2003 Ford Focus zx5 from North America - Comments

Windshiled wiper motors, both front and rear needed to be replaced

Needed brake pads + rotors within first 10K of ownership

check engine light came on twice, first was for O2 sensor at 23K, re-flashed and never came back on. Second time for MAF sensor at 40K. Cleaned it and light went off.

Reading over other peoples reviews, I'd say this car has been average in terms of reliability. That being said, I would definately buy it again if I had to do it over.

First, It had the all too common brake problem. The brakes were terrible when I first bought it. The rotors glazed over, the dealer turned them under warranty. The pads wore out, dealer replaced under warranty. Then the rotors warped, so the dealer turned them under warranty, only to warp again. The car had only hit 10K miles at this point, and upon searching the net, I found a forum for focus owners recommending Mintex brake pads and aftermarket rotor upgrade for $200. Did it even though the dealer offered to turn the rotors for free. I have not had a single problem with the brakes in the last 50K miles.

Second, the check engine light came on twice, but it was for two sensors, one of which was fine, and the other which was easily taken care of with parts cleaner and a new air filter.

Third problem was the wiper motors. Front never failed, but wouldn't park. I read some horror stories online about this being the first sign of all out failure, so I decided to replace the motor. Got the part off ebay for $70. The rear wiper later failed from stress from snow. Replaced it for $20.

All in all, $300 in maintenance for 60K miles of ownership isn't bad. Car never left me stranded, looks great, runs like a top, still cost less than a similarly equipped civic or corolla, and is a hell of a lot of fun to drive. The focus is a good car; I'm willing to look past the problems to say that.

HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE AIR FILTER!?!?!? I can't even find it!

padilla1999@hotmail.com