2000 Ford Fiesta Zetec S 1.6 16v

Summary:

Ford have given credibility to the old adage, 'you get what you pay for'!.

Faults:

Anti roll-bar bushes failed at 7000 miles.

Rattling from the dashboard.

Replacement engine.

Anti roll-bar bushes will need replacing shortly, 14500 miles.

General Comments:

Engine has been irreparably damaged after it took in water from the air intake which is located behind the front skirt. It has now been replaced by my insurance company as FORD will not acknowledge any design flaws, but have confirmed that the car should not be driven through any more than three inches of water.

As one of the worlds largest car manufacturers in a highly competitive market, I find it absolutely amazing that Ford can produce cars that have such poor build quality. Recent advertising campaigns would have the consumer believe that reliability and quality issues are a thing of the past, however from my experience I believe that problems are ignored and not well published.

I have owned my vehicle from new and it has covered around 14,500miles in little over two years and yet I am considering replacing it for an older vehicle from an alternative manufacturer, as I am so disheartened and disappointed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2002

5th Dec 2002, 07:16

Sounds like you have been very unlucky mate.

22nd Dec 2002, 14:23

I agree you've been unlucky. My experience of Zetec S ownership (a 2001 X reg) has been a pleasure. I bought it with 13,000 miles on the clock, and have added 10,000 to this in just 6 months. The car is always driven hard (although not mercilessly), yet it has been totally faultless so far. It's also a cracking car to drive IMHO, and even now I still find myself coming off main roads in search of twisty B-road routes, even if it adds 20 miles to a journey. I looked at a Polo GTI and a Saxo VTR but the Zetec S is ten times more fun than the Polo, and much better built than the Saxo.

My only problem with the car is it seems to attract the attention of vandals, but that's society's fault, not the car's.

1st Jan 2003, 08:58

Just to quote you "Ford have given credibility to the old adage, 'you get what you pay for", so your saying the car is a load of cheap rubbish, well I'm sorry YOUR car has been poor and aftersales service terrible, but the car is fantastic, just a shame you didn't get the chance to see it.

30th Jan 2003, 07:22

As the saying goes, 'You are never bored with a Ford'.

30th Jan 2003, 11:19

Whereas a Polo, Corsa or Clio would bore you to tears. Quite literally.

12th Feb 2003, 18:01

I agree that Ford build quality sometimes leaves a bit to be desired, but they are streets ahead of Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, and the equal of the likes of Vauxhall, and dare I say it, some of the more recent VW's. The Focus has also recently won a respected German reliability survey, and apparently Fords regularly feature in the top 10. They're not perfect by any means, but they are certainly nowhere near the worst out there, and are better than a lot of people give them credit for. If you want to criticise build quality, have a pop at the French!

22nd Aug 2003, 07:11

Read some of the more recent reviews, it seems now there are more Zetec-s's around with some mile on them, the poor build quality & generally Ford low quality are starting to show through. Don't buy a Zetec-s they are total lemons!!

2000 Ford Fiesta Zetec S 1.6 16v

Summary:

Fantastic Hot Hatch

Faults:

Nothing so far (touch wood)

General Comments:

I've had my Fiesta Zetec S now for just over 2 months and I absolutely love it. Every time I get in it a huge grin comes across my face because it's such a pleasure to drive.

It's quicker than my mates Saxo VTR off the lights and has more overtaking grunt. He's now thing about trading the Saxo in for a Zetec S.

It's got all the gizmo's I need, anti-lock brakes, power steering, remote central locking, electric windows, air bag, traction control, CD player, alloy wheels all as standard and the sensible person who I bought the car from had air conditioning fitted as an option for the bargain price of £500. There is only one tiny thing missing though and that's an adjustable steering wheel.

All this coupled with the stiff lowered suspension, close ratio gear box, sports styling and an engine that sounds oh so sweet in the mid-high rev range makes for a superb overall package.

The ride can seem a bit firm, but the handling more than compensates. It sticks to the road like glue and body roll is kept down thanks to that stiff suspension.

I looked for ages to replace my old Punto Sporting and thought I'd never be able to get a sporty little hatch with a comparable insurance rating, but the Fiesta is only £50 a year more.

If anyone is thinking of buying the sporty versions of a Saxo, Punto, Corsa, Polo or Clio (excluding the 172 Sport) then I'd urge them to go test drive a Zetec S as well. I guarantee it will at least make you think twice even if you're not a Ford fan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2002

23rd Sep 2002, 06:45

If you haven't already I'd highly recommend removing the front amber indicator lenses and replacing the bulbs with phillips silver visions, it dramatically improves the looks of the car.

31st Jul 2003, 18:04

Side Indicators were replaced with smoke black ones by the sensible previous owner which was a bonus!

I'm trying to find smoked rear light lenses and headlamp lens with smoked indicators. Does anyone know where I can get them from? I've only seen clear "Lexus" styles which look pants!

6th Nov 2005, 04:23

This car aint a hot hatch, more of a cold one.

7th Nov 2005, 05:08

The comment above is not so much helpful as idiotic!