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Ford Focus Saloon (1998-2004) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 30 - 54 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

All models give decent economy and insurance ratings are reasonable. Ford spares are usually cheap and a dealer in every town makes servicing easy.

Focus performs well on the eco front. With an average of 173 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are quite low for a small family saloon. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.8-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 41 mpg.

Early cars had problems with stalling, caused by iffy electrics. Most should be fixed by now. Other problems usually stem from high-mileage cars not being properly maintained. First place in German TW reliability test for cars one-to-three years old in 2002.