2007 Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Disappointing, slow, dreary, unreliable model

Faults:

Kept going into limp mode; dealer never found out why, even after sensors and ECU change. Cut out for no reason intermittently, almost causing crashes.

General Comments:

Having a faultless '04 Focus 1.8 Zetec as my first car, my hopes were high for its '07 equivalent. Big surprise!

The engine was poor performing. Slow and sluggish. The gearbox was bad, noisy and regularly not wanting to go into gears. MPG was OK, 35 around town. 40-45 on a run. Handling left a lot to be desired. Not much feedback from the steering, poor road holding and surprisingly bad parking. Comfort level was OK, with average leg room. Boot size again average. Everything internally felt cheap.

Nothing but problems running wise. The car at times would just cut out, which is obviously extremely dangerous. Dealer couldn't find the issue, and in the end took it back as a part ex. This was the worst car I've ever owned. Maybe just fell on a really bad one, but it put me off Ford forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th March, 2018

23rd Apr 2018, 14:18

You definitely got a bad one, especially with the cutting out and so on. Sounds like it wasn't looked after. Anyway, the car itself should have been better or a slight improvement over the old model, with performance and handling at least matching the old one.

24th Apr 2018, 16:29

Please before you buy any car available, do your research. So many bad cars out there now... it's endless. Some are new and some are used. Use this format carsurvey.org and carcomplaints.com for information on the car you want. Viewing carcomplaints.com it says electric problems were the number one issue with the 2007 Focus, centering around problems with the alternators. But compared to the 2012 Focus... you got a good one. Also Consumer Reports just came out with their buying car guide in April. Everyone buying a car new or used should read that cover to cover before making a decision. But remember people that abuse their cars buy their recommended cars too, so to be safe take any used car to a good certified mechanic to weed out these abusers who think changing their car oil is for the weak.

In reply to 24th Apr 2018, 16:29

16th Sep 2019, 14:15

I must bring to your attention that: carcomplaints.com is an American Website for American Market made & Spec cars.

My late father was an importer of American cars for 23 years, and he would often say that American quality was poorer than European, and some British cars. Check reviews on American made Honda's and Toyota's in particular. Fit & finish (component's, paint & assembly) was always well below Japanese standards.

The same could be said for Ford, GM, & Chrysler; don't forget they almost went bust during Obama's Administration, hence his Cash-for-Clunkers programme. Many old but more reliable cars were destroyed in favour of current, but poorer quality 'New' cars.

Going back to carcomplaints.com, it confirms what I have said about USA built vehicles in general. You'll find that Euro & Japanese counterparts fare a lot better!

In reply to 16th Sep 2019, 14:15

17th Sep 2019, 09:10

I am glad you said “some” British cars. Which ones are great with maintenance? Then factor in parts cost vs a domestic equivalent.

2007 Ford Focus Zetec Climate 1.6

Summary:

It is what it is

Faults:

4 new tyres, £230.

Service, £100.

MOT, £25.

Wiper blades, £10.

Back brakes fixed under warranty.

Steering fluid pipe, £288.

Suspension coil, shock absorber, front bushes and suspension arm, £600.

General Comments:

Brought my Focus in January as I needed something that would cope with the motorway commute to work. I paid £2695 for a 1.6 Zetec spec with average mileage.

So far I've had to replace the tyres, which cost £230. In the first month the hand brake wasn't holding the car. So it got checked and the rear brakes were fixed under warranty. On a drive back from Devon, the steering felt heavy. I took the car to a garage and there was a leak coming from the steering fluid pipe, which cost £288 to fix. Recently got the car serviced and MOT'd in which it failed on the suspension.

I had to have new front brushes and a suspension coil and shock absorber on the back. The car gave the garage no end of trouble as some of the parts are Ford only and the bolts wouldn't come undone, which resulted in them being sheared off and the suspension arm being replaced. The car was in for repair for nearly a week whilst waiting on parts. Total cost for the work/repairs was £600.

The car itself is one of the nicest cars I've driven, if a little predictable. I'm averaging 40 MPG mostly doing a motorway commute to work of 30 miles each way. I find the Focus fairly comfy and I like the heated front windscreen. Though I do like the car, I'm left a little disappointed because of the amount of time it's been in for repair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd September, 2016