2000 Ford Focus SE from North America

Summary:

It's a lemon

Faults:

My 2000 Focus is an automatic and from the first time I drove it, it's been gutless. I realize it's a 4 cylinder, but it struggles shifting gears automatically and will sometimes not shift into the proper gear at proper speeds.

There has been 4 recalls on this vehicle, the last 2 for issues that I brought to the dealers attention for repair before the recall and they had no idea what to do with it so they offered no repairs. I have still not been sent recall notices for the 4th recall from the dealer, only hearing about the recall on the national news.

The rotors have been completely replaced once after only 12,000 miles. The dealer was shocked that they would have to replaced this soon.

The AC has died twice and both times the entire AC unit had to be replaced. It's working fine now, for now.

I brought to the attention of the service department that the automatic windows were not working properly and that I could hear the motors struggling when in operation. The rear passenger side window will sometimes raise and lower the window and other times it will not. The dealer would not repair them, stating nothing came up wrong on the "tests" they ran. Last week, while rolling down the passenger front window, the motor died during normal operation and caused the window to completely shatter inside the door. The dealer is refusing to cover the repairs, stating they don't cover glass/windows, unless I can prove the motor was the cause of the damage. I am obtaining additional opinions on the motors now.

The vehicle is equipped with a manual pull out cover for the back section of the car. The hook on 1 side has broken completely off under normal use, making this feature useless.

The interior rear view mirror (drivers) recently broke off completely while we were simply adjusting its position, during normal use.

While idling, the car's back end will shake terribly, rattling everything in the back, including the license plate and is extremely distracting and annoying.

Upon accelerating from a stopped position, the vehicle will often nearly die out.

While idling, the vehicle is very loud and the car rattles.

And last, the rear end of the vehicle shimmies terribly over bumps in the road. Most noticeably when the left rear tire hits a manhole cover, the back end shimmies to the left when traveling as slow as 25 MPH. This has caused near accidents while traveling at higher speeds as it has caused me to nearly lose control of the car.

General Comments:

I'm stuck with a lemon, but am leasing, but can get rid of it this November.

I wouldn't recommend this car to anyone.

Car has too many problems.

Very little leg room in back seat.

Car is gutless; spend more and get a 6 cyl vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

18th Apr 2003, 06:55

I agree FORD FOCUS is a lemon. I have had several recalls fixed. My fuel pump replace three times in last year and problems with brakes since my purchase. Finally truck light will not go off electrical latch is broken.

22nd Mar 2004, 11:10

I own a 2000 Ford Focus SE (Sony Limited Edition). So far ever since I've been caring and doing the matenance, it has been running nicely. If you keep up its maitenance schedule, there should be no reason to call it a lemon. Driving it hard all the time will deeply cost you. Just some friendly advice from a proud owner of a Focus. :)

2000 Ford Focus CL 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's an average car

Faults:

Mysterious water leak into cabin on passenger side, resulting in soggy carpets.

General Comments:

A reliable car - mine has been serviced every 12500 miles - which has had no mechanical failings.

Road grip and handling is quite exceptional for this class of car.

Second set of front brake pads and discs fitted at 72000.

It does seem a little heavy on tyre wear, around 11-13000 per front set. I do a lot of motorway driving so this shouldn't be the case.

The boot is on the small side, just about takes the pushchair, so beware if you have kids.

I am getting about 38-42 mpg.

Reasonable cabin comfort, long journeys can give you saddle sores, rear legroom is average for this class of car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2003

19th Jun 2003, 17:47

Mysterious water leak on passenger side is most likely condensation from A/C that is backed up from leaves/dirt from the outside. any mechanic would kindly blow it clean for little or no money.

Jared.