Faults:

I had a accident with included spinning the car, and hopping a curb ending up on the lawn of an office building. This was due to the left drive axle and left cv boot snapping out of place while turning a corner. Once I hit the curb, major body damage, as well as mechanical damage was done. This ended up costing me $3000.00.

Also likes to oversteer(rear wheels lose grip and push the back end of the car out) at the limit.

Brakes are strong, but do not last long. Also they create a lot of dust on the front wheels. Plus, after putting about 1000kms on them, they squeak like no tomorrow!

General Comments:

Before the accident I loved the car.

It has amazing grip with the 205/55R16 tires.

The suspension is very tight and sporty, yet still floats when cruising.

It's overall styling inside and outside are very eye catching.

Good value for the money.

Needs a touch more low-end torque.

Front suspension is great for carving into hard turns

Faults:

Replaced brakes and rotors after 20,000 miles.

Replaced alternator after 40,000 miles.

Replaced ignition key cylinder after 60,000 miles.

Rear hubcap fell off and was replaced 5 times first 5,000 miles. Dealership refused to replaced the wheel, so I have no hubcap on this wheel.

General Comments:

Car has always made a squeaking noise.

Windshield wipers need replacement after only a month.

Faults:

The paint on engine hood is fading at 50000 miles. Other body panels are holding color better. The car is driven in Las Vegas and is parked outside in the sun. For some reason, likely engine heat, is causing the hood to slowly discolor / fade.

The radio has a loose connection at the security device which causes it to crap out when I hit a pre program button.

The hatch release button inside the car does not work at 50000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought this car used and put almost 10000 miles on it in five months. So far, so good.

The vehicle handles very well.

Low insurance premium. My insurance dropped by about 25 percent when I bought this car.

The manual trans is very smooth shifting and easy to drive.

The car truly feels the road. Not a good car if you want a smooth ride. This car responds to every little bump in the road.

The manual trans gets great gas mileage, however my old honda (automatic) got better.

The interior is nice for such a cheap car. It was thoughtfully put together.

The disc brakes make a lot of noise. I have been told this is normal.

The hatchback fits into any parking space and stores loads of weird shaped boxes and items. Great for cargo.

Faults:

Stock "performence" tires were way to loud for our taste, we changes them out and have had no problems since.

General Comments:

Just turned 100,000 miles with absolutely NO major problems what so ever. I have changed oil every 3000 miles religiously and that's it.

My wife's car, she loves it...it's a bit small for me at 6'1" but I manage. Have taken this car on many cross country trips with no problems.

I'd buy another one in a heart beat without hesitation.

I'll also tell to that my father in law has a 2000 focus as well, no reported problems, basic maintenance and he is running over 150,000 miles right now.