Nothing serious, only the quickclear that should clear the front window does not work properly.
A comfortable car, a lot of space.
Only the power is a little poor. A more powerful engine would be appreciated
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd December, 1999
Absolutely everything since the car was bought back in 1995 from our local Ford dealer - Ward of Kettering.
Service very unfriendly and too lengthy a period to service and mend when it went wrong, which was quite often.
Dealers only too pleased to take your hard earned pennies. If only they would be so keen to mend it and service it.
I definitely wouldn't buy another Ford. It is simply not worth it. It is my seventh car, the predecessors being a beautiful Rover 416SLi and before that a 216S - both reliable and the dealers were very helpful and courteous. I didn't buy another because the estate version of the 400 wasn't big enough to fit my wheelchair in, unfortunately.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th October, 1999
Most unexpected thing was that the heater matrix needed replacing. Also, suspension bushes had to be replaced (common, apparently). Nothing much else apart from service items - just don't use a main dealer if you can help it, they don't have a clue and they couldn't care less.
Don't believe everything motoring journalists tell you about diesels! I'm reliably informed that diesels get through far fewer exhausts and batteries, so that should offset the extra servicing frequency. Very good car, but poor demister and not much rear legroom for its size.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd October, 1999
So far just the air-con has refused to work, although the engine runs badly if you try and turn it on. Strange clonking from the rear, but I'll wait until they fix the air-con until I moan about that.
Bloody good car, does everything very well, including drink petrol (20-24mpg). Ford personnel are the worst people in the world. A half dead dog would inspire more confidence.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th May, 1999
Steering off-centered when delivered (warranty).
Steering column leaked (warranty).
Rear suspension rods failed (warranty).
Air-con radiator leaked (warranty).
Front wheel bearing retired (warranty).
Air flow control sensor failed (warranty).
Heated seat button broke.
Replacement Air-con radiator leaked.
Overall a well designed car.
However reliability has been disappointing.
Ford need to shape up its build quality.
Good handling and outstanding road and steering feel. Great chassis.
It hugs the road and glues to the ground when cornering.
Value for money as long as it's backed up by a warranty and a responsible dealer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th February, 1999
Nothing really. Just standard services and parts replacements.
First car over 2.0 litres and it was really fun to drive. Using the automatic gearbox means that you have to "learn" how to accelerate to its maximum capability. "Bucket" type seats were VERY uncomfortable on long journeys and just tended to fold my shoulders in rather than provide support in cornering etc. Really good for annoying XR3i drivers and other hot hatches at the lights.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th February, 1999
1. Seized bearings in a/c radiator fan.
2. Starter motor screaches when disengaging (wet weather).
3. Clunking noises from engine bay during acceleration (engine mounts?)
4. Noisy gearshift linkages.
5. Ridiculously expensive on spares in Aust.
Great to drive and ride in.
Fairly powerful for overtaking and high speed driving in the Northern Territory and reliable until recently (65,000km).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st January, 1999
While driving in Belgium all three catalysts suffered meltdown, and the car dropped to what seemed like about 30bhp. Ford there thought there was nothing wrong with the car so I nursed it back to the UK. Here the dealers took ages to diagnose the problem and initially wanted 1,300 pounds to fix it. Eventually they fixed it for free but I'm still out of pocket for the best part of two months car rental.
Other than it's just been niggling little things.
Nice engine and gearbox, great handling but shocking build and reliabilty for a car of this price. My immediate previous cars had been Japanese and German and Ford's efforts don't bear comparison in the areas of build, reliability and dealer service.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th September, 1998
13th May 2003, 07:47
Bad de-misting can be caused by blocked pollen filter which is accessed by removing air grille at LH wiper arm. Seats from a 96-00 Mondeo will give better leg room (and a Centre Lap and Diagonal Seatbelt)