2003 Ford Focus Reviews - Page 5 of 19

Coolant hose leak once in early 2007. (fixed for AUD$50)

Thermostat housing coolant leak in late 2008. (fixed for AUD$250)

Air conditioner has a bad smell (for few minutes) after switching off while keeping the fan blowing. (no idea how to fix it)

As a first car, it is very good. Never have any breakdowns.

Motor mount replaced due to front end fender bender.

Was a very dependable car. I did nothing to the car except normal maintenance i.e. brake pads, and replaced the battery and new tires...

The car met its end on a So Cal freeway when it was rear ended and shoved into a pick-up truck. The car held together nicely and my daughter walked away with nothing more than a broken little finger - the car was totaled.

Leaking heated windscreen - the fourth screen didn't leak and the dealer would not address the damage to the interior caused by the ingress of water.

Rear wiper never worker, despite new motors, relays. etc.

In four years, interference on radio never resolved, rendering radio and CD useless.

Leather on steering wheel disintegrated, leaving black marks on hands - dealer said it was wear and tear, would have to buy new steering wheel.

Awful gear change - no sense of activity.

Far too many light bulbs failed - dealer failed to accept they had damaged headlamp shell and weather proofing.

Poor paintwork - bonnet covered in rusting chips marks, warranty claim rejected.

Poor quality, small and uncomfortable seats.

Twitchy handling handling - felt unstable. Dampers replaced, but no noticeable difference.

Fuel economy nowhere near advertised figure, despite attempts to drive gently.

A/C took took too much power from engine, and to climb hills, it was switched off.

Key snapped off in door lock, jamming the entry system.

Socket for alloy wheel locking bolt smoothed off - bolts had to be professionally removed.

Heavy wear on front tyres.

I was glad to be rid of it, and bought a Citroën C4 which is so much better - more reliable, better equipped, more economical and the seats are comfortable armchairs, not school benches.

I have already had to change an alternator 4 times in this car, replace a transmission, fix a water pump and two windows broke due to something with the power window button... the car is a POS. I will never own a ford unless it is a truck...ever again... currently as we speak my car has been in the shop for 2 weeks... I get it tomorrow...I'm trading it in this week for a new car...

This has been the worst almost 2 years with this car!

Just that it had good gas mileage... I bought this car for 4000...bc I had an insurance payoff... but have spent almost 7000 in repairs... not worth it.. hope to break even...*HOPE*

Nothing at all.

It amazes me how many people put in bad reviews on this car. I live in Northern Ontario where the temperatures get well below freezing and I have NEVER had a problem with this car. I admit, I was very nervous about buying a Ford of any kind. I have always owned GM vehicles without much hassle, but I thought I would give this a try. I took it to my mechanic and paid the money to get it looked over (brother is the mechanic) and he said it was fine. My Focus has over 100,000 kms on it and I bought it with 80,000 kms on it. I travel all over for work and love my car. Nothing rattles, shakes, squeals, leaks, anything. My model is loaded, and I had a Cavelier before this that was loaded and I had a lot of electrical problems. Bottom line to me is that buying any car from any manufacturer is the luck of the draw no matter what. They all break down or need service sometimes. Stick to what works and what you like.