2013 Ford Focus Zetec EcoBoost 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Overrated

Faults:

Clutch.

Coolant leaks.

Turbo (expensive).

General Comments:

This car was an expensive nightmare that was never out of my local garage getting repaired.

Yes it was a used car, but it was looked after (all services, and driven correctly) and had low mileage.

The Focus is an OK car, but get the simpler non turbo 1.6 petrol engines, avoid the EcoBoost 1.0 and any others.

When it was running correctly it was a fun to drive, economical little car. Spacious and very nice comfortable interior as well. Zetec model is good and I liked the interior and exterior styling.

Unfortunately mine was horrible though. Sold it last month, glad to see the back of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th December, 2023

2013 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Decent value

Faults:

Pretty standard wear and tear items replaced - misting on shocks, replaced both and springs all round, brakes needed attention also, exhaust a little rattly, will need looking at.

Cam-belt changed and all oil changes (maintenance).

The car is in great shape for a 2013 car, no nasty marks, inside and out look as good as new.

General Comments:

After my beloved 1995 BMW 325i finally died in 2017 (it was 22 years old with 180K on it!), I was on the hunt for another car. Just wanted a modern run about and was not looking to upgrade, so this 2013 Focus fit the bill just fine. Good looking car in silver. Alloy wheels are very nice, multi-spoke type.

Getting inside the first thing you will notice is a fall from grace after being in the BMW - the Ford has so many cheap looking plastics everywhere. But once you look past that, the car is well equipped, cabin is refined and smooth, and the seats are comfortable. Zetec model has enough electric stuff for me.

The car does drive pretty good, nice handling. Biggest disappointment is the 1.6 engine - it is not bad, just a bit poor in the performance department and only adequate economy (a little over 40 mpg at best). Still, insurance and tax are reasonable, and so have been repairs and maintenance. It is an economy car essentially.

In short this Focus has surprised me with how good it is, not better than my old BMW (obviously) but a very decent hatchback that is respected by those in the know that just want a reliable everyday car. After six years of ownership the car has never let me down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2023

2013 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBoost from North America

Summary:

Risky

Faults:

1. Defective gas tank - collapsed at 50k.

2. Wire harness recall - causes stalling issues while driving.

3. Mass air sensor - defective at 70k.

4. Throttle body - defective at 70k.

5. BCM reprogrammed - mfr's advisory.

6. Ongoing stalling issue - two dealers unable to identify the cause for over 2 years.

General Comments:

I don't want to sound biased after writing up the items that were replaced, so I will recommend you join several online Focus ST forums and search for stalling issues.

If you're thinking about escalating to Ford Corporate: Ford's customer service doesn't get involved in these types of issues - they explicitly told me this over a phone call when I called to open a case (which they did). After opening that case, they simply told me to go back to the dealer after I had already been to two of them over six times. They suggested I go visit a third one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th May, 2017

2013 Ford Focus SE Hatch 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Lawsuit waiting to happen

Faults:

Transmission replaced after numerous visits to the dealer complaining of dangerous behavior. 33000 miles, July 2015.

- Was told the new trans is a newer part number, however it's starting to show the same symptoms as before within 5k miles.

Driver's seat belt won't retract. Replaced July 2015. It's doing it again.

General Comments:

Like the way it looks inside and out, and it handles well on the highway.

I really wanted to like this car, but I can't wait to get rid of it. Interior door panels and dashboard rattle worse than any car I've ever driven. Anything below 45 degrees out and it sounds like the car is going to rattle apart.

The Microsoft Sync infotainment makes no sense; Ford has not updated this software, not even once.

The transmission is a complete disaster and I'm embarrassed to have to explain to passengers why it's acting like this. This transmission is an embarrassment, and I have no clue how Ford has not seen the largest class action suit in history. I can't wait for it to happen. Everyone I know with this car and the Fiestas have had the same transmission issues, or are already on the 2nd or 3rd replacement. Do not buy this generation!!! Thanks for the garbage Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2016