Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 02 Apr 2013
4
The Focus was nothing short of a revelation when it was launched, offering a superb blend of practicality, comfort and keen handling. A great all-rounder, it continues to be a hugely popular model and with a wide range of engines and trims there's something to suit everyone.
Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04)

Good choice of engines and trim, easy to drive, ST170 is cheap, fast and fun

Poor equipment on early models

New price range:

£9,993 - £17,000

Used price range:

£395 - £2,626

View all used prices

Summary

Parkers Rating:

4 out of 5

The Focus was nothing short of a revelation when it was launched, offering a superb blend of practicality, comfort and keen handling. A great all-rounder, it continues to be a hugely popular model and with a wide range of engines and trims there's something to suit everyone. Easy to live with and simple to drive, the Focus makes an ideal small family car with the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre Zetec models the pick of the range. There are also some excellent TDCI diesels which are refined and ideal for long distance travel.

Parkers Ratings

Overall

4 out of 5

Performance

3.5 out of 5

Handling

4 out of 5

Comfort

3.5 out of 5

Practicality

3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

4 out of 5

Safety

3.5 out of 5

Reliability

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

2.5 out of 5

Buying used

5 out of 5

Selling

3.5 out of 5

Equipment

3 out of 5

What owners say...

 It's an efficient car that gets me from A to B and is quite nippy.  

3 out of 5

Jade Bennett ,   25 Apr 2013    ... read more

 Five doors with decent boot size, so perfect small family car.  

5 out of 5

Jon Hoyle ,   22 Apr 2013    ... read more

 The boot has a hatchback and the seats lay down so can be used as a van to transport large items.  

4 out of 5

Carol Frampton ,   17 Apr 2013    ... read more

See all Owners' Reviews

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