1999 Ford Focus Zetec from UK and Ireland - Comments

Tailgate remote release operated by itself while driving, motors replaced.

Car recalled by the manufacturer twice.

Car corners and brakes well.

The engine is gutless, needs to be in 3rd gear to overtake.

I agree, I have purchased an 18 month old Focus 1.8 Zetec and wish I had bought a Volkswagen! The focus is noisy - rattles everywhere, the engine is underpowered and the fuel economy (25mpg) is appaling for a car manufactured at the end of the millenium.

I also own a 2.0 Zetec. It handles well but the engine sounds rough and needs to be in 3rd to make it move. You also have to use the high end of the rev range in true 16 valve character.

The gearbox is horrible and the car has rattles and creaks.

The lights are poor, not putting enough light out, finishing at a point in the road where you still need to see.

I have a Zetec 1.6 and although it has good points and overall I have been happy with it, reading the above comments reminds me that it's not that good!

I too have had problems with the tailgate opening spontaneously, sometimes 3 or 4 times in a journey. My local Ford dealer told me it was a weak spring on the tailgate lock and replaced it at a cost of ninety odd quid to me as it was out of warranty - it didn't cure the problem!

I agree, the lights are appalling.

I have also had instances where it refused to start with the main key (i.e. the one with the remote) but started O.K. with the spare - bizarre! This means that I can either leave my wife with no key or buy another spare as I don't have confidence that I won't be stranded with an immobile vehicle. My local dealer has been unable to come up with either an explanation or a solution for this problem.