User Reviews

1.8 TDi LX

Anne-Marie Moody

Overall Rating

For a relatively small car I found it surprising spacious when I packed it to take the family on holiday and got a pleasant surprise when I realised how little fuel I used to get to my destination. The use of the hire vehicle version persuaded me to get one of my own!

1.6 Zetec 5dr hatchback

Callum Donez

Overall Rating

The 1.6 I have is not as quick off the line as others I have driven, but this is offset by the fact it doesn't drink petrol or cost a million quid to insure. Handling is excellent, but doesn't shake your bones when travelling on less than smooth surfaces. I have had a number of cars over the years and this is the first one I have put through more than one MOT and more than one set of tyres, and have no intention of changing it anytime soon - enough said! Brilliant car, highly recommended.

1.6 Zetec

David

Overall Rating

Had this car from new. Very reliable and inexpensive to run. Performance not exactly electrifying but handling's terrific. I grew up on and have always prefered rear wheel drive cars but this was a revelation. Downsides: Never really liked the shape and the interior styling looks like they were trying too hard (much better on more recent versions). Kids get car sick in the back - okay it sounds ludicrous but... do they test these vehicles for low frequencies (5 - 7hz)? Even I felt nauseous in the back and I reckon there is a low frequency vibration. Below hearing threshold that plays havoc with your stomach.

2.0i Ghia 5dr Hatchback

James Mair

Overall Rating

Just a great car!

ST170

Neil MacDonald

Overall Rating

Typical Ford standards, great road holding but performance lets it down, especially at lower speeds. Good factory back-up for warranty.

20i ghia hatcback

Paul Hayklan

Overall Rating

Upgraded from my 1.4 Ghia Escort to the Focus. Can't fault it an excellent car.

1.6 Flight 3dr

Paul T

Overall Rating

After 12 months of motoring I have found my Focus to be a fun if flawed drive. The handling is excellent, and stability at speed impressive, and this does not come at the expense of a poor ride, the car is comfortable on the majority of roads. However it does come at the expense of excessive road noise on poor surfaces. This can get quite irritating when trying to have conversations or listen to the radio at a restful volume. I've upgraded the stereo which improved the radio side of things no end, but people still need to raise their voices. Reliability has been perfect and the Focus is very easy to drive with a good gearbox, but the tyre roar stops me awarding the full 5 star rating. Interestingly it is not a common complaint so may be due to my wheel and tyre combination (15 inch, standard suspension, small steel wheels) although this would usually be less of a problem on such a model.

1.8 TDdi 8v Zetec Estate (1999 model)

Paul Wetherhill

Overall Rating

I've just traded in my 1.8 TDdi Zetec estate (99 model) with 156k on the clock. I did all the servicing myself which helped lower the running costs, but at this high mileage things started to go wrong and it all soon mounted up. It developed a rattle related to the suspension which could not be identified by a garage. Both anti-roll bar links were replaced. It had a new windscreen through chipping. The driver's side electric window motor and running gear failed at 140k, costing £50 from a recovery yard. The n/s brake caliper jammed on one morning without warning, causing it to overheat and almost set alight. The car leaked oil from the oil filter hole and generally due to engine wear was a bit smoky. Everything was fine up to about 3500rpm then it kind of died. Turbo very good for power rating and weight of the car. Average consumption was about 44mpg with a mix of urban and motorway running. Fuel filter £20, oil filter £10, driver's side window £80 (due to a stray golf ball!), anti-roll bar links £7. The car also went through a few wheel bearings which weren't cheap at £22. Brake shoes £14 with £9 for a fitting kit (recommended). Brake shoes were about £12. I would buy one again, although the TDdi engine was very noisy. Even worse was the road noise - it was like driving a van. Good workhorse, nice interior. But after about 3-4 hours driving the driver's seat became very uncomfortable and had no lumbar support. The keyfob entry system broke at about 130k, as did the rear passenger door central locking. The air conditioning seemed never to work, even with a re-gas. Watch for rust around the Ford badge on the tailgate (estate) and both rear arches. Also on the sill toward the front wheel arches under the driver's and passenger doors. Alloys centre caps are £6.50 from eBay - I went through a few; they aren't great quality.

Zetec TDCi 5dr Hatchback

Robert Johnson

Overall Rating

I test drove a Ghia version and that was pretty much all the sales job Ford needed. Having had the car for over a year now I still enjoy driving it. The only fault I've had was a head lamp bulb that blew. I'm not certain whether this is a fault with the car but I'm on my fourth windscreen.

1.8 ghia lpg

zoe layland

Overall Rating

After having this car for just a few weeks i had numerous mechanical faults. It had only done 20,000 miles yet the instrument cluster had to be eplaced along with valves and this is a common fault! i only ot 20 miles per gallon! Fuel economy? its no wonder they use lpg it just about makes the running costs affordable. Buyer Beware!