2003 Ford Focus ZX3 review from North America
"I have a love/hate relationship with my focus, and wouldn't buy another."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My focus leaks water into the car on the left side from the roof. Six months ago the Dealer had it for two days "testing". Couldn't find a problem. Replaced the stained headliner, which was my proof that it had been getting wet. Now It's raining real bad and water poured form the front of the headliner, by the windshield, onto my lap and the dash. Somehow, though I drove only about 20 minutes to the dealer today after the leak spouted, the headliner had dried. The dealer offered to test it again, or I can bring it to them when the problem pops up again. I'm opting for choice number 2.
Had to have the front right axle and c/v joint replaced at 21k. It had been getting progressively worse, until the dealer couldn't deny the problem any longer. I had initially noticed the clicking noise at 10k.
Brakes were shot at 30k, but I like to brake late.
Tires (pirelli P6's rated at 4k pounds, on a 2800 lb. car) were so bad I spun the car changing lanes at 50mph. Laugh all you want, but it was the tires. The Kumhos I have on now stick very well.
The interior is beginning to shake itself loose and squeak.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 pzev Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Most recent distance | 32000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Focus |
| Date of Entry | 29th November, 2005 |