Faults:

Belt squeal on start-up that dealer calls "normal"

Sloppy shifts from auto transmission.

Radio has needed to be replaced three times (single-CD player)

Poor gas mileage for a car of its size/mission (24/26)

Poor panel fits; driver's door rubs front fender when opened.

Very poor resale value.

General Comments:

The car rides very well for its size, and is very comfortable.

However, it is obvious that the Focus was built to a budget, and Ford tries to squeeze every cent it can out of this somewhat flawed design.

I love my car, and this is good as I have to put up with it for at least one more year. I will then likely trade out of the Ford product line.

Faults:

Brake rotors resurfaced at 6,500 miles at dealership's cost.

Paint chipping/peeling on hood and bumper (under a LeBra cover), rear hatch, and driver's side door. Dealership would not repair, claiming damage was caused by stray rocks, and that even if they were to admit it was a defect, they don't have a paint shop to do the work anyway.

Rotors needed replaced at 17900 (brake pads were okay though???) and the dealer would not repair, even though it is a well known Focus problem, in which there is a class action suit being filed.

General Comments:

The car was wonderful to drive, but the brake and paint issues were ridiculous, and for 12,500$ I expected better. It was my first new car, and I didn't have the money to pour 200$+ per month into a car and 100$+ for insurance, and then pay for unwarranted repairs too.

I figure if the pads were okay, why would the rotors fail?

The paint was peeling badly enough that by the time I had paid it off, the car would have been silver instead of white.

If you buy one of these cars, I'm sure it'll do you well as long as you're ready to replace rotors and pay for paint work.

As for me, I traded it in on a Saturn ION for my wife to drive and I drive her old car (1993 Saturn SL2), which seems to be holding up better than the Focus was.

Faults:

My brake system has failed to stop me and there is a grinding noise when I turn the wheel.

General Comments:

After doing research, I am concerned that this will continue to be an issue.

Faults:

This car is crap with a lot of problems!!! Horrible condition!!!!

General Comments:

I had Ford Focus 2000, 2003, and then 2002. The dealership and repair lied to me, they kept telling me that there was nothing wrong with the cars. I never believed them because I received many different problems. The brakes ARE VERY BAD!! I almost crashed into the guy because the brake refused to stop on time. The heat and AC are awful!!! I almost passed out while driving because of the heat. I took my car to the shop many times and complained the same problems and the repair didn't even listen or believe me at all. None of my friends felt safe to be in Ford Focus car at all. I got fed up and decided to trade for Nissan Sentra 2002 and I have been happy with it since then. I suggest you not to buy a Ford Focus car ever!!!