Ford Mondeo 2.0 Ghia Review

Overall Rating

Ideal size for a family car. Capacious boot. Good dealer coverage. Reasonable fuel economy for size of car. Good reliability. Reasonable servicing costs.

Despite having the specification to rival many cars made by more 'desired' marques, it still has that Ford badge and many people may be tempted to spend their money on something with a little less in the specification department, but with a more 'prized' badge, i.e Jaguar or BMW.

For people who are less worried about the 'kudos' of driving a high end marque, the Ford Mondeo 2.0 16v Ghia X will provide a bargain in terms of motoring comfort. Equipped with such things as electric adjusting drivers seat, footwell lights, heated front windscreen, air conditioning and four speed electronic automatic transmission the Ghia X provides most things that the motorist could want on a car. I myself, have the auto transmission model and find it to be extremely driveable in city traffic, where it spends most of its life. However, once you hit motorway speeds the overdrive facility fitted to the auto box really comes into its own and can return upto 37 MPG at constant motorway speeds. Around the city I generally get a return of around 24 MPG, which given its size and weight, and the fact that the air conditioning is usually on, is a reasonable return. A useful feature is the overdrive lock out switch allowing you to use the first three gears only around the city. Also quite good fun is to use the sport mode, selectable by switch from the dashboard, which totally changes the characteristics of the gearbox, and if driven hard, can be quite good fun, with the predictable effect on fuel consumption. Overall, I would say that this is a very competent car all round with comfort being adequate, even for people 6ft plus like myself. The factory sound system is certainly adequate for most peoples taste and the CD player copes well with all ranges of music. However, if you're hoping to cruise the streets with the sub kickin' out some heavy bass, either buy another car or be prepared to spend money on the ICE. I found an average mileage 1999 registered model for around £5000 with full service history and one owner from new, and have owned it for around 1 year and can say that I am very satisfied with it. If your'e looking for a car that can commute backwards and forwards to work, turn into a child and dog transporter at the weekend, can rush along fairly when required, yet return reasonable running costs then this is the car for you. If you want street cool, prestige marque and all round image, then perhaps you should consider something else.

Members' Comments onThmpPa's Review

• stevebar on 19th May 2006

  Have to agree, but who, if wanting to look cool, would buy a Mondeo? If you have enough self confidence not to be in the least bothered by what the "cool dudes" think get the Mondeo, it does everything you need it to do. Anyway, most of the coolios can't afford a decent car.