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I've got a metallic black Mondeo ST estate (2.2 tdci) 3 years on it's been faultless. The ST's have stiffer and lowered suspension (with auto ride hight) look nice and are entertaining to drive. Not many around either (compare with a 3 series : common as muck...)
Like this one : [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Ford-Mondeo-2-2-TDCI-155-ST-Turbo-Diesel-Estate-Car-ST-MODEL-NICE-MILES-/160896223396?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3428427693218908250%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D190723806855%26 ]heres one[/url]
Plus remapped and bits it goes well in a straight line too. And returns 45 mpg on a 95mph long distance cruise controlled run!
The newer mondeo is even better though a bit bigger and heavier.
People who say 'its a Ford' are twerps.
GT40, Cosworth, Escort rally cars, BDA, the list goes on.
Passat estate is indeed excellent but this is what happens to the rear tyres at 40,000 miles:
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It's caused by the slight camber of the rear wheels and inaccurate tracking alignment of the "axles" at the factory. This was on my B6 Passat, I have only done 12,000 miles in the new B7 so don't know if it will happen again of if VW have sorted it. I had a massive battle with VW UK over it and they ended up paying for an alignment.