Perfect in (nearly) every way!
A very comfortable, economical and reliable car.
I have done 53000 miles so far. Apart from the cost of Diesel and tax, I have only paid for four basic services (and two new tyres at 38000 miles).
Been driving cars for nearly forty years. This is the best car I have ever had.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th October, 2006
Practical, enjoyable, but slightly noisy
No faults.
After 12 months of Focus (mark 1) ownership I conclude that the press comments that the Focus is a great drive are justified. To drive the Focus is in a different league from the Bora I previously owned. Its very agile, steering feel is great, and that doesn't just translate into fun on country routes either, though it is great on a B road. It also makes the car feel stable in bad weather conditions at motorway speeds. The interior may lack the wow factor of more modern rivals (was improved significantly for mark 2) but it is well laid out and comfortable. The ride comfort is slightly firm at low speeds, but very comfortable on A roads and motorways. The practicality of the cabin is impressive. I've never failed to get anything in the car, and 5 people can fit in comfortably.
There is only one side to Focus ownership and its noise. The engine isn't too bad (a bit vocal at high revs), and wind noise is good. The problem is tyre roar on poor surfaces (quiet on smooth ones). It drowns out people and the stereo, and isn't that much worse at 70 than 40, a problem at all speeds. A pity as its the only thing spoiling the enjoyment of the car. No one else mentions the problem. Please comment if you've experienced it.
Otherwise a very good buy for the price paid (£8495 new!)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th May, 2006
Hi, would you be able to let us know what brands of tyre were fitted to reduce the road noise?
This is a common trait with the Focus (both MK1 and 2), so I'm sure a lot of people may be interested to know how to quieten their car down.
I drive a Focus at work, and it does seem to suffer from this, even at 30-40mph.
I switched from noisy Pirelli P6 (rear tyres were cupped) to Michelin energy savers. Huge difference: the car is now quiet and comfortable to drive.
Good family hatchback that handles very well
Only thing so far is there are 2 rattles coming from the rear of the car.
One is the rear seat mount. The other is the rear hatch.
I had to think very long and hard before buying another Ford POS.
The last Escort I owned was brand new and was rusty on delivery.
Twelve months later Ford were still refusing to fix it and never did.
Against my better judgment I bought a Focus, mainly due to price.
So, did I do the right thing or get ripped off again.
Well, so far so good, apart from rattles, this is a good all round family hatch.
The 1.8 engine just gives that little bit more power than the 1.6 with similar MPG.
It handles very well with a good set of brakes.
The seats are not that comfortable.
They could be better with adjustable lumbar support as standard.
The heated front screen is great in the winter, clears frost in seconds.
I think after 3 months ownership I made reasonable choice.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th April, 2005
The rattles in the back are because the rear end is not lined up properly. I have 51k on mine and have gone through 3 sets of rear tires, it started with rattles coming from the back. It could have been avoided if I would have known they rigged the car straight out of the factory.
Go back to the dealership and ask them to look up the correct alignment specks on the rear end. Don't let them try to sell you struts either because that is not the real problem. If they are anything like the dealership I bought mine from, they will try. Goodluck.
OH Yeah, get 2 thin pillows, foam works the best, and seat covers, slide the seat cover over the pillows placed on the back of the seat. That will cure the numbness in your elbow and the pain in the middle of the back. ;)
15th Apr 2011, 02:44
I also had very high tyre noise. I changed the tires to another brand, and the car is completely different. I must agree though that the road noise even with the better tyres is still louder than many other cars I have driven. Still, I am happy with the result.