Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong with my car at all.

General Comments:

When it came to buying a new car the Focus didn't even enter my mind until, walking past a Ford dealer on my way to test drive a Polo I spied a 2.0 Zetec Focus sitting on the forecourt and was immediately taken with its appearance. The big alloys and lowered front clearance with fog lights give an unmistakable impression of performance.

The interior of the car is well designed and all the knobs and dials have a very satisfactory feeling when used.

The controls, including the radio, are so intuitive that I've yet to approach the manual for help.

The radio itself is excellent, and while not having to open the boot to get at the changer is good, the performance in changing from one CD to another is frustrating if like me you can't decide what to listen to.

The only problems I have with the interior are the lack of a light in the rear, and the driving position. I'm Joe Average in stature and don't need the driving position of a 450lb Gorilla, but I do find the steering wheel obscures my view of the top of the dash, especially the indicator lights.

Generally the performance is good, although the engine sometimes feels a little sluggish below 4000RPM, and if you really want to blast off it needs pushing hard.

The 0-60 sprint *seems* sedate, but I feel this has more to do with size and handling than performance. Anyone with a stopwatch can prove to you that its no slouch.

Overall I've quickly come to believe the Focus is by far and away the best car in its class.

Faults:

Front left fog light bulb went out, got another one for 9.99$. Other than that flawless, no rattles, perfect condition.

Also the paint might seem a little fragile, watch out for ungraceful parking neighbors who will cause damage.

General Comments:

I'm in love with this car. It is the best looking hatchback on the US market. The design is still fresh and the front part is nowadays the standard look for new cars. The inside is also very welcoming and pleasantly drawn, with plenty of room.

This car should be purchased as a manual. Its 130hp perform very well and it is a perfect city car.

The best part is the handling. Country side roads are lots of fun and I look forward to every turn.

A few design flaws can be remedied by purchasing after market parts from Europe.

Faults:

Nothing in the time I've had it.

General Comments:

Having not had a Ford for 14 years I was pleasantly surprised by this car.

It's a company car which was forced on me, but after a few months I must say that I'm glad it was.

Sure the silver plastic decals on the dash etc are fairly poor, but that's made up for by the superb handling, great driving position and superb ride quality.

Overall a good quality car that's let down purely by not being a Honda.

Faults:

The inner B posts on both sides have come adrift and cause a rattle especially when the stereo is up high.

The tailgate has a tendency to rattle when driving over bumpy surfaces.

The starter motor continues to run for a few seconds after the engine has started.

General Comments:

First and second gear when used to their full potential make this car a seriously quick car.

The st170 will happily plod along at 30 miles an hour, but when opened up it seems be in its element.

The saying "handles like its on rails" was made for this car.