Skip to main content

Used 2003 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
361 reviews

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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
1.5 out of 5 stars

Ford = Fix. Or. Repair. Daily.

jaym83, 09/27/2012
2003 Ford Focus ZX3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 18 people found this review helpful

This car is a nightmare. Every other focus owner ive talked to hates this car too. Never buy this vehicle. Even the ford mechanics at the dealerships ive been to tell me this car is nothing but a bag of issues. I have had this car for less than six years and put less than 40,000miles on it and have had so many issues. This car eats tires and rear brakes like candy. So far, new ignition cylinder after six months of ownership, new motor mounts, new fog lights, new throttle cable, more new tires, more new brakes, rear defroster repair, new alternator, driver seat broke (spot welds that hold the seat up right broke), manual window crank broke off, ECU repair, and none of this is covered by Ford.

Report Abuse

2.25 out of 5 stars

Absolute piece of garbage

invisiblekid87, 04/03/2013
2003 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 26 people found this review helpful

Bought the car back in 2011, used, about 65,000 miles on it. I should be able to get some life out of it, right? Wrong. About 4 months later, the alternator had to be changed. Figured that was normal - took it for inspection in June of 2012 - needed a tune-up. Then - the ignition started sticking, got to the point where I was coming out of a hair appointment and the car would not start. Had to call a mechanic - $400 dollars to get the ignition fixed! Now - the battery's drained and my transmission is sticking. I have no clue how much it's gonna be, but the car has been sitting in the driveway for about 3 months and I refuse to put another dime into it. Good riddance.

Report Abuse
2003 Ford Focus for sale near you
Showing 3 of 23 listings
See all 23 listings

4 out of 5 stars

Ford

Ash Harrin, 09/14/2016
2003 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

Its a good car but when it breaks its something big.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3 out of 5 stars

Don't Waste Your Money!

rubypussycat, 06/09/2011
2003 Ford Focus ZX3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

I was excited to get my used car in 2003, but quickly regretted buying it a year later. I first thought it was the dealership because the seatbelt still needed to be fixed and they took out the spare tire when I recieved the car the same day. I have kept all the receipts and made an excel list of all the repairs and maintence I have done so far. So here it is: 3 starters, 1 alternator, ingition switch, cd player fixed (it kept shutting off by itself), 3 positive battery terminals and positve battery cable. My car is now at 100,858 miles because I have done most repairs by myself, but I DO NOT recommend anyone to buy this car. This is not typical for any vehicle!!

Report Abuse

1.88 out of 5 stars

Horrible Car

laurenglamtm, 11/22/2012
2003 Ford Focus ZX5 Comfort 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 12 people found this review helpful

I bought this care used at 85,00 miles for $5000 and I guess you get what you paid for. Within the first few months I had to get the transmission replaced and from there it has been down hill. I havent even had the car for 4 years and I have had to get a new alternator, spark plugs, coolant resivor, vacuum pump, two thermostats, a plastic piece that connects my coolant resivor to my radiator, and two window pullys that broke. I'd say by now I could have gotten a brand new car....Thats how expensive all the repairs cost. Now it makes a weird rattle noise when I idle and the ford dealership can't figure out what it is....and let me tell you it is a really LOUD rattle. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5