2000 Ford Ka petrol

Summary:

No complaints, would purchase again

Faults:

Basically nothing.

Have replaced sparks plugs and air cleaner at 50000km.

General Comments:

Reliable, well made practical vehicle.

Has managed to cover all the basics at the right price ie. power steering, central locking, air con, tape deck and sunroof.

Handles nice and taunt, provided the tyre pressure is set up as per the owners manual (for 3 persons).

Cabin space is good with a luggage carrying capacity that would embarrass many larger cars. Some body drum that can be reduced by putting thin layers of high grade insulation in the boot area.

Performs better on 98 octane, and with fuel injector additive in petrol.

First car I have owned that does not leak around door and boot seals.

Only design fault is the spare wheel release system.

Difficult to locate the oil filter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2007

2001 Ford Ka 1 1.3L

Summary:

Although finish quality is poor the KA is bright and breezy and fun to drive

Faults:

Hydraulic fluid hose failed - my daughter reported smoke from the engine bay and had the good sense not to drive further. Hose was repaired under warranty - and subsequent recall of all KA in Australia followed.

Front plastic guards came loose and wore away on the front wheel.

Gear lever knob fell off.

Clock failed and was replaced.

Black plastic fenders fade quickly in the Australian sun.

Window clip caps fall off and steel stud corrodes quickly.

Gearbox whines at certain speeds and tends to lunge when changing gears.

Fruitbat droppings (a car hazard in our area) stripped paintwork very quickly.

Cabin is noisy.

Great air conditioning - a must for all cars in Australia.

Tight black shag pile of floor carpet shows dirt and hard to clean.

General Comments:

A nippy little car that holds its own in city traffic. Fuel economy is great and has been a very good learning to drive car for my daughter.

Bright and breezy and fun to drive.

Pricing by Ford was eratic and initially high for the quality. Sales discontinued early - not well supported by Ford. Service costs are high for a cheap car.

Ford tried to market the car against higher quality low priced small cars and came off second best. I now think Ford do not to know about them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st February, 2004

4th Mar 2006, 16:17

I haven't seen any of this present in the uk versions. I agree about the black bumpers (fenders) looking worn, but this problem can be solved with the collection which has colour coded bumpers (fenders). Ford must have messed up with the aussie version.

9th Oct 2006, 04:55

Daewoo are finished mate, and if you think they made good cars, you have no place criticising a Ka.

31st Oct 2007, 19:54

As an Australian 2001 Ford ka owner with 45000kms on the clock I agree more or less with the above comments. Every ka I looked at for purchasing had those plastic window stud covers missing with resultant rust, but this is really an insignificant item as far as rust goes. The plastic top of the gear-change lever had broken off, but the roadworthy mechanic super-glued it back on and is OK.

As an afternote, the spellchecker on this program is a bit finicky with a penchant for dashes.

29th Sep 2009, 07:04

Quite funny really, I own a 2001 Ford Ka (in Australia). The top list really does cover a lot that I have experienced. Love the car, but the cheap fittings do frustrate!

Top of the gear knob fell off.

Some of the seals haven't lasted well and has lead to a lot of leakage.

Awful carpets. Keeps hold of the dirt like its life depends on it.

Over-revving was a problem that comes up. All the expensive mechanics kept referring me on to expensive throttle specialists, however the local boys found the problem and all it needed was some cleaning with an air-pressure pump.

Air-conditioning hose has melted so no more aircon unless I want to pay the $1200 quoted replacement :(

Stereo has always been fantastic, although only 1 speaker works now.

Quite a few of the features have broken off or worn.

Headlights have become quite dull... hopefully just requires replacing the globes.

I still love the car though.

8th Feb 2010, 18:34

Just clicked over 100k & my KA hasn't missed a beat.

A practical vehicle for city driving.

With all the safety extras, this car is a splendid option for a young driver.

Only downside is it's under powered.

2001 Ford Ka 1 1.3 Endura

Summary:

Not as good as it looks!

Faults:

Brake squeal - bad on winter mornings.

Skids when going round roundabouts or braking down a hill.

Poor performance when the air con is on. Very dangerous.

General Comments:

I wouldn't recommend a Ford at all. It is my first and last. I'd rather drive a Holden Astra or Renault Clio!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd January, 2004

2001 Ford Ka 1.3

Summary:

Economical micro-machine

Faults:

I was borrowing this car while my own Kia Rio was having and accident repair.

Overtaking on the highway is not an option.

At 6'3", I felt like an origami ogre stuffed into the claustrophobic confines of an avant garde tin can. Strictly a vehicle for those under 5'10".

Luggage space? What luggage space?

Noisy when pushed.

General Comments:

Outstanding fuel economy.

Handling is fun and involving, unassisted steering a little rubbery.

The only thing easier to park would be a motorcycle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th May, 2003