Ford Galaxy (1995 – 2006) Review

2017 Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X 5dr

Ford Galaxy
2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X 5dr
£18,999

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Ford Galaxy (1995 – 2006) At A Glance

True seven-seater that offers an enjoyable, car-like drive.

Numerous quality-related problems. Tricky to park. Long model life means many getting very old.

Revolutionised MPVs. The first that was genuinely decent to drive.

What do owners think of the Ford Galaxy (1995 – 2006)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

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Reviews for Ford Galaxy (1995 – 2006)'s top 3 rivals

SEAT Alhambra

True seven-seater with more cheerful trim than its VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy equivalents. Good car-like...

Renault Espace

Full of kit, comfortable and refined. Very versatile seven-seat layout. Excellent crash test rating.

Peugeot 807

Practical, versatile cabin packed with safety and comfort features. Most seat seven. Easy to drive. Five-star...

Ask Honest John

I have a 1997 Ford Galaxy - should we keep or scrap it?

"I have a 1997 Ford Galaxy Ultima sat on my drive. It has not been driven in years and I think it has about 60,000 miles on the clock. We've owned it for a long time, but only used it a few times due to the fact it's expensive to run. It used to start with the first turn of the key, but last summer it wouldn't start. Although it's a lovely car, my husband wants to scrap it because he has put diagnostics on it but nothing showed up. We've been told by a few people, and did a bit of checking ourselves, that only a few of these were made and that they were top of the range at that time. I know that there are only 13 left, including mine. Is it worth keeping hold of? I would rather see it go to someone who likes that sort of car and has time to maintain it. What do you think?"

The latest DVLA data shows that there are 19 of these cars left in the UK, 13 of which are taxed. So yes, there aren't many of that particular trim model left - but there are huge amounts of Ford Galaxy still on the roads. It's going to take a long time before people start to look at those as a modern classic. If you'd like it to go to a good home, why not contact Ford Galaxy Owners' Club (http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/) and see if they can help? I suspect the big threat to this particular model's existence is its desirable engine and gearbox, which will be a prime candidate for swapping into another vehicle.

Answered by Keith Moody

I'm after a seven-seater for £1000 - is there anything you'd suggest?

"I am looking to buy a second hand car for £1000 or less. I will need an estate as have two small children, so buggies, bikes, camping equipment need to fit. I also quite like the idea of having more seats as we can take friends along on adventures with us, so a 7 seater perhaps, but with the ability to remove or fold seats to get more storage space. Not sure if I will need to get a petrol model or not with the tax hike on emissions? Ideally the engine can cope with being full of people or equipment, but be pretty economical when it is just me and the two girls zipping about."

For this sort of budget it's actually impossible to recommend anything that is guaranteed to be reliable. An old Galaxy, Sharan or Alhambra 1.9 diesel might be, but it's a long shot. At least half will have been minicabbed to hundreds of thousands of miles. And they all face prohibitions from city centres.

Answered by Honest John

What would you suggest as a smaller petrol MPV?

"We have owned a Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9 TDCI auto since March 2002. This car has served us brilliantly for 15 years but, with the increasing pressure on owners of diesel cars, we’re forced to consider changing it. We particularly enjoy the higher seating position, the flexibility of having up to seven seats and being able to remove seats when necessary to create extra space. As our children have now grown up and left home, please can you recommend a smaller MPV with a petrol engine that would be close to providing the benefits that we’ve enjoyed from the Galaxy? We have a budget of £15,000 - £20,000 and are looking for a vehicle that’s between 1-2 years old and will last for at least 10 years. At the moment we are considering the Citroen C4 Picasso PureTech 130 or the Ford C-MAX. Many thanks. Paul Martin "

Two choices. This is an old diesel so will probably qualify for any diesel scrappage scheme that comes on, but we don't yet know what that will be. You are not "forced" to do anything at this stage. Citroen C4 Picasso 1.2 Puretech 130 is a good choice, but wait and see what advantage there might be if a diesel scrappage scheme happens.

Answered by Honest John

What small, family cars can I tow behind a motorhome?

"I've just bought a motorhome and I want to tow a small-ish car behind it (in UK). It must also act as a family car (2 adults and sometimes grandchildren). I'm quite tempted by the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and Hyundai i30. I currently have a 14 year old diesel Ford Galaxy with returns over 45mpg. Diesels preferred but not mandatory. Any other recommendations?"

I think these are a bit big to sling behind a motorhome. Your cheapest option is a new Citroen C1 (now from under £6,000). The trendiest is probably a Smart ForFour, but a Renault Twingo is basically the same thing for less money. Avoid autos, DCTs and CVTs for towing by an A-bar.

Answered by Honest John