2001 Ford Focus Reviews from UK and Ireland - Page 6 of 11

Nothing major - the 2 faults that have occurred are apparently common on many Focuses.

Firstly, the engine fan runs constantly, apparently it should only do this if the air con or heated screen are turned on, but in mine it kicks in as soon as the engine starts.

Also, a spring which returns the gearlever to the neutral position between 3rd and 4th has broken, meaning that the lever sticks and 3rd is sometimes difficult to engage.

Both these problems I haven't got round to fixing and are easily to live with.

I have only had the car for 2 months, but already it has won me over.

The driving position and visibility are excellent, and of course the legendary handling will impress anyone coming out of an Escort. There is a feeling of secureness and stability that has you flinging it round corners and roundabouts, making it great fun to drive.

The ride on the Zetec is quite firm because it has sports suspension, but it never feels harsh.

Delighted with the looks, the Focus has really grown on me, particularly with Zetec alloys, fog lights etc and I quite like the Aquafrost colour, although wasn't sure about it at first.

I would recommend the Focus to anyone - it is just a fantastic car for the money. Try and get one with Climate pack if you can - the heated windscreen is a godsend in winter.

Nothing at all.

A supreme driver's car. Handling is superb and I run out of nerve before the car runs out of grip on a bend. Everything just feels right. The steering is precise and not over assisted giving real feel of what is happening under the wheels. Te driving position feels right and you get out of this car with a smile on your face. It is for driving so go and driver one!

Firstly:

Drivers door handle refused to open door (central locking didn't regester it) -Replacement handle.

Petrol gauge regestered on empty when tank was half/full. Was told it may be a glitch in tank. Advised to drive continuously round a roundabout, shaking the car from side to side! :Needed new float-fixed, but still reads on empty from time to time.

Cold start. Loud rasping from front of car engine. Reported problem time after time, but still not fixed.

Water appeared in passenger foot well. Pollen filter replaced. Water appeared again, went to garage for water tests, fixed problem.

Water appeared in both passenger-driver-rear passenger footwells - 3 inches. Spent 3 days in garage. One week later started to leak again. Drivers and passenger seat now damp after rain.

Went back into body shop to fix on going problem. Was assured this time problem was fixed. Started leaking again - drivers, passengers, rear passengers footwells - seats still damp after rain.

Green Moss growing on car door window, rubber ledges.

Car has constant fusty smell due to the water problem.

Problems apart.

Very comfortable seats, roomy interior, stylish, modern.

Engine slow for 1.6 16valve.

Handling very responsive.

Nice alloys and seats.

Multi Disc CD player failed however this was replaced under warranty.

Engine died a couple of times when approaching a roundabout. The ECU was reprogrammed at the first service and has not happened since.

Trim over pollen filter (lower edge of windscreen n/s) distorted and let water into the passenger compartment. This was replaced at the second service at my cost, however after the third sevrice the replacement trim is distorted, and will require replacement yet again.

Generally a very good car which is good to drive, I find it comfortable with reasonable space.

The car has been let down by the poor performance/fitting of the trim panel that covers the pollen filter, once this panel is removed it appears even Fords own servicing staff cannot get it to correctly seal when it is refitted.