2002 Ford Focus ZX3 review from North America

Brake Rotors resurfaced at 6,500 miles at dealership's cost.

Paint chipping/peeling on hood and bumper (under a lebra cover), rear hatch, and driver side door. Dealership would not repair claiming damage was caused by stray rocks and that even if they were to admit it was a defect they don't have a paint shop to do the work anyway.

Rotors needed replaced at 17900 (brake pads were okay though???) and dealer would not repair even though it is a well known focus problem in which there is a class action suit being filed -- www.fordfocusbrakeproblems.com).

The car was wonderful to drive, but the brake and paint issues were ridiculous and for 12,500$ I expected better. It was my first new car and I didn't have the money to pour 200$+ per month into a car and 100$+ for insurance and then pay for unwarranted repairs too.

I figure if the pads were okay, why would the rotors fail?

The paint was peeling badly enough that by the time I had paid it off the car would have been silver instead of white.

If you buy one of these cars, I'm sure it'll do you well as long as you're ready to replace rotors and pay for paint work.

As for me, I traded it in on a Saturn ION for my wife to drive and I drive her old car (1993 Saturn SL2 ) which seems to be holding up better than the Focus was.