2000 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

2000 Focus SE Sedan

Written by: Stewart on 05/27/2008

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I bought this car back in 2005, with 23K Miles on it. It now has 63K miles. I had the coil spring on the driver side snap. In 2007 I had the ingition go out, I wasn't able to turn the key to start the car, that was around $300 to replace. But to be honest, that's the only thing I've really had go wrong with the car, well.. the paint on the side molding on the pax door came off, I have no idea why, now it's just a black strip. Overall though, I would buy this car again, it's very well built

Favorite Features

The large headlamps, the curves on the body. That I can raise the seat up and down a good way. Love the MPG's I get.

Suggested Improvements

Probably all taken care of with the new 08 Focus.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love the Lil Red Car

Written by: InFocus on 05/07/2008

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I bought my used Focus SE sight unseen from the local dealership to save wear on my F-150. I now have 230k miles on it and still love driving it. Only major problem was a ignition switch. I keep it tuned and have normal maintenance done. It has paid for itself many times over. I heard about all the issues shortly after buying it and was prepared for the worse. Thanks Ford for building a great little car.

Favorite Features

Interior. I routinely drive several hundred miles to jobs and it is more comfortable than the decked out pig I used to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Leather interior.

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I guess I got a good one

Written by: EE on 02/22/2008

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 4 Dr SE Wagon

Review

165,000 miles and it's only now starting to have problems. I was a victim of the frozen ignition thing - if it's giving sticky warning signs, heed them! The timing belt isn't due until some ridiculous mileage, mine went at 155,000. If you are planning to keep the car long term, change it before Ford advises. No leaks of any kind, so far. I am a painter and have loved how much stuff I could cram in the back and still be able to park it in San Francisco, and the gas mileage is great. If you are looking at this used, try and find one where you can research the service history, I guess. I'm going to try and take this one to 200,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Cargo space and mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Seats just aren't that comfortable, and Ford should step up on the ignition cylinder problem.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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FOCUS = Fix Or Curse Until Stolen

Written by: Jeff on 01/27/2008

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

This car is an absolute piece of garbage. I got it as a commuter car for nothing but highway driving. I drive 60 miles a day at 65 in a straight line. Where do I begin to describe the problems? The interior is cheap and flimsy. The radio dial literally melts in high heat. The car feels like it will fall apart at 65. Awful road noise. The seats seem to consist of a cloth, cardboard, and styrofoam mixture. Reliability is terrible. I had it in the shop for routine mechanical and electrical problems every 6 months. It once shut off on a highway, literally turning off at 60 mph. Do not, under any circumstances, buy this car. Spend the extra money on a civic and save on repairs.

Favorite Features

Got rid of it.

Suggested Improvements

Don't build any more of them. For existing Focus owners, a can of gasoline and properly applied matches should reduce mechanical problems.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Way more fun than a Toyota Corolla

Written by: Hocus Focus on 01/15/2008

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

I bought this car brand new, and have owned it for almost eight years. It's been a blast to drive and way, way more reliable than my previous car (Toyota Corolla). Only major complaint was an ignition lock problem in year seven, which by then was out of warranty and cost $250 to replace. Being a 1st year model it had a few recalls but they were fixed quick, free, and easy. Fuel economy (23 city, 33 highway) was a little lower than expected. Handling was a MAJOR positive surprise. Braking fine, replaced once at 51K. Front and Rear headroom impressive - a friend who is 6'3" fits in the back seat with no complaints... and he even works for GM. 5-speed manual shifts fine, clutch is a breeze.

Favorite Features

Handling! Very short turn radius, good stereo, hatchback functionality, interior room, not a Corolla, simple and clean dash, comfortable seats, headroom excellent. This thing is Ole Reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Horsepower increase or better gas mileage for the horsepower. Wait for 2nd year of any new car/truck (any make or model). Ford should have issued recall on ignition switch problem.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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2000 Focus ZX3

Written by: 2000zx3Focus on 10/12/2007

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

IN THE BEGINNING...the was a problem, before I could take it home they had to replace a Rt rear shock. Yes, it is fun to drive, pick up was great. Lots of trips for service of small to medium issues.

Favorite Features

Cost. bigger tires. low entry for hatchback. finger grips to close hatch. Oh shift bars. view.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission. foldable mirrors. rear fenders not puffed out so much. seats- springs come out. rough ride. noise level. windshield wiper defroster. blind spot-rear. brakes.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Little Commuter!

Written by: lucy on 09/08/2007

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

I have owned this car for 7 years, and it has been a great commuting vehicle. It is very dependable (only one major repair), and fun to drive. It seems very roomy on the inside compared with other compacts I have been in, and I like the high position of the driver's seat. Great visibility.

Favorite Features

Front seats are very structured and supportive. Also love the hatch.

Suggested Improvements

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Massive Disappointment

Written by: APL on 06/04/2007

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

Test driving the ZX3 with manual transmission sold me on this car's fun to drive qualities. However, having owned many cars (including 3 Fords) I can honestly say this car was the biggest lemon I ever had the displeasure of owning. Over the course of 84k mile ownership I replaced the AC system, valve cover gasket, ignition mechanism, EGR valve. The car was fun to drive and got great gas mileage but left me stranded more times than every other car I have owned combined. Amazingly, mechanics and tow truck drivers could usually guess what my problem was because they had seen so many Focus with the same issues. It feels like the sun has shone brighter every day since I got rid of it!

Favorite Features

Fun to drive, great gas mileage, lots of headroom, low purchase price.

Suggested Improvements

Engine, transmission, brakes, just about everything else. Based my experience and on talking with other ownership victims I would guess a combination of ineffective design and poor quality control.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My ZX3 is a workhorse! I'm sad to sell!

Written by: Chenago on 05/20/2007

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

I've been driving my little ZX3 for seven years now. It has been a wonderful little car. Yes, it's true that I it had some recalls, but that's all over with. I can haul almost anything that I want. The purchase price and the cost of gas still don't add up to the cost of a hybrid. It will carve Highway 55 with the best of them and I'll pass them at the pump, because I'm getting 35 mpg. It has spunk in the city and cruises easily on the highway. The stereo rocks. In seven years I've replaced the battery, window crank and the ignition switch. I'm very sad that Ford isn't bringing back the ZX3 in '08, so I'm selling and purchasing a new '07. Here's to another seven years!

Favorite Features

Big door for easy in and out. Very comfortable rear seat. Cargo room! Radio and CD player plays any scratched CD. Love how it hugs the road! I love the center console! Everyone I give rides to love the dash!

Suggested Improvements

All cars should come with a very dark tint. It saves on A/C. It saves the interior of the car. I hope that Ford would move the oil filter to a better place. Limited-slip sifferential would be great to have for the snow and ice!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Never Again!

Written by: mimibeth on 04/20/2007

Vehicle

2000 Ford Focus 2 Dr ZX3 Hatchback

Review

I will never again purchas a Ford vehicle. At 19 years old, the Ford Focus was the first vehicle that was truly 100% mine. Within the first week I received a notice in the mail regarding a fuel hose being recalled. It has all been downhill since then. I keep up to date with routine maintenance but in the past two years alone, I have had to replace the ignition, fuses, vents, seat adjustment handles, radiator, various parts of the transmission..the list goes on and on. Every time I brought it into the shop I was urged to get rid of my Focus. Thousands of dollars later, I'm finally listening! As soon as I trade this puppy in, I'm washing my hands not only of the Focus but of Ford entirely.

Favorite Features

It fits into small/tight parking spaces.

Suggested Improvements

I wouldn't even know where to begin.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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