By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Unfortunately for you, this isn't a polling place, it's a forum. So you posting the same thing over and over isn't really informing people as much as it is just making this list boring.
"as long as there are people like you,ford will think that they have achieved a level of quality that is acceptable."
People like whoooommmm? Are we Ford apologists? I'm not, and I readily admit that American cars are not as well made or reliable as the top Japanese brands. The Japanese have spent the last 50 years perfecting their manufacturing processes and dedicating themselves to the ideal of continual improvement. And the big three have whittled away their time on marketing, toying with electronic gimmickry, and fooling themselves that everything is OK. And the market has adjusted. Toyota and Honda have earned their stellar reputations, and are reaping the financial rewards with strong sales in a foreign country at higher margins than the indigenous Big Three. So, in a way, everyone is getting what they deserve.
And most buyers are aware of this now. Although there is the occassional young couple who doesn't know any better and naively goes out and plunks down full list for a new Windstar, drives home a lemon, and gets stuck with repair bills equal to their car payments. I do feel sorry for folks like that, but most that read this list are pretty car-savvy. I would hope anyone looking at a used Focus is aware of the fouled-up launch which led to a lot of problems with the 99 and 00 cars, and would expect a significant price cut accordingly. So, your get-evenist intent to discourage people from buying a Focus will mainly fall on deaf ears. Or at least ears that already are aware of the Focus's problems.
Add all that to the fact that you can read just about any review of the Focus ever written to learn about it's past. Every single one (except those on the Ford site) will tell you that it has a below average reliability rating (CR is a meaningless, unscientific rag anyway if you ask me) and numerous recalls.
You're not breaking any new ground willie.
The fact is, the Focus is now a much improved car and can be had for a steal somewhat because of it's checkered past. The 2.3L PZEV engine will only sweeten the deal and improve it's quality.
As to the AT fluid,I did a 24k first drain on my Econoline recently,and the filter was very clogged.The Focus book(Haynes) describes the drain procedure well.The first-second fluid change probably nets the best results.I'd still like to know what comes from the computer diagnostic.Is it worth or not?BTW,I bought my Focus with the same open eyes as when I got me Corvair and Pinto! I'll never learn,really.
Willie,
Perhaps the problem is the dealer. I have found time after time that a good dealer can make a bad car good and a bad dealer can make a bad car horrible!
I have to agree with some of the other posts willie...you are doing nothing to further your goal of making Ford stop selling cars.
I was being tongue in cheek before, but some of it makes sense...move on. Put the Focus behind you and enjoy the Civic. I had one a long long time ago and it was a great little car. I also had a Toyota that was the worst car ever built, but I moved on. I bought not one but 3 Fords (including a 2001 Focus se which my son has put 40,000+ miles on in 2 1/2 years with no problems) since 2000. I have a great dealer who has handled any problems and I am a happy owner.
I just recalled some negative comments regarding the use of K&N Filters and MAF sensor damage.Check out the link, and see what the pros say! Good luck!
ron
http://flatratetech.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi
NO ONE has made excuses for Ford in their replying posts. You didn't read or didn't understand them. What are you, a member of the Grand Knights Of Eternal Quality Control? Ah yes, you're "fighting the good fight" and we're all just helpless serfs waiting to be rescued. Quest on, Good Sir Knight!
"i'm outta here!!"
Is that a promise this time?
is that normal for a Focus?maybe this car was just abused or something.
I had a service loaner Toyota once that drove like death on wheels...was that indicative??
Come on....
"In Europe, Focus is in a segment with vehicles that hold a price premium, and people value its performance-in-a-small-package character. But in North America, the compact segment is much more price sensitive. Chevrolet, for instance, has offered rebates of $4,000 on the Cavalier, while Ford has kept Focus rebates to about $2,000. Focus sales through July are flat compared with last year".
"The Focus here is different than in Europe," Scheele says. "In Europe, it is about family, handling and performance. In America, it's an entry-level vehicle. So what I would do for one product, I might not do for another. They need to reflect a different marketplace."
OUCH!!
I guess if you want a car built off of the new Focus platform, you're going to have to go with the new Volvo S40, the new Mazda3, or the next Land Rover Freelander.
I had it with GM but my truck is a Ford.I think they can still build trucks but cars seem to be a challenge.
As for the Toyota...I think I will be driving mine long after most Fords are turned into washing machines.The cars built in Japan are well beyond any quality I have seen in North American built cars.Until the North American plants can build a decent car I will buy the Japanese made and drive it longer and without problems and recalls.Just my opinion and expeirience from cars I have driven over the years.I am sure I am not alone in this "opinion".
what did you yourself have to pay for?seems rather excessive to bring a car back 10 or 11 times and it is only a year old.
the recalls can be an inconvienience but at least you don't have to pay for repairs.Sounds like you are doing OK now with the car though.Alot of kilometers though for one year.You must drive alot.
the brakes then is not a huge deal.hopefully you do not have any more problems with the car.
good luck
My mom is looking to replace her totaled 97 Escort with a Focus possibly. We currently have a Focus LX rental with 14,000 miles on it, and the transmission seems like it might not last 30,000 miles.
Has anyone had problem with their Zetec auto transmission. The concerns may be minor because it is a rental, but I would like to know if Ford uses a different auto trans between the 2 engines.
I wish she could wait for the 2.3l engine to come out, but she needs a car very soon.
Thanks for any advice/experiences you can share.
Lou
I have 16,300 miles on my '02 Focus ZX5 Zetec and the auto tranny seems fine. I would be weary of relying on a loaner to get serious impressions about a car...they tend to be driven hard with little concern and questionable routine maintenance. Most owners treat their own cars much better.
You didn't indicate why you think the tranny to be weak, but if you are feeling some surging or bucking while driving, that is a concern many owners have and it is not related to the transmission. More often than not when the car acts like that, the DPFE sensor is fouled and needs replacement (and is usually accompanied by a CEL)
If the tranny is slipping, though, I would chalk it up to being an abused rental as opposed to a problem inherent in all Foci.
Remember, new Focus models MY'03+ have a 5year/100K mile powertrain warranty standard. If it breaks, the dealer will fix it under warranty
The rental has a noticeable lag between the 1-2 shift, you expect it to shift but it delays a couple of seconds, and I get "thrown back" in the seat.
I realize rentals are driven hard, and might not be as well maintained as individual owners' cars, so I bet it is just a problem with hard use.
My mom is now looking at a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, with the Focus second on the list. She likes the AWD, ABS and Elec. Brake Force Distr. standard.
Good luck with your Focus.
The Subarus are very nice and would be a good choice.
I have not had any problems with the 1-2 shift on my auto Focus. It sounds like it is a problem with that particular rental, although such behavior is not uncommon on 4-cyl. auto cars under full throttle acceleration.
Best of luck to you!
I has a great look with the 2-tone exterior, and the interior is durable and functional.
But the Focus ZX3 will be on my short list of cars to buy when I look to get a new one in 6-12 months ( just got a new job
Again, good luck with your Focus.
I was just looking around in the forum and had to chime in concerning the fellow whose mother was considering a Subaru Impreza Outback. I'd like to share because just this past weekend I bought a new '03 Focus ZTS and traded in an '01 Subaru Forester.
After nearly two years with the Forester, I have to say it was a very disappointing experience, to say the least, and you'll find evidence of what I'm talking about concerning the Subarus in their areas here in the town hall. Mainly, I had awful clutch problems (a well documented problem with late model Subarus) and the dealers are loathe to help thier customers with it. The wheel bearings and interior fittings were problematic as well - sounds kinda like some of the things I read about early focus models!
So far, I am really enjoying my 5 speed ZTS, and would have to say it is a much more enjoyable drive than the Subaru ever was, snow days notwithstanding. Interior quality is superior to the Subaru (surprise!) and dealer service can only go up after the experiences I have had with two Subaru dealerships in my area. Here's hoping you mom has a better Subaru experience than I had and enjoy your Focus as well! I am optimistic about my '03....
Seriously, refreshing to hear a positive post about the trouble they had with another vehicle and that the other man's grass isn;t always greener! My son's 2001 Focus SE has over 40,000 trouble free miles under its belt. Good luck with your 2003!!!
And something finally broke! First thing! Let's just say I got in it the other morning and pressed down the clutch pedal and felt something hit my foot. It was the clutch pedal return spring, of all things! It is the first legitimate failure in the car in nearly three years.
Let's just say that I am pleased with my experience and considering an SVT for my next car...
Anyone know if the 2004 SVT will have an SVT-ized version of the 2.3 or are they sticking with the two-liter?
-SHOV6
I tried Sunoco once (because I was low on fuel and it was the only thing around) and the car performed horribly. On one tank of the Sunoco 87 octane, my Focus only averaged 18mpg and did not run very well at all. The next tank I returned to Exxon/Mobil and was running back in the 25mpg range and the engine ran much better.
It could be that your Exxon had a bad batch of fuel, had some water in their tanks, or their storage tank was low and some extra "crud" was in the fuel when you put it in your car. Could be my Sunoco experience was a result of some of these problems.
Gas quality can vary from station to station even within the same brand. Sounds like that Hess station may be the place you should try getting your fuel whenever you can...especially if you see a noticeable improvement in the efficiency of your car when using their gas.
I guess I have to add the Focus back to my short list!
Anyone know approximately when will the 04's start arriving on dealer lots? I read that Job 1 starts in October for both plants.
Obviously, for maximum performance and economy, you want the cleanest and freshest gas. Many times, it may be more important to look past the sign out front and at the station itself.
The gas station business is getting to be more and more about real estate and less and less about cars. How many service bays in your area have been converted to beer stores???
Also, where can I go to get information on the recalls for this year and model?
Also, can you purchase an extended warranty after the car has been purchased? If so, where?
Finally, had anyone refinanced their car payments? If so, where and how did you like it?
Thank you!
To Hault - What is DPFE?
It's funny, I just brought my Focus in for service yesterday because the check engine light was on, and because of the shaking and stalling. And, it turned out that the DPFE sensor needed replacing. So, for the shaky feeling before stopping has been reduced.
But, should I also get the Fuel Pump replaced too? Before my warranty expires?
Thanks again for the info.