped with all the standard options, air con, CD player, heated screen etc. the big difference is the installation of grey leather Recaro seats and trim - this puts the final touch to a super car. The alloy wheels are also unique. Each vehicle has its production number, between 1 and 1000 on the dashboard as well as on the aluminium key fob.

Get one if there are any left!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2000

12th Mar 2007, 14:30

I very much agree. I love the Puma Millennium and I am saving to buy one very soon.

2000 Ford Puma Racing Puma 1.7 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best looks and performance for 23k

Faults:

Exahust blowing, tyre rubbing on full lock.

General Comments:

Awesome car, the brakes are out of this world, it could do with a little more straight line performance but otherwise it is unbeatable. I have only had the car 3 weeks and the number of people that stop me and ask about the car is amazing.

If it was cheaper, say about 19k, everybody would want one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2000

5th Jan 2001, 16:45

Totally agree.

Racing Puma is the best front wheel drive handling car in the world. Sticks like glue to the road.

Boot it and you'll end up riding in the back seat.

It might not be fast compared to some high performance machines, but this little one sure goes fast for a Puma!

Lovely interior with the blue suede effect and Sparco seats with the Ford Racing Emblem to finish it off.

Nice.

View 15 more comments

2000 Ford Puma 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A car that I look forward to driving every day

Faults:

Brakes making noises after 1k, checked by dealer.

Cylinder head failure after 3.5k, 1 week before I got the car back.

Rattles in doors.

General Comments:

After the car being in production for 3 years, the same complaint's are still being pointed out (have Ford ever heard of the concept of "Continous Improvements").

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th May, 2000

2000 Ford Puma 1.7 16v DOHC petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent value coupe that just wants to be driven

Faults:

Nothing yet (fingers crossed).

General Comments:

I bought the car for its looks, performance and residuals. So far it has been brilliant in all respects.

I have heard that Ford dealers are terrible but I have yet to use them so the jury is still out.

Slight niggles, the poorly designed boot which lets water in when it's opened.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th April, 2000