Used 2001 Ford Focus Hatchback Consumer Reviews

My ZX3 is a great vehicle

I bought this vehicle new in 2001 (Focus ZX3 hatchback; 5-speed manual with no air conditioning or electric windows). This is the best car I've ever owned. We now have over 225,000 miles on the car with little maintenance. By keeping up on the oil changes/tune-up's, we've had no major issues other than changing out the ignition once while it was still under warranty. Great mpg (30-40 avg overall); I mostly drive freeway. We're considering buying a 2013 as a replacement vehicle for our 2000 Focus SE sedan (bought it used; automatic w/electric everything; it has too many issues now at 180,000 mi). The ZX3 is a wonderful car. I would recommend the version I purchased. It's a keeper!

ZX3 is a winner

This car has been a very pleasant surprise. Equipped with the Power Premium package, there is not much left to be desired from a driver's standpoint. Seats could be a bit firmer, adjustable steering wheel should be able to move a tad lower (when seat is lowered to max, and the wheel is extended). Center armrest is a bit awkward. But the car handles extemely well on the street, and if a blast to drive. The clutch action is very smooth, and it's fun to put the ZX3 through its gears on a windy road. The dash design is unusual, yet very logical and useful. All the controls are well marked and easy to reach. Feels a lot more expensive than it is, like driving a smaller European sports coupe.

Great car

This is my first car it is a great car its winter and i live in the country and it does great! It's a 5 speed with a Sunroof that opens with a crank it runs and drives great and easily shifts. I got it with 94k and it has 95k great car!

White Girl

I've had this car from November 2007 to July 2016. The owner before me had sold it to me for $3,500 with 75,000 miles on it. He was moving to Germany for a new job and couldn't take it with him. I was about to graduate high school so my mom bought it for me as a gift. The interior and exterior were in excellent condition, except the headlights had a cloudiness to it and later on the thermometer gage got weird. I switched out the radio, because it was too old school. Too bad it didn't stay that way, a few years later on the highway a heavy chair fell out of into the lane I thought I would be safe from it hitting me, so I had a dent on the side near my headlight and then my moms coffee spilt everywhere on the passenger side so speckles on the ceiling from that. Around 2014 my air stopped working and living in Florida its miserable but I didn't want to pay to have it fixed. Then in March 2015 after driving it for an hour my car made a really loud noise like a shotgun. Turns out my radiator is bad. Although my gage goes from red back and sometimes back to the middle and there's a little smoke coming from under the hood after starting it up. I'm still able to get to where I need to go 10 mile radius of course. Repair isn't necessary because its how much the cars worth. I'm not the type of girl who wants all the gadgets that come in a newer car so I love it. If it didn't have a baby on the way I would get another one. Since my husband bought a mini cooper s before we were married, its time for an suv.

Keep America rolling 911 car

This little One Owner yellow Focus was well loved from day one. I never lose it in a parking lot. It was purchased just after the attack on 911 to keep America rolling. It still runs great after 162,000 miles. It has had a few expected repair issues over the years. The biggest repair in 2014 the fuel pump was replaced. "Car blows a fuse and stalls when the fuel pump is going bad". 2016 Current known defects - A/C failed for the first time, passenger power window sticks unless you open the driver side door. Small one inch rust spot on the hood and truck edge. Minor oil leak. Otherwise I still love the car. The seats are comfortable. It is a little noisy but it is a small car.

Build Quality an Issue

2001, bad year for the Focus. Build quality issues. Simple things like rivets and screws, failing or missing entirely. 36,000 mile warranty not near enough for scary quality issues. Fuel economy is not as advertised. Expect 20-25mpg, not 30+.

Lemon

I paid $3500 for my 2001 Ford Focus with 60K on it. 2 years later, I've put $2900 into repaires alone @ 93K. My car might have very well just been a lemon, but I wouldn't ever buy a used ford again. Get a Honda or a Toyota. Do NOT waste your money! I love the look of my car. If I didn't have to constantly repair this car it would be great.

Great car!

I got my blue 2001 Focus ZX3 for free, it needed an idler pulley, and it ran well! It may have the occasional stall and rattle, but it runs well!

My First Car.

I bought this car over a year ago and should've taken it to a mechanic. I bought it for $1200 from a guy in my town. It had 251000 miles on it. I drove it 3 thousand miles the first month I had it. To date I have replaced the battery(it had a go-cart battery when I bought it), rear wheel bearings, rear and front brakes, alternator, full front suspension, new tires. So far I probably have about 3200 dollars into it and it now needs a new engine. I got screwed by the former owner but i love this car. I drove it for a few months tops (it was always in need of more work. Great gas mileage. Ive gotten it to 110 before new suspension. Then i hit a hawk. **Bottom line it was my first car and I bought a car that should've been sent to the salvage yard.**

I Used To Praise It

I'm now 60 years old. This car had 50k miles on it and was 4 y/o when I got it. Everything that could go wrong on this car has gone wrong twice in the 5 years I've had it (now 118k)and again I am facing motor mounts, a timing belt, a new head gasket the shifter came off at the base, the suspension trashed, CV joints, cooling system problems, numerous strange rattles, and the stereo pops out on the right side when I accelerate so it's taped into place. The wind whistles through every crack, and conversation in the cabin is not fun. It's a MONEY PIT $$$$ that knows no bounds, at least $1500 per year on the average. Unfortunately most of it hits all at once. I'm saddened by it's performance.

This car is HORRIBLE

When i bought the car i had 62000 mi on it and now its been 5 years with 116000 ive had to replace the trasmission, replace the water pump and timing belt, replaced the coolant system 2 times not to mention the hoses and clamps about 3 times or more tires have been replaced twice, just when you think the car is ok something else will break and it costs at least 500 dollars or more! the car has electric problems sometimes the lights will just go out by itself i bought it for 8000 and spent almost triple that amount fixing this stupid car. the cd player you have to get replaced since the cds will stop playing after like 20 min or less the only good thing with this car is the gas milage

Fun Focus

I love this car. For such a small car, the interior is exceptionally spacious. The car feels like it has great quality.

traction control

traction control was worth the price of admission...worked well in bad weather with oem tires...very effective in snow/slush/even ice

MY ZX3

Ok, i got a silver ZX3 with 23,000 miles on it and it is an absolute joy to own. makes everyday trips fun with its sharp-as-a-knife handeling and zippy engine (although it could use some more zip) i can fit almost anything into it and yet it is so small on the outeside and easy to park. The seats have good support and i fit easily into the car (i'm 6'5"). I would recomed a focus to anyone who wants a good car on a budget.

A BLAST TO DRIVE!!!

Ive had my zx3 for about 2 months now and i love it. After a stressful day nothing beats getting in the car and going for a cruise with the tunes cranked. The fun to drive factor is off the scale. It could use more power but around corners it is sooo much fun.

Great Car!

I have only had the car for a year, but it's a fantastic vehicle. The driving pleasure is just superb. Handling, acceleration, and ride all congeal to create a wonderful product.

Best in its class!

A gem to drive and own. Superb engine even at low revs. Precise steering and powerful brakes. Comfortable and stylish and reliability is so good that never lets you down! A fine car.

Very good car

Focus is Fun

Very satisfied with this vehicle. Formerly owned a 1990 acura integra and drove it until 130K miles ended it's life. The Acura was fun to drive and I didn't think this little Ford could even come close but I was wrong. Handles incredibly, very responsive for a compact car, great sound system, very roomy. One thing I find disappointing are the front seats, they are uncomfortable on long trips.

ZX3 NIRVANA

I've had my 5 speed Focus for a little over a year and I love to drive this car to work. I'm 6' 2" and I fit well in the driver's seat. The engine, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes are incredibly capable and satisfying. My Ford dealer has been great. The only defect was a faint rattle in the rear which was a vibrating shock absorber, quickly diagnosed and replaced.

Friends dont let friends....

Buy Focus's. this car has been nothing but trouble. Emissions sensors pop and the dealerships want me to rent a car for 3 days so they can fix it under warranty. UGGHHHH...If the value of the vehicle wasnt dropping so fast I'd sell or trade but I financed it for 4 years with 15% down and I'm STILL upside down on it. 26MPG is average with the AT. The interior is starting to fall out of it....It eats tires and wont keep alignment on either axle. Brakes on front end cost $375.00 in PARTS ALONE because they dont have squealers...Pad wear out and overheat the calipers...

DO NOT BUY

VERY ugly, slow and American (unreliable). poor design and looks

Worst used car I have ever purchased

I bought this car in June 2010 for my kids to drive. It looked great on the outside and shifted well and has great air conditioning but that is where it ends. The guy I bought it from put used tires on it but they still had a lot of tread. In the 6 months that we have had this car I have had to replace the radiator, the heating element, the water pump and all 4 tires. This thing eats tires. I would never trust my kids to drive it out of town. It's simply not reliable. Other issue that are not quite as important: The windows crank down backwards from other cars. The drink holder is in a stupid place. Sometimes the passenger side door will not open. This car is a piece of crap.

love/hate relationship

ive had my zx3 for 2 year this month. its the hottest little car for what i paid for it. im a big guy (6-2) and i have plenty of room in this car. fuel economy is OK, considering i drive about 400 miles a week. its rather quite (with new tires), but roomy!...the only gripes is that my focus was in the shop after 5k and 6 times after that, now its got 28k

01 focus a great car

I really enjoy owning and driving my 01 Focus zx3. Fun to drive, gets great gas mileage. Very dependable. Overall great car. Even with the 2dr I can fold down back seat and haul some pretty big stuff!

great car

great car, never any problems, runs great, itll treat you right if you keep the maintenance up, comfortable, nice interior design, exterior design and different you will turn heads

LOVE IT!

The Premium ZX3 Ford Focus 2001, is the car that I picked out. It drives like a mini sports car, take the curves and hauls up the hills. I have a 5 speed and it runs like a top. Have had nothing wrong. Only thing were the windows had some bad film on them from the shipping and had to have the front and back replaced. Other than that, just the oil change, rotate the tires and go. I highly recommend my Focus. I have gone camping with it and it just drives great. Love the handling, visability, and the suspension is such that you hardly feel the road!!! The only thing is I wish that it would get better mpg. Only 25 city and freeway and plus 32 on the open road.

Fun but hot!

Well I own my 2001 Focus for almost 7 yrs never lets me down even if there's a problem with the car . I have this car overheat like 5 times, the problem the my car have is the radiator that's about it . This car have 19,000k and still good as new fast motor. That's the good thing about a good motor the is been taken good care! Love your Focus!

Ford Focus is Fun

I love this car. It's definetely worth the price. It accelerates with spirit, takes curves with assurance at any speed, and brakes fast and straight. Good visibility all around, nice stereo, interior doesn't look chintzy.

ZX3

Since my wife and I have had this car, we've had several issues with it. Ford's build quality is poor. We've had issues with the air conditioner leaking, after its rained the back of the car has had large amounts of water in it, the ignition where you put the key in broke and had to be replaced, the plastic (let me reinforce plastic) thermostat housing unit was leaking coolant, also the hoses aren't sufficient enough to carry the coolant since they eventually balloon up, the car jerks when you back up, etc. The radio always shut off and you have to push in the radio/cd area to turn it back on. Other than maintenance issues, the car is pretty comfortable inside and is fun to drive.

Great Vehicle

Although I've only had my Focus ZX3 for a couple of weeks now, I can still say this is one of the best built economy cars on the market. The frame is solid, engine is perky especially when you get above 4k rpms. It is nice going down the road and barely here the engine or road! I would recommend this car to almost anyone!

Garbage

Had 13k miles on it and was 5 y/o when purchased. Thought the proverbial little old lady must have owned it. How mistaken I was. A/c out 6 months later. Cooling system problems, electrical problems, bearing problems, fuel pump, door panels rattle (this will drive you slowly insane), brake problems, motor mounts all replaced, transmission mounts. Need I say more?

shiftless junk

if Ford made only the Focus, they would be out of business in a week. this car has the worst shifting manual transmission ever, even worse than my 1959 Austin that did not have sychro. the throttle sticks in cold weather and the dealer admits that they are all crap. another Pinto, thanks a lot Ford

Great Car

There has been some bad stuff in the press about this car, but don't let that fool you. (Just ask Car and Driver, which the focus has been in the 10 best 4 years in a row) I am amazed at the quality and driving fun this car is for the money. 140k and going strong.

Bad Performance over 2 years

The Good things -Exellente Handling -Confortable -Great Sound -Very Good Space in front, i'm 6.6 tall The Bad things -Regular Quality on interiors -Engine is not so good, very good power at the start (Brand New), but the car lost a lot of power with the A/C on, especially if you live in places with very high temperatures (115-120 F), -Fuel Cosumption, Regular -a litle bit noisy on the high ways The Ugly thing -just 2 years and a half with the car and i dont whant it any more

I love my focus!

I used to owe an escort, and the difference with my new focus is night and day. I look forward to driving my car everyday......i'm still in love with my car, that's what buying a car should feel like......wouldn't trade it for the world!

Pros & Cons

My Ford Focus ZX3 is a fun to drive car. It handles excellently and has a bit of European flair in its hatchback design. I can also load all kinds of stuff in it. However the reliability is sketchy.Numerous recalls, recalls that were fixed seem to have the same problem creep up again(Battery cable was changed only to melt again). The brand new ones now come with 10/100,000 Powertrain warranty, but I wish mine had that because I think the new ones have the bugs worked out while mine still has the bugs. A shame since this car is truely a joy to drive and it's versitility is great!

Brian's Focus

The Focus gets great gas mileage. As far the interior of the car I think it's cheap and does not wear well. The engine is great, the A/C is no good; it stopped working after a year and half. Have never had problems with tire wear. I had gotten 55,000 on the first set and are only on my 2nd set. As of now, I would most likely not buy another Ford product when I do go to get a new car.

It's a great car!

I love it. The only problem I have had, (a faulty moon roof switch) was fixed by the dealer with no problem. Corners great and is a blast to drive! Two thumbs up!

ZX3 Nirvana

This is a great commuter car, perfect for quick maneuvers and fast stops. I'm tall and the seats are comfortable and the visibility is great. The only defect was a faint rattle in the rear which was quickly repaired by the dealer. The ZX3 is a great value for the money.

It's costing me now

This was the first car I ever bought. I researched it and got a fairly decent deal. However I've had a lot of mechanical problems with it. It was at the dealer for a week cause it wouldn't start. And more recently it hss taken to not starting and sporadically stalling. I took it to 1 dealer and they claimed the stalling was from a faulty fuel pump and fixed it under warranty. Two weeks later it was still stalling and I took it to another dealer, because I moved, and it's been there for over a month and they have no clue what's wrong with it. A real mind boggler they said. I've spent a fortune in rental and repairs and its still broken. All I can say is I'm never buying Ford again!

Should have bought a Civic

I have had my fill of ford dealerships. Having nothing but problems with my car from stalling for no reason to the check engine light going on at least once every two months, I would not recomend a Ford Focus! Possibly I got a lemon, but I know a few friends who have had quite a bit of problems with the Ford dealers service departments.

170,000 miles on it

Just sold my ZX3 after 7 years, 170,000 miles. Fun, fun car to ride; however, it has truly been unreliable pretty much from day one. Calipers, fuel pump, catalatyic converter, wheel bearings; $500 dollar repairs 5 months in a row; escape a few months and starts all over again; finally sold. When running (second to none) on fun factor but not without cost.

Fantastically built and fun to drive

The Focus ZX3 is an astonishing little car. It is light and nible and relatively powerful and the interior design and ergonomics are the best of any small car. Sometimes while driving to work I see BMWs and think how close I came to buying a cramped ZX3 and how much overally pleasure I get from driving my sporty Focus with its sunroof.

ZX3, Best Bang for the Buck, Part 2

The car continues to impress. After 20,000 miles absolutely no problems, none. Build quality remains tight, no squeaks or rattles. Gas mileage (with the 5 speed) is very good, 32 MPG overall. Fun to drive, practical and problem free....what more can you ask?

great handling but mechanical trouble

I have experienced quite a few mechanical issues with this car and I would not buy another.

2001 ZX3 Review

Have had car since new, few problems. Nice roads manners and driveability for compact car. Would not have a problem buying another. Needs a little more horse power, 50 more would be good. :) I thought the ZX3 design was cutting edge in 2001, now all manufacturers have one that looks like the ZX3. Average 21-22 mpg city, 28-29 highway.

A great Car

First rate small car.

Ford Focus ZX3

I've had a great experience with my 2001 Ford Focus. The only thing that has come up is the rear brake squeekiness, which is disturbing but I absolutely love everything else about the car.

Costly Mistake

Mom & I bought "foci" & regret it. I’ve replaced my ignition @30K mi; my mom's was replaced twice @ the same mileage. My check engine light is on & dealership didn’t fix the trouble; they reset the light. A week later the warranty ran out & the light came back. I won’t take it to Ford due to disappointing experiences @ 2 shops in 2 parts of FL. My mechanic said this trouble could cost 150-500 depending on if it’s a leaking hose or a defective valve. My mom's is having this problem (still under warranty)& the dealership said it didn’t cover this & it would cost her 300+ to fix. The fabric on the seat has worn all the way through in places-I‘m 120lbs