Ford KA 1.3

Advantages: Looks, Interior, Reliabilty (besides airbag)
Disadvantages: Airbag, pre1998 cars, back space.

...The Ford KA, officially an icon for Ford. The Ka was introduced in 1996 and my girlfriend bought the 1998 KA 1 model as her first car. It was obviously a 3-door model (the only option) but it was in a weird colour, it looked like brown, grey and silver mixed into one, but it was listed in the logbook as grey. The KA was originally designed to only have black plastic bumpers so in the event of a minor crash they could easily and cheaply be replaced. This model has the black bumpers, but having done 72000miles upon purchase they had done a feint grey colour and although the black bumper/trim polish is easy and cheap to buy from Halfords or anywhere, I would recommend (if you can afford it) to buy a colour coded one as they just look better and don?t have to be repainted even if the car doesn?t need it- as the black ones do. I...

Azz4711 14.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Ka 1.3i 

ford fiesta flight 1.3

Advantages: everything
Disadvantages: rear seatings a bit cramped

...I passed my test last June and that's when I purchased my car - a silver ford fiesta flight 1.3. After wanting the newer ford models and planning to save up and buy a different car for about 6 weeks i suddenly changed my mind after realising I actually loved the car I had and would be ever so sad to see it go. Its a brilliant first time car, the seats are comfortable, the clutch isnt heavy, the steering is light, it looks gorgeous inside when it is lit up at night. These cars are not too expensive neither, and dare I say quite reliable, my car hasnt broken down on me yet! (*touches wooden table*) Parts are relatively cheap as well as cost of transport. It will cost about 30 -35 quid (depending on the petrol prices) to fill up my car and it will last for about 2 weeks and thats with around an hours worth of driving everyday. I...

kmtitch666 02.02.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Fiesta 1.3

Ford Ka 1.3 1999

Advantages: looks, small, easy to use
Disadvantages: space

...I was bought this car when i passed my test. I have had my car for about two months and since then i have found the car to have good points about it and also some bas points. Space: The ford KA is a small car but in the front i have found that it is enough space with myself in it but not with me and my boyfriend in it as his arm and legs is always in the way of me changing gears and the glovebox is well too small. The back of the car is small but not as small as i heard it would be, i can fit my sons pram in the back also a baby car seat and still have some room. The boot is okay is suppose i have had to buy a small pram to fit in the boot. The car is small and easy to use as it is a doddle to park up, it is ok on the petrol and also the insurance is cheap for first time drivers. The ford ka brought my insurance down...

sharonlvzjay 11.03.2008 · Read review
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Review of Ford Ka 1.3i 

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

Advantages: A great car from all angles
Disadvantages: Not as many extras included as I would have liked

...I am now the proud owner of a ford focus 1.6 zetec and for the first time in many years I have actually found a car that pretty muc suits all my needs. I have spent many a time in cars that are too big, too small, not suitable, not comfortable etc but this is everything I could ask for. I own the three door version but the doors open widely and when the front seat is moved forward there is plenty of room to get anyone in the back, even my mother in law who is disabled. The back of this car is extremely spacious, comfortably fitting 3 large adults in. The boot size is deceiving in that it looks pretty small but is very spacious indeed. Perfect for all those shopping bags as well as a childs pushchair. The actual drive of this car is superb. Mine runs on unleaded and is very economical. I can get over 200 miles to £35...

bexx0907 27.06.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6

Ford Escort Eclipse 1.3

Advantages: Extras
Disadvantages: Power, electric window switches

...I owned a Ford Escort Eclipse 1.3 (H plate) for around 2 years. I used to do 50 miles a day in it during this time and so I am in a position to comment on its reliabilty and driveablity. The pros of this car were that it was the last in that particular model that were produced so it came with electric windows, metallic paint, a sunroof, body colour bumpers and a spoiler. The cons were that due ot the window switches being in a poor position on the door handles they got water in them from the rain etc and used to stop working. The engine was an overhead cam and so made a strange noise rather like a sewing machine. After owning the car for just over a year and washing it every weekend, the paint started to flake off. Th Overall this car was a nice run around but it lacked power and wasnt really built to a high standard....

Bren801 14.01.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Escort 1.3

Ford Fiesta 1.3 Encore

Advantages: Excellent as a city 'runabout' , good general driving experience, reliable
Disadvantages: few - No glamour associated with fiestas

...In my opinion the ford fiesta is the best car of its kind and this model is no exception. Being a driver of one for almost two years I have come to appreciate its reliability and efficiency. The best thing is it being Ford, as spare parts (not that i've needed any) are easy to come by. Even though my car is 8 years old, it sailed through its last MOT and the mechanic described it as "remarkable condition". The car is great for both driving around in busy areas and motorway cruising. In both situations it is efficient although not that comfortable. The standard seats make long journeys quite painful and although good general fuel efficiency higher motorway speeds result in high fuel consumption due to poor higher gear ratios. Another perk is performance related add ons are easy to come by such as alloys (which I incidentally purchased...

jls123 13.03.2005 · Read review
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Review of Ford Fiesta 1.3

Ford Orion 1.3 1989/1990

Advantages: Larger than Escort, Cheap to run and maintain
Disadvantages: underpowered, usual old age rust problems.

...Previously to this car I had a ford fiesta, going from a 1.1 to this 1.3 I found an increase in power but underpowered for the size of the car. I quite liked this car until the end of its days and wouldn't hesitate in buying one again. It was cheap on insurance being a 1.3, cheap on tax being under 1.4, cheap to maintain as you could use almost any mkIV escort part on it and fuel consumption was fairly good. The engine itself was a 1.3 HCS (high compression swirl) found many of the ford KA's these days, it used a DIS (distributor less ignition system) but was only 8v with a carburettor. The engine ran fine for 2 years and then started having problems which turned out to be the fuel pump and master cylinder leaking. Other than that I had not done any work on car. The body work was average for an old Ford until someone decided to...

lostsworld 15.05.2006 (11.08.2006) · Read review
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Review of Ford Orion 1.3

Ford Fiesta Fun 1.29 - 2001 (UP-DATED)

Advantages: Cost efficient to run and very reliable
Disadvantages: Can take a while to build up speed, especially when carrying weight

...** UP-DATED REVIEW ** My first car, which I still cherish, but I am now starting to think about bigger and better things .. only think mind you, this will keep me going for a good number of years yet, if I am not in a position to upgrade. The car is now 5 years old, and I am in my fourth year of ownership, having bought it for £3,900, from an original retail price of circa £6,500 a year earlier - amazing how quickly cars depreciate in value ... I would never buy brand new for that simple reason. 2 year warranty also remained on the car, but I think I am right in thinking most decent manufacturers provide a 3 year warranty these days. If you want a reliable, solid, nippy, and efficient car then you can't really go wrong with a Ford Fiesta, in whatever model you are considering. Obviously price will vary by a few grand...

newty1977 19.01.2006 (12.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of Ford Fiesta 1.3

Ford Focus 1.6

Advantages: Economical, performance, comfort
Disadvantages: Rear legroom

...problem. Bodywork also needs looking after to prolong it's life as rust is a problem that is common with Ford's and I've seen many Focuses being eaten away at the rear arches. Rear legroom is a little on the tight side too....

KrisUK07 17.06.2007 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6

Ford Focus 2.0 ESP

Advantages: Great driving, reliable car
Disadvantages: Ford service department

...I bought my Ford Focus in June 2006, second hand from Ford with 38,000 miles on the clock. The model I own is a 2.0 ESP facelift, with the revised headlights which include the indicator, revised bumpers with bump strips & revised metal flush skirts. Now, in August 2007 the car is on the brink of hitting 70,000 miles and it literally hasn't missed a beat. The only parts that I have had to replace that are none wear and tear are the thermorstat housing seal (Ford however will try and charge you to replace the whole housing, where infact it is invariably just the rubber seal which perishes), and a n/s/f ball joint due to excessive play when being tested for an MOT, a grand total of about £50 non-expected maintenance. Not bad at all for 30,000 miles of motoring in just over a year. And as a furthur point of note, the Michelin Pilot...

elude 29.08.2007 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 2.0