2000 Ford Focus SE review from North America
"One incredible piece of junk!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Enginge head has to be replaced because of sticking valve at 85,000.
Ignition Cylinder spontaneously locked-up at 85,000.
Front Wheel Bearings had to be replaced at 85,000.
General comments?
The engine valve sticking is a design defect by Ford with the engine. The valve builds carbon, sticks and has to be replaced at anywhere from $1500-$2500. Ford is well aware of the problem since it is "Service Bulletin" for anyone repairing the car. I am unable to drive the vehicle since I was told the valve might stick at any time and stay stuck: It could cause myself or others serious harm if it did it in traffic. I have contacted Ford and a local dealer to no avail. Ford refuses to make the repair. Ford refuses to accept responsibility for the problem. I know from research the engine problems are common with this model. I now know why people are calling it "a piece of junk".
The ignition locking-up happened so suddenly. It was fine one minute and the next, the key refused to go into the ignition. I had to have it towed. It took a week to get the new ignition and get it installed. Then, the new keys had to be programmed by Ford so the car was towed to the local Ford dealer.
The wheel bearings were a surprise since I was having the engine checked for the above listed problem. The bearings on the right front were shot and the ones on the front left were close to being gone. It is an unusual repair at 85,000 and over $500+ later.
Recommended reviews
| A true lemon with a cool color |
|
| A perfect melding of design, technology, performance and value |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder 2.0L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 0 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 0 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Contour |
| Date of Entry | 14th July, 2007 |