Faults:

Some problems in the transmission. It cost me about $350. Nothing else.

General Comments:

Very good handling, probably the best handling car of its segment. It's superb now, after a modification.

The performance's only good (9.2 sec. 0-100km/h acceleration) A 2 liters engine could have been better (only 130 HP.) The transmission is something between sport and family car.

As comfortable as a compact car.. The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, having enough legroom even for a man 185 (6'1") tall.

The worst thing is, you don't see the ends of the car; severe problems with parking. also the mirrors are not good enough, yet you get used to it..

Faults:

I had to get my front brakes changed at 31,215 kms.

Driver's side window occasionally squeaks when going up or down.

General Comments:

I really like my car. It is stylish and handles well.

The car looks like a million bucks when it is cleaned and polished!

However the mileage I get on a tank of gas is lower than what I had expected.

My front brakes had to be replaced at 31,215 kms! I hope that there is a recall as I have heard and researched that this is common.

Faults:

Nothing really, had 2 factory recalls done early on, no other issues.

General Comments:

My ZX3 has the power/premium package, 5 speed, very well equipped right out of the box. No need to add expensive go-fast add-ons!

The car is a blast to drive. Very economical and because it's a hatchback plenty of utility.

Definitely a very under-rated ride.

GM, Honda, Toyota, etc. can't compete with the ZX3 when comparing purchase price, standard equipment and fun to drive factor.

Faults:

None yet.

General Comments:

The Focus is really what people have been saying it is: fantastic to drive!

Roomy cabin with loads of kit, Mine is the climate version which is very well equipped indeed.

Extremely quiet and well mannered.

Drives extremely quickly, its hard to stay at 30 mph!

It makes my previous V-reg Escort Finesse seem like an old hat, Focus beats its predecessor hands down in terms of ride and handling.

The gear change is so, so smooth, it's a joy just changing gear!

In comparison to my old Escort the build quality of the Focus is much improved, no more cheap plastic materials. real effort has been put in to silence critics.

If I could find one fault with the Ford Focus, it would have to be the dodginess of the tailgate, it has to be slammed very firmly to lock properly, but apart from that its easily Fords best made car.

One thing that still beats my imagination is how the Focus Zetec can be so quick and yet have such low insurance, its £200 cheaper than my Escort was in insurance (plus I'm a young male drover!).

I don't think I'll be changing the car for long time yet!

Faults:

It the first year was fantastic. It ran wonderfully. Other than routine care, all was well. Then the summer of 2003 happened.

In a matter of one month, I have four massive blow outs, the kind that the tire peels away from the rim. Maybe that may have been my fault, but they should have more than one donut for this car.

Then the battery died three times (ford issued and approved batteries), once in the middle of Atlanta traffic, in the morning commute.

The steering can't make up it's mind if it wants to be tight or loose.

The back passenger side window will not stay on track and I have to push the down button and then move the glass by hand.

The engine sounds like a diesel, despite the up keep on the oil change schedule.

Yesterday it stalled while idling in the parking lot for a minute. The check engine light came on. It went off upon restart.

Today, while I was on my way to work, it came on again and will not go off.

General Comments:

I used to be in love with my car, but now I wish I rode the bus. There are too many little and big things that cause me big grief.