Used 2002 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews
The Tank
I bought my 5 speed ZX3 in 2005 with 48,000 miles on it and I just totaled it out with 143k miles. I loved this car but the tires wore out easily and cost $110 a tire, the housing unit for the temperature thingy had to be replaced, the cd player was replaced twice and still didn't work, the moon roof would malfunction, at 130,000 the front struts started to go and there was an oil leak, I had to replace the battery 4 times and the driver side door handle constantly broke. Despite all that I did run the car hard and it ran well up until about 115k miles and it held together through the few accidents I was in keeping me and my 2 year old safe. It's nickname was tank for a reason.
Porsche Killer
Great car, needed reliable transportation, good economy, but no sacrifice to performance, and needed it all on a strict budget. Shopped all the imports, but the SVTF had much more bang for the buck. The SRT4 will spank it in a line, but the SVTF out handles cars that costs 5 times as much. I autocross it often, once entered a Porsche Club of America event, came in 4th out of 75 cars, 55 were Porsches! I'm a decent driver, but the SVTF makes me a great driver. Easy to drive and very predictable handling. I can haul a lot gear to work in the hatch, and go racing on the weekend. Well balanced car, Ford needs to make more cars like this!
- ZX5 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,20011 mi away
- SVT 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $14,995277 mi away
- ZX5 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,250710 mi away
A distinctive small car
Even 5 years on, when I looked for a small car to buy the Focus stood out. The best aspects are a unique style inside and out, a user friendly interior and seating position, the best handling of any non-sport compact but a comfortable suspension worthy of a larger car. Don't worry, I say this having test driven the Corolla, Civic and Golf. On the downside, the fuel economy is not as good as it should be for a small car, the reliability is acceptable, but not bullet-proof and there are a few annoyances that are easily overshadowed by the good points
The Only Hot Hatch
I love this car! SVT has outdone themselves! This car blows away the Matrix XRS, and the new Civic Si (and I am a Honda fan!). Definitely worth the extended wait for delivery. Audiophile stereo system is better than any stock system I have ever heard. I can't believe I'm driving a hatchback! This car wants to be driven fast. I would recommend it for anyone with a boring commute who wants an affordable rocket. I get more looks in this car than in my modded 97 Honda Prelude.
Not What You Expect
My experience with this car has not been a pleasant one. Three weeks after I purchased my Focus, it broke down. I came to find out that the stick shift had come loose while I was driving it. If you are planning on purchasing this car for a family, especially with small children, I would advise against it. The interior has very little room for taller people. If you have a child that is in a rear facing car seat, be aware that the passenger or driver will have limited space. Another thing I have found wrong with this car is its many blind spots. I have had numerous close calls with other cars due to the lack of veiwing space out the windows.