2005 Ford Focus Base 2.0

Summary:

Hasn't left me stranded... yet

Faults:

Teansmission rebuilt with less than 50K.

Brakes in the rear squeal all the time no matter how many times they get fixed.

Axle replaced twice in the front

Left front hub assembly replaced 3 times in less than a year.

General Comments:

The list goes on and on with this car. I drive this car an average of 150 miles per night. The seats are very uncomfortable, poor traction in wet weather, and the drivers side headlight seems to turn itself off mysteriously. But if you tap it, then it comes back on. Bottom line... there is only one major problem with this car. F O R D.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2005

6th Dec 2005, 04:31

I have one question. Why did you buy it then?

2nd Jan 2006, 14:35

Your mysterious headlights problem happened on my Escort. All you need is a new light bulb (s). So don't blame that on the car, it's regular maintenance. Poor traction is likely associated with the tires.

14th Jan 2006, 23:44

Gee, you should expect some problems if you drive your car that much!

16th Jan 2006, 13:52

I did not have a choice on which vehicles my company bought, otherwise I wouldn't be in it. An update: The same vehicle has had its 5th front axle. I found that out last week after it went into the shop. If anyone is thinking about using one of these as a patrol vehicle, don't do it. Big mistake.

23rd May 2007, 15:14

May I suggest not to call it "my car" if it is "my employer's car". The actual drivers of company cars don't have a vested interest in taking care of the vehicles. I believe an owner would have found the reason why the axles need to be replaced that often. Maybe just taking it to a different mechanic would have done the trick.

None-the-less, I feel this review is valid, showing what went wrong with the unloved vehicle.

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 1.9L

Summary:

I hope I haven't paid extreme prices for a lemon flavoured Ford!

Faults:

Rubber Seals, such as around windows, as well as side mirrors, "bleed": streaks reappear almost immediately after washing.

Developing problem with "Squeaky Wheels"; obvious brake grinding: and this with such low mileage!!! Very disappointing!!!

General Comments:

What appeared at first to be a solid-running performer is starting to have serious problems with the brakes and / or wheels. The engine and transmission are superb, but the rest of the car is showing signs of shoddy workmanship!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2005

30th Nov 2005, 18:18

I agree, i just got one and I say if it runs and had a working heater,its the bomb.

30th Nov 2005, 19:09

Sometimes brakes can make a squeaking noise from dust buildup, and it isn't necessarily a sign that anything is wrong. My car does this sometimes, especially with light brake pressure like rolling up to a stop sign. Even though the disc brakes squeak a little, I can check the pad wear and they look brand new with no hint of grooving of the rotor. I have seen spray cans of a product called 'Brake Quiet' that you can spray on your rotors to suppress this dust and stop the squeaking.

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2005 Ford Focus ST 2.3

Summary:

A great alternative to overpriced, underpowered imports

Faults:

The only problem I have had so far is the rubber trim inside the passenger side door has come loose and is hanging. I tried to fix with epoxy... might work. If not, back to the dealer I go.

General Comments:

The Focus ST is a fantastic step above the normal focus. The 2.3 engine pulls strongly from 1500 rpm in any gear. It is not necessary to constantly shift to keep up with traffic but the transmission and clutch are incredibly smooth and easy to shift.

The car (with upgraded suspension and Pirelli tires) is a little stiffer over the bumps, but amazingly stable at 80mph on the freeway. I am having a hard time driving it cause it is so smooth and stable I find myself speeding a lot.

I will keep this site updated with any problems and general info. Good luck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2005

8th Sep 2005, 01:22

I found that the door seal was not a big deal. It just had to be put back on a rail that it runs on and gently pushed into place... good as new. I am not worried about the quality of the car at all. I have friend that have Hondas and Toyotas and they even had a few small glitches under 1000 miles. Plus, I have driven civics and they feel so tinny and cruising on the freeway the wheel shakes and vibrates at 75+ and the road noise is much worse. For the money I do not believe this car could be beat.

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