2000 Ford Focus ZST review from North America

A real faint, however noticeable knocking noise. When I had it looked at at my dealership, I was instructed it was a 'Characteristic of the Vehicle'. I noticed the suspicious sound the day I purchased it, it only makes the noise when running, while parked on an incline. No 'ill effects' ever surfaced from it though.

The stock drum brakes started squealing after 62000 miles, had fixed for about $300.

Nothing but luck with my focus. I purchased it used for $6900 (!!!) and worked a few of the kinks out of it and it's run nearly perfect since.

I love my focus, if at all possible I want to put 300,000 miles on it and never let it go!

A word of caution to those who are wanting to purchase a focus, there are a lot of common problems that surface with this car. If you can change your own oil/filters and understand the importance of maintaining your car you can easily get 180,000 miles on your car with minimum investment.

As with all cars, the Focus does need maintained, with its tiny engine and high torque rating it is imperative that you maintain the car and fix tiny problems immediately. This is not a Honda, or a Toyota, you can't simply ignore a failing transmission because you are short on cash. In short, pay a little when its needed and save yourself the maladies so many on this website have experienced.