5th Oct 2004, 10:54
I purchased my Ford Focus ZX3 in February of 2003. Had to have the brakes totally replaced at 16,500 miles. Now at 24,000 the transmission is starting to slip. I will NEVER purchase or recommend another.
12th Aug 2005, 02:54
It is really strange to hear that so many people had problems with Focus. I have my Focus for a year already and I didn't have any problem with it so far. I did change the brakes recently after driving 30,000. But this is normal. I do recommend the car to others, and mainly to students because it is very cheap for the quality.
10th Jun 2008, 09:17
Isn't it amazing how a negative review gets all those commentators to join the choir? To the reviewer: you are quite vague with your diagnosis: "vibrating all over" What's the source of the vibration? Tires, engine? engine mounts?
Why didn't you go to the dealer and insist on proper diagnosis and warranty repair? Why didn't you take it to an independent mechanic for diagnosis?
12th Jun 2008, 18:59
In all fairness, Ford service departments are the worst in the automobile industry. That, unfortunately, detracts from an otherwise VERY GOOD car. I will NEVER take my Fords to a Ford dealer for any kind of vibration or tire-related issues because I honestly don't think their technicians know HOW to correct these kinds of problems. I found a GREAT shop that has very good technicians, is honest, and very competent. My advice is, if all else fails, take your Fords to a LINCOLN service department for warranty repairs. They are marginally (BARELY) better than most Ford dealers, and since they are all Ford they have to honor your warranty. After my warranty is out, if my Ford required any repairs (and none have) I'd take it to our local GM dealer, because they have the best service facility and technicians in our area.
4th Dec 2010, 06:50
I am also surprised to hear of all the problems with the Focus.
I bought my 2003 Focus used about 3 years ago, and have put on close to 100,000km on it. It now has almost 220,000km on it, and is running strong.
I did have a vibration at highway speeds. I noticed that the car had lower end tires on it. I took a chance and bought a set of quality tires, and this solved my problem.
I'm not sure if I am just lucky and the car had a lot of work done before I got it, but I would buy another one. Very good on gas.
6th Mar 2004, 01:42
So far I've had my 2003 Focus ZX3 since July 2 of 2003 and now it is March 5, 2004. I've had to have the fuel gauge fixed because it would quit completely and then come back up to where it was. After that, I've had problems with after taking a short trip, say around 15 miles, and letting the car sit for about 15 minutes, I'd go back out to start it and it will sometimes stall out when I start it.
After awhile of putting up with it I had another glitch happen. One morning when I got in my car to go to work, mind you it was frosty cold outside. I started my car and the automatic choke stayed on for about 30 seconds which was odd, then it shut off along with the whole engine. All the dash lights came on, too. I started it again and it was fine.
NOW, I have a new problem that has developed. I took my car in for service and when the tires were rotated, the mechanic found a problem with a tire. It is badly feathered which means there is an alignment problem. I drive a lot, and not by choice, but I have to so I can get to work and back. I now have over 15,000 miles on my car. The suspension isn't covered under warranty after 12,000 miles. So, now I don't know what I'm going to do. I have a ruined tire, bad alignment in either the front or rear... and mind you the rear cannot be adjusted as they told me. And the tires are a bit pricey.
I just hate my Focus right now.
I can't even stand the way the automatic transmission shifts. It is just... not nearly as smooth as my parent's Focus. It just jumps into nearly every gear. I also baby my car the majority of the time I drive it, too. So hot roding isn't a problem.
I believe I've bitten into a lemon and I don't like it.