Advantages: Truely excellant car. Disadvantages: Didnot have it long enough. Everyone got one
...my opinion on the lovely Ford Focus I hired last weekend to go and see my Nana down in Stafford.
I picked up my car last Friday morning and the first thing I notice was the numberplate Y*** WEE. This would be my first drive in this model of car and wondered if the ability of the car would match the numberplate. From the start my experience of the motor car was anything else other than stale. I can honestly say that this was the best car in the class ... ...or my current super deluxe Ford Sierra!
The car I hired was a 5 door 1800 Zetec Hatchback in burgundy with 8000 miles on the clock. The car had a fantastic ride quality and handled around corners in the wet like it had super glue on the tyres. One thing that really impressed me was the cars gear change. The clutch was very light and the change on the gearstick was very smooth and light, but still very positive.
The cars equipment levels were impressive ...
bazza1603 13.12.2001 (15.12.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Value for money, safe, reliable Disadvantages: Common as muck
...It shouldn't be allowed. Another Ford Focus review. Hasn't everyone in the country already owned one, driven one or read about them until they dreamt about them? Well...yes. But this review has an contextual relevancy to it: The new Focus has just been released, and as such the old one has gone from being the a great second hand bargain to the ultimate second hand steal. About a month ago, I bought a 1999 Focus 1.8 "Liberte" (a badge I have yet to ... ...green in colour and with a shade over 30,000 miles on the clock. The previous driver, based on the scratches on the bumper and body, was either blind or grew up driving a mini, as her (how sexist) style of driving was based very much on how the car felt. Against metal. Still, for something that was to be used bombing up and down the M1 and to be kept in a the student areas of Nottingham, flashy isn't desireable, and the scratches only served to reduce ...
Mayoisms 18.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: ROAD HANDLING,RELIABLE,APPEALING TO ALL AGES Disadvantages: TOO COMMON BECAUSE NEARLY EVERYONE WANTS ONE
...ago.My previous cars were a Ford Escort 1.3 followed by a Vauxhall Astra 1.3 then a Cavalier SRi. My most recent cars have been a Ford Sierra and a Fiat Punto. Yes I know what you are thinking my car choice can only get better. Up until now I rated the 2 vauxhalls head and shoulders above the Fords. In fact I once said that I would never have another Ford again! Anyway onto the present. The Focus has style and is somewhat a more interesting shape ... ...comes with Twin airbags at the front SUMMARY
Ford have got a winner with this car.The Focus is an ideal family, older person, younger person, and company car. This is due to Ford's success in putting together a great all rounder which appeals to more than most. ...
LESAJOMO 27.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
...the replacement to the popular Ford Escort, I must admit, I had my doubts. After years of 1980's domination where nearly every drive in the country had a Sierra, Escort or Fiesta on it, Ford were struggling to keep up with the cheaper and more reliable Japanese models that flooded the market in the 1990's. Ford were losing shed loads of money to its competition in Europe and still is. So was the Focus really the market saviour? Well, no, I dont think ... ...Interior. --------- Typical Ford plastic adorns the interior. All Fords smell the same. Plastic. The dash is very arty with its White Dials that are so common today. The stereo takes up most of the centre console and looks a nightmare if you want to install an after market unit. Thankfully the people who supplied the stereo, Visteon, have done themselves proud by making a half decent effort at the sound system. This is something Ford's have lacked ...
andycharger 25.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Handling, insurance (low), styling, performance Disadvantages: common as muck, heavy, little internal storage
...We, or I, picked the Ford Focus based on price, performance and looks compared to Peugeot's 206 and VW's market leading Golf. The best part of this tale is the outcome; when we arrived at the dealership, there stood a magnificent specimen, the Metropolis blue 1.8l Zetec MP3, with delivery milage.
The MP3 relates tothe MP3 compatible CD player that comes standard on this particular model, along with 17" 7-spoke alloys and chrome exhaust tip. By burning ... ...the best bit of the Ford Focus. When I drive it, I drive hard, and I go fast, but when my mum is behind the wheel, she drives, well...., like a mum. And that's the beauty of our car, the transformation from responsible, well manored family hatchback, to aggressive boyracer cruiser.
This car may be common, and there is 5 or 6 on my street alone, but there is a reason for it. This car is good, and very well priced. Not to mention the list of extras ...
martinj1 28.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: value for money, build quality, driving pleasure Disadvantages: dealerships, customer service
...the outset it's the best Ford I've driven. I had driven all the engine sizes from the 1.4 to the 2 litre as hire cars, and was most impressed by the 1.8. Hence the purchase. I was looking at buying a grey import, but was concerned about dealership support for the warranty. Instead, I plumped to buy a Ford Direct vehicle through a main dealer. It saved a huge amount of time to phone the dealers first and get a stock list faxed from them (you can get ... ...from Yac).However, one dealer tried to palm off a 1.6 as a 1.8 even when the paperwork showed it was a 1.6. Bye Bye.
The car's two most impressive attributes are the engine and the build quality. The engine is nippy, and although a little harsh when revved hard has quite a bit in reserve when, say, pulling out to overtake at 80. It's certainly noticably more powerful than the 1.6, but a bit thirstier too.
The gearchange is slick and the ratios ...
anthonylees 12.11.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Roomy, upmarket quality & quiet. Disadvantages: Hand brake position needs getting used to.
...definitely a step up for ford in the area of quality and finish. Gearbox is very precise and changes can be carried out as fast or slow as you want.
Interior room, LOTS OF IT! It has the advantage of having a large boot area with the added advantage of folding/removable rear seats. The rear seating can all be adjusted individually, and you can opt for even more leg room if only accomodating 4 persons. Centre seat has full diagonal seat belt that ... ...be able to accommodate 7 footers! Upholstery is plain side panels with inset silvery zig zag finish, it comes in 2 colours according to the paint colour.ie Dark has light upholstery & light has dark finish.
TOYS, adjustable steering column, upwards & in & outwards. Intermittent variable wipers with the advantage of speed for front match the speed for the rear wiper. If the front wipers are on and you go into reverse the rear wiper automatically ...
Beefy 28.11.2003 (14.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Stylish, practical, safe and fun Disadvantages: Depreciation, some rattles
...as a replacement for a Ford Escort. Ford have transformed the previous offering into a superb car at a reasonable price. I can't fault the drive, handles briliantly and feels safe. It feels strong at tough as well. It's unusual looking, well equiped and good for the family - I have 3 kids all in car seats and there's plenty of room for them in the back. The boot looks small but it's height is much better than most rivals. I can get a double buggy ... ...without any problems.
The Ford garages are still very poor for customer service. (Quicks - Old Trafford)
1. An online booking made through the Ford website was not passed to my local garage - when I turned up they told me they didn't do online booking despite the ford website promoting it. Got 10% off my next service
2. Staff still treat customers poorly. Told that my remote key fob would be fixed, never was, told they would phone about it, never ...
hardmanphil 10.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Too many to list but some are: reliable, sleek, great features, reasonably priced Disadvantages: None
In 2003 I bought my first car!
Having passed my test I spent sleepless nights worrying that I would buy some heap of junk form a dodgy dealer!
As I learnt to drive in the Focus, it seemed the logical car to go for. All I knew was that it should be black and have a 1.6l or greater engine (pretty vague eh?)
I went to my local dealership with the intention of browsing, only to be cornered by a sales rep - who asked me whether I "wanted a climate ... ...was - let alone whether I needed one!
Having looked through the brochures I copeted for the Zetec (sports model) It also comes in LX (basic model), Ghia(luxury). then there's the ST170 & RS (both high peformance sports models).
Then - I spotted it ....a 1.8l petrol Zetec - but it wasn't new. Still, it was a mere babe at 18 months old!
I wasn't convinced......then I realised that the "optional extras" had already been installed by the last owner ...
surfchik27 02.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: A roomy and stilish car Disadvantages: Every other person has one
...to have copied it including Ford with its latest Fiesta and Mondeo designs. The only critisism is the rear end; it looks very boring. The new Focus has rubber inserts in the bumper assembly which does help the styling a little.
The car is very quiet and the handling superb. The 1.8 engine is smooth and packs a lot of punch, especially climbing hills. There is very little evidence that the engine is struggling in any way.
There is one thing to note. ... ...control is covered by an electronic management system. It is unwise to tamper with this in any way. If a fault occurs, the car goes into "limp home mode" and a special diagnostics tool is required to find the fault. Servicing is strickly limited to checking oil and water levels etc. A Haynes service book is available if you get stuck.
I cannot fault the car; it is easy to drive and very confertable. The air conditioning has a very good use; it not ...
STUARTSTIRLING 21.01.2003 (05.02.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Excellent driving position and visibility Disadvantages: Smallish boot
I have been driving my Ford Focus 1.8LX for five weeks now in a variety of road conditions and I have to say that it has been an excellent buy. I bought the car through the Ford Direct scheme, it had done about 13,000 miles and was just under a year old (W reg).
I had taken the car for a test drive and what struck me immediately was how high up I felt after driving a Rover 416i that had given up the ghost. The driving position is truly wonderful ... ...fuel consumption with the 1.8 engine but I have found that it's pretty good at around 35 miles to the gallon.
The car holds the road really well and is comfortable inside. The only drawback for me is the relatively small boot but there again I was spoilt with a huge boot in the Rover. The front fascia is well designed but looks a bit plasticy but what do you expect for the price range ? In this hot weather the air conditioning is fabulous and much ...
Mikew79 16.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: hi equipment levels, good driving position, good fuel economay Disadvantages: common, Ford dealers are awful - get it serviced at a local garage not a dealer
...with no problems and no breakdowns.
The only bad thing about this car is my local Ford dealer who is awful and most unhelpful. All servicing is now done by a local garage. Then again I found with my previous car the local VW dealer is useless and expensive. ...
NR61 31.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Competent Sure Footed and Reliable Motorcar. Disadvantages: But Yawn!
...1.6 Astra and a 1.8lx Ford Focus. Both felt stable and sure footed - I found the Astra a tad more comfortable and the steering very responsive probably assisted by the Lotus designed chasis - The Focus did not offer the same comfort and support in the seating department and the steering response seemed to me to be….erm.. dull! Both were pretty equally sure footed in the handling/ road holding ddepartment
Engine wise the Astra felt far zippier the ... ...on both cars was similar and good. With its angular stealth like looking design I gave the Focus the higher mark and found the Astra tiresome looking. All in all I like the idea that the Focus might be able to dodge detection by enemy radar due to it’s stealthy angles – might come in handy next time I decide to do a low level bombing raid on Baghdad!
From a space and practicality point of view I was also more impressed with the Focus. The Focus ...
fugley14 06.01.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Handling, Looks, Interior style Disadvantages: Too many on the road!
I bought my Focus 1.8 MP3 (3 door special edition) about 14 months ago, and I tend to get bored with things very quickly, but suprisingly, I am far from becoming bored with my Focus. In fact the only reason I would consider changing it is to get another one. Every time I drive it, I enjoy it. It accelerates well and is smooth and refined at high speeds. The 1.8 16 valve Zetec engine has more than enough power to keep the average driver satisfied, ... ...general are excellent - the car always feels stable and I feel in control. The clutch and gearbox are smooth and provide a 'satisfying' gearchange, and the brakes feel very positive.
Being a special edition, the equipment levels were good, including metallic paint, 17" alloy wheels, MP3 player, electric windows etc. and the only option I did have to add, a climate pack (including air conditioning, quickclear heated front windscreen and electric ...
mellio21 31.12.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
Advantages: Bigger boot than previous model Disadvantages: Could do with a bit more leg room in the back
This is the second ford focus we have owned and as a medium sized car its excellent. It handles well in all weather conditions and feels so easy to drive rather than a battle. There is plenty of leg room in the front (my other half is well over 6') There is plenty of room in the back for three booster seats. The boot space has increased on this model compared to the last which has been a great advantage so can easily fit in pushchairs and all other ...
aliceellen1974 06.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Focus 1.8
G K Group approved Ford Focus Hatchback 1.8 Zetec 5dr manual in Honour Green.The car has ... more
covered 62,271 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 36.70.Additional Info: Insurance Group 6E. Emission Count 181g/Km, What Green Car Rating of...
G K Group approved Ford Focus Hatchback Spec EDS 1.8 Mp3 3dr manual in Blue.The car has ... more
covered 61,277 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 37.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group7. Emission Count 181g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 49...
FORD approved Ford Focus Hatchback 1.8 Zetec 5dr manual in Green.The car has covered ... more
35,933 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 37.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 7. Emission Count 181g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 49.
Perrys Peugeot Blackburn approved Ford Focus Hatchback 1.8 LX 5dr manual in Silver.The car ... more
has covered 36,861 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 37.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 6. Emission Count 181g/Km, What Green Car Rati...
Ford&Mazda Redditch approved Ford Focus Hatchback Spec EDS 1.8 Edge 5dr manual in ... more
Green.The car has covered 28,916 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 37.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 7. Emission Count 181g/Km, What Green Car...