2005 Ford Focus ZX5

Summary:

Reliable, cheap to operate and good value for money

Faults:

Breif dripping sound coming from the engine when the A/C is on. Took it to the dealer and they said it was simply condensation dripping, no need to fix.

When it gets below zero it sometimes takes more than one try to start, but always will start.

No other problems noted.

General Comments:

Cheap on insurance, lease payments and gas.

Good value for money as it has lots of gadgets (love the heated seats) and can be peppy.

I've heard that it doesn't have a great track record after a few years, but that remains to be seen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2006

2005 Ford Focus ZX3 S 2.0 DOHC gass

Summary:

Very Satisfied

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This Car is quick, plus fun to drive and still gets 31 miles a gallon. I bought the base model, three door, five speed manual. I was looking for a dependable commuter, and so far it looks like I've found it. Drivers seat is a tad uncomfortable. Check for updates.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2006

1st Feb 2007, 22:55

I now have 21,000 miles on the car and have had no problems. It's peppy and fun to drive. I recommend it for a commuter.

22nd Apr 2009, 01:50

Another update: I have 47000 miles on it now and the only problem I've had is the reverse lights quit working. Ford fixed it.

2005 Ford Focus 2.3L

Summary:

Sporty, Fun, But Reliable?

Faults:

- From the dealership, the driver window was built to allow window to go down lower then normal. When window is down, door makes rattling sound. Extremely loud and noticeable. Dealer says it's in the design.

-About 10K, noticed the doors don't automatically lock anymore. And sunroof one touch button would close, then suddenly and automatically re-open the sunroof. Got it re-programmed.

- Small black plastic underneath door handle which accents the handles came loose, then fell off.

- Paint chipped at corner, fairly noticeable, by the rear side, where the added body kit is installed. (factory). Paint peels when pulled back.

General Comments:

The ST focus is a really nice sport car. It's unfortunate, that great quality isn't put into every part of the car like the Japanese automakers do. If you don't mind random buzzing, rattles and clicks here and there, and some parts that just don't seem right, then the overall package is fantastic.

Just about every drive-through I pull into I get compliments and people don't even know it's a focus.

The good things about the ST focus is the performance. at only a 151hp it is miles ahead of cars like the RSX, Scion tC and even the new eclipse. Base models of course. The looks don't leave much to be desired as everything is very well designed and put together.

My main complaint about the car, is the fit and finish and the quality of the materials used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th December, 2005

28th Dec 2005, 22:00

I totally agree. I have on 05 ST and could not have written this review better. The car handles well, shifts great (manual) and cruises 80 effortlessly. The gearing in this car is wonderful, I never downshift on the freeway. It is always in the power band. The 2.3 is a good size motor for this lite little car. The fit/finish is another story. I keep my car detailed and mirror like and notice every imperfection. The paint does have chips where the body kit rubs the body and the interior is nice overall, but a few pieces look like they were glued on by a drunken, careless monkey. My brother bought a new Mazda3 (which Europe got as a new Focus this year) and it has the same motor and I cannot believe the difference in build. That car would give a BMW cold sweats in the quality dept... if not the performance dept. I just didn't want to spend an extra $4k for a Mazda. I think the this Focus will last just as long (the engine was designed by Mazda) it will just have a few more squeaks and rattles.

17th Sep 2006, 18:25

The Mazda 3 is an awesome car BECAUSE it's a Ford. We owned a pre-Ford Mazda and it was absolute garbage. Actually, the Focus is an altogether different car than the Mazda 3, but both are great cars. We owned a 2001 Focus ZX-3 and loved it. It was a great little car with nary a problem.

21st Nov 2006, 20:03

Mazda is part of Ford, but there are still many differences in the two lines, some good, some bad. The bullet-proof 3.0 V-6 in the Mazda trucks are cheapened and their reliability compromised by the use of aluminum heads instead of the cast-iron heads used in the Ford trucks. On the other hand, while Ford has dropped the absolutely awesome SVT Focus, leaving Ford buyers with no real performance option in their small car, Mazda has come out with the incredible 150mph+ Mazda 3 turbo.