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 had the MPV experience and used it 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 followed 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. The customers did not very like its thick A-pillars, but they were there for better protection. A small, triangular window was mounted between the A-pillar and the door opening. A red strip with lights was extended between the rear quarter panels over the tailgate in the rear.

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. Despite being slightly longer than a regular compact-segment station-wagon, it offered plenty of room for them, but the trunk was not that big with all the seats up. With them removed, it could relocate a teenager from home to college in one trip.

Under the hood, Ford carried over most of Volkswagen engines but came with two of its own, the 2.0-liter and the 2.3-liter, both with gasoline.