Name: Ford Galaxy Review
Item: Ford Galaxy
Author: Gumtree.com

Ford first put a car with a Galaxy badge on UK roads in 1995, however, it was relaunched in 2006 with the brand-new shape commonly seen today. This second edition is a hugely popular MPV (multi-person vehicle) which is great for big families, or anyone that needs to carry lots of people or stuff. They’re very popular as taxis for this reason. It’s only available with a diesel engine, which means it has good fuel economy for its size. A focus on flexibility over fashion makes it a good-value secondhand buy too.

Browse available cars and learn more on the Ford Galaxy model page.

What we think about the Ford Galaxy

If a flexible people carrier with plenty of space is what you need, the Ford Galaxy could be just the thing you’re looking for.

Pros

Super spacious interior

Smooth ride and easy handling

Top-class safety rating

Cons

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Diesel only

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Clunky infotainment system

All versions of the Ford Galaxy have a 2.0-litre diesel engine and are rated at 40-46 mpg. It can seat seven, and it has five doors. This MPV is available in three trims: Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X. Each has manual and automatic versions and five-star safety ratings.

Driving performance of the Ford Galaxy

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Whether you’re cruising on the motorway or popping across town for the school run, the Ford Galaxy steers nicely and is easy to handle given its large stature. Both engine options are plenty powerful enough even when all the seats are filled. Passengers will appreciate the smooth ride that makes potholes irrelevant – it’s also very quiet. It’s worth noting that models with automatic transmission can be slow to change gear, especially when swapping in and out of reverse. As a plus, the turning circle is deceptively small, making it easier to park than many MPVs.

Safety and reliability of the Ford Galaxy

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Euro NCAP awarded the Galaxy five stars for crash safety in 2015. It comes with plenty of front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims. Titanium spec adds lane-keeping assistance and road sign recognition. Parents of smaller children will be pleased to learn there are Isofix seat attachment points in the back too. It’s also got a fairly good reputation for reliability. Models built before 2015 may be affected by recalls for stiff brake pedals and issues with the engine cutting out – always look at the service history before committing to a car.

Under the bonnet of the Ford Galaxy

Our Engine Rating6 / 10

There aren’t loads of engine choices with the Galaxy; all models run on a 2.0-litre diesel. You can pick between the EcoBlue 190 (offering 187 bhp and doing 0-60 in 9.7 seconds) and the EcoBlue 150, which does a less powerful 148 bhp and 0-60 in 10.8 seconds but is more economical. The more powerful engine packs a little extra punch, but both are capable. Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are available to suit your preferences. If you’re carrying more stuff than the spacious boot can take, it’s also capable of towing up to 2000 kg and can be fitted with a roof rack too.

What you'll find in the Ford Galaxy

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Although it’s by no means a small car at 4.85m long, 1.91m wide and 1.75m tall, the Galaxy doesn’t have the attention-grabbing style of some similar-sized cars. Sleek, understated design means it blends in well though. Six different colours currently grace UK roads, including red, blue and silver options. New buyers can choose from three trim levels: Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X. Going for one of the Titanium levels gets you a few snazzy-looking features including LED headlights and rear privacy glass.

Comfort and interiors in the Ford Galaxy

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

Inside is where the Galaxy earns its name – there’s just so much space. All seven seats are comfortably big enough for adults, and the rear two rows fold flat to give you the carrying capacity of a small van. Even with all three rows up, there’s as much boot space as many family hatchbacks can offer. And if that’s not enough, there’s extra storage under the boot floor, as well as a generous glovebox and plenty of cubbies and cupholders reachable from every seat. The interior finish is robust yet smart and pleasant – go for one that’s had an upgrade pack fitted at purchase to get fancy features like leather seats.

What features you'll find in the Ford Galaxy

Our Features Rating7 / 10

All models still have physical dashboard controls that are easy to use while driving. Expect any Ford Galaxy to come with a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic wipers, dual-zone climate control and a heated windscreen. More recent models also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. Titanium trim adds keyless entry and the option for extra upgrade packs, while Titanium X gets you a power tailgate and panoramic sunroof. No trim on offer has a particularly great infotainment system unfortunately. It’s enough to keep kids happy, but it’s a little bit clunky to operate.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Ford Galaxy

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

Given its large stature, it’s no surprise that the Ford Galaxy weighs in at a chunky 1779 kg. If efficiency is a priority, opt for the lower-powered engine with manual transmission. This one is rated as doing 46.3 mpg and emitting 160 g/km of carbon dioxide. The automatic version with the same horsepower rating isn’t quite as good, managing 43.5 mpg and 170 g/km. As is usually the case, the most powerful engine option is least efficient, offering 40.9 mpg and 180 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Running costs of the Ford Galaxy

Our Cost Rating / 10

As long as it’s been well cared for, any Ford Galaxy should be reasonably cheap to run. Servicing costs aren’t usually too high, and it’s easy to get parts for, keeping the cost of any repairs down. It’s a good-value secondhand buy and should last well as long as you get it checked over at the recommended intervals and pay attention to any warning lights or changes in how it drives.

Our verdict of the Ford Galaxy

3.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you're after a car with great efficiency and space for lots of passengers and all of their bags, the Ford Galaxy is worth considering.

Ford Galaxy Review