2002 Ford Ka LX 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Bags of fun in a small package for the single town/city commuter

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car as yet.

General Comments:

The styling of the car elicits "I hate it" or "I love it" comments. I like it as it is daring compared to most of the bland designs on the market.

Road holding is brilliant. You can throw the Ka around a corner and it sticks to the road like glue.

Fuel economy is super. Despite having a small tank, the car sips fuel. Fortunately the Ka has five gears. I suspect with four it would be greedier.

Road noise - dreadful. It is so noisy that the radio fails to drown out the noise. Truly terrible for a car that is terrific to drive.

At low speeds, the car pulls away with gusto. You can hear the engine working away. At high speeds though, the engine runs out of puff. Don't consider overtaking on the motorway - you'll only embarrass yourself. Plus the road noise would drive you a little insane.

Seats are comfortable. Despite the driver and passenger sides having adequate room, I would never subject anyone to sitting in the back. It is too small even for children.

The boot is tiny. One sports bag takes up all the available space.

Interior is too dark - almost on the edge of being oppressive. A fair bit of metal exposed. A bit of trim to cover the metal work would have been welcome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2002

2002 Ford Ka 1 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I love this car cheap fun fast for the size

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This car is fast for a small car and handles well.

There is loads of room inside and it is well thought out.

It is very good on running costs petrol road tax insurance all low.

But not much room in the boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2002

2002 Ford Ka collection 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Small car with a BIG reverse problem

Faults:

Enormous trouble getting this little car into reverse gear, sometimes taking more than 10 attempts, and the car is only six weeks old!

Paint work easily scratches.

Aside from this, no real problems although have only had this car for a very short time.

General Comments:

This was the first car that I owned from new. I chose it very carefully and am very disappointed indeed at this problem with reverse gear. Being stuck in the middle of the road trying to perform a three point turn unable to get the car in reverse gear, with ongoing drivers flashing you is disheartening to say the least. Have taken this car to the dealer, who is very laid-back about it all and informs me that "this is a common problem with KA collections". But when this kind of fault occurs with a new car this tends to put you off the car altogether.

If anyone else has a similar problem please let me know as I am thinking of writing to the manufacturer.

I find that the car accelerates well, and unlike other reviewers I have not found that the acceleration is impaired significantly when the air-conditioning is switched on -- and I do a lot of motorway driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th April, 2002

18th Jun 2002, 01:53

When attempting to engage reverse you must select neutral then raise and depress the clutch before moving into reverse gear. Put the clutch down and count to three the gear will engage no problem. I think this instruction is in the owners manual.

26th Jun 2002, 06:40

I also had this problem with my Ka Collection, and also my friend's Ka2 does it. Raising the clutch and then pressing the clutch and engaging reverse makes it work fine. I believe it is a safety device that prevents you selecting reverse while driving.