2003 Ford Focus Zetec TDCI review from UK and Ireland

The engine keeps cutting out in low gears, sometimes leaving me stranded pulling out into traffic. This has required four major trips to the dealer and is still not fixed, even after an engine rebuilt two months from new.

Electric windows failed, repaired, but now squeake loudly.

Radio failed.

Windscreen split after one week when not being driven.

Tyre-well in boot filled with water after two weeks.

Front and rear passenger side foot wells filled with rain water and came back to very mouldy smelly car.

Engine occasionally judders while driving at constant speed without touching the clutch.

Despite all the faults this is still a well designed car. The handling is impressive for a car in its class and is very well balanced. The fuel economy is good at around 50 mpg on a long drive and even the estate is fun on a windy road.

In the Zetec, even with the climate pack, there is a lack of an outside temperature reading which, while a minor point, is something I miss, especially in the winter.

If this car had been owned by myself instead of being a lease car through work I would have been able to take my grievances straight to ford and I image would have had the car replaced long ago!Otherwise I would have parked it in the fountain outside the ford headquarters.