Faults:

Had the Ford Focus almost a full year and I noticed tha Drivers Side window was leaking, still under the "Lemon Law" warranty so the dealer fixed it with no problem. Drivers Seat has developed a small hole due to a pointy seat coil. Odd thing The Head Lights only seem to last on average about 4 to 6 months before I have to replace them. Might be because I work nights and commute. Who knows? Lights are cheap and easy to change.

General Comments:

I bought the 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 used from a dealer in 2003. Under $9,000 because the previous owner turned it in under the "Lemon Law". The Focus has a spirted engine however road noise is noticeable at high speeds or on bad roads. Nothing a good stereo can't overpower. The front wheel drive is suitable during the Colorado winters. Interior room is great. I drove four people and two small dogs to Nebraska over a weekend with no complaints. At a time with over two dollars a gallon for gas I really love the Focus four cylinder engine. I average about 500 Miles a week to work and back.

Faults:

I bought the vehicle used from a typical used car lot, so it had a few problems I knew of. The tires needed to be replaced, along with the brakes and rotors. Tires cost me $375 with labor and tax, and rotors and brakes cost around $600-$700.

Otherwise, the rear driver-side power window does not work (can be controlled from driver's controls) and the driver-side mirror is loose (this seems to be a common problem for the Focus). I haven't done anything about these problems, though. They're not that big of a deal.

Other than that, the only thing I noticed was that it tends to idle roughly (high) when in park or drive. While driving from Newark, NJ to New Haven, CT last week, the engine coolant temperature began to rise, then fall, then rise again while idling in traffic in NYC. Once the traffic cleared up, though, the problem was gone and the coolant temp returned to normal. I'm a bit concerned about the idling, but overall, am relatively happy with the little car.

General Comments:

I bought my 2000 Focus SE because I needed something relatively cheap with good gas mileage. I had owned a 1994 Jeep Cherokee previously, and it was time for a change. The Focus seems to be a decent little car, and I am planning to have it checked to see if the recalls were taken care of by the original owner (s). Otherwise, it's been a terrific 2 weeks since I bought the car, and I've already put almost 1,000 miles on it. It's handled the mileage relatively well, and it seems like the car was a good investment. Of course, I've only had it for two weeks thus far; however, with the amount of mileage already on it at the time of purchase (73,700), and the amount of mileage I've already put on it (about 800), I have relatively few complaints. This seems to be a great commuter car, and I love its comfort and handling on those long highway drives.

Faults:

Clucht spring broke before 100k.

Fuel pump went out around 75k recall covered it.

Front left wheel bearing was replaced around 115k.

Transmission replaced at 139k.

General Comments:

This car cost $9,000 new my Dad drove it for four years and I got it in 04. The car handles great, it accelerates good, and gets decent gas mileage.

I drive the car hard and it holds up very well at 142,000 miles it burns no oil and runs smooth. I have raced it against several other cars and it can hold its own.

I think for the money you cannot beat a focus.