5th Aug 2004, 23:53

At around the same mileage as you my ZX3 would stall out after starting after a short trip, but it would start right up the second try. Ford couldn't find any problem and wouldn't fix it. Fortunately my car stopped the stalling a bit after.

My tires also wore out prematurely. the worst were replaced and am still trying to build the money to replace the other 2. Ford didn't tell me there was a problem until my suspension and tires were out of warranty. Typical.

I haven't had any problems with my windshield wipers, but I am having an uncomfortable slight "shuddering when nearly stopped"

Other than that. I love my car and will keep it, but it's scary driving in the middle of the night and come to a stop while the engine is acting like it's wanting to stall.

24th Nov 2004, 22:03

I’ve had some small, nagging issues with my 2001 Honda Civic EX Coup, which I purchased new…let me just say that here in Southern California you cannot necessarily count on dealers of Japanese brands to be more service-oriented than so-called American brands. They can be just as obstinate.

In retrospect, the next time I buy a new car, I’ll ask around about the dealer’s reputation for maintenance and warranty issues before I actually buy from them. After all, the purchase is a one-time experience, but regular maintenance makes for a very long-term relationship. It’s just like a marriage, so do the best you can to find out about their baggage before you walk down the aisle.

30th Dec 2004, 14:33

About the Focus problems. I've never had it stall out, but I have had the compressor fixed due to it leaking water on my floorboard. The exhaust had a leak and had to be fixed. All of this was just 4 months into ownership.

Since then the car has gone to the shop for more problems. I've had the transmission rebuilt and again it is slipping. My exhaust has another leak, the motor is going out on one of the windows. When you turn the windshield wipers off they just stop where ever they are. The gas tank door will not shut because the latch is broke. The question is: What hasn't gone wrong with the car?

1st Feb 2005, 20:45

I just got my focus 2 months ago. It was in the the shop in less than a week. The windshield was leaking and there was a problem with the bumper flapping in the wind. The dealership also took two months to get me the registration papers for my car which sucked. The brakes have been replaced two times and they continue to make screeching noises. I have to take it into the shop tomorrow to get the alignment fixed. I regret the day I walked into that ford dealership.

14th Dec 2005, 14:00

Have a 2003 100'th Anniversary Edition. I have had it to the shop twice because the backend recently started hopping to the side when I hit a bump or manhole cover. I replaced the tires at 29000 miles thinking that would help, but it didn't. I had it aligned and that made no difference. The service guys can't seem to find anything wrong with it. I bought the car with the intent of handing it over to my daughter in another year, but with the back end hopping around the way it does I won't be able to give it to her... too dangerous for a teenage driver.

19th Jan 2006, 18:21

I originally posted this review. Sorry to say things have not gotten any better with this piece of junk.

First of all, I must warn anyone who gets their oil changed, Be Careful!! A mechanic who changed my oil left his oil gun in the fill hole when he tried to start the car. In turn the camshaft hit the oil gun, and detonated the inside of the engine. It blew apart the spark plugs and destroyed 2 out of 4 pistons. It was taken to ford, and after looking at it, they determined it was not to be covered under warranty. The cost? $5500.00!! Finally the guy who changed the oil admitted that he left the oil gun in, and his insurance covered it. Just look for marks on the camshaft near the oil fill hole if you find yourself in this situation.

I'm on my third set of tires at 35,000 miles. My right wheel bearing heat seized itself to the CV joint. (that was very scary!!)

My driver door won't shut half the time. (the latch is screwed up, but they recalled the back latches?)

The trunk is rusting.

The right rear door panel is loose and I can't tighten it in any way. (It is rattling very loudly when the stereo is on)

So in general, I hope this piece of junk gets stolen or something else happens to it!

26th Feb 2006, 14:29

The above entry just proves that, as usual, there is no consistent quality in American cars.

Just scan this site and you'll see the same story regardless of American brand. Some people love their cars, but most hate them.

As for me, my friend had a 2000 Focus that had 20 recalls and was in the shop 10 times for a variety of problems including flooding (twice!) in the interior. He sold the car at a huge loss because no one wants this junk.

He, nor I, will ever buy American again.

26th Feb 2006, 19:51

Same thing with me, I had a 95 Ford contour with 18 recalls and that car was complete garbage. I haven't bough American cars since and I haven't had problems with any of the cars I bought since. If an American manufacturer ever makes a quality car, FORD has ruined it for them.

26th Feb 2006, 19:56

Yeah okay, now you've told everybody all over this site the same story about your buddy's old Ford that had 20 recalls five years ago. Maybe it's time to give it a rest. If you really believe that the entire American auto industry can be judged on one car from one person's experience, then your opinion is obviously of very limited value. Perhaps you would like to hear about my buddy who bought a brand new Honda only to have the transmission quit after 2,000 miles, and having it sit in the shop for the next six weeks.

2nd Jul 2006, 05:35

I bought a 2003 SE and have been very happy with it. I have had no mechanical problems. My only complaints are that it seems to go through tires too quickly and I wish (as I'm sure everyone else does) that it got better gas mileage. In fact, I'm considering purchasing a 2006 Focus.

20th Jul 2006, 15:39

I have had my focus for 2 years now. I purchased a factory pre-owned car (it was used by factory reps and factory serviced until 33K, when I bought it). It currently has 51K. I have been really impressed with this car. Since I did not buy it new, and have not experienced some of the problems mentioned above, I have only one small complaint, is that the trunk latch seems to have gone screwy. It will make 3 consecutive clicks, but will remain locked, unless the lid is lifted. Other than that, I love the car. I have also noticed the tire issue, but I just figured that my driving style is so chaotic, that I was destroying the tires myself. I would definitely recommend considering getting a factory owned car, my warranty goes until 75K, hard deal to beat.