What's Good
Decent build, decent handling, tremendous 'feelgood factor', multi-adjustable steering wheel (in, out, up, down). 14' 8" long by 6' 4" wide and weighing from 1,235kg to 1,375kg. 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback or longer 15' 2" estate. CDW27 platform.
89bhp 1.6 Zetec E; 113bhp 1.8 Zetec E; 128bhp 2.0 Zetec E; 87bhp 1.7 diesel; 168bhp 2.5 V6.
Very strong bodyshell at the front. Comparatively good performance in NCAP crash tests. Easy and cheap to repair body damage.
BMW, Toyota and Ford jointly suffered the fewest breakdowns attended by German ADAC during 2001. Enthusiasts and problem solving website: www.fordmondeo.org
Ford had 7th lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 65.51 v/s lowest 31.93)Ford 4th top top of Reliability Index for 2004 combining very low average cost of repair of £207.58 with average 32.16 failures per 100 Warranty Direct policies. Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk Petrol models and diesels 1995-1997 rated average for breakdowns, problems and faults in 2003 Which survey.
Mondeo enthusiasts funsite: www.MondeoMania.Com Mondeo self-help site www.fordmondeo.org
16-6-2012: Reported on BBC News Website that a Mk 1 Ford Mondeo 1.8TD used as a taxi has reached a million miles. Brian Holmes from Preesall, Poulton, bought his Mondeo in 1996 for £14,000 and said he has made more than 8,000 120-mile round trips to Manchester airport as Bernie's Airport Service. He said: "I've not had many problems with it, just general wear and tear and there is still some life left in it. I go between 60-65 miles per hour which is fast enough and sticking to that speed is better for the engine."
