Ford Mondeo Hatchback (00-07) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Ford launched a class leader in 2000 with the second-generation Mondeo. Spacious and comfortable, the car was also enjoyable to drive. While the diesel engines were a big improvement over the ones in the old model, it wasn't until the introduction of the TDCi engines in November 2001 that they were truly competitive. The first major change to the Mondeo came in the summer of 2003 with improved quality and a greater level of equipment available, while it underwent further revisions in 2005. The high-performance ST220 was joined by a quick diesel ST TDCi in 2004. It lost value quickly because of the numbers sold to fleets that then came onto the used market, but that means that now it's great value.
4 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Mondeo received a four-star (out of five) rating for occupant protection in official European crash tests which is behind many alternatives, but its still respectable - when it was launched, no car had achieved the maximum star rating. All models come with twin front, side and curtain airbags, while electronic stability control is fitted as standard on high-specification models, while it's optional elsewhere in the range.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

The Ford Mondeo has been pretty reliable, save for a few recalls to correct build faults, and some customers did find problems with the handbrake in 2001 (not holding the car stationary after parking), which was not the subject of a recall but would have been rectified at the following service. A few others have also reported problems with the rear suspension on older cars, which could be expensive to replace.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

Very few major problems here, but checks for signs of poor engine maintenance.

Other

Minor niggles with auto-closing windows. In 2001 Ford issued dealer guidance to adjust handbrake settings on Mondeos - check the work has been done. Some owners have reported that the rear bushes may need to be changed, this requires the entire subframe to be changed. Check for any windscreen blemishes, too.

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