1997 Ford Ka 1 1.3i petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Top supermini at budget prices

Faults:

Window on the driver's side, can now be slid downwards by hand. Rectified temporarily by a piece of wood inside the door!

General Comments:

Excellent to drive, direct handling, very good feedback. Doesn't have PAS, and I don't miss it.

Fuel economy is good for a 1.3. Very cheap to insure.

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

Review Date: 14th August, 2000

1997 Ford Ka 3 1.3 EFi petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Pollen filter needed replacement after 6 months due to foul smells in the cabin.

Standard alloy wheels virtually welded themselves stuck to the wheel hubs when I came to rotate the tyres at 10,000 miles.. you have been warned!

Gearbox makes a knocking sound in 1st and 2nd - not serious.

Engine occasionally revs rise after the gas pedal has been released - intermittent fault.

Rust appearing on edge of doors.

General Comments:

Air con makes the engine jerky and it looses loads of power but is invaluable in traffic.

Very surprising speed can be maintained on open roads and little is lost around corners - this car thrives on momentum. Wonderful responsive and communicative steering - cornering and manoeuvring is a pleasure. Comfy and airy cabin with lovely details like the air vents and door trim.

Fuel economy I find is very poor - averaging about 24 miles to the gallon (with air con on).

I love the looks.

Niggles - Annoying intermittent wiper stalk position, no boot lock or light, no remote locking. And changing headlamp bulbs is.. painful and frustrating!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 1999

1997 Ford Ka 2 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Gas from air con. Pipe leaking.

General Comments:

I love my car & got every extra possible which took it up to £1200 and it still didn't come with a cigarette lighter or a light in the ash tray so trying to see it in the dark is impossible. No boot light.

Good points: cheap insurance, holds the road well & women love them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

1997 Ford Ka 2 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Have owned it for 4 months - previous owner Ford.

General Comments:

I get as much enjoyment, of a different kind, driving this Ka as I do driving my company car, a BMW 5 series!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1998

1997 Ford Ka 3 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Water leaks from doors and window screen. This is the THIRD replacement car I have had from Ford and they have all had this fault.

General Comments:

Looks good, handles and drives well, ABS should be standard on this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 1998

1997 Ford Ka 3 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Slight problem with the indicator ticking at double speed - very annoying. Otherwise no problems whatsoever.

It took 4 months to arrive from order date. No wonder they didn't sell well. It was almost impossible to get a test drive - and I live near Dagenham!

General Comments:

Interior design is stunning and very comfortable. ABS was extra even though KA3 is top of range. Could do with more poke at higher speeds. Why oh why did they not use the 1.25 Zetec engine?

My husband refused to even consider buying one until I forced him to do a test drive. Now I can never get him out of it!

I love the way that other Ka drivers flash their lights and give way.

Well done Ford - other manufacturers take note and take the odd risk with design. Do something about your terrible dealers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 1998

11th Oct 2002, 15:51

I agree Ford cars good Dealers not so good They seem to think."And that means what to me "once you buy a car off them it go away unless your here to buy another. They let Ford down and the showrooms are scruffy TOO.

21st Nov 2003, 15:36

Hi, I have a problem also with the indicator ticking at double speed on my 1998 Ford Ka 1.3i. The indicators are working, its just a bit annoying. Does anyone have a solution. If so could you e-mail me at guy.mitchell@zoom.co.uk. thanks in advance.