1999 Ford Focus SE review from North America

Many minor interior trim problems Stuff just pops off and won't go back on. This included parts of the headliner and pillar covers.

Trunk wouldn't shut, but they fixed it. Now it won't open cleanly.

4 Recalls.

Remote stopped working.

Dealer recommends new engine after only 27,000 miles (and several months out of warranty)

I have to admit that most of the bugs that we have had with this car are small potatoes, considering it is a low-cost runabout. I half expected problems of this nature and in fact, I'm happy that the problems have been insignificant.

Being a long term Ford owner, son of a Ford owner (Ford Anglia!) You come to know and expect such things. I'm a cheapskate bum and I buy cheapskate bum cars. The fact is, that the Focus is a nice little runabout for the cash. Not as good as my fiesta XR2, but not bad.

I fear this relationship with Ford ends today. The dealer tells us that the tappet-rattle noise that we hear is actually a failing "long block" (all upper engine parts. A mere $2200 covers the cost of this transplant. About a quarter of the value of the car.

I've had the cruddiest of engines (I'm talking Mini 650cc and Deux Chevaux 650cc air-cooled) last for far longer than 27,000 miles. Even with spotty care. maybe I'm old fashioned, but I expect a regularly-serviced engine to last a tad more than 27,000 miles. or am I being unreasonable?

So long Ford. Hyundais are starting to look good.