2001 Ford Focus SE Sport review from North America

Front brakes replaced at 12500 miles at dealership.

Front brakes replaced at 26000 miles at tire shop, no problems since.

Water leak at right cowl.

Electric lock switch not connected, corrected under warranty.

Left front window squeaks against seals.

Valve cover gasket leaking at 61000 miles.

A/C lost charge at 70000 miles.

Coil pack replaced 3 times under warranty.

Right rear lamps replaced 4 times.

Dealer replaced wheel bearings under warranty at 15000 miles, returned car dirty and with body damage.

Other dealer's collision repair shop difficult to deal with, returned car with many defects.

Exhaust leaking at manifold at 80000 miles.

Both dealerships difficult to deal with, both now out of business.

Rear seat belts are tight, Driver's seat belt is falling apart, needs replacing.

I have mixed feelings about this car. I love its acceleration, handling, styling, comfort and safety. The fuel economy is 26 mpg, less than the 34 mpg advertised.

This car replaced a 1986 VW GTI with 300000 relatively trouble-free miles, but still drove and handled great. Apart from many electrical gremlins the last year of ownership, it was by far the best car I have ever owned. I was hoping to repeat that experience with this Focus.

I am very pleased with how the car performed in a rear end collision. The car suffered $4500 damage, but I walked away with a minor headache. A similar, earlier accident in another car had me in physical therapy for months.

The most frustrating part of owning this Ford has been dealing with the dealerships and Ford's Customer Care. The dealers had poor customer service and quality control. (Both dealerships are now out of business.) Ford has been less than stellar dealing with my complaints.

The last 15000 miles or so have been trouble free, save for the exhaust leak. I'm surprised that the clutch has lasted this long and still feels very similar to when new. The interior has held up very well and the driver's seat is still supportive despite my large/heavy frame.

I'm happy that the power accessories and radio/CD player have not failed. The remote lock device is wearing out tho. The car has never failed to start, save for the very cold Christmas Eve when the original 60 month battery failed at 72 months.

All in all, I like this car very much, I only wish that I, and many others, had had a better experience with the brakes.

I'm disappointed with the other defects and the poor dealer experience. For these reasons, its doubtful that I would buy another Ford.