Faults:

The first year was actually pretty good. But after the car hit around 30 thousand miles we began having issues. The brakes have been replaced 2x, we're on our third set of tires, a new front bearing, and the car still shimmy's and shakes at highway speeds.

General Comments:

We were the happy owners of a Ford Tempo that was like the Duracell Bunny - the Focus hasn't been even comparable.

Faults:

Dealer discovered the scuttle cover was warped and needed replacing.

New scuttle cover over pollen filter fitted, and anti-bacterial spray treatment applied - the cost was over £44.00.

As the car is less than 2 years old I suggested it should come under a warranty replacement.

The dealer said I would have to take the issue up with ford.

This I did and the Ford customer service department stated they have no history of there being a problem with the Focus scuttle cover, and they would not honour any refund to me.

I said that I have the part that was removed and would be willing to sent it to them. They stated there was nobody Qualified to look at it in the customer care department.

My last car was also a Focus and it too had to have the scuttle replaced on the second years service.

This equate to 100% failure in under 2 years for each car to me. Do others have the same problem?

General Comments:

The car is running quite well - though I have difficulty selecting reverse gear sometimes. (It won't engage at first attempt).

The ABS and Traction control work well and have got me out of trouble on a greasy road this week.

It is turning out over 50MPG and has not used any oil.

It is a shame Ford is cutting corners with unreliable plastic covers that appear not to be re-usable.

I do not know if I would buy another Ford.

Faults:

A very comfortable, economical and reliable car.

I have done 53000 miles so far. Apart from the cost of Diesel and tax, I have only paid for four basic services (and two new tyres at 38000 miles).

General Comments:

Been driving cars for nearly forty years. This is the best car I have ever had.

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

After 12 months of Focus (mark 1) ownership I conclude that the press comments that the Focus is a great drive are justified. To drive the Focus is in a different league from the Bora I previously owned. Its very agile, steering feel is great, and that doesn't just translate into fun on country routes either, though it is great on a B road. It also makes the car feel stable in bad weather conditions at motorway speeds. The interior may lack the wow factor of more modern rivals (was improved significantly for mark 2) but it is well laid out and comfortable. The ride comfort is slightly firm at low speeds, but very comfortable on A roads and motorways. The practicality of the cabin is impressive. I've never failed to get anything in the car, and 5 people can fit in comfortably.

There is only one side to Focus ownership and its noise. The engine isn't too bad (a bit vocal at high revs), and wind noise is good. The problem is tyre roar on poor surfaces (quiet on smooth ones). It drowns out people and the stereo, and isn't that much worse at 70 than 40, a problem at all speeds. A pity as its the only thing spoiling the enjoyment of the car. No one else mentions the problem. Please comment if you've experienced it.

Otherwise a very good buy for the price paid (£8495 new!)