2002 Ford Focus Zetec review from UK and Ireland

Creaking front spring replaced under warranty at 22,000 miles.

Oil leak from driveshaft seal at 31,000 miles.

Bad interference on radio when wash/wipe is operated. Ford dealer tells me this is common to all Focus models and cannot be rectified.

Various build quality issues including rattles from the tailgate and B-pillars,

carpet coming away from the passenger footwell door trim, a tailgate that's a swine to latch securely and a broken heater temperature selector. The CD player also had to be replaced after the pop-off security panel became insecure and would turn the unit off over bumps.

Hasn't met my expectations to be brutally honest.

Handling and steering make the other cars I've driven in this class (including the new Golf) feel ponderous and wallowy. In this respect the car does not disappoint.

In every other respect however, my comments are largely negative. Namely:

1.8 engine feels nothing like as powerful as its claimed 115PS, and delivers poor economy. It will slurp its 55 litre tank down to reserve in less than 300 miles unless you're unrealistically gentle with it. Assuming 5 litres are remaining when the light comes on, that's high 20's MPG. My 1.8 16v 306 averaged 37 and was used identically.

Build quality issues listed previously and dealers who are the dictionary definition of indifferent make for a frustrating ownership experience. Getting anything other than a routine service done on your car is like pulling teeth. When you book the car in you get asked "Is there anything else you'd like us to look at sir?" but when you pick it up, they've either ignored it completely, or "can't find anything wrong". Infuriating.

The worst seats of any car I've ever owned. This is a crying shame for two reasons. First and foremost, because the basic driving position and dash layout is first class. And secondly because this is the first uncomfortable Ford I think I've ever driven. Sure, the seats are fine too on initial acquaintance, but after an hour, a numb bum, pins and needles in your hip/thigh area and upper shoulder stiffness set in.

Poor refinement, not so much from the engine, but from road noise.

Hopefully the new model due later in the year will rectify these problems, although I don't hold out much hope for the dealer service side.