I hear all of these problems about the Focus...

[Rampart Crawler]

And I say it is too bad because it is a great overall car. My family has a 2000 SE and I happen to be one of the people who like the styling, It handles great, has a smooth gearbox, and good low end torque compared ot my civic.

I could see myself in a new one this upcomming spring(with the standard CD player and sunroof for cheaper than a base model Civic). It's sad how many issues this thing has compared to the Escort. We have had more problems with this car at 30k miles than my civic will ever have(nothing other than maintenance fees) and I have over 60k, so far.

I don't know why I was so drawn to post here. I guess I just think it is sad. I learned how to drive manual on this focus when it was on its second clutch. Thank god it went before than, otherwise, my parents would have thought it was me. I really like to drive it and the shifter is smoother than the other manuals I have driven.(manual civc, corolla, Prizm, V6 mustang). It is easy to get in and out of, but it is small at the same time.
I want to support Focus owners and fans with their purchase. I think most of the kinks have been worked out with the '05, but my parents have decided to not get another no matter who cheap they sell them. They won't even let my have the old one since they want me to keep my reliable civic. Congrats to people who have had little to no problems with this car.

Sorry if there is any spelling errors. This is a big post for my standards, and I am too lazy to post.

[Mustangman25]

2000's are riddled with problems, take the Civic like I have and keep money in your wallet.

[Rampart Crawler]

Originally Posted by Mustangman25

2000's are riddled with problems, take the Civic like I have and keep money in your wallet.

To be honest, any year focus has had problems.
Yeah, I already own my Civic. It just seemed appealing to get the current focus for a cheaper price than a new Civic and get standard featers that would be options on the Civic...

[Mustangman25]

The Focus may be cheaper now, but I think it stands to reason that the Civic will pay that difference both in increased mileage, and in reliability years down the road.

[Rampart Crawler]

Originally Posted by Mustangman25

The Focus may be cheaper now, but I think it stands to reason that the Civic will pay that difference both in increased mileage, and in reliability years down the road.

And resale value, but it doesn't come with the toys.
*don't shoot me, but I don't really dig the looks, 6th gen was my fave. but still*

[JJFURAY]

I HATE TO ADD TO THE POT, but... our 2000 SE wagon focus is a nightmare of problem after problem. I spend more time at the local Ford Parts counter than any other parts counter of ALL the cars I've owned and worked on for other people. I have many years of experience in mechanics and am very dissapointed in the 2000 mechanical aspect. Handles very well, sleek looking body and good A/C, stays very cold.

[david m]

i bought a 2000 zx3, and for the first 2.5 years it was a decent vehicle (despite the recalls)....but since then, it has become the bane of my existence.

never again will i purchase a vehicle in the first model year...and i'm not sure that i would buy a Ford product anytime soon.

[twizzlenutz]

I have an 05 ZX3 and I've had no problems out of it at all. A friend of mine owns an 04 SVT ZX3 and he's had no problems either. But you are correct, the 2000-02 Foci were terrible. I've read so many posts not only here but on other forums about what garbage they are. I even had a dealer tell me not to buy a 2002 because of all the problems they were having with them. By the time the 03 model rolled out, most of the problems were worked out of it and with the 05 model, I've seen very few problems with them.
On a side note, I have to say that I admire you in the fact that you own a Civic but you're not on here bashing domestic cars and talking about how your Civic is so much better in every way. I can't say I hate the Civic. My girlfriend had an 04 Civic LX coupe and I have to say the only thing bad about it was the fact the stock tires were horrible. But other than that, no complaints. I actually considered buying a Civic Si until I figured out the shifter came out of the dashboard.

[xanetax]

...so hopefully im somewhat lucky with mine. no problems sooo farr... knock on wood!! it sucks that im stuck with it kuz my mom gave me mine since she didnt want it anymore, n ive been lookin for a vw for about a year now... i hope i dont STUCK with this thing

[octaviojr]

I own a 2001 ford focus ZX3 and i dont have any problems at al i think is a great car and is faster than most civics, this is a great car good on gas mileage ,enough power for a 4 cylinder im 6" 4 270 pounds this car might look small from the outside but it has plenty of room inside i totally agree with rampar Crawle( read the first post) this car is smooth i put Konig rims on my car also 2 subs and a cd player also the intake everything was cheap and im happy with everything , turbo is also available for this car
dont be fool by people talking trash