Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI > Reviews (22)

We purchased a 2nd hand 2005 Ford Galaxy TDI from a used car supermarket. In comparison to other models of this class, the Galaxy is head and shoulders above the rest.
Why did we chose the Galaxy?

Well, put simply - you get a lot more for your money. Yes the other rivals like Zafira and Sharan are also 7 seaters, a little bit cheaper and so on but in my opinion you get what you pay for - and the Galaxy is perfect proof of this.

Practically speaking - there are no close rivals. The 7 seat arrangement, is not simply 'just' 7 seats. They are seats of an equal build quality to all other seats in the cabin, not glorified flatback deck chairs that leave your rearmost passengers sitting on the floor with their knees tucked up under their chin. The back is just as comfortable for adults than the front.

A big factor everyone should pay attention to with regards this car is USEABILITY. There is no shortage of space, be it with the arrangement of seats or all the nooks and crannies of space for all those little things like keys, in car chargers and travel games. The front alone has a glove box, 2 top dashboard compartments, an overhead sunglasses compartment and storage (including covered storage) in the doors.

If you've got kids with those electronic games that all need charging at the same time, this is possible with no less than 3 12v cigar lighter outlets available (front, middle, rear on our Version) those these may be an optional extra on some models.

The seats have built in lumbar support, and are all equally as comfortable, whilst legroom and headroom for someone pushing 6ft tall is just as good in every position.

As far as drivability goes, there is very little difference between this car fully loaded, and a Ford Mondeo 2.0 which we had previously. The turbo injection combined with the 6 gears gives you power when you need it, without a struggle, and there always feels like there's a lot more to give should you need it.

The onboard computer (while strikingly similar to the VW Sharan) breaks down trips into MPG, average speed and time on the road.... you choose what you want to see. The self-diagnostic features (rear break lights and fluid levels) are also handy... and displayed on starting the ignition if a fault presents itself.

Controls are easy, handling is good and dimensions are quick to get used to, aided by the slightly higher driving position for all-round visability. You also FEEL safe because everywhere you look - there are airbags. In door curtains, front seats and side impact.

It might be early days for us, but with an average 43 Miles to the Gallon, increasing to 56/60 on long distance I think this car will be a great servant to us for many years to come..... obviously I will update this review if my opinion changes, but at the moment this is quite simply a superb practical family car I would certainly recommend to anyone who wasn't sure what to go for.

Just as an update, we've put it through it's paces this weekend as I landscape the Garden.... we fitted 4 kids 2 adults 6 bags of bark chippings 5 bags of ASDA shopping and 3 rolls of weed control sheeting plus 2 travel blankets and a large box of crisps!

Everyone was seated comfortably, there were no performance issues and all fitted with just one of the rearmost seats folded flat not removed.