Lost Ford: The Mondeo ST220 Review 

29 and the years have been kind to you. The weekends did some damage though.

Great cars,I have an 03 2.5 V6 Zetec S...had it since 06,its had a couple of springs and wheel bearings but it's been mechanically bulletproof and no rust.

This generation of mondeo, ether it is the general mondeo or the st220, was awarded with the best chassis at that time available, At least in the Netherlands

I saw a modded ST220 in Sheffield with a full on NFS underground style body kit and bonnet scoop. I'm embarrassed to say it actually looked really cool, something deliciously inappropriate about it. I would love you to get your hands on the old Mazda6 MPS that Clarkson reviewed with the ST220, that sounds fabulous albeit rarer.

I've been a fan of the Mondeo since it first hit the forecourts and in 1999 I bought a 2.3 litre GXL I kept that car till 2017 and now regret selling it because it was the very definition of reliability, never failing an MOT and never letting me down. NO matter what the weather it started every time on the first turn of the starter. The only things that needed renewing were bake pads, timing belt, exhaust and dampers and, of course during servicing, plugs and filers. It had been round the clock twice and when I got rid of it, it still drove as good as the day I bought it. In my opinion the Mondeo was one of the finest saloon cars ever built by Ford. Oh, and the person who bought it was one of the mechanics who gave it it 's annual service each year and he's still driving it.

Niceee, my dad used to have one of these, but before I could appreciate it unfortunately

I bought a 07 Fiesta xr4 (Australian ST) with the 2l Duratec in it. I love it and I am 35. My wife love. My two young boys love it. I would love to own the Focus ST and this Mondeo. How great would it be to own the 4, 5 and V6 ST models of that era.

Had one, loved it - moved to a Golf R (MK7) from it.

‘Young chaps that own fast fords’ Me, 20, having just bought an ST220 of my own: 🙃

The hyundai i30N weighs almost exactly the same as this Ford....... 1440kg.

Very timely. I've reached an age where getting in and out of an Elise is going to become more and more embarrassing, and thoughts are turning towards sporty land barges like the Mondeo/Superb/A5/5 series etc. Thanks for the review, a lot to ponder here.

You are right, Machine Silver is an interesting colour compared to normal silver

Absolutely love my final facelift ST220. It's a pleasure to drive everytime

Thoroughly enjoyed the narrative!

Everything else being equal, you can't beat a performance saloon, as long as it is made well. .

i'm 50 and fitter than most 29 year old's The Best Cars Ever Produced By Ford Are The Rs 500 Mk 1 Rs 2000 Mk 1 Mexico Mk 2 Rs 2000 Mk 2 Mexico Mk 2 Harrier But the Daddy's are The Escos and the Rs 200 Mk 1 Focus ST. The Car You are Currently Driving is held back by electronics .

Not super loud, but sounds nice

This car in the panther black paint job, 👌

He's just basically ripped off a really nice ST220. Clearly a German car fan. Doesn't do the 220 any justice. He didnt drive it how he should do for one thing. That engine loves to be revved, much noisier & kicks a load more 4k+ revs. Ive owned both the st220 and the ST diesel version for over three years and I'd never go elsewhere. Soon to be ford classics

I want this BMW ST , where can I buy one? Looks good and wow 220bhp is good

Second time I've tried to watch this video .. second time I've failed. Your constant berating of a really good car for no other reason than badge snobbery is annoying.

If you're 29 and you lusted after the Focus RS go and slap yourself...... I'm 33 and for us it should be the best fast Ford ever made..... The Escort Cossie...

One problem my dad had with this car is the wheels. He fucked up all 4 and he drives like an old man.

Isn't this a highway machine? I don't think it's for B roads at all

A good car but the Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T is a good alternative, faster, safer, more comfortable and economical.

Prefer the x type with same engine with a few more horses from it and awd

good vid mate

I had one of these and the ST200 before it.

If nick frost did car reviews !

Absolutely love my 220 estate. Great to drive, seats and steering definitely the highlight I agree. The engine is also under rated, get it up above 5k RPM it comes alive, and the car can handle the power it’s given. Extremely under rated car, I’ll be keeping mine forever

Great review. Ive had my ST220 for 4 months now after owning many BMW’s, i think i prefer the ST. Mine is remapped and has an uprated exhaust which gives off an amazing sound from that V6 engine. You’d be welcome to take a look 👍

I wish Ford still did an ST version of the Mondeo. Or even an RS version...

I thought Mike Brewer had been on a weekend sesh for a minute 😂

That's a very tasty Mondeo indeed, James! Thanks for doing this review, it is certainly an overlooked gem.

29!?! Come off it! I'm 36 and you could be my dad 😂

WANT. I've always loved the mk3 mondeo in any spec and any engine but Christ alive that Duratec V6 has an amazing sound and I'm not a big V6 fan.

Can you give a 156 GTA / 147 GTA a good look? Similar era and similar kind of drivetrain and engine but it cost twice as much as a Subaru WRX saloon (the Hawkeye one at that). A video on those would be good.

Clarkson said this car was better than a 3 series back then.

Described by Clarkson as the only car you really need when it came out I believe

The Mk3 Mondeo was one of the best cars ever. 😁

I still see Mk3 Mondeos and think they look sharp, despite my less than stellar experience I actually wouldn't mind another

Enjoyed the video. Handsome car in either hatch or saloon. I would pick this over a 330 of the same time. Probably less rust and more bang for your buck to boot.

Great to see an up to date and independent review of the ST220. I bought a pristine 95k mile estate 4 years ago and its lived up to my expectations - quick, reliable and great fun to drive. I agree with most of your comments, the seats are very comfortable for many hours at the wheel but they are designed for a surprisingly wide body. The fuel consumption can be in the mid 30s but I have also had 17mpg caning it on B roads. The stock exhaust makes for a quiet and relaxed car when its not being thrashed but a sports exhaust system really brings out the wonderful V6 noise. Taking the air filter out for a quick run does nothing for the performance (in fact the ECU hates it and refuses to let the car idle) but it does make a great induction noise. At the time of purchase I also tried a BMW530i which was probably a bit faster but it didn't carry the same sense of excitement as the ST , it felt more like a big car with a big engine but lacked the sense of driver involvement. Definitely not what I was looking for. I also tried the ST diesel which had more torque than the 220 but lacked the flexibility of the V6 which can drive from 30 to 150 in 6th. Also the diesels were more expensive and you can expect some big bills around 100k which would mo1re than pay for the extra fuel in the 220. This is my second V6 ST, previously I had a ST24 estate and drove that from 13,000 miles to 160,000. That also had a totally reliable engine, I just regularly changed the oil. Both v6s have hydraulic tappets and chain driven cams so there is very little inside this bullet proof engine to bring you nasty bills. In your test, you liked the 6 speed box. Personally I preferred the 5 speed on the ST24 because when you are out on the B roads enjoying yourself you are using 3rd and 4th which is much faster change than the equivalent 4th to 5th on the 6 speed box. I was surprised you found the handling sluggish but there again I haven't tried a modern hot hatch with a shorter wheelbase. Overall I love driving the car and love its combination of fun on windy roads, comfortable long distance cruising and great practical load carrying capacity. They are an absolute bargain if you find a nice one! Thanks for the review.

Thanks again for the review James, was a pleasure.

You DO look like someone who's lead a long, hard life! But who cares? A top bloke is a top bloke, regardless. ST220 is epic and underrated, I always saw it as the modern Sierra Saphire.

I've always liked the shape. New one is too bulky. ST220 would be great to own.

The problem with this car and others like it is £500 road tax in the uk.

Vrhunski automobil, neusporedivog upravljanja. Imao sam običnog Mondea, sada vozim BMW 5, ali volan kakav je imao Mondeo Mk3, više nisam imao. Neki podcjenjuju Ford, ali to su frustrirane neznalice 👍

Have owned a 2003 ST220 since 04. Don't think I will ever part with it. Their rare in Ireland as road tax is steep (€1500). Only big expense with mine was a steering rack. Bullet proof reliability.

My 2 Litre handled brilliantly. Hardly driven a nicer balanced car before, or since. The only thing that hurts Ford is snobbery. And that's a genuine shame.

I have had two ST220s and loved them both, really versatile all-round family car that is also a lot of fun to drive on your own. Recently did a 3000 mile roadtrip in it including long stretches of German Autobahn and it was quite happy at 130mph for extended blasts with much newer less individual vehicles. Thanks for the review. Definitely a forgotten future classic!

Car spotter trivia fact: Jag S-Type R is 4.2 V8 400 horses.

This car is the basis for soo many other cars. So under appreciated. Fortunately manufacturers know and that's why they go to Ford for engines like this

I recently purchased a 2004 Mk3 Mondeo in standard Zetec guise. I used to have one of these cars years ago and missed the practicality of it. It still strikes me how comfortable this car is and just how effortless it is to drive on a daily basis, as just about all modern cars now have large rims and stiff suspension.

A great review, I totally agree with your stance on modern micro suv shit boxes

That’s my old st220 loved it,one of my most favourite cars.

LOL! I’m 48 and I’m never called middle aged. 45 - 65 is middle age you a young guy James 😂👍 That car is an unusual these days. I believe more Bentleys were sold than the ST Mondeo

You are middle aged, you'll be lucky to hit 60 if you don't start eating less.

Great video, and some well made points I’ve noticed over the last year of owning one. But great cars nonetheless, look amazing, sound great (much better with a performance exhaust), reasonably rare, have a great community surrounding them and great handling when you consider the size and weight. You go to Ford car shows and it’s: Focus, fiesta, Focus, Fiesta, Focus, Fiesta, Focus, (and what’s coming up next, yes another:) Fiesta. Be different! The Aforementioned cars mainly all have the same mods and require so much to be done to them (mod wise) to get noticed, I was watching a leaving video (some 30 mins long) from a Ford based car show the other day and there was one Mondeo, one, in the back of the shot, they’re widely overlooked motors in this world of crossover s**t and got hatches so please give them the attention they deserve!

It’s a shame the old ST220 doesn’t get Much recognition it’s a Solid car. Comfortable & Fast handles surprisingly good for its size , it’s 0-60mph time may not be the quickest but it goes well once on the move. The 3litre can hold a good speed on the motorway for quite some miles. It’s a good motorway mile muncher .

The Duratec V6 is a fun little motor and the Mondeo is a well sorted chassis. There's more grip than you expect and it doesn't plow with mountains of understeer.

Please try a Puma 1.7 😘 Ps the ST220 saloon drives a bit better, they will cock a rear wheel, the hatch ST220 you were in are still a damn good steer though 👍 Oh and the S-Type R never had a 4.0 or 370bhp. 😂

Man I own one of these an 02 year ST220 V6 3.0 Litre and it is mint after considerable input and you're boring. Very. I jumped out and took the roll and bruises well worth it. Worse than Piers Morgan.

Got one. Mine isn't as perfect as this anymore but after almost 10 years of ownership, stil a great allrouner!

35 mpg? in that? did he drive both ways downhill with a tail hurracane?

S-type R : 406hp ; )

The car that Jeremy, Richard, and James all like.

You are in poor trim for 29 buddy. Maybe a gym membership and a few less buns.

tbf i thought u were in ur 40s but ur younger than i am :/ lol

I have the non-ST version of this car (ghia X) and man I love it (when it works). I would love a ST220, the torque and space is addictive

I live in the area you're test driving this 220, my 220 loves the bends around here! It's so much fun to drive on the Sudbury road in it. Great review and a lovely example of the ST220!

Good video. I loved my ST220, best all-rounder car I've had. I've got a Mk4 2.5T now, which is quicker off the mark but not as great on country roads as the ST.

I contemplated one of these for my first (quicker) car. Ended up with the Mazda 6 MPS which might even fly under the radar more than the ST220. 4 years later It still makes me smile.

Something special about these cars they just look so good!

ST220 Uwielbiam ten samochód !!!

My brother had an early '07 ST TDCi for a few years and whilst they're more common, not as fast as the 220 and not as good sounding, it was certainly capable, much cheaper to run and I liked it in blue. When he got rid, I was a bit disappointed.

My diesel version st tdci was mapped up to 210 on dyno very fast and enjoyable car Shame its falling to pieces and nearly replaced every part in the dam thing but none the less still love it but I will not pay 500 plus for the st220 road tax after 2004 model,Shame il stick to my diesel

Is there a link to the Pistonheads forum/article on you looking 'middle aged'? I remember TGE TV didn't get a good reputation on there so he mocks those members haha

Incidentally, the Ford Duratec V6 was originally designed by Porsche for Ford and the ST220 was also made in hatchback and estate form, and the same engine was available in Ghia X and Titanium X trim. You might want to get the owner of this ST220 to check the suspension bushes and maybe the front dampers. It really shouldn't be in any way floaty and squishy around corners. Mondeos are known for their cornering chuckability, and STs in particular should corner like they are on rails. 14 years down the line, the dampers and bushes will be getting more than a little tired. I suspect the exhaust system has started to break up internally and the rockwool filler is clogging up, because the 2.5 V6 I drive sounds more vocal than this one. Check various RU-vid videos to compare. As you say though, it is getting a new exhaust anyway. Don't put a cone filter on, it will sound louder but it messes with the fuelling and the hot under-bonnet air temperatures aren't good for power.

Probably a solid daily driver!Modern cars has a lot of bullshit electronics!!

One thing that utterly transforms the handling and grip on these mk3 ST Mondoes is good tyres, Eibach Pro springs, and the Focus ST 320mm brakes. I run the Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 5 tyres and all of the above, and recently replaced the stock dampers with new O.E items and the thing is a bloody dream on the twisties! (always worth getting the full 4 wheel alignment checked, it can really make or break the handling characteristics when it's out on rear). The turn-in and mid-corner adjustability, aswell as the outright grip on the Eibachs and the Goodyear is night and day over stock setup. And the 320mm brakes give the car the braking ability to match the grip from the sticky rubber. This setup makes the Mk3 ST feel like a much smaller and more nimble car, especially when compared to today's relatively heavy modern equivalents :) I should ad - the Eibach springs don't ruin the ride quality to much, nor do they sit the car on its arse. The Eibach Pro kit feels like it was seriously well developed to give the car the sporty look and feel it should have left the factory with. Mine doesn't feel anymore firm or harsh than some of today's sporty saloons and hatchbacks.

To be honest I thought you were in your early 40s Just your character you give out

3.0 is the sweet spot for a car that size, i drive an e39 530i and the engine is perfect, just something about early 00s cars.

This ST is in great condition. Much better than the tired example Savage Garage are trying to mod.

Had an identical car in 2006, it was good car for its time , however it was the most thirsty car I can remember owning , I was doing a few miles back then, constantly at the fuel station, had to sell due to the very poor mpg, no point buying 3.0 V6 and doing 50mph everywhere, however good value for money into days market.

If you don't like fords stop reviewing them. Some of us love old fords

Jay, how does it compare to Legacy 3.0r Spec B?

Iove my 07 st.tdci.best car ive owned..

Had one of these for 2 years - one of the best cars I ever had. It never missed a beat even though I abused it badly!

I appreciate this car more than I did when it was released, because the styling is so simple compared to modern cars with tonnes of fake vents and aero. Also, stuff this talk about your age and physical condition, no one's business at any rate.

5:02 is it a very different engine to _presumably_ the AJ30 (the V6 that Rocketeer use for their MX-5 conversion kit)?

I definitely need to get one of these within the next couple years before they get rarer or expensive

The problem is that is to big, for a fwd, to have fun in the bends. If you are into that I would suggest the forgotten Saab 9-5 Aero, that thing could wipe the floor with the Ford easily: frugal, faster, cheaper, stealthier and rarer. An absolute pig on back roads, fantastic on the highway. Some times I still miss it.

Still looks fairly modern and underrated car, maybe a classic in a few years time.

A great getaway car after you robbed a Post Office !!!!!!

Lovely car indeed, I own an ST200 Limited Edition saloon, a proper head turner & only 89k on the clock.

Got a 220, love it. Panel filter, Milltek catback and remap really livens them up. 246 bhp on the last dyno session, not rocket ship quick but more than enough to have some fun. Has most of the toys you want, a great all rounder.

One of the true sleeper cars. Have always lusted after one, but I fear that the insurance (per annum) would be more costly than the car.

Don't listen to these people, you don't look a day over 29, Doug Demuro on the other hand looks like he could be your dad and he's what, 30, 31? I just turned 34 for reference. Couldn't believe Doug was younger than me. You on the other hand, I always assumed you were a couple of years younger.

In your MX-5/Miata video, you mentioned Rocketeer's V6 swap - that swap uses the AJ30 - the Jag version of the ST220's engine with VVT.