2004 Ford Focus Ghia 1.8TDCi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic 1.8TdCi with the performance of a BMW 330Ci

Faults:

Currently, nothing.

General Comments:

The best thing about the car has to be the peformance of the engine. It is absolutely terrific particularly under 70mph. It feels like you are driving a BMW 330Ci Manual. Fantastic diesel engine, well done Ford.

I find the driving position nowhere near as comfortable or and roomy as, say a Mazda 323F. The interior plastics also lack the quality of this sister car. I'm sure I will get lots of people commenting on this claiming this not to be the case, but I feel the driving position, seats, cabin space and interior plastics let it down slightly. Also, dont expect any exclusivity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2004

29th Sep 2004, 07:35

The focus is a beautiful car, so what about the plastics, every car company cuts costs somewhere along the line, even BMW and Mercedes.

22nd Oct 2004, 03:21

From the original writer of the review:

I agree the Focus is a very good car- I'm not saying otherwise. However I find the interior plastics not as solid as expected given the hype of the car. Re: the engine comment, I agree the BMW 330i would thrash this car on the motorway (or above 60mph) but I think 0-50mph you will find little difference, particularly with the Focus' amazing punch in 1st and 2nd gears.

25th Oct 2004, 17:43

I have a 115PS TDCi and there is no way in any situation that it would be anywhere near as quick as a 330i.

27th Oct 2004, 03:51

Can I suggest that to prove that there are performance similarities that you drive both cars between 0-50mph, meaning you will be using only 1st and 2nd gears and then hopefully my point will be proved. Also, perhaps your TDCi 115bhp is faulty?

14th Dec 2004, 03:48

Even between 0-50 the 330i would still say bye bye to the TDCi, oh and the subject of my TDCi being faulty it has been rolling roaded at 131bhp standard and ill be more than happy to show the graph.

25th Jan 2005, 09:15

Go for the 1.6 if you want refinement, smoothness and no horrible diesel smell.

The 113bhp diesel however is incredibly quick, it really is, as well as being over 10mpg more economical.

2004 Ford Focus SE 2.0 Zetec from North America

Summary:

A good idea

Faults:

I bought this car brand New, and I have only had the car for a week. I have experienced few things that have gone wrong.

I have been getting worse gas mileage than expected, but its not broken in yet. So I will wait it out.

I have been having a hard time getting it started. It feels like the timing might be off.

However I wouldn't know, all I have ever owned is used GM & Volkswagen products.

I don't like the speakers being in the doors. I am working something out with my customs mechanic on getting box speakers installed in the trunk. Very tricky.

General Comments:

I was very skeptical about buying a Ford product. I was also comparing the Focus to a Tempo that my family owned. Which isn't comparable at all.

The Focus is generally fun to drive, in most cases its power equals that of my Buick Regal's V6. Except for when driving up hills on the freeway it has a hard time keeping speed, even when cruise is on.

I love being able to park where ever I want to. Its small compact size is great, especially when the interior is decently roomy.

I am glad I chose the Focus over the Dodge Neon or the Chevrolet/Geo Metro I was looking at.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2004

9th Jan 2005, 01:35

Well Its been 8 months and I am loving every minute of my car. Its been snowy, had a little trouble, put some chains on didn't like the way they felt and took them off. Drives well on compact snow and ice I was surprised.

Doors have been locking automatically, just as I start the car and warm it up I leave and then come back to go to work and its locked. I don't know why!

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