Ford Focus Zetec 1.8i 16V Zetec

Advantages: Reasonably Fast, Excellent Handling, Looks Good, Practical
Disadvantages: Fuel Economy on short journeys

...cars. The Focus seems to be holding its value as well, even with the new models out. Being a Ford parts are also cheap, a year's road tax is £185. Overall a car well worth considering if you are after a practical hatchback with performance levels that can provide fun. ... Read review

Advantages: great handling, great engine
Disadvantages: beginning to look a bit dated

...the competition first. The local ford dealer had a panther black focus zetec sitting on the forecourt and we went for a spin (literally!) I think I scared the salesman, but I was hooked. I bought the car straight away and haven't regretted it. The car handles as well as anything I've ever driven. There are a lot of focusses on the road. They've been the best selling car practically every year since they were introduced. The focus does still look ...
...the new style one now available, they're getting cheaper to buy second hand. The interior is well finished in the zetec, with comfortable, supporting seats. The driving position's grand, but there's a fairly big blind spot because of the 'A' pillar. My car came with the climate pack, which clears the windscreen quickly on frosty days, and automatic heated wing mirrors which I only noticed recently as they unfogged. the fuel economy doesn't seem ... Read review

Advantages: relaible, fast, good looks, over all excellent car
Disadvantages: can be heavy on fuel....

...for reference) ...... well the ford focus collection I purchased 3 months ago completely annihilates it!! I loved my last car, to an unbelievable extent (considering it broke down every other week lol) but this car has stolen my heart. It's just an excellent car. The steering is excellent, you can take corners at rapid speed; all the while the car handling smoothly like it is going at 20mph rather 50mph! The acceleration is also fantastic, it makes ...
...yet elegant! I have a ford collection which comes with side skirts, alloys and front mesh as standard. And the best part of that is the car technically has no modifications keeping your insurance relatively cheap (insurance group 7 I believe). The fuel consumption for a 1.8 is relatively good; on motorways the car averages about 400 miles per tank (about £45 worth of petrol). Although when making short journeys and city use, like all other cars, ... Read review

Advantages: Fanastic car for famlies.
Disadvantages: Drinks the petrol.

After having a corsa driving this car feels amazing. Is smooth to drive and takes off nice & fast, is quite funny seeing little boy racers in their 1.2 litre modified corsas, saxos etc sitting beside you at lights wanting to race. Wish I could see their faces when I zoom off! No struggling going up hills either. My corsa used to feel like it was a struggle. Nice and roomy for all the family. No more squashed people in back seat. Can easily accomodate ... Read review

Advantages: Great drive and cheap services
Disadvantages: None

...will come with a standard Ford alarm on it - but it is highly recommended that you buy a seperate alarm or immobiliser to be fitted on the car as the standard alarms are not the best by any standard. All in all the Ford Focus is a great car for a small family. ... Read review

Advantages: Cheap & Roomy Family Estate
Disadvantages: Ford Badge...

...'s rather cheap looking stereo and horribly stubby indicator and wiper stalks and, coupled with the all-too-common Ford badge, out of principle I have refused to drive one of these cars ever since they were launched. Friends and family members brought and sold different models of Focus, almost talking about them in revered tones, while industry pundits raved about the car's performance, but still I refused to drive one. Until now, that is. Over the past few days I've had a Ford Focus Zetec Estate on temporary loan and suddenly I can see what I've been missing; what everybody else has been raving about. Biting my lip against designs I just abhor inside a car, I turned the key and listened as the 1.8litre engine burbled into life. A blip of the throttle and the exhaust gave off a pleasant, throaty noise while the clutch and steering... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy drive, decent performer, decent economy
Disadvantages: Heavy at front due to cast iron block, heavy steering up to about 30mph

...I've not been a great fan of Ford despite having owned three fords. But the strenghts of Fords haven't changed. The easy availability of parts, good manual gearboxes, relatively easy maintenance and reasonable to good economy. This car at least matches these strengths. My 2.0 Granada when I first had it did manage slightly better economy at around 40mpg with this car managing around 38mpg (estimated). It is hard to fault the car with it's rear loading space, ease of driving etc. but there are a few issues to be aware of. The front is heavy as will be all Ford's with the Pinto derived Zetec and Duratec engines. Maybe something that Fords should have sorted out as having a cast iron block is not necessary anymore. Steering is uncomfortably heavy at lower speeds most noticeable up to 10mph but still noticeable up to 30mph. It... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful