A fantastic allrounder
Loose rear exhaust section @ 17000m.
Fantastic little car, thoroughly recommended. Oustanding handling, plenty of poke, average 34mpg, have seen an easy 130mph on the clock (downhill!). Very well kitted out including an excellent stereo.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th February, 2001
Wish I'd chosen something else
Heated screen elements not working, had to be replaced
Very noisy interior. No fix.
Engine over revving while in neutral. In 3 times for this in 3 months before they diagnosed the fault. A Mondeo part fitted by mistake!! No parts available to fix it. A problem with a batch of vehicles apparently which have not been recalled.
Handling is sluggish.
Economy is decidedly average.
Boot capacity is too small.
Cabin noise is excessive.
If my company's service was as bad as Ford dealers have been to me, then we would not have a business left.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th January, 2001
Play it safe and get an import instead!
Rear brake drums squeak (finally fixed, after a forth try).
Missing elbow connector in the A/C caused water leaks on the floor.
Intermittent noises from the suspension.
Gear knob, and rear hatch.
5 recalls on this particular model and still counting.
The American Focus line is not as good as the European one. Typical, below-average Ford quality. I think I have a lemon and I am trying to return mine. I got burned and won't buy another Ford.
Ricart Ford Service in Columbus, OH, is the worst service I have ever experienced. The car has been in and out of the dealership 13 different times since I got it. I am angry and determined to get my money back!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th January, 2001
Sounds Like more of the same problems for other people. Two things First...
1) I would consider myself "highly skilled", mechanically.
2) The Focus has been a GREAT vehicle, minus the problems I will mention below.
AC leaking all over the carpets. Dealer had to remove the dash to get at the condenser, They left scratches in a few "pry" places, Failed to mount all Pieces back, and did not properly torque the bolts. (Yes, I checked!)
Rear Brakes Squeak (groan) while moving slowly and applied.
I have tried to look at this problem; however, the rear wheels will not come off! Dropped car off at the dealer for a "safety check". (I asked them to rotate the tires as they were checking the brakes) 2 hours later I called them and inquired as to the status... said they "haven't gotten to it yet, and don't know if it will be ready today"..Yea, right! I think they meant to say "we can't get the rear wheels off, and will need to spend more time trying than Ford will pay us for, so come get it!"...
The Left Blinker comes on at random!
I have diagnosed it as being Physical, as opposed to Electrical. The switch in the column is being contacted by the weight of the signal arm. This is a safety concern for others on the road, and will be dropping it off soon.
Finally... I use the key to unlock the car sometimes because the transmitter needs to be right next to the door to work!...who designed the range on this thing?? (Or are they using unsecured RF frequency that can be easily cloned???)
Wonderful choice!!!
Nothing yet!!
I love this car! It is a great deal. My brother has one and he loves it as well so I decided to buy one. I absolutely recommend this car to anyone. It's much better than all the other small compact cars out there. I did my research every where before buying this car and I am very happy I bought it and didn't let anyone's negative opinions sway my decisions.
P.S. A good friend of mine owns a Ford dealership and he gave this car two thumbs up!!! And highly recommended it to me!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th January, 2001
23rd Feb 2001, 05:12
I also have this problem with rev hang up, after 3 visits to the dealer, they have finally admitted the Mondeo inlet manifold was fitted by mistake. They ordered the 3 parts required and it's taken 4 weeks for them to arrive. The part numbers are 1111723, 1076244 & 1053252. Hope this helps someone out.