Ford Galaxy is one of the most popular family cars that has won the hearts of many Czech and European drivers in recent decades. Its spaciousness, variability and comfort are the main reasons why many families choose this model. In a market full of competitors such as Volkswagen Sharan, Škoda with its models or Toyota Highlander, Ford Galaxy occupies a crucial place in its category. It offers a unique combination of traditional comfort, modern technology and a friendly price that suits both large and small families. In this article, we will examine in detail all the aspects that you should know if you are planning to invest in this family car – from its reliability and durability to the most common problems and a comparison with the competition on the market in 2025.
One of the biggest benefits of the Ford Galaxy is its exceptionally generous interior, which offers comfortable space for up to seven passengers. This model is designed with an emphasis on maximum use of space, which is essential in the family car segment. The seats in the third row are separate and allow for the seamless installation of up to three child car seats, which many parents greatly appreciate. With a five-seat layout, it has a truly enormous luggage compartment, which is suitable for both regular shopping and longer family trips. For example, with the seats in the second and third rows removed, the luggage capacity can reach an impressive 2,600 liters.
The car’s design is a combination of practicality and modern aesthetics, with the facelift from the early 2000s bringing significantly higher quality materials, nicer dashboard shapes and better seats. In terms of ergonomics, the Ford Galaxy maintains a high level of comfort, making it ideal for everyday use and long trips. However, with the larger size and weight of the car comes specific driving demands, which are compensated by a pleasant chassis and good handling.
In the context of 2025, this model is still a fairly competitive car, although the family car market is gradually shifting towards SUVs, such as the popular Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. Nevertheless, the Ford Galaxy offers the unique practicality of an MPV, which many parents still prefer to cross categories.
The Galaxy allows for many seat configurations that are easily adaptable to the current needs of the family. In addition to the three rows of seats, the individual seats can be folded, removed and moved, which supports a variety of loading options. For example, if you have free space in one row, you can use it for longer luggage or sports equipment. This aspect is key in family life, because flexibility often determines well-being during trips.
Safety when transporting children is also a priority, which is why the seats are equipped with a sufficient number of Isofix child seat mounts, ensuring maximum comfort and protection for the smallest passengers.
The Ford Galaxy 2.0 i is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance requirements, making it a practical choice for families looking for reliability. The car boasts a robust engine and quality workmanship, which allows it to easily exceed the 300,000 kilometer mark with proper care. Regular servicing, such as changing the oil, filters and brake components, is essential to maintain its long life.
Owners often highlight the minimum of serious malfunctions. However, typical problems occur, including mainly minor electronic malfunctions, such as air conditioning or infotainment malfunctions. Older models sometimes suffer from oil leaks and brake wear needs to be monitored. The automaker recommends regular inspections and maintenance, which significantly reduce the risk of serious problems.
An interesting fact is Ford’s cooperation with the Volkswagen Group, thanks to which it shares technology with models such as the Volkswagen Sharan or Seat Alhambra. Thanks to this, compatible and high-quality spare parts can often be found, which reduces repair costs.
As with any older car, the Ford Galaxy also has faults that it is good to be prepared for. In the case of electronics, replacing the relevant modules can solve most problems. Oil leaks are usually a matter of seals, which can be easily repaired at a car service. Problems with the automatic transmission, although less common, require professional diagnostics and correction, because the correct functionality of the transmission is essential for safe and comfortable driving.
Owners should remember that regular checks of the brake system are inevitable and often crucial for the safety of the entire family. Worn pads or discs can negatively affect braking performance, so it is advisable to monitor their condition and replace them in a timely manner.
In 2025, the family car segment is undergoing a significant transformation, with SUV models such as the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorentogaining increasing popularity. Nevertheless, the Ford Galaxy stands out thanks to its spaciousness and comfort of transporting up to seven passengers for families who prefer a traditional MPV with a variable interior.
A comparison of the basic parameters shows that the Ford Galaxy offers above-average passenger space and favorable maintenance costs, which are often lower than those of some European competitors. For example, cars from Renault or Peugeot may offer interesting equipment, but they lag behind the Galaxy in terms of dimensions and practicality. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Touran is a direct competitor with a similar concept, but a slightly smaller size.
The Ford Galaxy also excels in the area of seat comfort and the range of safety features, which is confirmed by reviews from portals such as Auto Journal or AutoRevue. Safety tests are among the strengths of this model, which is why it is a suitable family car even in 2025.
For those considering alternatives to the traditional MPV, it is worth mentioning various shelters and garage systems that improve the comfort of using the car and protect it from adverse weather conditions – these trends are increasingly important, as the current offer on the market shows. The Ford Galaxy, thanks to its size and shape, makes very good use of these accessories.
In line with the current trend of ecological mobility, the Ford Galaxy is also available in the 2.5 Hybrid hybrid drive variant. This model represents an excellent alternative for families who want to combine an ecological approach with the practicality of using a family car. The hybrid system offers the possibility of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, which is not only in the interest of the environment, but also financially beneficial in the long term.
The 2.5 Hybrid model offers a comfortable and quiet ride, but at the same time does not lose on dynamics and driving capabilities. Thanks to the correct chassis setting, the ride is smooth and comfortable even when the car is fully loaded. This drive is a natural ally for family trips with regard to reasonable consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
Compared to conventional gasoline engines, such as those in Opel or Citroën, the Ford Galaxy 2.5 Hybrid represents a step forward towards sustainability without compromising on comfort. However, it is also important to consider regular maintenance of the hybrid system, which requires specialist knowledge and may be associated with higher costs during the warranty period.
The first-generation Ford Galaxy, which made its mark back in 2005, is still very popular among used cars. However, given its age, it is important to choose carefully and focus primarily on the potential risks associated with corrosion and wear, which are common in these cars. Special attention should be paid to the chassis, sills and fenders, where corrosive damage can threaten the safety and durability of the car.
Electronic systems, especially in older models, may exhibit malfunctions in the form of air conditioning defects or failure of comfort units, which can, however, be solved by replacing defective components. Automatic transmissions also deserve great attention, where it is necessary to check the smoothness of gear shifting and avoid models with signs of jerking or delayed gear shifting. Many owners and mechanics recommend a complete diagnosis and test drive before buying, when errors are most noticeable.
In this regard, the experience of Ford Puma or Ford S-Max reviews, which show similar operating characteristics and can be inspiring for deciding to buy a Ford Galaxy, may be useful. For inspiration and valuable advice on buying and servicing family cars, visit, for example, Ford Puma reviews or Ford S-Max guide.
Finally, it is important to remember that regular maintenance and service in specialized workshops is the key to ensuring that even an older Ford Galaxy model serves reliably and safely for tens of thousands of additional kilometers.
