Ford Puma 1.4

Advantages: Looks, handling, fun factor, all mod cons
Disadvantages: Visibility and rear passenger area

When this car was bought from new, the 5 months waiting list had me very eager to get behind the wheel to see what she could do. And although not the quickest in the Puma range, the 1.4 still holds her own against similarly sized cars. The engine is quiet - very quiet. The 16v Zetec had me stalling a few times on the run home from the garage, but given half a chance, the Puma started to live up to it’s expectations. Absolutely stunning looks, a very ...
...CD player. The handling is superb, acceleration not bad, and the sports shift gear box gives the overall feel that you’re driving a very well built car. The only aspects of the Puma that let the side down are the rear passengers area and visibility. Unless you don’t mind sitting with your head angled at 45 degrees, the back passenger seats are terrible both for headroom and legroom. And the visibility - shocking. I wouldn’t even contemplate attempting ... Read review

Advantages: Looks, style, great ride
Disadvantages: Visibility

I recently had loan of one of these for 3 weeks and I loved every minute. Looks-wise, they're gorgeous, curvaceous, streamlined and cute. Inside, the aluminium dash and dials are clean and contemporary, and the gearstick feels so much fun. Performance-wise, you wouldn't believe you were in only a 1.4. Acceleration from 0-30 is very fast, the engine is quiet as can be, it corners solidly, the suspension's smooth and gear-changing is a doddle. Climate ...
...are low and comfortable and the pedals have just the right amount of spring. It's small enough to squeeze into the tightest parking spaces too. Visibility is its only drawback. It's atrocious. Not only can you not see a thing when reversing, you can't see to the right when approaching a roundabout so you always have to stop. Some say they're nought but a Fiesta in fancy clothes, and I say get a Fiesta then and leave the Puma's to me! ... Read review

Advantages: Looks fab, Handles great, great city runaround
Disadvantages: Poor visability, can be sluggish when you put your foot down!

I have owned my puma for around 3 years now, and I still love it! They are good-looking cars, and turn heads, but there is not hundreds of them around, so they are fairly exclusive in my opinion. I have had people see me in my car and ask me where I got mine from, because they have been looking and can't find many for sale. This is because once you own one, it is very difficult to change to another. My 1.4 is a W reg, metallic green, and has around ...
...3 years ago, and they tend to keep their value quite well. My advice would be to check the mileage though - a lot of pumas were used as company cars when they first came out, and some of the ones I looked at had mileage in excess of 80,000, so be a bit careful! The main disadvantage is that the 1.4 is now starting to feel a bit sluggish. Its great at pulling away quickly, but when you try and open it up, it can take a while to respond. However, ... Read review

Advantages: great looks, affordable insurance, good to drive
Disadvantages: rear visibility, rear seat cramped

...their value as they were only in production for a relatively short time. Ford are now about to bring out an 'All New' Puma. Looks good but not sure about the doors ?( Echo's of the Delorean ) SUMMARY A fun, but quality, car to drive. ... Read review

Advantages: The feel good feeling hasn't worn off yet!
Disadvantages: If you can't park well, you'll need to practice!

You only have to order one to know how infectious these cars are. You might still have two weeks before you collect it, but you're sure to be driving around thinking about all the benefits you are about to get; Wonderful styling, great sound system, easy drive. It's the ultimate in small car, sassy car. And there are some great deals around too (I managed to get £70 a month difference by shopping around, and increased the service contract from nothing, ...
...time was excellent. I got the medium steel blue car in three weeks from the factory. Handover was thorough, but not patrionising, and the car has outlived my expectations. It certainly makes an impression. About the vision: when you read it is terrible, believe it, but as long as you can use your mirrors, you'll be fine. Whatever, the postives far outweigh the negatives. Every time you get in it, you're likely to think "I'm a lucky sod" ... Read review