written by on 12/10/2009
I've always had German or Swedish cars up to this point so it was a bit of a change I guess. The handling is really good and takes corners well, the brakes on the other hand are pretty poor compared to my Golfs etc but I'm looking at some better pads (the fitted ones were brand new with new discs and replacement fluid at Ford) to see if I can improve the feel and stopping power. Talking of power, not much, then some at about 3.5K rpm, I dont tend to "rag" my cars so this came as a bit of a shock but may be due to it being a 16v? Common faults - wiper not reseating itself properly is a £5 fix but is a swine to get to the relay behind the gloebox, haynes manual helped though, heater fan only working on position 4 is a ballast resistor change. Heated front screen is great, for the passenger on mine as it doesn't seem to work my side that well. Why no ABS and drum brakes at the rear? Bit odd that, especially on a newish car. Would I buy another, probably would to be honest but it would be a 2.0 or event he St170 next time.
written by on 16/04/2008
Great all round car, great ride, great drive, another great car from ford, 10/10
written by skeelsie on 03/01/2008
Airbag light came on but otherwise fault free with 35000 miles on the clock. Lovely lift off oversteer and a willingness to rev, slick gear change and nice ride quality.
written by Manney on 23/09/2006
I've had mine since new, and I cannot fault it at all. I have now clocked up a respectable 167,000 miles, and the car has had no problems at all. The car has been regularly serviced. In seven years I have only replaced the front disc and pads, rear drums and shoes, the two front wheel bearings and a couple of sets of tyres. It was also recalled back for a speed sensor problem in year 2. I cannot praise it enough. To me the car still looks as good as any small car on the road today. It's comfortable to drive and not too bad on fuel. I don't drive like a nutter, and I manage to get 38mpg, though most of my miles are done on motorways (or should I say car parks:-) ) The A/C is not as cold as it used to be, but that sounds like a recharge is needed. Other than that, what more can I say?
written by mickyhilton on 19/09/2006
Well, it's been a year since I bought my Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec, and I still love it. When I turned 25 I always wanted a Golf, but when searching I found them far too expensive and overpriced. The Ford Focus saved me over a thousand pounds when I purchased it instead of a Golf, and I am so glad. Cheaper to run, and when I change my brake pads and discs it costs much less than a Golf (bonus). Don't get a golf, get a Focus! Yipee!
written by Brooner on 25/07/2005
I bought my Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec 115 3dr about 2.5 years ago with 37000 miles on the clock and have done another 30000 with no breakdowns to speak of.
The handling of the car really is superb, and the steering feel is excellent. It has a slight split personality, where you can get in and drive from one end of the country to the other where it does all that is asked of it, but you can take it onto your favorite back road and pretend you are Colin McRae.
My car has required little maintenance other than routine servicing. Although I have to admit the anti-roll bar links on the front suspension do seem to ware out rather quickly (identified by a horrible groaning sound at low speeds when steering). My car has had a set replaced 18 months ago and just had another set put on. Take advantage of the block exemption rules now though, as I was charged £150 to have these changed at a Ford dealer in Aberdeen, and less than £40 by local mechanic.
The refinement isnt that great, but then my car is now 6 years old, road noise can be a problem on badly maintained roads. If you come from say, a Golf to the Focus, it is quite poor, but the Golf isnt as good to drive.
You also have to plan your overtaking a bit, as it only really gets going properly above 3500rpm (3rd gear from 40mph recommended!!) and it pulls well over 6000rpm.
Keep an eye on the paint below the rear wiper arm though, as I know of another owner who has had problems with his car in this area. My car is solid red, and this does have a history of dulling, my bumpers are slightly brigther than the metal bodywork, and the wing mirrors are turning pink!
As it is a Ford, depreciation is quite poor, but if you are selling, try a few dealers in another area. I was offered almost 4k for locally mine when looking to trade in a few months ago, but was offered only £2250 by a dealer in Perth.
These problems are a bit of a pain, but i have really enjoyed every mile I have driven in it
written by ianjamesanderson on 22/12/2004
Bought a Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec 1 year ago, it's a 2000 model and has done quite a few miles (74,000). It's a good car to drive and the performance is more than adequate. The steering has quite a lot of feedback and the gearbox is the best I have ever used.
The focus has been reliable, nothing at all has gone wrong in 12,000 miles. Although, the 1.8 means it is not particularly economical.
I just had it MOT'd today and it only required a number plate bulb to pass.
The bad points have got to be the ride, which is choppy at low speeds and the interior which looks cheap compared with a golf. The stereo is decent, but it looks very ugly.
There's enough room in the back for adults and the boot is massive. All in all I'm satisfied, just wish the car had a bit more character, so I think I'm going to change it pretty soon.
One other plus point is that the insurance costs are pretty cheap for a 1.8, I pay £440 and I'm only 25, with 3 years no claims. Try elephant.co.uk they seem to be reasonable.
One downside to owning such a popular vehicle is depreciation, which is becoming quite high. Good for you, potential purchaser, but not so good for me!
written by loovloov on 20/05/2004
My Ford Focus is a lemon. However, people tell me so often how great they hear the Focus is. I don't get it. Did some of us get a lemon and some didn't? I will never buy a Ford again and I've had Fords for most of my driving life.
Written on: 17/03/2005
My ford focus, black, saloon origionally from kilmarnock (Scotland) is great. The last idiot who owned it broke the passenger wing mirror off and stuck it on with tape but that was the drivers fault! My focus is fine. I agree with another review on here which states "If you look after your focus, it will look after you". I don't understand you people, just because you had one bad focus doesn't mean they are all bad. Think of all the people out there who are pleased with their focus. All I am asking you to do is understand your probably one in a million.
Written on: 20/09/2004
I have a 2003 ford focus zx3. I actually like my little car. I enjoy driving it, but of course it is not problem free.
<br>Whenever I go to fill up with gas the car won't start. The dealer can't duplicate the problem and says there is nothing they can do if it start for them. It is very annoying and bothersome that the dealership isn't trying to fix my problem. I wouldn't buy a ford again due to their lack of customer service.
Written on: 21/08/2004
Gosh, I am so thankful that I found this site! I test drove a 2000 Ford Focus today (currently own a Taurus).....
<br>I think that I will go back and buy the Hyundai!
<br>Thank you for your honesty.
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<br>
<br>catherine
written by ian. on 06/02/2002
I have a 3dr 1.8 zetec Ford Focus which has been very enjoyable to drive over the last 22,000 miles. The roadholding is excellent and the performance impressive especially towards higher speeds. The car is also a competent cruiser providing plenty of cabin space compared to vw golfs for example. The large doors and high roof line also allows easy buckling-in of young children.
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160069_Laurenluvsmommy's Response to loovloov's Review
Written on: 26/06/2004
Thank you so much for writing this! You took the words right out of my mouth! I absolutly will never buy a Ford again! To anyone who reads these: Please DO NOT BUY A FORD FOCUS!!!!!!!!