Faults:

Small rattle from the driver seatbelt holder.

General Comments:

Car's design (both inside & out) is very bland. The recent 2005 face lift looks a lot better and the interiors in sporty versions can be quite OK, but unfortunately this is just a run-of-the-mill 2003 Trend.

More on the interior:

- Seats are good if not the best (try a Volvo sometime) and driving position is well adjustable

- Plastics are actually not *that* hard, but just look very cheap

- Fit and finish is beyond reproach, very solidly built

- Came with a pack with auto wipers, auto lights and dimming rear view mirror - all are perfect except the lights which sometimes take too long to switch on (already dark)

- Obviously the car is very roomy (not to say huge), with good seating space for 4 adults and a generous boot

- Radio quality is OK, but the possibility to plug an MP3 player into the glove compartment and play it on AUX is fantastic

Road handling is good - excellent steering feel (many 'premium' car manufacturers, Audi most notably, could learn from this), very safe behaviour on the limit (really no need for ESP) and strong brakes. Mine lacks a bit of incisiveness at times, but that is probably due to 16" steel wheels.

Comfort is another strong point, somehow the card manages to combine good road holding manners with good filtering and firm, but comfortable suspension.

Engine is OK in 115 BHP TDCI version, with the 5-speed manual fun to use (plus as engine noise is OK and there is enough torque a 6th is not really required). Biggest complaint would be that they did not fit a variable turbo to this version of engine, which results in a very predictable turbo 'spike' somewhere over 2000 RMP, with very little on offer below. Not a storming engine, but perfectly reasonable for everyday (highway) use.

Summary: A car that doesn't appeal to your (or at least my) emotions in any way, but can't be faulted objectively. For the money, it would be hard to find a better transport. Note that I say transport, because as a car enthusiast this is definitely not a car I would get if it were my money (but (un) fortunately it is not). Still, the basics are so good that I would not be entirely unconvinced by a smart-looking, facelift 2005 2.2 TDCI (155 BHP) in Titanium trim (but then again, probably not).

Faults:

- water pump for cleaning rear window has been replaced 3 times

- rear wheel brakes got stuck, right wheel at 108000 and left at 129000

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General Comments:

The car is very good and there is still warranty on the car (two years unlimited mileage) and I had no other problems.

This Mondeo is the 115BHP version which is very vivid and quick.

It is fitted with the top of the range navigation system (7") and I got addicht to it.

Faults:

Steering "clonking" when pulling away. Adjusted by dealer at service, and no longer a problem.

General Comments:

53 Mondeo Ghia X TDCI 130bhp 6.

I have to say that I am extremely impressed with the way Ford have packaged this vehicle. I did a lot of research before parting with my cash, and the choice was between a Mazda 6 and the Ford.

When you look at the reliability index, the TDCi came close to the Mazda, and then I discovered that Mazda are using the same Ford diesel unit.

I saw a Mazda 6 and Mondeo in traffic, and could compare the physical size of both cars; the Mondeo is bigger, and so I made my mind up that you get more for your money with the Mondeo.

The Ghia X has some nice toys and features that I would expect to see on more expensive cars, and the overall layout, aesthetics and quality of the interior has brought Ford out of the "middle of the road" reputation.

Driving shows this to have a nicely torqued acceleration, and the 6th gear gets you cruising at 85mph at 2500 revs, nice and quiet.

Suspension is set just about right for comfort, but for my tastes it's a shame they haven't put the sportier Zetec S suspension on to give you crisper handling when it matters, but comfort over handling will always be a compromise.

The fuel consumption is extremely pleasing, for me I average about 45mpg and most of my commute is motorway, so hit the cruise control and start saving money. The key to this is keep the servicing up at the specified intervals, otherwise your consumption dips noticeably.

Servicing costs don't hurt too much, first 2 are £165, and then the big one will be in the region of £220.

The only criticism I can find is that 4th is a little flat, windscreen wipers are a bit feeble, and the Stereo/CD sound quality could be better (my 1996 Peugeot 405 GTX stereo knocks socks off it).

My view is that the Mondeo has been around for a while, driven by many a road warrior, and Ford have listened to the feedback over the years, made adjustments and refinements that are sensible, pleasing and good value for money.