2003 Ford Focus Zetec from UK and Ireland - Comments

Passenger electric window switch packed up, but was replaced under warranty with no hassle.

I loved my old 306 XSi, but it needed replacing as it was getting unreliable. I drove the most logical replacement - the 307 XSi and hated it. I can't believe Peugeot replaced the stonking 306 with this dull handling van lookalike. The only other option was a Golf GTI, but I wasn't really prepared to pay the astronomical asking price, plus a friend bought one last year and it has been one disaster after another. After a 20 minute test drive the Focus, I just had to have it.

Performance is on a par with my old 306, but the engine is sweeter and more frugal. Handling is better than anything currently in this class with steering that gives bags of feel (are you listening VW?). Granted, the Focus doesn't have quite the agility of the 306, but its streets ahead of the 307, and in a different league to the wallowy Golf.

The funky interior still looks fresh although it lacks the elegance of the Golf's superb dash layout. On the plus side, it's beautifully screwed together, and there's plenty of space for rear passengers and luggage. The Focus is available at bargain prices too if you shop around. Build quality and reliability have so far been faultless apart from a duff electric window switch. There are no creaks or rattles from anywhere, it starts first time every time, and has behaved exactly as it should.

If you're in the market for a fun, cheap to run small hatch, the Focus is a no-brainer. The Golf is tempting for its classy looks and interior, but the Focus does everything else considerably better. Brilliant car.

There are an awful lot of reviews in this section comparing the Focus to Golf's and Peugeot 306's and 307's, Astras etc.. and they are all almost identical in expression and grammar.

I have never driven any of these cars, but it is patently obvious to me the majority of these reviews have been written by Ford's marketing department. Why?

Maybe so, but not in this case. Apart from the above Focus sitting on my drive, I have no link to Ford or any marketing company. I actually work in the IT industry.

I too also work in the IT industry, and am planning on buying either a new Focus ST170 or maybe a 6 month old one. I currently own a 1.6 Fiesta Si. I have no link to ford whatsoever, but just one thing, if Ford's marketing team sit on here all day, (which I very much doubt) whats stop VW and the likes doing the same. Just face it, if you're going to buy a VW buy something with more class for the same amount of money, a BMW or Mercedes, but if your looking for something to the equivelant if not sucessor to the Golf, look at Ford's focus, it will save you lots of money! Alright, my 95 fiesta creaks a little bit, but what sports hatch wouldn't after being driven over most open roads at speeds in excess of 80mph. I vowed that I would never own a ford as soon as I went car hunting for my first car. What did I end up with? an 89 fiesta. Theres nothing wrong with fords, OK maybe they don't last as long as your VW or Audi, but then theyre a lot cheaper to run and replace, and why would you intend on keeping a car for tens of years anyway, that's the only way the others may have a real advantage over fords. I do like VW golfs, but after being able to completely obliterate mk 3 GTi and 16valve GTi Golfs in my yet 1.6 but very light fiesta, I think the focus ST probably does the same to the newer and more powerful Golfs. But you really have to ask yourself this question, which car do you see more of on the road. Huh? Whats the answer eh? Anyway nothing against either model here, but the focus is more of a family car, and is priced to suit everyone. Thanks for hearing me out.