Used 2003 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews
Used Focus for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Solid
Matt, 05/24/2010
2003 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I knew even when I bought this car that I would never truly love it, but it has been rock solid for me over the last three years. Outside of routine maintenance, I haven't had a single headache or repair. I keep wanting something to go wrong so I can talk my wife into letting me get a sexier vehicle, but my Focus just keeps plugging away. I could have paid far more for a used Civic or Corolla, but I wouldn't have gotten a better or more reliable car.
Red_Bird
scjenk, 02/03/2004
2003 Ford Focus ZX3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have put 6100 miles on it in 3 months and have no problems to report. The car is very quiet comparded to it's competition, and rides good for a small car. This is the best handling car I have ever driven, handles like an expensive sports car. Needs more power, especially when coupled to the automatic. Gas milage is a little disappointing, averaging 26 MPG for mostly highway driving.
Failing Ford Focus
tootnguyen, 08/27/2002
2003 Ford Focus ZTW 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The focus has proven rather disappointing to own. Mechanical problems and failing interior parts quickly became apparent. The A/C and transmission failed at 4200 miles. Discovery of numerous recalls on a vehicle relatively new to the market is disconcerning. This model is setting automotive records for the most recalls since it's intro. The Ford dealers were rude and overworked fixing other focus recalls. More Focus models were in their garage than on the dealer's lot. Interestingly, The true test of a the build quality is how a car holds up after the warranty expires even if you don't plan to hang on to a car that long.
Reliable as a tank
Tdwillis, 05/27/2010
2003 Ford Focus SE Comfort 4dr Sedan w/Zetec (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had this car since it was new and now we have 188k on it and all I have to say it has been super reliable and flawless. The only problem early on were the front sway links, but mechanically our focus has been and still is remarkably reliable. The trans and engine is original and has never been serviced for nothing. We also have never had a check engine light come on and it passes the emissions test every time with flying colors. Our Focus also doesn't burn a drop of oil. I don't know why everyone else has had the problems they have with their Focus but my experience has been very positive. Driving this car 300k miles doesn't seem like a fantasy anymore.
Aftermarket
pwallace01, 08/03/2003
2003 Ford Focus ZTS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I used to drive a mustang and let me tell you. This car handles and responds to driver input much better. Anyone can take this car and drive it fast through a corner. The only downfall i see from the factory is that it only has 130HP. The aftermarket, however, is plentiful. You will like this car.