2000 Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Quick and suitably understated

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong in nearly 4,000 miles. That is, apart from a cracked windscreen. That was very much the fault of Bromsgrove District Council for putting stone chippings on a 70mph road..

Judging by my last Mondeo, I doubt much will ever go wrong.

General Comments:

After having a Mondeo Ghia previously I wasn't so sure about this lesser specced model. However, it really only misses the kind of little touches the you can easily do without, like footwell lighting and headlamp washers.

The economy has been very pleasing, I typically get around 34mpg. That's about 6-7 mpg better than my old 2.0L Auto.

This car also handles very well indeed. Add to that a good quick engine and the car feels a lot sportier than it looks.

If I had the choice I would probably have gone for a Zetec-S 2.0, but then would it make sense to have a car that is more attractive to thieves and vandals without being any quicker?

In that way, its standard Mondeo looks (+ a little spoiler) is a major plus. I might not get noticed by the ladies, but then I shouldn't have any trouble with idiots either, unlike my friend with an Escort GTI.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2001

12th May 2003, 04:48

You may well find that the bulb holders and wiring for the foot well lights are fitted. They were fitted to my 2000 model LX all I did is put in the bulbs...

21st Mar 2004, 23:51

Yes I agree with the comments about the bulb holders for the footwell lights. I have a 2000 Zetec and found I just needed to put the bulbs in the holders! I wonder what other options are easily available to those of us with the lower models of the Mondeo..!

9th Sep 2004, 07:55

I'm the original author of the article.

I never got around to upgrading the Zetec, in the end I just opted for a Ghia X when I needed the extra space of an estate.

Good car, the Zetec was though. I heard the stereo failed after I sold it, but everything else has been fine up until around 65,000 miles when the next owner sold it on. I've lost track of it now.

Just a quick observation, I noticed that when I owned Mondeos, I kept getting severe windscreen chips. I owned 6 different Mondeos and got through 5 windscreens, 2 on this car alone. Before having Mondeos and since I've switched to an Astra, I've not had any problems with stone chips. Just chance or a due to the shape of the car? I'm not sure...

2000 Ford Mondeo 5 door Ghia X (Mark 2) 2.0L petrol

Summary:

I hope this is a rogue or this the last Ford I will buy!

Faults:

Rear air bag module was replaced.

Rubber pads placed on the inside of the hatch door to stop knocking sounds when driving.

Replaced the sunroof switch panel housing as a rattle was coming from it, however, it still rattles!

The steering wheel symmetry was bad and is not resolved.

The fuel consumption is very poor and is not resolved.

The handbrake needed adjustment after the car rolled into a wall!

When the A/C is off, the ducts are not closed off and it blows potentially dangerous hot air on to your legs - not resolved.

General Comments:

When I first saw the "new" Mondeo at the Birmingham NEC in late 2000, I was impressed with the aesthetics and build quality. The former opinion remains, however, having driven Mondeos for 6 years, I am most disappointed with the many rattles and problems I have been experiencing since day 1. To add insult to injury my regular servicing department appears not to offer answers to the problems that are acknowledged and frankly I am fed up!

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

Review Date: 21st August, 2001

22nd Aug 2001, 00:39

Hm! Working for a Midlands Police Force, we have several of these new smart looking looking V6s. So we are not the only persons with concerns about the handbrake! The only problem is that our licences are endorsed even if the altercation (!) with a wall (etc) is not our fault - yes our vehicle (s) have rolled too and we know its an intrinsic design fault. We are supposed to leave the car in 1st when parked - do us a favour!!!

3rd Sep 2001, 14:23

< We are supposed to leave the car in 1st when parked >

Yes, this would be an acceptable requirement on a 20 year old banger; but NOT on a brand new £20,000 Mondeo. What can be so hard about producing a working handbrake?

10th Feb 2003, 03:21

I have a '97 Mondeo.

When I pull the handbrake I feel like a monkey. The position is wrong. The design is wrong and the brake is dangerous inefficient unless you pull it to the chin. The dealer told me that is nothing wrong with the rear brakes or the handle. Conclusion?!