Faults:

Back doors wouldn't shut at 100k ($500).

Alternator at 100k ($600).

Timing belt at 100k ($400).

Stock stereo went out ($300).

Driver's seat wore out at 100k (still not fixed.. looking at $800).

Back window regulators at 105k ($400).

Overheating at 110k. Was told it was a thermostat ($150).

At 115k, all of my headlights went out; a relay ($250).

Goes through tires and brakes like no one's business (sets of tires are $600, since they are 205/50 R16).

Ignition switch (key stuck in ignition) at 120k ($350).

Ignition coil pack at 128k ($275).

At 140k miles, the timing belt yet again (it shredded) ($800).

Water pump was leaking at the same time; replaced.

At 142k, had to replace both front shocks (coil springs broke) ($400).

143k, coolant fans went out.. had to replace both fans as well as relays ($500).

144k, motor mount and replaced the radiator coolant tank ($350).

148k, replaced all four tires yet again ($695).

148k, brake job all around ($450).

152k, transmission lost PARK, and it doesn't want to shift. Was told we have to do a transmission rebuild.. or a new unit. Rebuild is $1800 or a new one is $2500!!! SO DONE WITH THIS CAR!!!

Oh, and I need new back shocks, which are another $400..

General Comments:

The Focus handles well... but either you can get one with a bad motor or one with a bad transmission.. Avoid 2000-2005 models :( Finding out a lot about recalls.. magically I have the same issues as the recalls, but that my car is not included on them.. and finding out a lot about "silent recalls".. recalls that Ford will fix only if you complained about the issue before your warranty went out, then it's a BIG F U from the blue oval.

The car handles well in dry conditions.. see a raindrop or snowflake.. go ahead and park it.. the car will be all over the place..

Gas mileage is all over the place.. I can get 30 MPG one day, and the next day on the same route, I can get as little at 18-20 MPG.. and with this small gas tank, that is a big hit.

I have leather seats and a great sound system (speakers at least), but somehow Ford skipped the option of ABS!!!

Every time I save enough money to get back into school.. somehow my car finds its way back into my pocket.. The sad thing is I can't even get this clunker away :( This car has screwed over any chance of getting back into school.. THANK YOU FORD!!!

Faults:

Replaced front and rear brakes completely. Front rotors warped again since.

At 115k, the horn stopped working.

At 120k, the interior lights stopped working. Replaced bulbs, but still did not work.

At 130k, the right front blinker stopped working (not bulb).

At 130k, the passenger door handle stopped working from the outside of the door.

At 140k, one of the front springs cracked and had to replace both.

At 145k, replaced drive belt and tensioner.

At 160k, rear muffler pipe rusted through.

At 160k, failed first emissions test, and barely passed after changing air filter, plugs, oil and fuel line cleaner.

At 175k, the radiator pump housing blew.

At 180k, the rear wheel bearings had to be replaced.

At 188k, the cat converter clogged up and blew exhaust manifold gasket.

General Comments:

This thing is a lemon. I could have bought a very nice car with the money I spent on this. Don't think I'll risk buying a Ford again.

Gas isn't too bad.

Handles pretty good.

Not a very quick car though.