2000 Ford Focus Zetec 2.0L from North America

Summary:

Very good for a $15k car, 105000 miles and almost no problems

Faults:

The only problems we had was a back right wheel bearing and a window motor.

Both of those were covered under the warranty.

Other than that it has not had a single problem, all the recall fixes have been done even though there was not a problem.

General Comments:

Very reliable car. 105,000 miles and only two problems to speak of.

Gas mileage is decent, but for this size of car and engine it should be better than 26-27mpg on the every day commute. At least it gets 30 on the highway.

Handling and performance are good, especially for a $15k sedan with a 2.0L. I wouldn't say it handle like it is on rails, but it definitely will hold its own on the corners compared to similar cars.

The interior is nothing special, the leather is nice but nothing really stands out except the space it has inside. The rear seats are even comfortable for me to sit in so long as there is not a very tall person sitting in front of me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2008

2000 Ford Focus Ambient 1.4 from Portugal

Summary:

Best in its Class!

Faults:

Minor electric lamps only.

General Comments:

Competent and pleasent car to drive and own.

You feel good driving it. It offers excellent value for money, has a neat and modern design pleasant to look at, fine road holding, easy and fun to drive, superior all round quality and its 1.4 Zetec engine is a real gem even at low revs. Dashboard is simple and modern. All Instruments easy to read.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2008

2000 Ford Focus SE from North America

Summary:

I've learned that all Fords are junk

Faults:

At 90,000 miles my thermostat went out.

Roof leaks.

Seat belts don't stay up.

Idles funny.

Antenna breaks off easily.

Not very good on gas.

General Comments:

Ever since I got this car in December 07 (now is April 08), I've had nothing but problem after problem. Maybe it's just the dealership I got it at, but I'm not happy with this car at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th April, 2008

19th Jun 2012, 17:19

I have a 1998 Ford Escort has been through 7 owners, has had basic maintenance, and has 150K on it, and it's been a great car to me. So not all Fords are junk.

I have never owned a Focus. I have heard mixed reviews on them, and don't think I would buy one, but I am pretty fond of the Escort, and the Mustang and the Thunderbird, which are 2 other Ford's I've owned.

2000 Ford Focus SE 2.0L from North America

Summary:

Generous amounts of recalls and repairs, but a good car nonetheless

Faults:

In chronological order...

1) Thermostat- I think it was $300 to fix.

2) Misfire in second cylinder- covered under warranty.

3) First recall.

4) ABS light came on, mechanic at Ford said it was the sensor not the brakes. $700 to fix! No thanks I'll put electrical tape over it.

5) Second recall.

6) Timing belt and Valves went in the middle of Friday afternoon rush traffic... $1200 to fix? Got a second opinion and a cheaper price, realized that it might be covered under my warranty, yelled and screamed at the dealership and got it covered under the warranty.

7) Third recall.

8) Brakes (lines, sensors the whole nine) $600.

9) Vacuum hose. $60.

10) Emergency Brake seized.

11) Redo on the crappy brake job done a month ago.

12) A recall that I had to pay money for! I don't remember what the recall was for, it was something underneath the car and I ended up having to pay Ford for the alignment that they had to do.

13) New Battery.

OK. So those were the major fixes. On top of those there were some lingering problems that we had to deal with. Countless recalls, so annoying. Ever since the first recall on the back doors, they have been squeaky and stiff; no amount of Jig-a-Loo will help. There is some kind of issue with the battery and the electrodes. There is this huge corrosion build up. If you don't sand it off often it will push the clamps right off the battery and good-bye power. The key keeps sticking in the ignition and we have to leave the key in the car overnight because we absolutely can't get it out. This is a very recent problem that we have noticed. It only happens every once in a while.

General Comments:

Even with all those issues this car is still my baby. It handles well, corners great. I actually really love the steering. It has great pick up, holds speed well and passes quickly. Good on gas. The Focus is very comfortable. I think it could use some lumbar support but I love just sitting in it.

The cup holders are a joke. You can't fit any extra large drinks or anything with a handle. The large cups always sit sideways and spill over the sides. Oh, and in my back seat that has three seat belts there is one cup holder! Who was sleeping during that meeting?

A lot of trunk space! This is great for us because we travel a lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2008