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

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

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

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

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 👍

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

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.

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!

Thanks again for the review James, was a pleasure.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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 had 6-speed manual gearbox (MMT6) in my 2007 mk3 2-liter TDCi, and gear changes were remarkably pleasant. The gear shifting mechanism on top of the gearbox has a pendulum which helps to move the levers into gear.

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!

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

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 car that Jeremy, Richard, and James all like.

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

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.

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.

I had a 04 plate st220 in machine silver and had a massive smile on my face every time I drove it considering I only paid £1450 with 71k bargain! And driven properly will still make new cars think!

Nice review . My Juke 1.6petrol , 5 speed manual is getting between 35-42 mpg , and if you push it and you re using air conditioning is sticking with 36.....mpg . So that ST 220 for the performance and the option and the 6 speed manual is pretty decent in terms of consumption . All the best .

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.

My mum owns a Ford mondeo ST 155 diesel 2.2 lieter engine and 18 inch alloys, got it in 2009 and she's still running beautifully!

Filmed in an area where I used to live when I had an ST24, followed by an ST TDCi that was the same colour as the car in the film. Some great driving roads round there, and I’d pick the earlier ST every time. With the right tyres it was glued to the road, even in the wet.

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.

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.

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

These looking stunning in performance blue with the red leather interior

Something special about these cars they just look so good!

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

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.

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

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 KZfaq 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.

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.

I drove one of these for 7 years. Silky smooth V6. Best mpg I ever saw was 26, usually 22. They have a DMF which will go eventually and it ate a pair of front tyres for breakfast every morning, and typical ford the doors were rusting. But I still miss it.

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

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 had one of them I loved it so much I kept it eight years. Mine was blue it handled well for a big car and in it’s day it weren’t no slouch .

Always surprised at your surprise at the slickness of a Ford gearbox - your dad's Capri must have been something of an exception because every Ford I have driven (even going back to 4-speed Cortinas and the like) has had a rapid, slick and very positive change...and that has generally been the reputation and the finding of the motoring press through the years.

I always liked the look of this generation of Mondeo. Australia missed out on it unfortunately. I do remember coming across the ST220 back in the day though.

The mid-2000s saw a massive credit bubble with crazy deals on finance. All the regular guys that bought Fords and Vauxhalls suddenly thought, ‘Well, for a few more quid a month I can get that BMW, Merc or Audi’. This killed the luxury and sporty models from the mainline brands-they were unfashionable. But, of course, they were fast, well-specced machines developed with no expense spared.

I had one these for 6 yrs my friend has it know very underrated car loved it engine the sound , handling the interior still the most comfortable car seats I sat in I never owned a car longer and I wish I not sold it performance blue best colour and put focus st front brakes on makes a lot difference I bought a focus rs mk3 I wish I kept this and it still going strong put j p exhaust on sounds lovely 👍

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.

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.

I really dont know why are people shittin on ford all the time its an awsome car strong fast engines with almost no repairs at all this version looks beautiful (even better customised) true sleeper

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

I had a 2003 model!! Best car I have ever had! I now own a mondeo titanium x sport and is great but the diesel engine doesn’t make me smile as much

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

I like the st220 my brother had the previous generation st200 2.5 v6 over 10 years ago. Had a exhaust on it made it sound amazing

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

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.

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

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.

only problem with these back in the day! was the old bill used to drive them!

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

I always had a soft spot for the previous ST24 - probably not as good as the ST220 but it went well, handled great and had a great V6 warble.

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.

you can adjust the height of the seat by a little button in the right side of the seat

I had one of these and it was GREAT! ...I don't agree that it should sound better. That's exactly what I've liked on that car. The engine sounds quite decent, when you are driving normally and when you hit the gas you are getting chilling response from under the bonnet and not from the exhaust. I had ST220 preFaceLift and it didn't had so much sound isolation between engine space and passengers cabin, which made the experience of that V6 sound even better.

Also as for seat options they shipped with:black,red and white full leather recaros and a series of black, red and white half leather and alcantara recaros. The alcantara stayed black across all of them.

Love this car, I pass it every day on my way to work

This is the first time I've seen Jay driving a Fast Ford and actually complaining that it wasn't noisy enough!

As a teenager in the mid/late 80s I lusted after the Sierra Cosworth but wasn't old enough to drive, now that I am old enough I can't actually afford one. A few months back I was looking through some ads for cossies and there was an RS500 that was selling for £95,000😲😲 Today I want either an e46 or e92 m3 but it would be nice to own a slice of Ford hot history.

My first fast saloon. Also had a Seat Toledo 20VT (180hp) and now drive a Passat 2.0TSI 220PS (not the asthmatic 190PS). Love warm saloons.

I had one years ago, it was a pimp mobile (red leather interior), but my god, what a car. Only relatively recently have I owned things more impressive (a Falcon FG XR6 Turbo (4 litre turbo, tuned a bit)) and a last model Falcon FGX XR8 (5 litre supercharged V8, tuned a bit). I used to take the Mondeo on roads where I grew up (North Yorkshire) it was amazing. B roads and motorway eater.

I had the diesel version from age 18-21. Was great second car and the diesel does great mpg if you are doing more miles.

I had a 'performance blue' one of these and from memory this review seems pretty much spot on 👍

Love the ST 220. Had two of them. Fuel economy is totally dependent on how you’re using it though - if it’s mostly motorway stuff it’ll easily do 33-35mpg at 70mph. If it’s just around town and country lanes, you’ll be lucky if you get above 17mpg…. nice car to drive. Feels classy compared to anything else I’ve owned with an ST badge. If you have anything 2006 and above, the road tax is also going to sting. £708 for mine in 2023 for the year 😬

Love the ST220 , very nice car and value for your mouney its a lot of car , here in South africa are still a couple of ST mondeos , i want one !!

Had one stonking engine the 3.0l and damn fine drive

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

I once owned a '07 XR5 Mondeo. Comfortable, easy to drive briskly (it wasn't really fast), super reliable, full of kit and quite roomy. The exhaust sound was like a mellowed Audi Quattro. Could have done with about 30hp more though.

Had one for 14 years. Did 150k miles in it. It never let me down but eventually it developed a lot of faults that meant it just wasn’t economically viable to fix. Had a ‘moosing noise’ that nobody could fix, went through front tyres every 8k, gearbox oil leak etc. bloody great car though , was sad to see if go but with petrol at £1.10 at the time I got rid of it, it was expensive to run. Glad I didn’t keep it with petrol reaching nearly £2.00 few months ago.

Basically what was sold in the US as the Mazda6 hatchback, but you couldn’t get the V6 with a manual on some models. Great cars. I would buy one now.

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!

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 👍

I used to own a mk1 2.0Si Mondeo, it handled brilliantly, thought it was a lot better than its rivals at the time, Late Cavalier to Vectra, Peugeot 406, Laguna.

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

19:16 That car, *RW 2420* was a 1926 Alvis, presumably an Alvis 12/50.

I love mine. It's the same silver but I have more applications and the red recaros. Good to see new videos about this beautiful car.

Best car I've ever owned!

Same here ST220 ESTATE 07 ROADRUNNER 🤗 LOVE IT, ITS A KEEPER

Yes Clarkson said at one stage this was rarer car than the DB9 of the time

Love it. Classic wolf in sheeps clothing. That is the great thing about Fords like this.