Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Zetec 5d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a lot, as Focuses are so classless and ubiquitous. It's a smart looking, solidly built, unpretentious car, with some clever design touches and fun handling.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They are all impressed by it and think it was a wise purchase.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely, though I think next time round I would have a Focus Ghia diesel estate, so I have more space, more gadgets and better fuel economy.

What are you likely to buy next?

If it was me, I'd have a Rover 75 Tourer - beautiful, British, practical and getting rare. But I suspect my wife will have the final say on that, so it will probably be another Focus, or a Skoda, or something Japanese.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,750

When did you buy the car?

September 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

The engine needed extensive work done on it, which was completed before we bought it at no cost to us. The garage also advised us that the clutch was wearing out and replaced it cheaply, and threw in a free MP3 player.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

We had had a baby and so needed to move up from a Micra. It was a good deal - a trusted local small garage had virtually re-built the engine prior to the sale. And several family members had run Focuses and recommended them to us.

What was the dealer like?

Very good - local small independent garage in East Sussex. I don't know how many cars they sell; not many, I don't think.

What's it like to drive?

The motoring press were euphoric about the handling of the original Focus, so I expected great things. I haven't been disappointed - the steering is sharp, the brakes are strong, the ride is firm but not uncomfortable, and the steering wheel itself is a nice size and feels good to hold. I was surprised by how grippy the seats are, with their large side bolsters; they really hold you in tight for a regular family hatchback, so I can only imagine how snug and race car like they must be in a Focus RS! The only things I don't like are the slightly gutless 1.6 engine - coming out of junctions, milk floats overtake me as I build up speed (but perhaps that's just my driving) and I find the gearbox a bit notchy.

What's it like to park?

Very easy. There's good all round visibility, and the power steering works well.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. The clutch wore out and had to be replaced and the car broke down one evening last February. We called out the AA who replaced the coils.

What's most practical about your car?

The way the rear seats fold completely flat makes it very practical for trips to the tip. The boot is large and well shaped too, and there are plenty of storage spaces around the cabin.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

This is car without many fripperies (we still have a cassette player!) The heated front windscreen has been a god-send and I still feel posh driving a car with electric windows!