Faults:

Four months after I purchased the vehicle, I had to take it in because of a burning smell the car was creating. After 4 attempts, the problem was finally fixed.

About 8 months after purchasing the car, I started hearing a grinding noise from the front end. I took the car in for repair, was not fixed, dealer did not know what was wrong with it. After the 4th time of taking it in, it has yet to be fixed.

I had the rotors turned twice in one month and then they were replaced at 30000 miles.

I just recently received another recall on the vehicle that I have to take it in on again, which is so inconvenient.

General Comments:

Ford needs to really consider taking these cars off the market completely until they get them fixed and safe to drive. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy and I would love to sell it, but I would lose so much money that I can't afford it. Ford really needs to work on the value and quality of this vehicle.

Faults:

The horn quit working for some reason, but the dealer quickly repaired it under warranty. No complaints about the timely repair on that issue.

But there is also a nasty belt squeal that the dealer refuses to repair.

Seems like a typical Ford dealer service department.

General Comments:

The Focus is a European car and it drives like one, with excellent handling, sharp steering, responsive brakes and a smooth, yet nicely-controlled ride.

Interior quality isn't any better or worse than the small sedan norm, and my car has excellent panel fits. This car has most options: Zetec engine, Sport package (fog lights, spoiler, leather steering wheel, tachometer, etc.), anti-lock brakes and more. Everything works great and everything looks great.

I guess my only real complaint is the road noise. Some more insulation could have made a good car even better.

Faults:

I had this car and two weeks later a tire blew.

It was recalled six months after I had it and the Dealership never did tell me why.

I have had to replace 4 tires all together.

The tire on this car has only been used on one model of car ever. The ZTS model of the focus.

The tires are very expensive and hard to find.

The trunk sticks and needs to be pried open.

The trunk latch button only works when it wants to.

Faults:

There has been an ongoing problem with power loss.

Car has been hesitating during steady driving.

Car is stalling while stopped.

Car has no power on hills with air conditioner on.

Maintenance procedures (engine flushes) have been necessary much earlier than normally suggested.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car to drive, when it works. However I purchased a brand new car expecting to have no problems. I have had an ongoing loss of power with the car. The dealer has maintained no responsbility, stating each time that it is in need of expensive engine flushing and part replacements. While these are regular maintenance procedures, I am having to have them performed much earlier and more frequently than normal and the problem still continues.

The parts for this economical car are extremely expensive in comparison. $150 for one tire, $50 oil changes...