Faults:

The rear screen wiper was faulty from about the fourth month. Sometimes if it was in a good mood it would work, but then moments later it would be faulty again for another month.

The battery had a problem with waking up occassionally and needed a jump start (don't forget this is a 2000 w reg car not a 20 year old car. No other problems.

General Comments:

This car looked good, allowed me to get to work and college and to go places of a weekend. What I am saying is it was just a car. It was pretty crap really and I won't be buying another ford ever.

Faults:

The car was recalled due to the exhaust being attached with the wrong clips. The front wheel arch liner came loose and had to be rectified by the dealer.

Makes load noises over speed humps seems to be a suspension related noise, dealer unable to find fault.

Rust showing under the weather seals of the drivers door, this appeared after just over a year and a half. Dealer repaired the rust free of charge under the bodywork warranty as it was coming from inside the door behind the seal. 4 months later the rust came back, but I sold the car anyway just after this.

Rust also starting inside the boot behind the light cluster, I have owned the car from new and it has never been an accident surely this should not happen?

I know Ford have a reputation for poor and badly constructed bodywork, but this is the worst built car that I have ever owned.

The 10 year old Fiesta this car replaced had less visable rust!

General Comments:

The handling is superb it is in a class of its own when it comes to twisty roads. Acceleration is poor this car is no hot hatch, but it is a very good warm variant. Top end is extremely average mine tops out at 115mph.

Faults:

The rear speakers were not screwed in tightly, so bounced around on bumps and bends, two minutes with a screw driver sorted this.

General Comments:

My previous car was a Saxo VTR, which finished up upside down in a field, so I set out looking for another, but came across the Zetec s.

I liked the looks, and the performance impressed more than the VTR.

The car has better handling and is better balanced than any car I have ever driven, even those with more than double the price tag, and I often find myself driving for the fun which comes as standard.

The feel of the car is solid and you fell you are buying quality at a low price.

This car has to be driven to be appreciated.

Faults:

Leather trim on steering wheel "melted" during hot weather. However, despite the car being out of warranty, the dealer replaced it free of charge, without the problem recurring.

General Comments:

In the Republic of Ireland it is practically impossible to insure a performance car if you are under 25 years of age. The Fiesta Zetec-S is on the performance-limit, which is why I bought it. It has proved reliable, quick, fun and practical during the last two years.

Performance-wise, it has more than is sufficient for town use. It is only on a straight, open road that one would desire extra punch.

The dealer deserves particular praise, as they really have been impeccable.