Im sure about the breaking bit too. Ive never owned a mondeo personally, but a close friend did. SO when i drove it that was the experience i had with the braking. But i must say build quality of Ford has always been solid. ?Just close the doors to hear the nice thud, you find that missing to some extent on the japaneese and korean cars !!
Another ugly thing that i remember: in the interiors was a ugly white clock in the middle of the dash, above the a/c controls (my personal dislike anyways) which stood out in the stark black/grey interiors. I always felt that the interiors were too jaded compared to the accord at that time.
The mondeo that is coming now is definately not worth it. They have taken out quite a few of its cool characteristics, among them xenon lights. Yes the safety features are all there, but 90% of india seems to be very feature conscious nowdays while buying a car. You can give a hundred air bags and it wouldnt make a difference but give a new electronic feature here and there or something that is visible half of us would jump to buy the car. The mondeo is face lifted (or so i have heard) but its almost passable. Rather go in for the accord/embera.........anyday!