Faults:

Well, when I purchased the car about two weeks after owning it, the DPFE Sensor went bad and was in the shop, but Ford paid for the work since I had the car such a short time.

The engine clicks at low speeds and Ford can't find a source of the noise.

The front suspension has been clicking and groaning and creaking for quite sometime, the CD player has recently gone bad, the power door locks and interior lights only work once and awhile. My thermostat has gone bad, and my check engine light comes up for it. Its seriously bad on gas. I thought for such a small engine it would be good on gas, but I was wrong.

General Comments:

The car has good pick up off the line and at highway speeds, it handles really good, I love the way it drives.

The seats are really comfortable, I really like them. The stereo sounds really good, when the CD player works that is. The trunk is huge for such a small car, I can fit a lot of stuff in it.

It's a good looking car, I like the way the headlights come up on the hood, looks sweet.

Faults:

Gas mileage from day one and the handling is'nt as good as when I bought it.

General Comments:

It's cute.

Faults:

Transaxle ate gears at 20k, 30k, and 55k

Developed massive oil leak at 55k

Brakes don't last long (pads and rotors every 15-20k)

Ignition Lock failed at 59k (expensive repair)

Tires wear quickly (20k-30k is optimistic)

Car won't keep an alignment

Wheel bearings are failing (nasty grinding noise)

General Comments:

When it is working properly, the focus is a wonderful, wonderful car. Unfortunately, keeping this consistent is a costly proposition. It's a great city car, but isn't something you'd want to drive in for more than 3 or 4 hours. Despite claims that the bugs had been worked out of the 2002 focus, they appear to be unfounded. I purchased the car preowned in 2004, a Ford Certified Preowned car. Given the arrogant attitude received from Ford Motor Company regarding the car, and it's less than stellar track record, I can safely say that my next car will be a Honda of some variety.

Faults:

I noticed after receiving the car that the sun roof wind deflector had a broken finger that allowed it to vibrate and make a lot of sound. It was replaced under warranty.

One rear wheel bearing was replaced at 56000 km after causing noise. It was covered by the warranty.

At 59000 km some rust appeared under the chrome trim on the hatchback. It was covered under warranty. I think it may be a known problem with the Focus because the dealer reinstalled the trim with some foam strips underneath to stop rubbing.

At 65000 km the turn signals stopped returning automatically. The dealer repaired the problem at no cost. There is a service bulletin about this problem.

I had problems starting the car in the winter of 2005, but the problem was just rust on some relay contacts.

General Comments:

I planned to buy an Acura EL (Honda Civic), but was intimidated by rude dealers and heavy price tags for high mileage cars. I just stopped at Ford to look at the Focus, but found one with luxury level equipment, but in warranty at a couple thousand less than older Acuras!

I find that the Focus handles and rides better than the 2001-2005 Civic. In fact, the Focus would out handle my '95 del Sol, which is supposed to be a sports car. Despite the great handling, the suspension is supple enough to deliver a smooth ride worthy of a larger car.

The engine produces great torque, perfect for the stop and go of Montreal traffic. However, it is slightly rougher than a Honda, and consumes much more gas.

There are occasional rattles in the interior. However, the fit and finish of mine is high.

I know that my list of things that have gone wrong with the car is long, but it has yet to leave me stranded. The problems are also made easier in that they were all covered by the dealer. Lastly, my dealer has been friendly and efficient.