Faults:

The main reason for buying this car was it is suppose to get really good gas mileage. My previous car was a '99 Chevy Blazer. I mostly worked. Engine and tires and all were OK on it and I only owed 7 more payments. I got this '05 Focus because it was advertised at 30mpg. Around town I get about 17, on the highway I get 24. That is after the dealer reprogrammed the computer. Other than the fuel economy, I can't complain other than than the cup holder on the console is the way of my knee and the center hump intrudes a little into the drivers foot area. The next time I take the car to the dealer, I will explain that the mileage is still poor. If they can't fix it, I think I will buy Japanese.

General Comments:

The power for the car is OK. I would like more myself, but then it can be a 1000hp and I will would want more. Handling is OK. The stock tires are very noisy.

Faults:

From the time I brought the car I have mentioned about the lighter, that when it pops out the lighter pops right out of the lighter compartment and goes under the seat hot, I would say this is a very potential fire danger.

Faults:

Engine/Electrical Problems:

500 KM on the car, engine shuts off in motion.

Dealer could not duplicate, computer did not record therefore didn't happen.

1000 KM on the car, engine shut off in motion on highway, came inches from hitting a pole.

Dealer could not duplicate, computer did not record therefore didn't happen.

2200 KM on the car, engine shut off in motion going around a corner, nearly rear-ended someone.

Complained heavily to dealership, they reprogrammed CPU in car.

10,000 KM on the car, hey no problems so far, car shut off in motion on highway 7 times on way to dealership. Previous work done was repeated with the reprogramming.

20,000 KM on the car, dealership had my car for 4 weeks, tested, found problem while running car on dyno for nearly 12 hours. CPU randomly decides the car should be off, no technical or reasonable explanation offered by mechanic or Ford for the issue, CPU Replaced. No problems yet, but I'm sure they'll be back.

Other issues:

Trunk Leaks, cannot find where it leaks from yet though.

Suspension pretty much blew out at 20,000 KM.

Transmission clunks into gears.

Clutch pressure seems to randomly come and go.

General Comments:

It was a fun drive until the engine issues starts, so the first 450km or so where pretty good. After that its been downhill. Now you may think I beat the hell out of this car, but in actuallity we use my wifes car for most everything as we're afraid of driving this car long distances.

The farthest I have driven it is work and back+ around the city. Most driving is light as its not a sports car, but I have to say the interior is nice. The pick up and go isn't bad on the engine when its running, and overall I'd say the car is semi-OK, the quality of the product is horrible and the manufacturer is even worse in support.