2001 Ford Fiesta Zetec-S from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have only just recently taken ownership of this vehicle and so far have had no problems. Before I collected the car from an independent dealer the colored steering wheel had faded (apparently a common complaint). However, this had been rectified prior to collection and I understand this is something that can be easily and cheaply put right.

There is a slight rattle/squeak from dashboard.

Despite the limited time that I have owned this car I have so far been highly impressed with it. This fantastic little "warm hatch" will hold great appeal for anybody who is enthusiastic about driving and is seeking to add spice to otherwise budget motoring. The cheeky little Fiesta offers go-kart like handling and will not flinch when pushed hard into bends. It will seat a taller driver comfortably (I am 6'1" and the seating position is perfectly acceptable), although rear space can be limited.

The competent roadholding ability of this vehicle is no secret, however I was still surprised at just how quickly this car can cover ground, particularly on twisty b-roads where the car really comes to life. Do not be put off by performance figures, with a 0-62 time of 10.2 seconds the Zetec-S falls short of some true "hot hatches" but this does not tell the full story. The 1.6 power plant delivers ample power even at low revs which, when combined with this cars nimble handling and precise gearchange allows it to hold it's own against more powerful rivals. This car is also composed at motorway speeds and is not as timesome on long journeys as other super-minis can be.

I have experienced driving faster cars e. g a Clio 172 and a Civic Type-R, both of which offer blistering pace. However the cost of ownership with these vehicles can be prohibitive too many (myself included). This is where the Zetec-S shines, as it offers a similar "grin factor" without breaking the bank, not leat where fuel and insurance premiums are concerned!

I would not necessarily recommend this car to somebody looking for a basic weekend run-about as a standard Fiesta would make more sense. Likewise, if you're easily put off by the odd squeak or rattle you may be better off with a VW Polo. If you're looking for cheap thrills and an enjoyable driving experience then I'd urge you to get behind the wheel and try one for yourself, as it's sure to put a smile on your face.

I have just purchased a Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S, and what a purchase. This car is excellent value for money and does have the "Grunt" at low revs. Having had a Citroen Xsara 1.8 VTR, I thought I may notice the difference. However, the Fiesta is twice the car, cheaper faster, lower insurance, and much much more fun to drive! The only feature I miss is Air-con!

I have just read the other comments and I would like to add that I have just brought a fiesta zetec s, but don't pick it up till march.

What I price I got for mine! I've got Air con, visibility pack, blacked out windows and sat nav system. I can't wait to get it to see what its going to look like, by your comments its looks as if I've done the right thing in buying this car.

I Brought my Imperial Blue Zetec-S in 2003. I brought the car 6 months old. what a little hot hatch. I have owned this car for nearly 3 years and I still love it the pieces, I went from a M reg Vauxhall Corsa 1.2, to the 1.6 Zetec. I have never looked back.

The car still surprise's me now. I love the way it sticks to the road. and it even looks nice.

The trip computer on the car is fantastic as well, tells you engine temp and Fuel left ect... (for those of you who do not know how to do this... Hold the mileage reset button before and while starting the car, it will then go into test. Keep pressing the button and it will go through all the different modes)

Everyone else enjoy your Fiesta Zetec-S, I know I will!!!

I bought a red zetec-s just under a year ago. I have had no problems with it and so much fun out of it! The figures that ford issued originally are to keep the insurance group down; 10.2 seconds 0-62, mines flys up there in 9 flat! 103 bhp - mine runs at 110 bhp. My car is all standard, but I am prone to buying shell optimax! For anyone looking to buy one; they're fun, reliable and look pretty cool. When buying them look out for areas that may have been repaired and apparently the rear suspension goes after a while - but I've never had a problem. Buy one - they're great!

Well, 18 months or so since I wrote this review and since this time my little Zetec-S and I have pared company and thought I'd add a "conclusion". My time with the Fiesta were not 100% fault free as I had a thermostat replaced shortly after I bought the car. Aside from this minor fault I enjoyed plenty of trouble free miles and more significantly I had plenty of fun at the same time.

You may ask why I only had the car for such a brief spell, but the answer is simple: Being a car lover I've always hankered after a roadster, which I now have, but unfortunately this led to the demise of the Fiesta.

However, all of the comments in my original review still stand and the more time I spent with the car exploring its handling characteristics the more impressed I became. The comfort was a real bonus on longer journeys and I don't recall any point where I felt the car suffered from any shortage of power.

So, to summarise I really cannot fault a great little car so reasonably priced and my biggest regret about owning the vehicle really was having to part with it. To anybody considering buying one I would simply say one thing: What are you waiting for?!

P.s. The rattle seemed only to occur during cold weather - seems the little chap preferred the summer months!!

Excellent review and final comment.

This is a corking little car which only falls down when some people start comparing it to more powerful and expensive rivals.

I had mine a year and chopped it for a 306 GTI-6 (a car I'd always desperately wanted).

Although not exactly fast, I remember the Z-S for having one of the best front wheel drive chassis' around, a sweet, responsive engine, go-kart precise steering, good looks, reasonable build, impeccable reliability and being great value for money.

I love the Peugeot and haven't regretted the change at all, but if you take performance and space out of the equation, the Z-S does a lot of things just as well. In the REALLY twisty stuff, the two are matched much more evenly than you would ever believe.

I pick my red Fiesta Zetec S up tomorrow, and cannot wait. At the moment I have a Fiesta Frascati M reg and very much looking forward to a newer car, although I will be sad to part with my first car, the one I went out in and passed my test in 3 years ago!!

The reviews I've read seem postive, and I look forward to caring for my next addition. If you look after them, they look after you.

I have been searching for a Zetec S for some months now and am finally picking up my chosen car on Friday 28 July!

Looking forward to it! I have gone for a 2000 Imperial Blue model, it's a lovely colour and stands out from the crowd as no 'ordinary' blue. Reading the reviews above I admit I cannot wait to test the ZS on the twisty roads between my house and the Welsh border!

In my search for the car I have read many reviews, views and criticisms but I would agree that the ZS is a cheap to run car and anyone on a budget can rely on 'cheap thrills' for sure!

I'm sure I will report back on my experience at a later date...