Can't speak to the Focus quality, though I did drive one for a week (a base ZX-3) and found that it handled nicely and was comfortable. Some of the interior trim quality was somewhat lacking, but then again, I think the MSRP of the car I drove was about $14,500... so in context it isn't bad.

Regarding recalls, I'm not so sure I'd be panicked about this. One, these were on cars they built in the past, so these issues are corrected on newer models. Two, while unproven, I believe that GM and Ford have been much more pro-active about recalling cars quickly to resolve issues BEFORE they become problems for owners. Honda has a reputation in the industry for waiting until they are forced to recall cars by the NHTSA or will only fix problems if customers complain. VW recently issued a huge recall for their 1.8t engines for a problem (ignition module) that has been known for quite some time and has been known to cause serious safety issues. Most of the recalls on Foci have involved small numbers of cars because the issues were identified early.

Now, I'm not excusing Ford from responsibility. They have been squeezing their parts suppliers hard on pricing during the past few years and there has to be an effect on the final quality of the cars as a result. I've heard similar cries of poor quality from friends who have newer-model Mercedes-Benz, so nobody is perfect!

Perhaps I would try to squeeze the dealer for a screaming deal on an extended warranty if you plan to keep the car for a long time.

posted by 67.72.1...

• questions on 03 ford focus, giada, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 12:22:00
  • A decent inexpensive car..., Andrew , Fri, 14 Feb 2003 15:08:27
  • Mazda Progege5?, Steve, Thu, 13 Feb 2003 15:56:42
    • had one as rental last month for 5 days, Aero'ed, Fri, 14 Feb 2003 07:06:19
  • Re: questions on 03 ford focus, mike, Thu, 13 Feb 2003 09:16:27
  • Actual Injury Stats are in the Worst Possible category, David G. Mills, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 22:37:03
  • European and US Focuses are two different cars, dip, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 13:09:12
    • Foci?, bRAD, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 13:33:31
      • well, SVT is a very different breed of Focus ;), dip, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 13:59:17
  • Run don't walk, phred, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 12:54:27
    • Not so Fast!!!, T Randell, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 15:08:56
      • Re: Not so Fast!!!, Owen, Wed, 12 Feb 2003 16:44:08
        • Recalls and Quality, Steve, Thu, 13 Feb 2003 15:54:06 <-- Viewing This Message

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