The Ford Galaxy is a seven-seater automobile manufactured and marketed by Ford Europe from 1995 to 2023. Considered in the motor industry to be a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), it was the first Ford-brand MPV produced and marketed outside of North America, the model line is currently in its third generation. Sharing its platform architecture with the Ford Mondeo, the Galaxy was developed alongside the Ford S-Max; the model line is between the Connect and Custom variants of the Ford Tourneo/Transit model family.
History of the Ford Galaxy
First Generation Ford Galaxy (V191; 1995–2006)
Developed as a joint project with Volkswagen, the Galaxy's first generation came on a market dominated by the French MPVs from Renault and PSA. Ford used the MPV experience when it allied with Volkswagen in the AutoEuropa project. The two big carmakers agreed to build the vehicles in Spain and offered them under different badges as SEAT Alhambra, Volkswagen Sharan, and Ford Galaxy. The aerodynamically shaped MPV started with a sloped front end, with the raked windshield following the same line as the hood. Ford used similar-shaped headlights as those installed on the Mondeo and an oval grille with its blue badge. Inside, the Galaxy was fitted as standard with five seats on the base trim level but was available with seating for up to seven in a 2-3-2 configuration. Under the hood, Ford carried over most Volkswagen engines but came with two of its own, the 2.0L and the 2.3L, both with gasoline.
Facelift
In 2000, Ford released the facelifted version of the Galaxy. The interior was refreshed, the exterior design brought a sharper nose and the diesel 1.9L engine was boosted to 115 hp. In 2000, Ford introduced ABS on all of the Galaxy versions. The most notable engine available on the Galaxy was the 2.8L 24-valve V6 engine, producing 206 CP. Other available engines were 1.9L diesel with 90 hp, 115 hp, or 150 hp. The torque was remarkable and the fuel consumption was reduced. The engines were paired with either a 6-speed manual or a Select-Shift automatic transmission. A new Electronic Stability Program system was added as a standard feature for the V6 engine, and for the 115 hp engine as well.
Second Generation Ford Galaxy (2006–2015)
The first Galaxy developed without further intervention from Volkswagen was the third generation released in 2006. One of the strongest rivals on the market was from its own stable, the Ford S-Max, with which the Galaxy shared many of its underpinnings. In simple words, the Galaxy was more practical, while the S-MAX was more fun to drive and had sharper visuals. Longer than an S-Max by 52mm and wider by 65mm, the Ford Galaxy was a people carrier offering seating for 7. Its suspension was tuned for comfort, the tall roof ensured great headroom and the big trunk offered 435 L of cargo. Unusual for a bulky MPV, the Galaxy was still fun to drive while equipped with the punchy 2.0L TDCi Diesel engine that developed 142 hp. Other engine choices were available. No compromise was made when it came to safety and the Galaxy was equipped with lots of active and passive safety systems.
Third Generation Ford Galaxy (CD390; 2015–2023)
The Galaxy was the answer given by Ford to Europe in the matter of 7-seater vehicles. It was a car designed for people who needed more room or, why not, more seats. Even if the MPV market in Europe dropped in favor of the SUV, this kind of people-carriers was still appreciated in 2015, when the fourth generation of Galaxy was launched. The 2016 Ford Galaxy kept the dimensions from the previous generation but added more style. It follows the Kinetic Design language that could be seen on other Ford models. It added thinner headlamps and new LED taillights for a stylish look. Ford claims that since the vehicle is built on a car platform, it has a better feeling for the passengers compared to that of a utility vehicle transformed into a people carrier. The engine range is big and filled all the needs of the users. For the diesel version, there was a range from 110 hp up to 210 hp engine, as for the gasoline versions, that offered between 160 and 240 hp. For some versions, the Galaxy could have been fitted with all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering, and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Facelift
Ford updated the Galaxy for the 2020 model year. It received a new front grille and bumpers with a similar design to the Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta, Puma, and Kuga. The Galaxy also received the Vignale version, a new automatic transmission, and an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hybrid Update
In late autumn, 2021, Ford stopped selling the standard petrol and diesel models, only selling it with one engine choice, a 2.5L hybrid Duratec - producing 190PS with a Durashift CVT transmission.
Price
For the 2023 model year, Ford Europe retails the 2023 Ford Galaxy with a starting MSRP of around £30,000 ($36,048) for the base model, rising to £42,000 ($50,468) for the top-of-the-line variant.
Features of the Ford Galaxy
Exterior Features
The facelift includes a bright chrome fog lamp surround that mirrors the one found on the upper grille. On the other hand, the ST-Line version gets a different honeycomb upper grille with a black surround and blag fog lamp surrounds, while the S-Max Vignale gets a unique "flying V" design with satin chrome surround to further distinguish the trim levels.
Interior Features
On the inside there are now 18-way adjustable driver and passenger seats that can provide relief for back pain sufferers on the road, having received the AGR seal of approval from an independent testing committee of medical experts. Just like its platform brother, the S-Max, the revamped Ford Galaxy is now offered with FordPass Connect, which is an onboard modem that essentially turns the car into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices at the same time.
Release Date
Ford Europe first released the Ford Galaxy in 1995. In January 2022, Ford announced plans to discontinue Galaxy after 27 years of production, stopping accepting orders for minivans in favor of the realization of existing ones. Afterward, cars will be axed from the European lineup without a direct successor.