2000 Ford Focus SE 2.0 DOHC

Summary:

Best car buy I've ever made

Faults:

The ignition locked up twice and the fuel pump failed twice. Every other failure was due to age, wear (timing belt, alternator, motor mounts, serpentine belt, idler pulley) or driver error (bouncing over jeep trails, which broke 4 window motors).

General Comments:

Most reliable vehicle I've owned in 62 years of driving. Parts and tires are relatively inexpensive, and the owner can do much of the necessary service. Being a small car, there is more road noise with the Focus, and it doesn't absorb the shock of bumps well, but those are the trade-offs for good handling and good gas mileage. I may have to paint the hood soon, but the rest of the car looks great, without ever seeing a drop of polish or wax.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2019

2000 Ford Focus

Summary:

23 years & 2nd generation Ford customers with 6 cars and 5 different models. No more Ford!

Faults:

Water pump.

Thermometer.

The ignition lock 3 times.

Battery was continuously draining and Ford dealer/maintenance could not find the source.

6 recalls.

General Comments:

This was the Ford experience that broke the camel's back. It cost a lot of time and money to keep the car going. We received another note for a water pump maintenance compensation 2 years after we had sold the car. Originally Ford denied responsibility, then the problem was admitted. Unfortunately, we had no proof to claim our compensation since we had given the service history away to the buyer once we sold the car.

We used two different Ford dealerships, one in the Bay area, the other one in Southern California. Both were condescending when we questioned certain repairs, e.g. the third ignition lock replacement and the second water pump replacement. We had at least one recall per year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th October, 2014

2000 Ford Focus

Summary:

Lemon, junk, stay away

Faults:

When I first purchased the car, it hesitated to start during the first week. I don't remember the explanation the dealer gave me. Something about it adjusting to something. This was my first new car and I was pretty naive.

This problem has reappeared over the years, mainly when the weather is warmer. It runs sluggishly, then after several miles it seems to be fine. Strangely this never happens in the winter.

The thing is, this happened even when the car was very new. I always took it in, but the dealership would say they couldn't find anything, and since it continued to run I didn't worry.

After the warranty ran out, it seemed like I had to have a repair quarterly. Literally. The month it was paid off and the warranty was over, it just started to fall apart. I've taken it in 3 times this year and it's only June.

This car is a piece of junk. I used to think the bad reputation Ford has was unfair, but now I know. Stay away from Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th June, 2010

18th Jun 2010, 08:45

Pretty vague review here. What has started to fall apart on your car? Did you keep taking it to the same dealer or shop for analysis of the sluggish running problem? You should have tried multiple places to get that problem fixed when the car was new, and not just let it go over the years.

Plus you gave 0/10 scores for most of the categories? Running costs a 0/10? C'mon, I have a Focus and I would give it a 8 out of 10 as it is really good on gas. 0/10 for performance? Why did you even buy this car if you feel the performance is that bad on it. I'd give mine a 5/10 but it is adequate.

I know you are annoyed with your car, but you should give more accurate information that would help potential buyers instead of just ranting about how bad Ford is and giving "0"'s for all the scores. Be more specific with your "falling apart" issues as well, which will help others.

Hope you have better luck on your next purchase.

7th Jul 2010, 02:39

It's owners like this that make me wonder. You've owned this car for ten (10!!) whole years with all these problems? And what are the problems besides this hesitation. It's hard to believe, especially if this hesitation was a problem that appeared when new and when the car was under warranty. If one dealer say he can't find anything wrong, you have the right to go to another dealer, which you should have done. Really strange review, indeed.

7th Jul 2010, 10:58

Once your warranty runs out, show your dealer nothing but your back. There are plenty of good hardworking independent mechanics who know cars and understand your objectives: keep the car running at reasonable cost.

4th Jan 2012, 01:37

Owned a 2000 Focus Wagon new. Had 10 recalls through the years.

In reply to 18th Jun 2010, 08:45

1st Jan 2016, 18:11

Change gas stations. I had the same situation with water and crap in their tanks.