2000 Ford Focus Wagon SE review from North America

When I bought the car from the original owner, all the necessary recalls had been done, and the car had apparently only had regular scheduled maintenance.

The top mount of a rear shock broke at about 25,000, for no apparent reason (had not hit a large pothole or anything similar).

The original tires were replaced at 32,000 due to dry-rot (The car was six years old then).

The original front brakes were replaced at 36,000. The rear shoes look good for another 10,000 maybe.

I've always noticed a slight valve lifter clatter for about a half second when starting the car after it has been off an hour or more. I've had other cars do this, no big deal.

I got this car for $1500 under "book" from a neighbor. I dropped my previous Toyota Tacoma because I was no longer using the truck bed, and the gas mileage was only so-so.

I don't understand everyone's problems with their Focuses. Brakes and tires wearing out early? Do you drive like you're trying out for NASCAR or LeMans? Of course they wear out fast when badly abused. Ignition switch failure? Mine is still original. I don't "jam" the key in, and if it binds because of the steering wheel lock, I know to turn the wheel a bit before I turn the key. I see lots of people jump in a car, any car, shove the key in, and practically twist it off they're in such a hurry. A little patience goes a long way.

My Focus wagon is reasonably comfortable on a long drive (I'm 6 foot), and the handling is above average for a car in this class. My gas mileage is about 24 mpg in town traffic and 36 highway. I don't feel my repairs have been excessive in the 18 months and 15000 miles I've had the car, and the previous owner did well, too. A lot of recalls at first, but most were not too serious; and, would you rather have a problem recalled or hushed up?

Maybe I just got a one-in-a-million good Focus? I don't especially love the car, but it's been practical and dependable for me.