Ford Focus road test reports and car reviews

Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Zetec 2008

Positives: The car handles well and the build quality is fine. It has a nice level of standard equipment. The face-lifted model looks very nice. It has proven reliable in the 12 months I have had the vehicle, as was the previous Focus I ran. Negatives: The seats in the Zetec trim are very very uncomfortable, as a high mileage driver that is a problem. The engine is noisy, inflexible and the economy is poor for a diesel. The vehicle is a company car. I would buy a Focus as a private buyer but not this spec or engine. Overall, its a nice car but wrong model.

Ford Focus 1.8 TDI 2006

Great family car. Boot space a little short, but very well-balanced, good driving position, and good visibility all round. One problem with dash electrical pod - speedo/rev counter flicking on and off, lighting failed and intermittent nuisance red/amber fail lights. Whole pod replaced at 65,000 miles and worked fine ever since. Cheap to run and goes about 500 town and country miles to a tank of diesel. Would definitely get another one.

Ford Focus Zetec 2006

I have not had a good experience from the word go. Ergonomically, even with an automatic model, the design of the car is all wrong for me - something you don’t find out on the average test drive. I went to a mobility centre for an assessment. The depth of the seat was nipping a nerve behind my knee and giving me parasthesia! I got a wedge to sit on and a wedge for the footwell, which means I am virtually touching the roof while driving! Now I wish I had swallowed the depreciation rate and got a different car because after only 30,000 miles I had to have a new alternator. It was out of warranty by five months. I put it down to bad luck. However, after the power assisted steering pump went as well last week, costing nearly £800 to fix, it is more than bad luck. It has 35,000 on the clock! This car is a lemon. I had a Daewoo for 8 years from brand new and did considerably higher mileage per annum but it never cost as much as this heap of junk to fix or maintain.

Ford Focus Zetec 2003

Overall a very good car. But has had some niggling electrical problems, one finally traced to an ABS sensor connector, the other to problems with the PCB on the dashboard which caused a lot of intermittent problems.

Ford Focus 2006

Who ever said the 2.0 TDCi is c**p because it’s a Peugeot unit... how wrong you are!!!!! The EGR valve went because the Peugeot and Citroen variant use hardened steel gears in the EGR valve and when Ford take the engine they use plastic gears inside the EGR - a bit of cost cutting. All the HDi engines built in France by Peugeot are very reliable and never go wrong. My Dad has a transit 2.2 AA van and engine built by Ford and it’s the 2nd transit in under a year, 2nd engine and the Ford dealer have it more than he does.

Responses to this review

Yes, Ford are rubbish; their customer service is appauling and they are true rip off merchants. I own a Ford Focus Ghia 1.6. and have had powerstering problems from the word go, which have cost me alot to repair as Ford will not accept liabilty - Suzanne Parkes from Cheshire

Ford Focus 1.6tdci (110) 2007

Bought 57 plate 1.6tdci focus from Evans Halshaw. I had the car half a day and a fuel leak covered the engine; then steering pump bearings went. I’ve been back 3 times for same leak and steam cleaning. Excellent drive, superb economy but absolutely none existent customer service from Evans Halshaw. Ford I would recommend but not Evans Halshaw.

Ford Focus 1.8 Style 2007

This is my second focus. First one a mark 1 and gave me no problems. So far after 18 months, nor has this one. It’s a good car. The mark 1 was more fun to drive on B roads due to hydraulic steering (1.8 mark 2 has electro hydraulic which is worse), better visibility and felt more agile but this mark 2 is much more of an all rounder. Nicely made, no rattles anywhere, smooth clutch and gearbox. Still handles pretty well although in a more mature, sure footed way. 1.8 petrol is good once you get the revs up, a bit lacking in low down torque as per most 16 valve petrols. Diesel probably better cos you’re more likely to get power when you want it and get much more MPG. I get 35 out of this overall. Not too bad, but motorway economy should be better, gearing is too short. Very very stable at speed, side winds barely noticeable but also a bit too noisy. Those 16 inch tyres kick up a fair racket although no where near as much as my mark 1 which was awful in this area. Far from flawless but I haven’t found anything else without significant drawbacks. Its practical, comfortable, nicely laid out (the steering wheel stereo control stalk is ideally positioned), good in every area but road noise which remains a focus weakness, though I hear, significantly better in 2008 facelift model.

Ford Focus 1.8 petrol 2007

I leased this car for first time. It drives pretty well and is pretty nippy but watch out for knocking noise on front suspension. Had it in garage 4 times trying to cure it; in the end got fed up and gave up. Other than that it is a really nice car; all round plenty of room for kids dogs!

Ford Focus 2006

This is my second Focus having had a MK 1 for 5 years and this MK 2 for the last 3 years. So far so good with little or no problems at all. To all you Focus owners though check your spark plug receptacles are not filling up with water during heavy rain. It is a common problem and it requires a modification to the windscreen washer nozzles which are letting water by and onto the top of the engine. If not rectified this can cause the spark plugs to "explode". It would have been nice if Ford had contacted everyone rather than having you to find out this for yourself and to contact your Ford garage to have the mod done. Other than that it is a good solid reliable car and I would recommended the Focus to anyone thinking of buying one.

Ford Focus 2008

The Focus is a good car - no problems with my Focus.

Ford Focus 1.6 tdci (109bhp) zetec 2007

This has been my second Mk2 Focus, 3rd just purchased. Overall an excellent motor car with excellent fuel economy, fault free and also comfortable and versatile. Have readily recommended to others...

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate pack 2000

I bought this car new in 2000. It has now covered around 70k miles, averaging around 42mpg (minimum 38 - maximum 47). It transmits more road noise than expected over rougher road surfaces and the interior storage is not the best, but driving it is still a pleasure. Very reliable so far, although the engine management system indicator lights occasionally if stuck in traffic (says due to a weak mixture on No 1 cylinder). Not a problem - just buy the tool from Gendan Ltd and reset the light. Do not go the Ford Main Dealer - expensive waste of time! My big problem will be what to replace it with! The new Focus is so ugly, although I am sure it is nice to drive. The Seat Leon is looking good, but the old Focus will be with me for a while yet.

Ford Focus ST2. 2007

Nice blend of performance and practicality. Mid-range surge and addictive exhaust grumble are great. Averages 34 MPG on motorway runs but this drops to 23 MPG when pushing hard cross country. No getting away from 224g/km CO2 and resulting tax bill. Brakes resist fade and ABS is not intrusive. Chassis/suspension set up is mini GT rather than hot hatch. Driven as mini GT, for the money, there are not many alternatives that would beat it. If you want a hot hatch then look elsewhere there are better alternatives. Interior is holding up well, nothing fallen off or broken, WD40 has cured seat squeak and odd rattle. Standard fit Recaros are great - fabric grips better than leather on ST3. Have built in sat-nav which is easy to use and works well. Overall, the performance (as a mini GT), practicality and noise outweigh fuel and CO2 - just!

Ford Focus 1.8 tdi lx 2001

Very reliable car and having done 60,000 miles in it I never had one problem engine wise. The only issue was coil in front suspension. Now upgraded to 1.8 tdci zetec climate 2007 and it’s brilliant. Would highly recommend.

Ford Focus ST2 2007

Of all the cars I’ve owned this is the biggest let down of all. Whilst is isn’t a bad car, it is poorly put together, unreliable and although it has a hot hatch engine, the handling is too soft. The interior panels weren’t properly put on in the factory, i had to pop those on and in the back it needed aligning properly, the lights on the dials flicker annoying at times, the turbo gauge gets stuck, the immobiliser is a little too keen - I’ve had to disconnect the battery several times to reset it when it wont start! The rear suspension bushes are worn out and make a nasty noise over the slightest bump and the car is just over 6 months old! Theres more but you get the idea, its crap! If you want a proper hot hatch look at the Seat Leon Cupra (i had one of these before and it was 10 times better!) or Golf GTI, I’m getting rid of the Focus for another Leon...

Ford Focus Ghia 2005

I have had my Ford Focus for 3 years, it is absolutely fantastic to drive and I have had no problems with it at all... I have just ordered my new Focus that I will be collecting in September. I recommend this car to anyone.

Ford Focus Zetec 2007

We recently purchased a 2007 3-door Ford Focus Zetec Climate. The first fault we found was a strong pull to the left the second fault was an annoying drivers window rattle not the best result for £7,494.

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 2008

I have recently part exchanged my old car for a new focus Zetec to accommodate my growing family! After looking at every possible family type cars on the market we fell in love with the focus. Inside is very spacious and we are able to fit three car seats on the back seat which is a must for us, the boot is also huge and was one of the only boots that would have fitted our pushchair! The car feels great to drive, very smooth, the only downside is it can feel slightly underpowered at times but thats not a major concern for me. I’d definitely recommend this car to anyone as it doesn’t look like your typical family car it drives great and looks great with the alloys and Sony CD player.

Ford Focus ST2 2007

Initially, I was absolutely thrilled with my ST. The performance was awesome, and the build quality seemed sound. Just over a year on, I am gravely disappointed with the vehicle. Creaking plastics are a regular occurance with just about every piece of trim sounding like it is ready to fall off. Ford Customer Services, including the service department are very poor, as I have had many problems mis-diagnosed, with the vehicle returning to the dealer on numerous occasions. And to put the icing on the cake, considering how thirsty the ST is, it isn’t much faster than any of its main rivals. I am very disappointed with this, my first and probably last Ford. I put the Focus ahead of the VW Golf when purchasing, but I now wish I’d spent a little extra cash and gone for the VW. Final verdict: If you are like me and are very picky about the quality of your cars, i.e. - cannot tolerate creaking interiors and endless problems, stay well clear of the ST.

Ford Focus 2.0 litre TDCi 2004

My job means that I spend a lot of time driving and I needed a reliable and comfortable car. The fuel economy works out at over 50 miles to the gallon provided you drive sensibly and attempt to avoid rush-hour traffic. It is not the best looking car I have ever seen, in fact it looks a bit dated now but the interior is very stylish. Suspension handles motorways and country roads well. The doors shut with that satisfying clunk that I love. Performance is good, everything is good, just wished that it was a tad more pleasing on the eye...

Ford Focus 1.4i Studio 3dr 2008

This is my 3rd Focus and I don’t see me changing at anytime in the future as long as Ford continue producing such a brilliant car. It’s reliable, affordable, fun to drive and still looks great. It does everything I need and never lets me down.

Ford Focus 1.6 tdci zetec climate 2007

Simply the best car I have ever had. Drives well and I get over 50 miles to the gallon to boot. It is well screwed together, what more do you want or need?

Ford Focus 2007

I have owned my new Ford Focus for 12 months now. I love driving this car, the 1.6 115 VCT Ghia, it is a real pleasure. My only complaint is that in some situations it is under powered, the handbrake is awkward as it was designed for left hand drive models but I still love it.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Ghia 2005

Lovely car to drive. However, I only kept it for a year as it broke down 8 times! Problem was with EGR valve - Ford dealers were unable to fix it. Ford UK didn’t care. These diesels are developed with Peugeot, a BIG mistake if you ask me - they are guaranteed to give problems. Peugeot reliability is very poor.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Ghia 2005

I have owned a Volkswagen Golf GT TDI 130 bhp and I have to say I was a little bit optimistic at the thought of having to trade it in for a Focus. I have to say that everything about the Focus, when compared to the Golf, is outstanding; value for money and drive quality are second to none and I still get that little grin when i put my foot down. So those of you who are thinking of getting a Focus go on get down to your dealer and buy one .

Ford Focus 2.0 ltdci zetec climate 2008

Just taken delivery of my new car [previous car 1.6 tivct focus 2007 model] what can i say its an awesome beast, interior tons better, diesel engine gave me 54.3 mpg on a run out yesterday tons better than petrol engine 38 on same run in previous car, both cars stood next to each other at my local dealers yesterday they look totally different a job well done thanks ford go on buy on they are an awesome car.

Ford Focus Zetec 2001

I have had this car for 2 years, and it's a dream. Smooth driving and nifty steering, in a classy exterior....what more can i say?!

Ford Focus 2007

The Ford Focus is an ideal compact family car, ideal for school runs, shopping trips etc. The interior is nice & comfortable with lots of space. The car has a large boot for holding extra luggage. The car is made of high quality with safety features. The Ford Focus has been created to empower the driver. Each precision built component, each advanced technology, chosen to work in harmony and deliver a smooth, exciting driving experience - one that allows you to enjoy every twist and turn in the road and leave stress behind. The Ford Focus is packed full of technology that delivers at every turn from the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) to the optional Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with Traction Assist for extra stability. Driving is always more enjoyable when you are protected. So the Ford Focus's tough body structure is complemented by an Intelligent Protection System (IPS). Ford Focus has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and has also been awarded a 4-star child restraints rating and a 2-star pedestrian protection rating. You can feel the excitement of driving the Ford Focus just by looking at it. Refined design and functional elegance provide a look that's solid and well crafted.

Responses to this review

Does Sarah work for Ford by any chance?? - Christopher Sparks from Kent

Ford Focus 2005

Like many of you out there the Focus is my work hack. In a fetching grey and with a diesel lump it does little to stir the imagination of any driver BUT I have to say, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Reliability is second to none, build quality is good and she has now withstood more than two years of daily toil and isn’t yet showing any signs of age. Able to cruise effortlessly at the national maximum and still provide a reasonable return per gallon the Focus is a comfortable ride for anyone doing serious mileage. A few forays into the twistier stuff have revealed she is taut and holds a line well. A racy little number ......No! A head-turner ....... No! An everyday work horse and no nonsense, get the family where they have to be with all of their, and their mates’, baggage, drive..... Definitely. If you can put up with the handbrake been ideally positioned for left hand drive but being in exactly the wrong place for right hand drive vehicles you can’t ask for more from an everyday vehicle. Save the Caterham for the weekends!

Ford Focus 2003

I love my focus its ideal for me and my family very spacious the kids enjoy a drive out in it because its comfortable the only fault i have with this car is that there was a fault with the clocks and they all went off cost me a fortune to fix right when my mot was due so i couldn€™t drive it for a few weeks! till i got he cash i was guttered other than that I’ve had no other (touch wood) problems with my car.

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Zetec Climate 2005

After months of research I finally decided in Sept 2007 to go for a Focus to upgrade from my Ibiza. Having a diesel was a must for me as it is so much more economical (especially with today’s prices). MPG is great, around 55MPG. It is comfortable, spacious and looks great too. Boot space is especially generous.

Ford Focus 2007

I LOVE MY FOCUS BECAUSE IT A CAR THAT LIVES UPTO IT’S NAME FOR ME,A CAR THAT FOCUS ON EVERY DETAIL A CAR SHOULD HAVE.

Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec 2006

Right then; the last Ford I drove was a 1982 Escort straight into the back of a two ton Ford Transit van full of angry policemen heading for a environmental rally down in Worcestershire, where some prat called Swampy was hiding high up in a forest full of engineers who wanted to build a new motorway straight through it. My passenger at the time was a brand new boss of a chicken factory where I had started work two weeks earlier. So I was encouraged by fate, never to own a Ford car again. Last week I was asked if I would go along with my in-laws to help them check out a used Focus, and guess what ... they asked me to drive it. The internal quality and finish was really good with plenty of room for the four of us, (that’s the two in-laws, me and the wife). Comfortable and well buttoned up; with easy to use controls is what was so noticeable, as well as the smooth and really quite keen diesel engine. The car felt a lot newer than the 18 months old it actually was. There was a couple of small issues i had, in that the drivers seat was a little lacking in movement and adjustability, which was awkward for a guy who is over 6 feet tall and the rear vision is not what it maybe could be, (that could have been affected by the rear view vision of the two in-laws though)! Overall, a very solid and reliable feel to this car, and easy to see why so many families are prepared to go out and buy what must be the best car in its class. Oh and i managed to get 6 points on my driving licence, for driving without due care and attention, speeding, and a £120 fine for verbal abuse! Thanks Swampy....

Responses to this review

You are a poet mate. I enjoyed reading your review it was very entertaining :-) Pali Singh from Middlesex

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 136 2007

There are some great points made in the other reviews. Although this not a BMW, Volkswagen or Audi it does have the same level of reliability and build quality. This is the best hatchback available and the price range means that it is affordable and excellent value for money. There is a lovely feeling of space in the cabin and a great safety record adds to a very comfortable ride. The economy is good, especially on the diesel. THE BEST HATCHBACK

Ford Focus 1.6 VCT 115 Ghia 2007

I have had my new Ford Focus for 9 months now. It’s the 1.6 VCT 115 Ghia and it’s great to drive, nice to look at and I love the automatic lights. The windscreen wipers are self dipping and the Focus features cruise control. I just love driving it.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 136 2007

Jamie Hobb does indeed sum the Focus up nicely. Lovely to drive, comfortable inside and the best family car. I would like to add that the 2.0 litre diesel is the pick of the engines and gives me almost 50 miles per gallon.

Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Titanium

Although the Ford Focus doesn’t have a Germanic build. This car proves itself time and time again. I have had and driven many as I work within the car industry at Acorn Finance. All derivatives keep improving with their design and build quality. I myself am a great fan of the Diesel derivatives, they prove great value for money. Even the Studio model offers a great specification with the likes of: 5000 Radio/Cassette, Anti Lock with EBD, Central Locking, Dr St Height Adjust, Driver Airbag, Generic Upholstery, High L Brake Light, Immobiliser, PAS, Passenger Airbag, Power Front Windows, Rear Head Restraints, Solid Paint and Split Rear Seat. If you are unsure I would advise taking a test drive at your local dealer!

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

I can not think of a negative thing to say about my Focus - it does everything I need with plenty to spare. Thoroughly recommended - reliable and good-looking.

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 16v Ghia

Although I have had more expensive and supposedly better cars, I must say that the Focus was a pleasure to drive, good on fuel, plenty of space, and suprisingly handled well.

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

I bought my nearly new Ford Focus from a car supermarket and saved ££££ on the list price. This car is a great run around, cheap to insure, economical and with the Focus being so popular will be easy to sell when I fancy a change.

Ford Focus 1.6 100 Zetec

I completely agree with Jamie's review. I will add that the car seats are the most comfortable that I have ever had. This is also a car that is pretty good on mileage. I normally get more than 45 miles per gallon.

Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec

I bought my Ford Focus a couple of years ago and can not speak highly enough of it. It only cost just over £11,000 which was the limit of my budget and I do not think that I could have done any better for the money. It is lovely to drive, comfortable inside and easy to maintain. In my opinion, the best choice of family car out there.

Ford Focus Ford Focus 1.6 16v Ghia

I’ve just got this (company) car and have been driving for only 2 weeks so it’s still early days but I have to say I’m having real fun driving it. I must admit I thought this would be a boring car but so far it’s proved itself to be a nice smooth drive. Nice interior too. Quietly impressed.