Faults:

The cd/radio combo constantly shorts out. I have had the car less than two years and had the stereo replaced three times.

The brakes need to be replaced already.

The outer window molding is falling off.

The drive belt is needs to be replaced already.

General Comments:

This car gets great gas mileage. However the cabin is seriously too short for someone with a height of 6' or greater.

Drives poorly in winds mild to moderate winds.

Little high speed passing ability, however this is to be expected with an engine of this size.

Love the five year service warranty.

Faults:

Tailgate became hard to latch - dealer adjusted it and then it leaked. Took four further attempts to repair satisfactorily.

Scrubs the outside edges of the front tyres in about 7,000 miles despite three dealers and two independent tyre fitters checking the suspension alignment and proclaiming it to be "spot on"

Rattle from glove compartment.

CD player (model 2006) developed a loose connection in its security panel and would turn itself off over bumps.

Various creaks and squeaks inside.

Both rear wheel bearings replaced at 22,000 miles due to noise. This apparently affects many 01/02 MY Focuses according to the dealer as the hard wearing coating on a batch of bearings supplied to the factory was faulty.

General Comments:

What I like:

The engine is punchy and eager, the handling and ride are first class and the looks are still striking despite 5 years of being a common sight on our roads. It was clearly set up and tweaked by someone who loves driving, and was prepared to spend a lot of time tweaking and getting the feel of the steering and brakes spot on, just like the quality of the gearbox. They could have squeezed out another dull box like Vauxhall or VW with all the controls being light and easy, but they chose not to. Despite all my gripes with the car, I still consider this a hell of a plus point.

What I dislike:

Unfortunately, pretty much everything else. The dealers suck, the build quality is poor, the reliability below average, and the residual values a nightmare. Don't be fooled by the glossy front of the modern Ford dealership, nothing has changed. When you have a problem (and if this car is anything to go by, you will), they still won't want to know.

If you want a Focus, buy a 3 year old one for £5k and it makes a lot more sense. Buying new does not guarantee anything in terms of reliability or support, and you'll be stung big time when you try and resell it.

Faults:

Door handles keep getting stuck.

Tires lose air frequently.

Air conditioning broke in the middle of summer.

Seatbelt broke in the first week.

General Comments:

This car is fun to drive and handles great.

But I can't stand the dashboard because there is no space to put anything. Round everything may look great, but it's not very practical.

Faults:

The motor that controls the dual-stage intake manifold broke and was replaced under warranty. As a result of the part failure, other parts, including the intake manifold, had to be replaced.

Side view mirror heaters don't work.

Minor creaks over all road surfaces.

General Comments:

I love this car despite the troubles it has had.

It's great fun to drive and makes every thing else look over priced.

The engine could use a little more power, but too much would probably upset the front wheels.

This car has enough extras to make it significantly better than my girl friend's Focus sedan.

It feels like a special driving experience every time I drive.