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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

GALAXY

One of the best big MPVs to drive

Used Ford Galaxy MPV 1995 - 2006

By and large, it's an economical car for its carrying capacity. There are plenty around and that helps to keep prices realistic, while running costs are reasonable, too.

Servicing bills are broadly similar to those for its relatives, the VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra. According to Warranty Direct, you should be able to save 40% off the labour cost by going to a good independent garage rather than a Ford dealer.

Warranty Direct's data also suggests that, if anything does go wrong, it's likely to cost more to fix than, say, a Fiat Ulysse or Citroen Synergie, but about the same as the Sharan or Alhambra.

Insurance spans groups 11 to 14 for all models, apart from the hottest V6s, which are group 16. The V6 will also give mid-20s to the gallon. The 2.0 and 2.3s should be good for mid-30s, which is much more acceptable, and the diesels a very healthy 40-50mpg.

There was a major face-lift in September 2000, so for a more up-to-date look, stick to cars made after then. And, check carefully how many seats any potential buy has: most Galaxys seat seven, but some only seat five while the plush ones accommodate six.

Whichever model you buy, air-con is essential, However, it wasn't standard across the range until February 1999, so be careful with lower-spec early cars. Trim levels started off in 1996 as Aspen, GLX and Ghia, before Zetec and LX models came along in early 1999. LX is best - everything you need at a more affordable price.

All engines do a sound job: the 2.8 V6 is swift but drinks petrol; the 2.0 and 2.3 petrols are perfectly adequate, although the pick of the range is the 110-113bhp 1.9 turbodiesel. It dishes out good pulling power yet returns 40mpg. There are also 89bhp, 128bhp and 150bhp 1.9 turbodiesels, but none has such a good balance of qualities.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

The air-con system is a real weak spot on the Galaxy, particularly on face-lifted cars made from September 2000 onwards. Give it a thorough test, because fixing it could well mean a four-figure bill.

The suspension can also give trouble - and not just on cars that have been used for hauling heavy loads on a frequent basis. So, always insist on a thorough test drive.

Likewise, on early cars, check out the electrics, as water leaks through the ventilation could affect them. However, this was cured on later Galaxys.

Even so, it's worth checking that all the windows open and close properly, that the alarm is fault-free and that the central locking operates reliably. Also check the wipers - a separate problem can make them reluctant to turn off.

Some 2.0-litre cars have had problems with the engine's electronic brain (the ECU), so check it runs smoothly. However, in general, the engines and gearboxes are robust as long as they are serviced on time. The brakes, too, give little cause for concern.

The Galaxy was developed alongside the virtually identical VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra, but it's a better drive than either. In fact, it feels more like a family hatch than a big MPV.

All the engines - most are sourced from VW - do a decent job but the Galaxy really excels for its blend of taut handling and quiet, long-distance refinement.

The ride can feel firm with only the driver on board and at slower speeds. However, it improves with a few people on board and becomes well balanced at speed. All the controls - gearshift, pedals, steering - have a well honed feel, too.

The comfortable driving position gives a good view and there's decent space in all three rows. The rearmost seats aren't the easiest to get at, though, and they're heavy to lift in and out. Luggage space is limited with all seven seats in use.

Used Ford Galaxy MPV 1995 - 2006 review

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The Galaxy was developed alongside the virtually identical VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra, but it's a better drive than either. In fact, it feels more like a family hatch than a big MPV.,All the engines - most are sourced from VW - do a decent job but the Galaxy really excels for its blend of taut handling and quiet, long-distance refinement.,The ride can feel firm with only the driver on board and at slower speeds. However, it improves with a few people on board and becomes well balanced at speed. All the controls - gearshift, pedals, steering - have a well honed feel, too.The comfortable driving position gives a good view and there's decent space in all three rows. The rearmost seats aren't the easiest to get at, though, and they're heavy to lift in and out. Luggage space is limited with all seven seats in use.

Read the definitive used Ford Galaxy 1995 - 2006 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

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Used Ford Galaxy MPV 1995 - 2006 review

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