2000 Ford Fiesta Finnesse 1.3i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The free insurance was great

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

2000 Ford Fiesta Zetec S 1.6i 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good car, but watch the rust

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th April, 2003

17th Jul 2003, 06:45

I have rust on mine as well in the same places. The dealer seems to be at a loss and does not seem interested. The quality of the bodywork is dreadful.

26th Dec 2005, 20:14

Yup, great cars, economical, easy to drive, but rust can be a problem... bottom of wheel arches inside, top of door frame by seals and on sills. My seals on drivers side also leak making carpet wet when it rains. Every Ford I have ever owned has had crappy drivers door seals that leak, from Capri's to escorts to fiestas and mondeos. My fiesta tends to hate batteries as well as they die without warning even tho' alternator is kicking out a healthy voltage.

2000 Ford Fiesta ENDURA DI 1.8 turbo diesel from Romania

Summary:

Absolutely satisfied with this turbo diesel

Faults:

No problem for the time being.

General Comments:

This is my first diesel, but after a few thousand of kilometers my impressions are good.

Despite the 1.8 liter engine, a low diesel consumption is characteristic for this car. I was really satisfied with 5.9 l diesel at an average speed of 140km/h on the highway. The Turbo gives to the car a satisfying 75hp. It's more than OK.

The power steering, assisted brakes, the four airbags will make out the driving to be a pleasure.

The Traffic 3000 audio system is a really good value.

For two persons the car is ideal. In case of two adults and some kids the space is OK. But four adults will stay a little bit crowded.

As minus I can notice the lack of glove box and trunk lights.

Also, changing the timing belt was a really 'nice' job for the mechanic. The engine is a little bit over-sized and he didn't have enough space around it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

15th Nov 2004, 15:43

Ford diesel turbo. I am a driving instructor and for the last twelve years have driven Ford Fiesta`s.No real problems with any of them.Sound, good cars, built quality good, and they have to be when your teaching a wide range of people. The turbo diesel 1800 does well on performance. Mine has done 50000 miles in three years and returns over 50mpg in town and 60mpg on a run.Can't be bad.

22nd Oct 2005, 12:43

I have a 1.8 fiesta diesel and have had it for almost 10 years now it's a 95 model and still returns 50mpg even when driven hard which is most days. It has now covered 153,000mls and still going strong on the original clutch.

I have had it serviced like clockwork and stick to the changing of timing belts etc as per the manufactures spec.

The only problem I have had with it is the bushes which seem to be a weak point for this type of car especially the diesel, but if you can put up with that it's a great car.