Af-Ford-able luxury! (Ford Mondeo (2000 on) in general)

Member Name: oxonian

Product:	Ford Mondeo (2000 on) in general
Date:	02/11/08 (290 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great handling, speed and reliability. Smart and sleek exterior and spacious interior.

Disadvantages: Fuel consumption.

**This review is on the Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 Saloon - 2001 model**

Approaching Christmas last year, I suffered the nightmare scenario of my car key breaking in the ignition of my Mercedes C180. The end of the key was stuck inside and, in the locksmith's desperation to get my key out, he damaged the ignition altogether - which inevitably meant another costly trip to the Mercedes garage. No more! It was the straw that broke the camel's back with my falling apart Mercedes, and it was time to get a new car.

Admittedly I am a fan of big saloon cars, so the market provided some superb brands such as Audi, Lexus and BMW. However these illustrious brands come at a price, and the newer you want, the dearer the cost. Furthermore, I considered the cost of parts and service for the car. Having just owned a Merc, I knew how expensive a car of this nature could be to maintain. Therefore I changed my thinking, I decided that maybe I would go for a car that was cheap to insure and maintain but still gave the appearance of a quality car. I went to a showroom, and there I saw my future car - the Ford Mondeo.

*Exterior*
The 2000-02 shape Mondeo Zetec is visually stunning, with a mix of angular and curvy areas. When my eyes first met the Mondeo in the showroom, I was enamoured by it's sleek and smart appearance. For the young professional, it hits the mark, easily competing with the likes of the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series. It's exterior is tidy, understated and smooth with not a single part out of place.

*Interior*
The interior of the Mondeo is impeccable. The chrome finish gives the look of luxury within the car. The interior is very spacious, easily more so than my previous limo of a Mercedes.

There is more than sufficient space between the back of the front seats and the back seats, meaning my little boy has lots of air to kick his legs. Furthermore it eases my mind to know I won't be crushing the lower body of the passenger behind me.

Overall, the vast amount of room makes the Mondeo ideal as a family car. The boot space is also very vast - enough to put two large suitcases and a variety of smaller bags. This is perfect for travelling around Europe.

The Mondeo has a variety of expected features fitted as standard. Notably though, The CD player / radio that comes with the car is easy to function and looks very modern. The Mondeo provides excellent air conditioning which made the select few hot days very comfortable in the car.

*Handling*
When I first sat behind the wheel, I felt comfortable and in control of a lovely big car, but did not expect to be too amazed by the drive. When I turned the ignition, the car started quickly, and the engine hummed quietly from inside - so subtely, you could hardly sense the engine was running. The car accelerates silkily and quickly, and goes from 0 to 60 in around nine seconds.

Due to the power of this Mondeo's engine, you are ensured a very smooth drive at high speeds, to the extent that you do not feel you are going as fast as you are. The Mondeo handles brilliantly when cornering, the wheels grip the road tightly and hugs the bends very well, particularly at speed.

*Fuel consumption*
As you'd imagine, with a 2 litre engine, the Mondeo accelerates likes a dream. It has the potential to easily surpass most cars on the road at the traffic lights. The downside, as with most cars that combine an automatic transmission with a 2.0 engine, is the Mondeo is not the most ecomonical car.

While I enjoy the powerful acceleration which sucks you back into your seat, I have limited this experience because the Mondeo will guzzle up petrol by the ocean-load, whether you are travelling on long or short journeys. With the petrol prices quite high, although getting better, the high consumption of fuel will prohibit you from enjoying the 2.0 engine.

*Reliability*
I have now owned my Mondeo for a year, and in that time I have not experienced one fault or reason to go to a garage. Having driven company cars which have let me down for one mechanical failure or another within a short space of time, comparatively the Mondeo is exceptional for reliability.

*Personal opinion*
I find the Mondeo to be affordable luxury - it is beautiful to look at and comfortable and smooth to drive. For such a large, comfortable and smooth car, it is very reasonably priced. Considering you would be paying over double for a 2001 Audi A4 or BMW with the same mileage, you really would not lose out by buying a Mondeo.

The Mondeo is also very cost effective to maintain for repairs and servicing. Labour costs involved with Ford would be £50-60 for repairs, whereas you are looking at £100+ for a Mercedes or Audi. Conversely, the Mondeo is expensive to run. I would definitely recommend against buying the 2 litre Mondeo unless you are apathetic about polluting the environment and/or believe the power of the car justifies the vast petrol bills.

I do find that people initially turn their noses up when they hear you have a Mondeo, but are soon impressed when they get to admire the appearance of it.

I purchased the 2001 51 plate model of the Mondeo from a car dealership for £3800 with 68000 miles on the clock.

Summary: An exceptional large family car.

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