2010 Ford Focus Sport 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Dependable, simple car

Faults:

Clutch, ABS, exhaust, brakes, belt + water-pump, etc.

Apparently this model is prone to rust, but at 13 years old mine does not have a mark on it, but I do keep it clean and garaged.

General Comments:

I have had this rather basic Ford Focus a while now, it is nothing special but it has been reliable and cheap to run.

1.6 petrol has plodding performance, but does anything between 36 - 41 mpg and the tax is a bit expensive, but insurance is reasonable. Service and repair costs have also been OK.

Mine is the 5 door hatch. Last of the older shape face-lifted 2nd generation 2010 cars before the update in 2011 (this one is best looking in my opinion). "Sport" model is good looking in white with alloy wheels. Inside the seats are very comfortable and the ride is refined. Handling is great, gear-change is smooth. Plenty of electrics.

They are still a bit expensive to buy used, but are a better to drive and more reliable car than the Vauxhall Astra and similar rival cars in my opinion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2023

2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

Springs, shocks, wheel bearing, exhaust.

Belts + oil changes, the car is looked after well.

Slightly rusty at the arches, but nothing really bad.

A/C not working.

General Comments:

Good looking car, black 2010 Focus. Five spoke alloy wheels.

Zetec model is a common middle of the road spec, electrics and all the usual refinements.

Comfy seats, nice interior if a bit plasticy.

1.8 petrol is the best all round engine - good performance and 35 - 40 mpg.

Just a good overall car, cannot fault it in anyway. Getting older now, but I hope to keep this as long as possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2023

2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Generic text book example of a car

Faults:

Wheel bearings, springs front and back, exhaust back box.

Radio fades in and out, probably aerial damaged/giving up, not bothered as I always have a CD on.

Engine a little noisier now but no problems, gearbox is also solid. I did every oil change on time and belt change/inspection.

Cosmetically, no major rust apart from a small blister on the wing. Bonnet is slightly faded. Alloy wheels looking rough, need a professional refurbishment.

Only broke down once due to a flat battery that I should have replaced as it was the original and getting very old, so my fault.

General Comments:

This 2010 Focus has been my main transport for seven years. I like the car but my original thought when buying it was it was nothing more than basic transport. To be fair it has been just that and done its job without too much hassle; it is a very easy car to live with.

The dark blue metallic paint with the alloy wheels looks very sharp, and the car has good looks for a run of the mill car. I reckon if it had been less common, people would noticed more how good this car looks. One of the best generation of Focus's looks wise in my opinion.

Inside the dash looks weird. The top half looks like a spaceship, the bottom looks like it is from the 1990's. It's like two generations of dashboard in one. Very dull and grey. Zetec model has lots of equipment and is very comfortable though.

Not a car to drive for the fun of it, but the 1.6 petrol has good acceleration and economy. You can expect around 40 miles per gallon on average. I've heard the diesel versions do in excess of 50 miles per gallon, which is wonderful but apparently they are expensive to fix and not quite as reliable as a petrol engine in this car. Gear change is smooth and the car handles very nicely.

Really hard to say anymore about it. I've had lots of cars, going back to the 1980's, which also included an Escort. Of course this Focus is light years ahead of that. But is just such a dull modern car with no character. Easy to live with, and the above problems were mostly wear and tear expected of the mileage on any car. Highly recommended if you want hassle free motoring and cheap repairs; do not expect anything exciting unless you go for the faster versions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2021

16th Jul 2021, 19:20

A Vauxhall Astra from the same time period is similar. Dull cars, but reliable if looked after. All cars in the family hatchback segment are the same nowadays.

13th Dec 2021, 17:46

Agreed, the Focus is a fine car, but they are all the same nowadays, certainly cars in the family hatchback segment. As long as you find a good looked after one buying used, it is hard to go wrong.