Skoda Fabia Saloon (01-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Brits don't really like small saloons, so the booted Fabia isn't a common sight on our roads. Good new for the used buyer, as values are generally lower than the value-packed hatchback. Well equipped with a smooth ride and cheaper and than Volkswagen's own Polo. Some early models have minor quality issues, but overall it's well built and good value.
3.5 out of 5

Other Skoda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£9,640 - £10,485

Used price range:

£768 - £3,178

View all used prices

Get a Skoda Fabia Saloon (01-05) information pack

Next steps

Skoda Fabia Saloon cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 3 models like this for sale, starting at £1,485.

Find used Skoda Fabia Saloons for sale

Comfort, value

Bland interior trim, looks like a 70s Skoda

Brits don't really like small saloons, so the booted Fabia isn't a common sight on our roads. Good new for the used buyer, as values are generally lower than the value-packed hatchback. Well equipped with a smooth ride and cheaper and than Volkswagen's own Polo. Some early models have minor quality issues, but overall it's well built and good value.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2 out of 5

    "The saloon only gets two engines. Petrol choice is the 1.4, which is fine for town driving and even..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Manages to combine responsiveness and refinement, with predictable handling and good roadholding."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "Fabia has a simple, but elegant interior (with the exception of a few models with questionable seat..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "Large boot for a small car with class-leading capacity (although small saloons are quite rare). Can..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Standard Classic models feature air conditioning, front airbags, three rear three-point seat belts,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "A clear logic to the controls, with chunky heating and ventilation dials and an easy-to-use stereo -..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "Engines are economical, depreciation is acceptable (even on the saloon) and insurance is reasonable."

  • Green credentials

    4.5 out of 5

    "Fabia performs very well on the eco front. With an average of 158 g/km CO2 across the range, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "The four-star Euro NCAP safety rating is reassuring and still excellent for a supermini. Standard..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "The earliest Fabias had some reliability problems but these were resolved within the first couple of..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "A great buying choice, the Fabia offers good value and doesn't depreciate as fast as most rivals."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "2000/2001 models did suffer some reliability problems but these should all have been sorted under..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Skodas are actually becoming quite sought after so selling shouldn't be difficult. Hot vRS model is..."

Gallery

  • Interior Skoda Fabia Saloon (01-05)
  • Exterior Skoda Fabia Saloon (01-05)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews