Faults:

Radio knobs did not work correctly, you would turn the music up and it would go down. Going over a bump would jar the "security strip" and the head unit would not work for over 30 minutes at times.

Fan Blade broke free of fan cut holes in radiator.

Left Head lamp no longer has a high beam, bulb and fuses have been checked. Ford would like to replace the entire wiring for the head lamp for about $300.00.

Ignition lock failed and locked the steering wheel.

Black trim has turned white unless treated weekly.

Front Ford Emblem fell out.

Runs to rich and requires yet another recall repair.

Won't Pass California emissions.

Odd Overheating, when driving at 60 miles per hour it will go from cold to boil in less than 10 seconds, replacing the hoses, t-stat, expansion tank cap did nothing to fix this problem. Dealer suggested it could be a bad coolant temp sender, but the car boils over when the gauge says hot so it works.

General Comments:

The car handles well and the Zetec when working is a good motor.

The interior fit and finish is nice, but the body and engine needed more detail work.

Faults:

Nothing (knock on wood) since buying it 2 months ago.

General Comments:

I am happy with most things about this car. Lots of interior room for an economy car. Handles and rides wonderfully, unlike any small car I've ever driven. For its 110 b.h.p., it boogies. Typical Ford brakes, grinding and grabbing at slow speeds. A bit of road noise, but not too bad for a small car. Otherwise, it's a great little car for little money.

Faults:

This car has had a ton of recalls.

Had problems with breaks, spark plugs, and other things I don't even understand.

General Comments:

Appreciative they recall the car for free repairs.

Annoyed at the other problems the car has had which seems to lead to other problems immediately they are fixed by the dealer.

Faults:

Numerous recalls.

Ignition replaced after key stuck in it and would not turn.

Driver's side visor has fallen off repeatedly despite tightening the screws regularly.

Starter replaced at 27,900 miles.

Battery replaced at 28,000 miles.

Rear left tire blew and was replaced at approximately 19,000 miles.

Front left tire blew and was replaced at approximately 27,000 miles.

Air flow control does not reliable function at level 3 or four.

Trunk does not consistently latch the first time it's closed.

Fuel reader in dash had to be replaced at approximately 17,000 miles because it always read empty.

Car is often slow to start.

Front brakes make a very unusual noise, although repairmen can find nothing wrong with them.

Radio display does not function properly in warm/hot temperatures.

General Comments:

The car is sporty looking and attractive.

The car is comfortable to ride in and the seats are very adjustable.

The interior is nice looking for a fairly inexpensive car.

The car is fun to drive when running properly and handles well, although it is slow to accelerate from a stop.

Due to all of the safety recalls and problems I have had, I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.

The car is inexpensive enough that the payments are manageable and the mileage per gallon is excellent, however this is overshadowed by the enormous amount of money it takes to keep the car running smoothly and safely.