2001 Ford Focus ZX3 review from North America

A half a dozen recall notices.

First, sound proofing in passenger side rear wheel well was missing rivets.

Interior paint near climate controls is peeling off.

I know carpet is a wear & tear item, but the carpet has already worn out on the drivers side.

More recently, ignition tumbler failed. Had to have ignition drilled out and replaced.

Poor quality of wires connecting ignition coil to electrical harness, wires cracking and breaking leaving car dead. Had to scour junk yard to find a replacement ignition coil plug, replaced wires. This wiring issue has twice left he car immobile for more than a week. Before dying, the car would run on 2 cyl, sputtering, jerking, back-firing, stalling.

For the first 40,000 miles, gas mileage was quite a bit off from what was advertised. Was getting only 25 mpg. Replaced spark plugs and spark plug wires, and switched to synthetic only oil. Gas mileage has improved to 30 mpg.

This is a frustrating little car. It handles very well and is fairly fun to drive (would be outstanding with more power).

The hatchback is very useful, lots of space.

My 2001 ZX3 has quality issues that leave me worrying, What will break next?

I won't buy another Ford. Unless there is some sort of substantial quality revolution with the American auto makers, this Focus is most likely my last American branded car.