Used 2003 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews
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The Worst Car I've Ever Owned
William Sparrow, 08/05/2008
2003 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Instrument cluster died first, that alone was around six hundred dollars. Three sensors were defective and it failed inspection. A vacuum switch was followed by a major transmission malfunction. The trunk can be problematic at times. The visors are poor and the ignition switch is faulty. I have put 21000 gentle miles on this sedan. I drive like an old man and have this car serviced regularly (when it is not being repaired). I am a teacher and find myself struggling financially as a result of this purchase. The repair costs have far outweighed the fuel savings. I believe that Ford is negligent beyond reason. Ford should be ashamed of this abysmal car!
Mediocrity at its best!
monkeyfinger, 02/23/2010
2003 Ford Focus ZX3 Premium 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2003 Ford Focus has seen it's share of problems: Alternator, Thermostat Housing, AA Solenoid, Fuel Pump, Water Pump, Drive Belt, Timing Belt and Engine Mounts. I Love the compact design; however, this causes astronomical labor charges or very difficult self repairs. You actually have to go under the car to change the headlight bulbs. Overall, I like my Focus, but I wish Ford had put more thought into the quality. For example, a thermostat housing that is not made of plastic. If yours has not failed yet, then it soon will. Or a better set of engine mounts. One thing that the focus will do is help you become a great mechanic.
2003 Ford Focus for sale near you
Showing 3 of 23 listings
- SE WagonMSRP: $2,299146 mi away
- SE Comfort Sedan w/ZetecMSRP: $2,950616 mi away
- SE Comfort Sedan w/ZetecMSRP: $6,995695 mi away
See all 23 listings
Tires
crap, 04/09/2008
2003 Ford Focus ZTW 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car gets great gas mileage but has cost me a fortune in tires. I bought the ZTW focus 2.0l 5sp wagon new and it no has 88,000 mi on it. I get no more than 15,000 mi out of a set of 15" tires whether cheap or expensive (back have gotten as little a 10K). Called Ford up they said "never heard of that before" but yet supplies my dealer w/ alignment kits to try and cure. Struts blew at 10k . On 3rd set of rear seat belts. Rear latch changed under recall- new latch worse-latch sometimes opens when hit bump-things fall out. Can no longer read LCD #s on blaupunct radio. Dashboard different color than rest of plastics. ps pump leak at 30k.
Soccer Mom Car
Sterling Hick, 07/16/2005
2003 Ford Focus ZTW 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
In a word - practical. It's carried everything from my kayaks to furniture. I've had only very minor problems (air bag sensor) and it is phenomenal on gas. Only down side is that it's a bit on the boring side. I had an Escort ZX2 before this, and that was a lot more fun to drive.
New ZX5 is Great
fairlanecobra, 03/09/2003
2003 Ford Focus ZX5 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great styling. Good performance. Ride is unlike any car I have had before, tight and easy to control. Plently of room for 4 people and the dog in the hatch area. Gets looks everywhere.