Anybody own a ford focus and love it?! I'm looking into buying a new vehicle and I havemy eyes on this 2000 Focus... Anyone have any pros/cons of this vehicle? Please help?!
2006-11-09 03:37:21 · 16 answers · asked by Josh C 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
I've worked in Ford dealerships for 15 years and own an 02 Focus, but if I were you, I'd stay away from 2000 & 01's. Like someone else said, lots of recalls and problems. Ford ironed them out after 02. If its 02 or newer you're ok.
2006-11-09 07:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by Dave L 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I own a 2001 Ford Focus SE and I love it. I've had it for a little over a month and have no complaints what-so-ever! Smooth handling and great gas milage (I spend about $20 give or take a few dollars to fill it up and it'll last at least 3-4 days, depending on traveling). I use it to go everywhere (school, work, store, etc.) and let me tell you, I would highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in one! The only thing is the acceleration, but once you're use to it, it's no problem.
BUY A FOCUS !!! IT'LL BE WORTH IT :-)
2006-11-10 10:33:10 · answer #2 · answered by kristinamarie0550 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I own a 2002 Ford Focus ZX3, and in my opinion it's one of the best cars I've ever driven. Here are my opinions on the car:
Pros:
- Fun to drive. Despite being an economic sub-compact, it's a very nimble and responsive car. The steering is nice and tight, yet highly responsive. I steer most of the time using only my fingertips. It's so comfortable and predictable that the Focus practically drives itself!
- Cheap. Look around, do a little bit of research, and you'll find that you won't find too many cars that have the features of a Focus for such a low price.
- Style. Of course this depends on personal tastes, but I believe the Focus is one of the best looking cheap cars on the road. Others may beg to differ.
- Easy and intuitive controls. I'm very picky about this, and I find that the interior just makes a lot of sense. The layout of the dashboard, the placement of the knobs, levers, buttons, etc. and every control is within reach and well thought out.
- Fuel economy. I used to drive a '95 Maxima that ran on premium gas for about $53/week. Now I'm driving a Focus that runs on regular gas for $22/week and a half! I think this pretty much speaks for itself.
- Safety. For a sub-compact car, I found the Focus to be a very safe car. Story time...
Around the beginning of January I got into an accident in my previous hatchback Focus, where a Ford Econoline van hit me on the driver side door at about 25 mph. The car was totalled, but I walked it off with a stiff neck and a minor bruise.
If I had the optional side airbags, I probably would've it off like nothing happened. I'm not suggesting the car is indestructable, so don't hold me against it. But there's a huge misconception that these small cars are deathtraps. Ummm... no.
Cons:
- Blind spots. The thickness of the side pillars may make it difficult to switch lanes quickly. The good news is that the side mirrors are large enough to compensate for this. But always glance over your shoulder just to be sure.
- Jumpy acceleration. I only know how to drive automatic transmission cars, so I'm sort of stuck with this. But yeah, sometimes there's a delay in acceleration when I'm trying to merge into traffic. Not always, but sometimes I have to jam on the gas to get a real kick. You get used to it.
- Intrusive arm rest. The parking brake is a pain to access with the center console/arm rest folded down. But seeing as how you only use the parking brake when you get in and out of the vehicle, this isn't a big deal.
- Worn brake pads. Some people have reported that the Focus eats brake pads real quickly. I guess it depends on your driving habits. I've also read that switching to different brands of brake pads/shoes solves the problem. So results may vary.
Hmm... I think that's it. I'd definitely recommend this car if you're looking for a cheap sub-compact that's built solid and is easy on gas mileage during your daily commute.
If you're going to buy a used Focus, I'd highly recommend going for a 2002 or newer year model. There have been several recalls for the 2000 and 2001 models. You should check with the dealer and get as much information as you can about whether the vehicle was cared for with these recalls.
I'm not saying these older models will definitely break down or anything, but you'll decrease your chances of running into a problem if you get a newer model. I've owned two '02 models and haven't had any major problems with either of them.
Good luck!
2006-11-13 03:40:37 · answer #3 · answered by Moose 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have a Ford Focus. It's great! I am used to driving a smaller car ( it's the Wagon) and with this car it's not that much difference. I think all focus's have a weird delay acceleration...makes it hard to creep in traffic but you get used to it fairly quickly. The interior of the car is fabulous, it was set up perfectly. The have great mileage and I'm on 105,000 miles and no major problems. There was a recall on the passenger side seat belt that was fixed. Mine is a 2001.
2006-11-09 11:52:13 · answer #4 · answered by ~mj~ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey,,, I have a 2000 Ford Focus SE.... well.... I love my car... it's design looks still like if it were a brand new. It runs good, smooth, and the best I only spend $20.00 a week in gas, to go to work everyday and when i hang out on wekkends. What else..... you can also costumize it you can buy a lot of parts and make it look like a racing car. ....go ahead and buy it. it's worth it....:)
2006-11-09 11:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i own a focus svt, and i've yet to find any chevy or mopar that can compete with it. but with any car, no matter the make, do your research on it first. i've worked on many focus, and seen a lot running well qith over 100k and a few in good shape over 200k. it all comes down to the maintance of the vechicle, no matter what it is.
2006-11-09 22:18:24 · answer #6 · answered by vnm0s1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
look at a Chevy Cobalt
reaf the reviews
Focus (new, improved design): http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?logtype=6§ion=summary&aff=national&call=crp&makeid=14&year=2006&modelid=3277
Cobalt (same basic design from release): http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?logtype=6§ion=summary&aff=national&call=crp&makeid=9&year=2006&modelid=7634
The Focus has at least two complaints I have seen of it dying months after purchasing. Ford also had more recalls than GM and DaimlerChrysler combined, for reasons like exploding engines and wheels falling off. Toyota topped with the most recalls, as thier quality is now less than legendary. The Cobalt is a much stronger choice and the standout of the class.
2006-11-09 18:34:19 · answer #7 · answered by American Idle 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Pros:
Good gas mileage for a Ford - About 32mpg
Good handling in winter in Colorado
Cons:
Acceleration sucks big time (Don't plan on racing unless you have a standard transmission)
2006-11-09 13:08:24 · answer #8 · answered by green_lady_2002 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Those cars are great, mines a 2002, no problem with acceleration, great gas mileage, good looks, what more can you ask for??
2006-11-11 03:31:20 · answer #9 · answered by detonatorzx3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a Focus yeah, but only a SVT with tons of power to kill the rice burners.
I saw one the other day stock just killed a Integra with LS-VTEC mod which supposed to be like a unbeatable crap
2006-11-09 12:05:19 · answer #10 · answered by speedster 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋