Faults:

Coolant leakage (50K - 100K) : had problems with this for almost 2 years, went through a major overhaul of coolant system ($$$$) before the problem finally stopped.

Breaks squealing ($150K -current) - went in 3 times, replaced breaks, pads.. you name it.. the problem won't stop ($$$).

Amortizators (20K - 50K) - had to replace, covered by extended warranty.

Carpet wears off quickly.. poor quality.

General Comments:

In general it's a mid comfort, and basic car. It was pretty cheap to maintain until about 150,000 km. It has a 40 litre tank... lasts me for about 425 km of highway+ road driving. Haven't had any major issues (except for the ones mentioned above). Up until this year the only major expense I incurred was replaced 4 tires at 100,000 Km.

Not very comfortable inside, but very easy to drive and relatively small and easy to park.

BUYERS OF NEW FOCUS CARS BEWARE - VERY LOW RESALE VALUE.

I intend to run my car into the ground so I don't have that problem.

The only recall I had to take my car for was the latch on both rear passenger doors.

Faults:

Had to replace the tires, both axles, transmission, and the door locks malfunctioned. Too many others to mention. AVOID.

General Comments:

You are crazy if you buy this car. I spent almost the cost I paid for this on repairs. It is the worst car ever. I bought a 1994 Accord since then, put 200k on it with oil changes only. Never again Ford.. terrible car.

Faults:

Rear Wheel bearings, every piece of the brake system, A/C blower motor, 2 motor mounts, 4 wheels all bent, Popping the front right now, shudders wildly over 50mph.

General Comments:

Can't tell much about a car that spends more time in the garage than on the road. Love the looks,and that's all you get to do is look at it.

Faults:

-When I first bought the car it needed a new DPFE sensor, a very common problem in the Focus. $35 and 15 minutes is all it take to fix it.

-The interior hatch button doesn't work anymore, I think this was self-inflicted though.

-Besides regular maintenance, nothing else. This car has been good to me.

General Comments:

I love it. At first it was just another car, but it grew on me and I can't imagine being without it now. These cars handle very well as their chassis is built around a Rally car's. It is quick enough for me and the torque is great from this little 2.0. It is small enough to fit pretty much anywhere and has a great feel in the steering wheel. Stable, crisp, and precise. The bucket seats are supportive and fully adjustable to fit the biggest drivers. I am 6 feet tall and fit without a problem. Passengers in the backseat have mixed feelings. The one behind me hates it because I leave my seat moved far back and the one behind the passenger has enough room to fit comfortably.

It is a great little car. I would love to buy another one of these little cars, but not one of the newer ones. Ford seemed to have strayed away from the same formula they used on this car.

Faults:

Still running as the first time when I got it from the dealer.

General Comments:

The ford focus s. e 2001 is a good car, what many people says about breaking parts or malfunctions I have not experienced yet, but for the moment everything is running smoothly, just make sure the oil levels are OK (breaking fluid, motor oil, transmission oil, steering fluid etc) and change the hoses for new ones and I think you will be fine, just don't make changes that compromise the system, like car alarms or things like that, at least that's what I do and I have no problems. If you think that the car is a lemon, just think about other cars, they too have recalls from manufacturers, my brother have a (toyota 2006) and the car already have 5 recalls, nothing is done perfect... including cars.