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Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FOCUS

Used Ford Focus Estate 2004 - 2011

Ford has a well-earned reputation for making its cars cheap to run and the Focus estate continues the good work.

Annual servicing is cheap and easy. What's more, any self-respecting garage should be able to tackle it with ease, so you needn't pay Ford-dealer rates. The Focus is also renowned for its reliability and its happy ability to rack up huge mileages without needing major work. When parts eventually do need replacing, they usually cost less than most.

Insurance is cheap: most models are in groups 5, 6,or 7 and even the 2.0 petrol models are only in group 10. And, fuel economy is impressive, too: diesels manage up to 60mpg overall, while the most frugal petrol engine, the 113bhp 1.6, achieves up to 42mpg and even the 2.0 nears up to 40mpg day-to-day. Early depreciation is high, but slows after the three-year mark, so do your sums carefully before buying a nearly new car.

The big range spans seven engines and six trim levels. The 1.6 diesel and petrols power most of the cars cars in the used market and, as you'd expect, they make the most sensible buys. However, the 108bhp version of the diesel is better in every way than the 89bhp engine.

The 1.8 and 2.0 diesel and 2.0 petrols that complete the line-up are all sound, but not really worth the extra you'll pay for them.

Every Focus is well equipped, but you should avoid the entry-level Studio model because it lacks the air-con, CD player and curtain airbags you'll find in other models.

Move up one step to the LX and Zetec and you'll find excellent specification at keen prices - the LX has more comfort comforts, while the Zetec has a few sporty add-ons.

Overall, we'd pick a 1.6 petrol in LX trim - which also happens to be the most widely available model.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

The list of known faults is short, so far, but it does include tailgate hinges that may let rain in. However, Ford dealers should cure this at no cost.

Water can also get into the wiper motor and can cause it to overheat, but Ford has issued a recall notice and will fit a modified unit if need be.

Owners also report engine software glitches, causing poor starting and misfires, but this is another one that dealers should fix easily.

The What Car? Reliability Index not only shows just how seldom Focuses break down, it also proves just how cheap they are to fix. Average repair costs are half the average for that type of car.

As with any estate, check before buying that the load area is undamaged, because replacing trim can cost plenty.

A cracking load-carrier at prices you'll like, the Focus hatch may be the best of the range to drive, but the estate versions are not far behind.

Drivers will love the way it responds to the controls, particularly the steering, which lets you thread through bends and place the car just where you want it to be.

LX and Ghia models give a more comfortable ride than the sportier Zetec, Sport or Titanium, but they all jolt over the bumps in town. The engines are quiet, but too much road noise enters the cabin.

It's exceptionally comfortable for driver and passengers, too, and room in the back is generous, though not class-leading.

If you're watching the pennies, the Focus's reliability and cheap servicing will make you smile. But, think carefully about how old a car you buy. Most models have lost almost two-thirds of their value by their third birthday, so a nearly new car may not be such a bargain. But, if you look at it another way, a three-year-old Focus is great value.

Used Ford Focus Estate 2004 - 2011 reliability

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Used Ford Focus Estate 2004 - 2011 review

The list of known faults is short, so far, but it does include tailgate hinges that may let rain in. However, Ford dealers should cure this at no cost.,Water can also get into the wiper motor and can cause it to overheat, but Ford has issued a recall notice and will fit a modified unit if need be.,Owners also report engine software glitches, causing poor starting and misfires, but this is another one that dealers should fix easily.The What Car? Reliability Index not only shows just how seldom Focuses break down, it also proves just how cheap they are to fix. Average repair costs are half the average for that type of car.As with any estate, check before buying that the load area is undamaged, because replacing trim can cost plenty.

What to look for when buying a Ford Focus 2004 - 2011, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Ford Focus Estate 2004 - 2011 reliability

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