2002 Ford Focus Ghia review from UK and Ireland

Switch for rear windscreen wash faulty from new - was replaced at first service.

Otherwise pretty impressive. No premature signs of wear & tear or recalls like some of the Japanese rubbish we've had before.

Overall an excellent car - well specified, comfortable and powerful. Not the most exciting car in the world, but better than most.

Driving position is a little odd - despite all the seat & steering wheel adjustments I find it hard to get comfortable.

You do tend to feel like you're "perched" on top of the seat rather than sitting in it, although this is a very minor point.

It handles almost perfectly & very precisely - with a little less body roll (ie. on sports models) it would be ideal.

The turbo-charged diesel would be quite slow without the turbo (and is before it cuts in) but when it kicks in the car flies.

Having said that the turbo's delivery is a little erratic - if you push it when cold it can cut in and out during acceleration sometimes, which is a bit annoying.

Overall, a fine, nice to drive family car and should last for a long time all being well. Ford have come on light years since the nasty old Mondeo we once had.