Faults:

About 500 miles after picking up my car, the engine cooling fan started running constantly, and the temp. gauge hit the top. The dealer initially suspected a faulty sender unit, but it turned out to be a blown core plug, of all things, and the engine management system was defaulting to 'safe' mode. It was somewhat disconcerting to see my nice car's engine in bits after such a short time of ownership, but it seems O.K. now.

There is a slight creaking noise from the rear end when I go over speed humps, the dealer says it's the suspension 'and they all do that'...really!

Radio reception is poor, medium wave especially; I should check out the aerial connection.

General Comments:

Although they are everywhere, the Focus is an attractive choice, especially in 3 door format. It performs and handles brilliantly, is quite well fitted, and I'm sure will prove reliable, despite the initial glitch. I'm achieving 37 M.P.G. in my auto.

I don't like the seats, and end up with backache after a long drive.

Only one remote locking key is supplied, and apparently spares are impossible to get. A spare non-remote key will set you back £18.

One of Britain's top-selling cars justifies the hype: it's good, very good, but there's a new Astra, and a new Golf, and they may be even better...

Faults:

Fan belt continues to make a squeak noise after repeatedly bringing it to Ford.

Each time after foot is released from brake, it makes a squeak, as Ford said nothing is wrong with the brakes.

Inside light switch fell off and after asking Ford to fix it, service has not been done.

Recall on gas pump, however, Ford did not check the recall on my car after I had told them about engine hesitation which continues to occur.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car, however, there have been countless problems which Ford will not fix, even though that had said they would.

Focus is a very comfortable, roomy car and is excellent to have as a teenager to drive friends around.

Great summer car.

At times, Focus seems to have great gas mileage.

Faults:

My rack & pinion steering had to be replaced at 25,000 miles.

The fuel pump went bad 32,000 miles.

The 50,000 mile tires Ford put on the vehicle needed replaced at 33,000 miles.

The alternator went bad at 33,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car has been nothing, but trouble since I purchased it.

I wanted a reliable car because I was going back to school and would not be working. Although Ford has been good about replacing the parts under warranty, I do not like to be stranded when something goes wrong with the car.

Faults:

Battery cable severely blistered and need replacement.

Excessive brake dust on front wheels.

Rear drums make strange noises.

Idle is a bit erratic when car is in neutral or parked - could be problem with fuel pump or possibly MAF sensor.

Car chokes and shuts off when making hard right turns up hills on 1/4 tank of gas.

Automatic shifting is not very smooth.

General Comments:

Great handling, very nimble.

Good gas mileage.

Nice clean look and design of interior and exterior.

Build quality is somewhat better than most.