Cheap and cheerful - you get what you pay for. (Ford)

Member Name: andycharger

Product:	Ford
Date:	31/05/01 (163 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good cars, Cheap

Disadvantages: A bit plasticy.

There is always loads of bad publicity around about Ford.
"Always going wrong they are. You wouldnt get me in a Ford" say most people.
Yet if this is the case, how come they are by far the most common car on the road?
I tell you why.
They fit most peoples budget, they are cheap to run and they are easy to fix.
Also, there is normally a vehicle in their range to fit with most people's requirements.
They began with humble beginnings in America as just another automobile manufacturer. They revolutionised the automated car assembly procedure.
Through it, they have been one of the major manufacturers of cars around the globe for most of the last century.

They first made adecent impact in England during the late 50's and Early 60's with theFord Anglia, Zepher, Zodiac and Cortina. The latter continuing production into the 80's.
These were superceded by the Granada and in the 70's the Fiesta. One of the first small cars to do well other than the Mini.
The Capri, although now regarded as ulgy, was the height of chique on its release!
Not forgetting the Ford Escort that survived nearly 30 years of production from its Mark 1 body up to the most recent Mark 6.
They scooped the market in the 80's with their hot hatch boy racer cars such as the XR2(fiesta) XR3 and RS Turbo (Escort) and XR4 and Cosworth(Sierra's). They have moved away from that now but tackle the market in a different way.
Now the fleet com,prise of the following:

Ford Ka
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One of the smallest "mini-hatches" on the road. Punchy still with its 1.3 litre engine, the Ka revolutionised the design of most Ford cars.
It suits new drivers because of its cheap insurance and its very practical around town because of its petrol consumption and size.
Dont take it on long journeys as it is not built for it. Its too small and does have the comfort for it.

Ford Fiest
a
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Next up in size from the Ka and a very durable model. It has been around in its many guises since the late 70's.
The Fiesta is practical for smaller budgets who want a similar car to the Ka but with a bit more comfort. The various models and engine sizes mean there is a Fiesta for everyone.

Ford Focus
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Slated a lot at first, it has now become the staple replacement for the Escort.
A small family car, it has the now familiar Ford look about it. (looks like the Ka). Comes in a variety of models and gives a very smooth ride. I have been a passenger and a driver in my friends 1.6 Zetec and it is an exceptionally good handling car. Its quite nippy ofr a family 1.6 too.

Ford Mondeo
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Family car that has been around for about 10 years. It replaced the sierra and has doon a jolly good job. Gets a lot of competition from other family cars now and the market share is not what it once was. Its most recent facelift is rather ugly.

Ford Maverick
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A dinky jeep that never really made it here. If you were going to by a jeep, you would buy one form one of the more prominent off road vehicle manufacturers me thinks.

Ford Explorer
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A bigger Jeep but very underrated. I think its thirsty engine puts a lot of buyers off. More suitable for the American market. At the price, people are more inclined to opt for a Chrysler Jeep.

Ford Puma
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For's best effort yet to replace the Capri. Its a smooth handling bag of fun in a small sports car body. Its built around a fiesta chassis so its small and light and well designed.
Made famous by the Steve MacQueen ads, most people naw have a silver one.

Ford Cougar
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Jury is still out on this larger sports coupe. The market have not bought into it as readily as the puma but it looks a very nice car.

So there you have
it. A car for all pockets, markets , families and situations.

My only Critism of them would be that they are too plastic looking inside and not the best built cars I have ever been in.
Still if you can put up with the sqeaks, you will be alright!

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