2000 Ford Focus SE review from North America
"If you have a family, don't buy a Ford"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The transmission started slipping at 28 thousand miles. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer several times and it was always the same story. They found nothing wrong and if it did it again bring it back. The vehicle has around 55 thousand miles and it still occasionally slips to this day.
Also on long hot trips the engine loses power and has to be shut off for at least a half hour. After letting it set for the half hour it starts right up and goes like nothing was ever wrong. It has left my family literally on the side of the highway till it cools off. The dealer looked it over after it happened. Again they said they could find nothing wrong. A few thousand miles later the warranty ran out.
The radio buttons pop off for no reason other than poor workmanship. Rewind the tape and when it stops it time to look for the button.
General comments?
This car has really let me down and I will never buy another Ford product again.
The car has since lost value and trading it in is going to be a whole other story.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Fun, stylish, inexpensive car for any age! |
| The Ford Focus SE is a "dream car" that becomes a nightmare |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cly Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 55000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Villager |
| Date of Entry | 21st July, 2003 |