Faults:

Slight oil leak after 3k - spring clip loose, £0.50 to replace.

Dashboard/heater control lights failed - tricky to replace.

Suspension can be very noisy on bumps, new bushes required.

General Comments:

This was my first car and I learned to drive in it, so it's had a pretty tough time during the year I've owned it.

I have the very basic Style model, which is seriously lacking in features. The lack of power steering is particularly annoying.

The engine copes with the weight of the car, not being very fast from standstill, but making up for it when it comes to cruising - take it out on some winding country roads and it will not leave them! Takes corners and roundabouts well at speed, brakes work well when needed...

While the Style may only have a heater, seat and an engine, the ride and handling are great. Comfortable on long journeys, good acceleration for overtaking the corsas/metros and the odd - rather surprised - BMW.

Early models squeak and rattle, engine can be prone to over running on switch-off.

Great car overall, very solid and reliable. Slight annoyances, but nothing major gone wrong with it.

Faults:

The clutch went just a few after acquiring the car, but luckily this was the dealers responsibility.

Power steering was knocking slightly on full turns.

ABS warning light illuminated after about 2-3 minutes of driving and remained on until the engine was switched off although no faults were reported on the ABS system itself, problem eventually faded.

General Comments:

This car has absolutely blistering performance once tuned, not that it really would need it.

I have a '92 model so I have all the usual refinements, leather sports seats, A/C, climate control. You name it, this car has it.

Handling is outstanding, especially at high speeds.

All round brake disc's will bring you to a prompt halt in no time at all.

There is certainly a lot of room both in the front and rear.

Faults:

Starter motor not working when I purchased the car.

General Comments:

Recently bought the car and felt the instant need to review it. I paid £300 for it since it wouldn't start. A new starter motor was £50 from Eurocarparts. It did, however, prove difficult to fit because of the out-of-the-way position behind the inlet manifold.

The handling is amazing. It's great fun to drive and the 125 bhp engine pulls smoothly through the gears.

The bodywork is a bit tinny for my liking, certainly not as robust as on the Sierra, but rust-free nonetheless.

The interior is comfortable, but dated, consisting mainly of plastic.

Haven't owned the car for long, so can't comment on reliability. Parts are easy to come by in the UK and cheap if you go to the right places. There does seem to be a price increase for the later 2.0i Kat models though.

In short it's a great car for the money. I thoroughly enjoy driving it, and would never go back to driving a Sierra (despite the slightly more luxurious interior and boot space!)