Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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.
4 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

All models come with twin front airbags, but ABS and traction control are options on many. However the Ford gained a respectable four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Strong deadlocks (on all but the base model CL) make it secure and the bonnet can only be opened using the key while top spec models also come with an alarm.

NCAP Test

Euro NCAP logo Euro NCAP

Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

Early cars had problems with stalling, caused by iffy electrics but most should be fixed by now. Other problems usually stem from high-mileage cars not being properly maintained. It was rated in first place in German TW reliability tests for cars one-to-three years-old in 2002.

Car check problem points

Body

Check for bumps and scrapes.

Engine/Gearbox

Fast idling problems on some petrol models, occasional stalling or misfiring due to ECU faults.

Other

Noisy heater recirculation motor, squealing rear brakes, cracked windscreen, faulty electric windows.

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