Ford Focus TDCi 1.8 Ghia (2004)

Advantages: High MPG, Comfortable, Quite and plenty of leg room.
Disadvantages: Extra costs hidden in services

...During the second years service (2006) the dealer discovered the scuttle cover was warped and needed replacing. New scuttle cover / pollen filter cover was fitted, and anti-bacterial spray treatment applied - the cost was over £44.00. (Removal of the scuttle destroys the seal and it has to be replaced). As the car is less than 2 years old I suggested it should come under a warranty replacement. The dealer said I would have to take the issue up with Ford. This I did and the Ford customer service department stated they have no history of there being a problem with the Focus scuttle cover, the scuttle cover is part of the trim and is therefore not covered under any warrantee agreement, and they would not honour any refund to me. I said that I have the part that was removed and would be willing to send the part to them...

BAZ1951 05.12.2006 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

  Why I'm not fussed about the Focus

Advantages: Lots of them around. Cheaper now in the old shape
Disadvantages: Please see below

...When I got rid of my Fiat Punto 1.9 JTD this time last year I was in the market for a slightly larger vehicle. I was having a love hate relationship with the back end of the Renault Megáne and the Citroen C4 was not released then (what it is about me and French cars I don't know!) although I thought that would be the ideal car. Nothing much was doing it for me (it's all about emotions when I buy a car) so we decided to go and have a look at Ford, in particular the Focus. We had heard great things about the Focus and it seemed only natural to go and see what they had on the forecourt. On arrival at Ford we were greeted with the sight of a Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 TDCi in silver with the climate pack for just over 10 grand (with 15K miles). We test drove the car and it's higher powered brother (the one with 115 horses as opposed to...

josarah 09.06.2005 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

Advantages: A great car from all angles
Disadvantages: Not as many extras included as I would have liked

...I am now the proud owner of a ford focus 1.6 zetec and for the first time in many years I have actually found a car that pretty muc suits all my needs. I have spent many a time in cars that are too big, too small, not suitable, not comfortable etc but this is everything I could ask for. I own the three door version but the doors open widely and when the front seat is moved forward there is plenty of room to get anyone in the back, even my mother in law who is disabled. The back of this car is extremely spacious, comfortably fitting 3 large adults in. The boot size is deceiving in that it looks pretty small but is very spacious indeed. Perfect for all those shopping bags as well as a childs pushchair. The actual drive of this car is superb. Mine runs on unleaded and is very economical. I can get over 200 miles to £35...

bexx0907 27.06.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6

My Ford

Advantages: All
Disadvantages: No

...* Rating: * On the road price: £11,195 - £15,395 * For : Dynamics, build, smart styling * Against : Noise, mean kit Driving: The Fiesta's forte. Ford really knows how to make cars handle, so even the cheapest Fiesta will thrill the driver in you. Steering is crisp (all models have a leather wheel), corners are taken tidily and enthusiastically yet the ride remains supple too. A class act, enhanced on the Zetec S model to perfection. Indeed, it's better than the ST, which has more grip but less finesse. The ST's engine is quicker but noisier than the 1.6-litre Zetec-S too. No Fiesta engine is quiet though, while road and wind noise also join the cacophony. But supportive, high-set seats and a spot-on driving position pleases, making up for the lack of space for the clutch foot. Marketplace: Plentiful choice is sensibly...

Monica020783 24.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

Ford Focus 1.6 - Shocking!!

Advantages: Handling and Looks
Disadvantages: Customer Service, Bodywork, Transmission...

...Two years ago I decided to buy a brand new car, and after much research I decided upon the Ford Focus 1.6 (old style now). Everything I had read pointed towards a really good choice. So I went into my local Ford dealer and a week later I had my nice new car. First thoughts were a good looking car, well built, fantastically smooth to drive, held the roads amazingly well. All of the equipment worked wonderfully well and I absolutley loved my new car. Then the problems began.... After two weeks the Airbag Modulator failed, so I went back to the dealer, and they replaced the faulty part within a few days. They wouldn't let me have a courtesy cat so was left hanging around the dealers for a few hours. All work was under warranty so no cost to me. Three weeks after the Modulator fault I was washing the car and noticed tiny rust spots...

dansellers 27.03.2007 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6

Ford Focus 1.6 zetec

Advantages: handling, value for money, performance
Disadvantages: badge snobbery, plastic trim

...I drive a 2002 model of this Focus. I acquired it reluctantly from a family member a couple of years ago however I am very pleased with it. It looks quite bland to many but I think it's quite understated, which I like. I have had a few "sporty" cars over recent years but the handling of the Focus is better than any of them. Staying within the speed limits, on B roads it's really enjoyable and stays nice and flat round corners. When people talk about the handling I use to think that the average driver who uses a car to commute and go on family trips wouldn't really notice it much but I have to say I do. As for performance it drives well on motorways and has all the acceleration you'll ever likely to need. On top of that, the exhaust has quite a nice tone too. Loses it's punchiness if there are 2 adults in the back...

north_north_west 01.08.2008 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6

best car i've had is a focus

Advantages: lots of room, good engine, mpg
Disadvantages: none

...I bought my black focus zetec in April 2003, and it has been one of the best cars I have had. It has quite a good spec with power steering traction control, electric windows, air-conditioning and a heated front screen as this has been a god send in frosty weather a great piece of kit There is plenty of room in the five door version I have, and the driving position is next to none. The driving position suits me because it is high and being over 6 foot tall is excellent for me. You also notice from this position you are quite high I can see the sun roof on many other makes of car when out driving. The Interior of this car is also very good the seat material is hardwiring and the plastic (that all cars have these days) is good quality it looks good and hard warring. The dash board is very ergonomically and well set out to with a good...

dingoo 23.02.2004 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

Focus makes 'Va Va Voom' a reality not a promise

Advantages: Fast ,precise handling,quiet and purposeful
Disadvantages: some water leaks

...My Focus TDCi Ghia purchased last year as an import via a car suprermarket. It is my first brand new car and I am delighted with it. The TDCi engine is a standard bearer for modern diesel engines.The car,fitted with the more powerful 115 ps engine,has proven to be exceptionally quick and powerful in that all important mid speed range. The official quoted figures show that it is quicker 30 to 70 than the equivalent two litre model. In addition the serious level of low torque at very low revs (1750 rpm) gives the car exception pulling power. It is quite able to tow my caravan at 60mph in an absolutely effortless fashion.Solo it is quite possible to obtain better than 53mpg at legal and 'supra legal' motorway speeds... Urban motoring means that 45mpg is a more realistic figure with 34 mpg being possible when towing. The car has been...

kandmf 12.07.2004 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

Focus 1.8 TDCi - a great not so little car

Advantages: Fantastically economical for its class
Disadvantages: High torque from engine can be expensive on tyres

...I've had a Focus 1.8 TDCi for a little over a year, following a two year stint from a Fiat so I may be a little over enthusiastic about the Focus! However, I've been driving for over 20 years (Oh God that long...) and have driven a silly number of cars over this time. I think I've found a car I finally can settle with for at least the rest of the finance term!!! Which is unusual as I get bored very quickly! The feel of the car overall is one of comfort but without the disconnected feel you can get in some larger cars and you really can have the confidence in the motor to pull hard when you need it. Inside, the car feels roomy for its class and the seats seem to hug you quite nicely. I used to have to sit at a slight angle in many of my older cars to reach pedals and steer yet in the Focus I can sit in a relatively normal position...

S1monPage69 12.09.2008 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback

Ford Focus Flight 1.6 16v

Advantages: Ease of use , smooth gear changes , good price
Disadvantages: None as of yet

...Thought i would write a review , since a couple of weeks ago i done something that i swore i would never do again and that was buy a new Ford Car. About 12 years ago i purchased a Ford Escort brand new from Ford and not only was the service dreadful but the car was a complete and utter bag of nails that wouldn't have pulled you out of bed in the morning never mind away from a set of lights !!. Anyway , have been pondering about purchasing a new car and despite liking the look of the Focus my previous experience with Ford stopped me from previously considering purchasing one. Anyway , seen an add in a local paper for the above model , with the addition of Alloy wheels and Metallic paint as a "Special" on this edition for Scottish customers , so along i went to my local Reg Vardy dealership to have a look , very nice experience it...

Smurf1873 26.05.2004 · Read review
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Review of Ford Focus 1.6