Owner reviews for the Ford Ka
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5Ford’s KA was a true ‘car for the people’, providing low-cost and reliable transport for thousands of drivers in the UK. It was a real hit, too, and because of this it’s a common sight on the used market with cars to fit all types of budgets. While the KA may have been discontinued a little while ago, it still remains a great purchase for drivers looking for a very wallet-friendly way of getting around.
London
London
London
London
AA finance available
London
AA finance available
Harrow
Aldershot
Cambridge
Nuneaton
Birmingham
Birmingham
Worksop
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5If there’s one thing that Ford knows how to do, it’s create a car for the masses and the KA showed the Blue Oval putting this expertise to work. With a zero-frills design and a range of cheap-to-repair components, the KA has been the go-to choice for countless drivers ranging from learners to those who need a reliable, around-town second car.
Though many might opt for the Fiesta, the KA continues to be a great option on the used market, particularly if you’re trying to get on the move for less. We’re focusing on the second-generation car here, too, as it brings more modern touches while still retaining the cost-effective nature of the original.
The KA gets a good level of safety equipment on board, with airbags there for both driver and passenger. Euro NCAP said that the main structure of the car held up well to impacts when crash tested back in 2008, too. The KA’s good visibility and well-sized wing mirrors will aid safety further and help to make this car easier to drive.
A lot of KA models that you’ll see on-sale are powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which provides a good balance of efficiency and performance. It’s more than punchy enough to get the KA up to speed in quick enough time and is ideal for city driving. There’s also a 1.3-litre diesel engine for drivers looking to take their KA on longer journeys, as it’ll deliver its best fuel efficiency over greater distances at higher speeds.
Base-spec KA models get very little in the way of features, though all models do get a CD player and an AUX input for playing your music through the car’s stereo. A standard adjustable steering wheel also ensures you’ll be able to get a comfortable driving position. Popular Zetec-specification models bring larger alloy wheels and a more sporty design overall - it has proven to be a go-to trim level for the KA.
Expect to get in the region of 55mpg when driving the petrol-powered KA, while CO2 emissions will also be low on this model regardless of which wheel size you opt for. Switch to the diesel and you’ll get around 62mpg overall, making it the more fuel-efficient option.
The KA is a very popular ‘first’ car, so we’d check any car you’re considering the purchase of for parking mishaps and damaged alloys, if it has them fitted. Make sure that the clutch is operating as it should, too, and that the biting point isn’t too high. If you’d like more information, then consider an AA Vehicle Inspection which can help to clear up any mysteries surrounding a potential purchase via a detailed report produced by a trained engineer.
Thanks to a relatively simple design, KA cars are largely reliable and most owners report many trouble-free miles. Some drivers of diesel-powered cars have reported issues with the engine, but consistent maintenance and servicing can help to avoid this. Again, an AA Vehicle Inspection can help if you’re unsure about any used car you’re looking at - take a look at the options today.
The Ford KA is available with either a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.3-litre diesel engine.