1999 Ford Focus Station Wagon (Trend) review from Sweden
"Reliable, great loading capacity and engine, value for money if you can live with smaller hick-ups"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel gauge (intermittently) indicated empty tank when filled full. Started at 70000km.
"Noise/bounce" reaction from the pedal stand when operated - again not all the time. Found out too late that it was a known Ford Focus problem that if reported within first year it would have been a good-will repair - so I had to live with it. It would seem the sheet metal in the shaft fitting was too "wobbly" and would sometimes make a "pop" sound - very much like the sound/vibration when you press the surface of an empty cola bottle which is screwed tight and it gives in under the pressure you apply - irritating! (Anyone else out there who had the same issue? - please comment if that is the case)
Ford replaced rear right door after 80000 km when rust appeared a lower portion. No questions asked at no cost - positive good will! Would have done so up until 12 years of age!?!
Driver seat heating failed at 50000km and outside 3 year warranty.
Rear seat safety belt would not release when seat folded down - the result was that seat could not be flipped up without completely removing the seat belt lower fix point - very annoying (took time & special tools to do on your own too) and so I always as of then has to extend belt and clip it on before folding - that way I would have belt "to spare" when it was time to tilt up.
General comments?
Very good handling on the road and easy to drive - my wife loved it for that reason.
The Trend model in Sweden is/was the 130BHP version and the power was just right for that car.
Extremely good load capacity (station wagon) for a mid-size car. We have two children and luggage/trolleys was never a problem. Focus is Volvo class in this respect!
Fuel consumption always on the mark and acceptable.
Brakes not as crisp/sensitive as one would like.
Heating in winter not adequate - at least not for the station wagon and I agree with other comments that mist on inside of screen was a problem on and off.
Never serviced a single time - did oil changes myself every 2nd year.
Anti-spin control (brakes and motor control) up to scratch and worked well in our winter climate.
Traded it in recently and was given good money - new car being a Nissan X-trail.
Recommended reviews
| 1999 - Focus Trend 3 door 1.6 essence 16v If you can live with its quirks, it is fun to drive |
|
| A Superb all-rounder: Practical, yet fun |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 38500 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 85500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Audi 100 |
| Date of Entry | 18th September, 2006 |