Ford Focus Hatchback 1998

Want to know everything there is to know about this car?

  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    High depreciation, but buy second hand and you get a lot of equipment for not much dollar.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Only get 30mpg at best. Ford costs ok. Dealer prices vary. Eats tyres.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Ride height is quite high, good round corners, feels safe.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Considering it's a 2 litre, performance is not all that great compared to others. Needs driving hard to see any performace.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Wheel bearings go after 20k miles. Had a new exhaust, gearbox, battery and 2 x wheel bearings. Eats tyres.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Looks good in 3 door form (especially in 3 door). Too many on the road. Orange indicators and black plastic bump strips lessen the look.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    I am 6' 2". Seats are uncomfortable and do not adjust fully. Pedals are high. Do not like driving long journeys.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Immobiliser and deadlocks. Alarm optional and on the 3 door it has no interior sensors.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Local dealer (holiways) seem ok. Dealers vary from town to town, so cannot really comment on this section.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Loud on start-up (sounds like a diesel).

    Other

    Wheel bearings go after 20k miles, exhausts go at about 2 - 3 years. One pipe, so needs full system replacing.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes