written by on 28/03/2011
Owned a 2.3l Ghia x from new (£21,000) Jan 1998 and have just traded it in with 68K on the clock. Like all Fords the plastic bits came adrift in the first few years but having said that not one mechanical component has been replaced. The car has same exhaust and brake disks as from the factory. The starter motor is a bit noisy but what would you expect after >10,000 engine cranks. The Galaxy is a versatile MPV offering average to good performance on most road types and in in most road conditions except snow and ice where it is abysmal. Great car for families which doubles as a van providing you are strong enough to remove the 5 rear seats and have somewhere to store them.
written by on 09/08/2010
The only major problem I have had and cannot cure is the air con! I started having problems about 2 years ago and took it to local ford dealer to address the problem? they totaly overhauled it and it cost £1100!!! BUT the problem was never really sorted and the problem is this, The air con comes on when it feels like it and not when I want it to, If i turn it on it may not work but I can get it to work by turning the heat up to full and then it will kick in,It may then work for 5-10 mins then switch itself off!! When it is on it blows really cold like it should so I dismiss the fact it needs re-gassing as it's been doing this for about 12 months. I don't know if there is one but it's as if the cabin air temp sensor is faulty.
written by on 16/02/2010
Excellent people carrier. Excellent cruise on motor way. Bags of space. Good value for money despite new gearbox (link bolt dropped into gearbox)£1300. New clutch £400 (The alps a challenge for any vehicle fully loaded). Tyres expensive £100+ (Make sure you get the correct tyres they must be re-enforced). Cruise control packed up (common problem) not fixed. Windscreen wipers packed up now fixed after pulling apart linkage/cleaning/greasing etc (make sure make a note of the correct position of gears)
written by sallybee64 on 02/09/2009
I purchased a new galaxy in 2001. Its now done 87000miles. Problems I've had are from first day broke down, leaking thermostat casing - replaced. Air con not working , replaced matrix, aircon broke replace relay, replaced relay again within 12 months. An thats it!
For a car as complex as the Galaxy and the way we use it I would recommend it to anyone - BUT remember these cars cost £20K + for a reason - its not a Fiesta and parts can be pricey. A full exhaust system £500 - but I haven't had to replace it yet so 8 years aint bad. It will cost soon I know and I've budgeted £600 for all the bits but I believe it is wear and tear.
Re Galaxy front end vibration - Often occurs with incompatable pads and discs. Don't bother with Ford, just buy decent after market parts, half the price and no problems.
written by TitaniumX on 13/07/2007
Having owned this Galaxy for 5 years and reading other reviews, I can only assume everyone that it is those who have trouble are writing the reviews, whilst the others are still driving!
I can honestly say only two things have gone wrong in the 5 years I have owned this car. The front antiroll bar link failed (£29 from ford) and the drivers door speaker became intermittent (faulty wiring in the door - easy fix though). Other than that this car has been ultra reliable and as we top the 140K miles it still drives like it only has the 37K we bought it with.
The only niggle is the MPG, 24>28 is the common for us - but you can get this up by adapting the driving style. Galaxy's are built to cruise and the weight behind them means you can take your foot of the pedal and just roll without it slowing down anywhere near as much as a conventional car.
written by pandrew on 20/04/2006
Lots of people complain about the Galaxy but I think it's a great car.
We've had one for 3 years and have 4 children. There is loads of room and we don't have any problems with space. When we go on holiday we add a roof box and have plenty of capacity.
As long as you remember it's a big MPV and not a sporty saloon/estate you'll be fine. We had an estate before but it was too cramped and the Galaxy gives us all the space we need.
It's not a fashion statement but we don't care. The equipment levels are very good and we've had no problems with the car. We get it serviced by an independent Ford specialist and the cost is appropriate to the size of car.
The 2.3 litre engine is failt thirsty and averages 25mpg but can average 30/31 mpg on very long runs e.g. in France. I would say for the size of car that this is ok.
Looking back I wish we'd bought a diesel but couldn't afford the extra.
All in all highly recommended.
written by JohnEvans on 13/04/2006
What a load of moaners below. This is my second Ford Galaxy. This one has done 265,000 miles! Petrol engine. Same clutch same exhaust!
Has had 2 coil packs and 1 extra set of discs all around.
It was hammered as hard as it could be, up hill, down dale and around the bend. Has never let me down. Was only serviced every 20k miles by mistake. (sales guy!)
My third will be delivered in July 06.
Goes like a rocket, I guess after 260k miles I've loosened the engine up a little.
written by WellContent on 04/01/2005
There is a lot of whingeing from the other reviewers. Maybe the petrol Ford Galaxy People Carriers are a bad choice?
But try this for size: 182,000 miles (yes, one hundred and eighty two thousand) from my 2001 Y-reg diesel - and still on the original clutch and gearbox, returning 41.26 overall mpg from new (including very high motorway speeds and frequent 7-passenger + luggage loads) and, apart from regular servicing including cambelts only track rod ends and brake discs replaced.
I'll update when the quarter million clicks over, but until then, STOP KNOCKING A SUPERB VEHICLE!
written by iancunningham on 05/03/2004
I have a Ford Galaxy 2.3 Ghia, "R" reg, and the brake lights on the car symbol on the dash dont always go out, when I press the brake pedal. and the actual brake lights don't work when this happens, but this is intermittant and when they do go out the brake lights work again, is anyone else having this problem? and I have read that if Galaxy owners experience flooding problems, Ford will repair free of charge, does this still apply to me if I am the third owner and the car way out of waranty, I am grateful for anyones help. Ian
Written on: 06/05/2004
I also own a 1998 Ghia X 2.3, and have experienced the same problem with the intermittant brake light fault. I fitted a new brake light switch, and the problem was solved. The problem with the old switch was the contacts inside start to burn, possibly due to the number of operations it has done, also poor adjustment can cause the contacts to arc. A new switch purchased for about £10.00 from a Ford dealer fixed it.
Written on: 27/06/2009
if you have sun roof and there is flooding in the foot well then the most likely is sun roof gutter pipe as come loose, to get to it you will need to pull away the door pilers plastic moulding and pull back the roof lining.<br/>Hope this help.<br/>Normany
Written on: 24/06/2009
for your brake light problem try removing the brake switch and spraying some switch lubricant into the switch, the next to do is change the brake switch, I am on my 4th switch change must be a bad batch of switches.<br/>good luck.<br/><br/>Norman
Written on: 20/03/2007
Internal flooding is caused by either the rear washer pipe coming apart in the passenger side door seal, or blocked scuttle drains either side of the bulk head. Both easily fixed in less than an hour.
written by Andrew Coe on 04/11/2003
I am glad my Ford Galaxy 2000 X 19 tdi has been under warranty!
written by Richard. on 01/04/2003
Just returned my second Ford Galaxy after 6 months of driving. Why? Well, it was a leased car which went with the job, and I've now left that employer.
A review of my first Galaxy is also on this site, showing very poor reliability. So how did the second one compare?
This one was a 2.3 Ghia Auto in the new styling. The last one was a 2.3 Ghia X Auto. The X level trim is not currently available, so I bought heated front seats, sunroof, as extras.
This time, there were no reliability problems. After all, I'd only had it 6 months and done 10,000 miles so there really shouldn't be. Its first service was just due as I returned it.
Most of my comments are on the differences between the the earlier and new models. Should be fairly accurate - essentially identical models, engine, gearbox, trim level.
Likes: The new style exterior. Overall improved looks.
Dislikes: A number -
So, what are my overall impressions? Well, it's pretty good overall. Very easy and car like to drive, good performance but thirsty on fuel. But still an expensive car to buy and run.
And my next car? As of this week, a Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi SE auto. Now, that's a huge van for the money. Whether it's reliable I'm just about to find out...
written by chris wragg. on 13/10/2002
I have owned a 2.8 1996 Galaxy Ghia for the past eighteen months. What with having three kids and towing a caravan the car is ideal for our famaily.
The air conditioning has packed up. I've been quoted £1000 to replace the broken evaporator (which involves removing the dash (not too sure whether to have it fixed or not). Has anyone had this fault mended?
I also had problems with the electrics (windows, roof and alarm) going off on there own accord. After consulting an expert?????? i was told this was a common fault and was a big job to put right.
After careful examination, i found the water drain away gullys, under the bonnet at the bottom of the windscreen were full of debris, causing the water to build up to an extent that it was leaking into the car on the passenger side. The water was then running under the carpet until it came to the stowage box under the front passenger seat. The water was then coming into contact with the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) which resulted in the electrical faults. So much for the big job.
If you have this same fault please phone me on 07786210910 and i will tell you how to put it right.
Written on: 05/12/2002
Yes, I had the evaporator changed on my last Galaxy. It *is* a big job (but luckily I wasn't paying!). Afterwards there were a number of electrical problems, largely due to the removal of the dashboard. Like the instrument lights no longer worked...
And the air conditioning wasn't fixed either - it also needed yet another new compressor. The aircon is extremely unreliable on Galaxys, it would appear.
Written on: 31/03/2004
My Galaxy is a T reg 2.3 Ghia X. I have had similar problems with water entering the vehicle on the passenger side. It has been backwards and forwards to Dagenham Motors in Enfield who very grudgingly did the last job under warranty, which still has five months to run. The rear passenger side window has a mind of its own, caused no doubt by watering entering the ECU. Shortly after buying it (with a 2 year warranty) the auto box stuck in neutral and there have been several other smaller irritations. Dagenham Motors have been unbelievably unhelpful and look upon it as an 'old' car. The car has been back on average once a month in the last five months to try to resolve the water problem. The first time they tried drying out the carpet by running the engine for about three hours with the heater on and used about £30.00 of petrol. Their excuse was that it was the best way to dry it out. The next time it rained the car filled with water again. They quoted me over £200 to replace the pollen filter wher they eventually reckned the water was coming in. When I refused and insisted that it was done under warranty they grudgingly agreed but the old pollen filter was only resealed. If I had paid for it, a new one would have been fitted. The underlay is so wet that it squelches when you tread on it and they will not replace it. After this experience I doubt that I will ever buy another Ford.
Written on: 17/09/2003
Would love to know how much a new evaporator is, as mine has got a leak been quoted £260 for labour alone due to having to remove the dash!
<br>Any views....
Written on: 08/07/2003
I have a Galaxy Ghia (1997) and am currently having the evaporator replaced - under a warrenty - but since the initial examination there has been a problem with the electrics!
written by dave. on 30/08/2002
My Ford Galaxy MPV is an older model - 1997 2.3 petrol Manual. I have three kids and the space is fantastic. We use it to day trip on Motorways and down country lanes. It does guzzle the juice when pushed at Motorways speeds.
I also have the airbag warning light recurring problem and also a few annoying squeaks from the underbody and rear door.
Altogether, I still like it and would certainly consider buying another - but certainly second hand - the retail price is out of reach.
written by Mike. on 14/08/2002
I have sentiments about the Ford Galaxy that are reflected pretty much in several of the comments written in other articles here, and I own a late 2001 Zetec, petrol manual model. The seats can be a bit awkward, but manageable. On the whole, I am content with this vehicle, about which I knew little before I purchased it.
Written on: 08/09/2002
I too suffer from that rather annoying rattling noise and have been trying to track done the cause since purchasing the vehicle some 4 weeks ago. Thankyou for putting me out of my misery, only problem now how to get it fixed along with the endless list of electrical problems!!!!
written by Brian. on 09/08/2002
In view of the attitude of both Ford warranty staff & its obvious policy and that of their dealers I will never buy another Ford.
Written on: 25/06/2003
I have a 1999 Galaxy. I do high mileage in it each year and rate it very highly. I was driving at below 40 MPH and a pidgeon flew past my car clipping he driver door mirror. It dropped off and cost £250 to repair. I had to drive round London rush hour with a mirror hanging off by the wiring.
<br>Also, I have a dented wing. would anyone know if the driver wing unbolts or is there any welding / bonding involved. If they do bolt off where can I buy one from?
<br>
written by on 15/07/2002
The drive on my Ford Galaxy MPV is good. It is a good mpv all round. I have not had it long but at the mo i cannot fault it yet!!
Written on: 06/01/2003
We have a 2001 1.9 TDI Galaxy. We also had peeling door handles. The local Ford garage agreed this was a fault and replaced them. The new handles are fine. The car is now 13 months old and the fan has just stopped working on settings 1,2,and 3 (4 is fine). Coincidentally the front wing has just been replaced as my wife drove it into a post (even with parking sensors). I suspect the two may be related. Our mileage is over 45 so I don't understand why most other reviews get such poor mileage. We purchased ours from Belgium for £4k less than our local garage and so value for money is very good.
written by Keith. on 21/06/2002
I've had my 2.0 litre Ford Galaxy Aspen (with air con) for over 4 years. In that time it's done 43000 miles, including 3 times the length of France - twice to Spain over the Pyrenees, and once to Corsica. It's never broken down. The worst repair was to replace the electric windows control unit. It's located in a well under the front passenger seat, which filled with water in heavy rain. That cost £180.
With the back seats out, I've taken my daughter's bed to her flat, taken an 8x6 foot shed (broken up) to the tip. It's comfortable - longest drive in a day over 700 miles. Vision is better than a car, and I intend to replace it with another Galaxy. I think I'd go for the 2.3 litre version as going up hills fully loaded can be sluggish.
Maybe I've been lucky, as I know the reliability statistics aren't great, but I'm not going back to an ordinary car, whatever Jeremy Clarkson says.
Written on: 25/05/2003
i am hopefully about to purchase a second hand Galaxy and I found your comments most encouraging. This is because my father is nearly housebound and we're getting something that can take us all out at the same time. Is the passenger seat easy to manouver a dead weight into? as getting in and out of an ordinary car s very difficult. We have hired previously three different mpv's (Sintra, Sharan, and a fiat?) and found the sintra brilliant and the sharan not too bad for getting in and out of the car.Did you get a new galaxy after you sold your old one?
<br>
written by tim. on 15/06/2002
I've only had my Ford Galaxy MPV two weeks and am delighted with it. I imported it through a UK company and saved a massive £5500! The car is roomy, nippy and v.economical. It came with extras already included. I chose to buy from Ford a one piece carpet which goes on top of the rear carpets. It only cost £20 and will save the usual wear and tear caused by three childeren. I've no complaints at all
written by Cliff Whittingham. on 07/05/2002
The Ford Galaxy MPV has a great driving position, is an extremely versatile car and is good looking. Can anybody help me please? I have a 95/N 2.0 GLXi Galaxy with 76 K miles. Self maintained from 50 K. Previous FSH. Compared to other Galaxys, my engine is very noisy at the top end (ever since I let Reg Vardy Ford service it at 52 K). I change the oil every 10 K and have recently started adding Wynns hydraulic valve product. I also have a really horrible flat spot at just over 2000 r.p.m.. I've fitted a new idle valve because it used to cut out on idle all the time. The plugs and air filter are O.K.. The air intake is clean. Any suggestions ?
written by Andy S. on 18/02/2002
I've been maintaining my own vehicles as much as possible for many many years. I too am amazed at the lack of a manual for the Ford/VW/Seat Galaxy MPV. I e-mailed Haynes to find see if there was one in the pipe line or to find out why they were not producing one, but surprise surprise, they couldn't even bother replying. I once owed a Citroen XM 3.0L and in the end it was cheaper for me to pay £250 for the complete set of factory manuals, than to pay for repeated trips to Citroen. Incidentally when I sold the car it had depreciated massively, but I sold the manuals for cost price and could have done so many times over!
Written on: 06/04/2002
Just for info, I recently got a reply from Haynes...
<br>
<br>Dear Richard,
<br>
<br>Thankyou very much for your email.
<br>I'm pleased to tell you that the manual for the 'Ford Galaxy' should hopefully be available later this year.
<br>
<br>Regards
<br>
<br>Customer Services Admin Assistant
<br>
<br>Email - [email protected]
Written on: 10/09/2003
I HAVE A MANUAL FOR GALAXY MODELS 1995 TO AUGUST 2000...
<br>HALFORDS AND OTHER MOTOR FACTORS SELL THEM
Written on: 30/04/2003
Hi i had the same problem with my 2.8 galaxy,No manual? but you can get a book by a auther callad peter russek on the V W v6 engine book for the v w range also it covers the Galaxy as you know the engine is V W .I agree the engine sounds great.Hope this helps
Written on: 09/01/2003
I have found your review most helpful and I will be contacting Haynes regarding the manual.
I have carried out various maintenance and tasks myself with previous cars and own several different manuals including some old Ford work shop manuals.
When I purchased my secondhand new shaped 1.9 TDI (115)ZTEC Galaxy last year I was also suprised there was no manual for this model.
I have tonight just collected my Galaxy from my local Ford dealership after having it serviced (70,000).
A few tasks carried out by the dealership I would have conducted myself if I had a manual i.e. taking the dashboard apart to change bulbs.
I have experience several problems during the past year, door handles peeling, clutch master cylinder failure (looking at the history of the car this is the third time), both front drive shafts replaced and rear screen wiper motor failure.
Apart from the above problems my family and I do still enjoy the car.
Regards
Dave.
Written on: 03/05/2002
You may be interested to know that we are planning a manual for the Ford Galaxy in December.
<br>Retail Customer Services, Haynes
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Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.
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Ereway's Response to TitaniumX's Review
Written on: 13/12/2010
I found this review very helpful because...it has given me renewed confidence to go ahead and buy one.