2000 Ford Focus

pretty decent car for first time driver

By Tony The Tiger (WI) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 145,000

Pros: "smooth driving, big trunk, & simple cruise control"

Cons: "lots of defects on car design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"The good things about a Ford Focus is that its pretty good for fuel mileage but only if you keep up with the oil changes. I usually get a little over 25 mpg in city and about 35 or more on highway. Its a cheap priced car that gets you from point A to point B and looks somewhat sporty. The a/c is very awesome, it cools and heats right away. Some things I don't like about the car interior is that the cup holders are in a tight spot where not many size cups will fit and it gets in the way of your legs, the back seats aren't very comfortable, the storage compartment in between the seats will break where it wont close and cant fold it back or the top will open, and theres not much leg room in the front or back seats. The worst things about Ford Focus cars are that it has many defects in the car design, so be ready to put in some money. Some of the main problems I have experienced and have read from other Ford Focus owners are that the anti freeze box will break every so often due to the shaking of the car. The motor mounts keep breaking and the only way to fix it is to buy motor mounts from a Ford dealership, which can be very pricey to buy, otherwise it will keep breaking if you buy the mounts from auto zone or other auto parts stores (because they have the old defective design), and theres some other defect with 2 engine belts which you will also have to buy from a Ford dealership. These defects are for Ford Focus from 2000-2005 and this is all I know for now. But don't get me wrong, this is a pretty good compact car for the price and pretty reliable car, it just has many issues which can cost a lot and cause lots of frustration."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love my ford!

By SueM (CO) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000

Pros: "Lots of power for a little car"

Cons: "Cramped when in back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car! I have never had any major issues just wear and tear maintenance such as; changing oil, brakes and the battery after many years. It was brand new when I got it, it just got off the truck and had 12 miles on it after the test drive. The only thing that is a bummer I need to get a new clutch soon after 9 years. It has never broken down or anything on me and has been super reliable."

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Dependable and fun to drive

By MechanicGirl (SC) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 141,000

Pros: "Great handling, Great gas mileage, fun to drive"

Cons: "Cup holders"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own this car, i had to buy in a hurry and with not alot of money when my transmission finally went out on my 88 nissan and i got this one for 3000 bucks. best deal I ever made. I'm a single mom without a whole lot of money to spare and need something cheap and reliable. First thing I noticed was this car is amazing on gas and has very comfortable seats. It could have a little bit more power, once you hit 80 mph it really takes awhile to accelerate, however unless you just like to race everything you see it has nice power. The stock sound system isn't the best but it works fine. The handling is absolutely amazing, almost any curve at any speed and this car hugs the road like its nothing. It can also stop very easily and very quickly despite not having ABS. The engine works completely fine, no shakes and no noise. The interior also held up very well for a soon to be 13 year old car, no holes, tears, or stains. One negative for me is the cup holders, they are so pointless Ford shouldn't have bothered, another is the glove compartment is very tiny, as is the distance between the doors and the front seat, they touch. The trunk is very large however, and the backseat is larger than it appears, though its certainly not a full sized sedan. Its very economical and it can be really fun to drive, especially if you have the manual transmission, when this one goes I'll be buying another one ASAP."

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Good economy car

By moutain man (MS) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

Pros: "good economy car, cold ac, holds up well over time"

Cons: "small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I just bought a base Lx for 3000 with 88000. I havent driven but to shop to get maintenance done. It drives and handles well. I would recommend checking timing belt at 75000 miles as this one had spring broke on tensioner and timing belt was off one tooth. It should run even better when I get back. I think I got a good deal. Car is 2002 and 11 years old yet held up well and looks like new."

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Fords made in Mexico make you cry!

By BoBo (NC) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 136,000

Pros: "Cheap to keep going"

Cons: "horribly made, engine knock (all three engines)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"My Focus was made in mexico. I did not find this out until after i began driving it. It was given to me as a graduation present, so I was not going to complain. About 2,000 miles in I had a problem with the clutch, they replaced it. After that I had a problem with the transmission, they fixed it. After that i had a problem with the transmission again, they fixed it. This all happened within 2,000 miles, I was still under 4,000 miles. I wanted to trade it for another Focus, they said no it's not a lemon. So I kept it and decided i would took it to a different dealership from that point on. At just over 8,000 mile I took it in for an oil change. The timing belt was a few short miles from breaking they said. They did replace the belt for free. Many miles later I've replaced the engine 2 times now. I would not recommend a Focus that was not made in the USA."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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