2000 Ford Focus LX from North America

Summary:

Not worth it. Too many problems

Faults:

This car has had a ton of recalls.

Had problems with breaks, spark plugs, and other things I don't even understand.

General Comments:

Appreciative they recall the car for free repairs.

Annoyed at the other problems the car has had which seems to lead to other problems immediately they are fixed by the dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

2000 Ford Focus ZX3 Zetech from North America

Summary:

Due to the cost of repairs and upkeep, this car is not for the financially fragile

Faults:

Numerous recalls.

Ignition replaced after key stuck in it and would not turn.

Driver's side visor has fallen off repeatedly despite tightening the screws regularly.

Starter replaced at 27,900 miles.

Battery replaced at 28,000 miles.

Rear left tire blew and was replaced at approximately 19,000 miles.

Front left tire blew and was replaced at approximately 27,000 miles.

Air flow control does not reliable function at level 3 or four.

Trunk does not consistently latch the first time it's closed.

Fuel reader in dash had to be replaced at approximately 17,000 miles because it always read empty.

Car is often slow to start.

Front brakes make a very unusual noise, although repairmen can find nothing wrong with them.

Radio display does not function properly in warm/hot temperatures.

General Comments:

The car is sporty looking and attractive.

The car is comfortable to ride in and the seats are very adjustable.

The interior is nice looking for a fairly inexpensive car.

The car is fun to drive when running properly and handles well, although it is slow to accelerate from a stop.

Due to all of the safety recalls and problems I have had, I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.

The car is inexpensive enough that the payments are manageable and the mileage per gallon is excellent, however this is overshadowed by the enormous amount of money it takes to keep the car running smoothly and safely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

23rd Jul 2006, 22:28

I have had many of the same issues with my 2000 Focus ZX3:

Car broke down on me around 70,000 miles. Replaced the alternator & Battery.

Car broke down on the high way around 80,000 miles because of a bad fuel pump (this was a recall, but Ford refused to fix it until I actually broke down and had to pay $500 in towing fees to get it fixed).

Air flow dial broke and would only operate on level 4.

Engine fan broke causing the engine to overheat in 90 degree weather leaving me stuck in gridlock traffic on the Tappanzee Bridge in NY.

Left rear tire had a busted belt causing uneven wear of the tire, which needed replacing.

Trunk fails to latch properly the first time.

Currently my starter is going bad and will need replacing in the near future.

This car is unreliable and I do not trust it at all. I drive this car as gently as possible and do all routing checkups so there is really no reason for it to be breaking so much. Seems to me Ford uses very cheap parts to build these cars.

10th Apr 2010, 21:34

These sound like problems I have had with many of my Toyota cars. I really don't consider any of them to be major problems, like an engine seize up or transmission failure. You can expect these problems with any car with over 80000 miles on it.

2000 Ford Focus ZTS from North America

Summary:

I Love It

Faults:

Nothing so far everything it's extremely good love the car couldn't choose a better car a real gas saver.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2003

28th Oct 2004, 07:53

I bought a 2000 SE A couple days ago. I love it. Manual Its fun and easy to drive handles really well. I want to drive it all day. I would if Gas was cheaper.

20th Apr 2006, 15:06

I bought a ford focus ZTS, in October of 2005, and the car has been very dependable, and just great. It handles very well, and is a nice looking car. I had to replace the starter in the car, a few months after, but I think it was because it is a 2000 model, and was getting worn out. I would recommend this car to anyone!!!

21st Apr 2006, 08:36

Lucky you.

Had a 2000 ZTS that had 20 recalls and was in the shop 10 times. Endless, endless problems.

Worst car I've ever been associated with.