Used Ford Mondeo Saloon 1993 - 2000 review

You won't find a more enjoyable family car to drive for the money. The Mondeo was the class of the field in its day, and even now its responses feel sharp and rewarding.

The ride quality may seem a little firmer than some of its rivals', but it takes very poor surfaces to really upset its composure. It remains unruffled at motorway speeds, too, and will cruise at the legal limit all day long in hushed calm, although the diesel models are noisier than the free-revving petrol units.

The driving position should prove comfortable for most people, the controls are a model of sensible design and there's sufficient space for three abreast in the rear. The middle-rear passenger will have a three-point belt on all versions, too. This saloon model has a big boot, but it can't match the hatchback for ultimate practicality.

Many Mondeos were sold to company car fleets and hire firms, who are masters of scrutinising the bottom line. And, its running costs continue to make pleasant reading as a used car, especially for the private buyer.

The 1.8- and 2.0-litre models should run beyond 30 miles for every gallon of fuel, and the diesels will extend that to more than 40. The V6 petrols are a bit thirsty, though. You can reckon to get a good 5mpg or so less than with the 1.8s.

Insurance ratings are competitive and parts' prices are generally low, while average repair costs, including labour rates, are also good. According to Warranty Direct's Reliability Index, a Mondeo is typically about one-third cheaper than a Vauxhall Vectra to fix. You can also save roughly 35% on labour rates by having it serviced at a good independent rather than a franchised dealer.

The hatchback and saloon each offers a selection of 21 models - 16 petrols and five diesels - but although the diesels deliver more than 40mpg, they lack refinement.

The 2.5-litre V6 isn't as sweet as you'd imagine, either, so our favourites are the eager four-cylinders. Of those, the 1.8-litre offers the best balance of performance and economy, just shading the 2.0.

As for equipment, the basic Aspen trim is decent enough, but it's better to head up the range to LX, which is our choice. It brings you all the creature comforts you need and nothing you can't do without, although GLX raises the bar higher still. Ghia and Ghia X bring leather, wood trim, CD changers and cruise control, while Si and ST are the sporting models.

If you can, go for a model from after February 1998, from when most Mondeos were fitted with standard air-conditioning.