Overview & Reviews
Minor changes are in store for the 2003 Ford Focus. Two new trim levels increase the breadth of prices for Ford's economy car; a base trim for the three door hatchback renders air conditioning optional and only comes with a manual transmission. For the five door hatchback, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, front reading lights and a center console are available when you step up to the comfort trim level from the base level. Heated front seats are a new option, as is a traction control and ABS package. New colors for the exterior brighten up the color palette, and the interior is freshened with two new fabric trims. Finally, a CD/MP3 player is now standard on the ZX3 and ZX5. A SVT version of the ZX5 is also scheduled to appear later in the year.
- Thoughtful ergonomics, large interior, smooth ride, sharp steering, impressive selection of body configurations and features.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 353.00-
Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
By 2112Rush - August 15 - 5:33 pmThis Focus has been the most reliable and fun car that we have had so far. Its is great with gas. Only big problem that weve had with it is something with the timing belts. But overall it has been a great car, very, very reliable. And the price isnt bad either.
-
Not The Best - 2003 Ford Focus
By Jennifer - August 12 - 10:53 amMy dad originally bought this car for me for my first car. I will say that for a first time driver, it is decent. Very easy to drive. For the few years I owned it, I never had any mechanical problems with it. The 4cyl. engine, in my opinion, is way too small. Awful pickup on the highway. It is very low to the ground and had a tendency to bottom out. Also, not really good in the snow. Decent MPG though. I ended up trading it in for a 07 Jeep Liberty, which I love and would recommend to someone over the Focus.
-
Swaying Impressions - 2003 Ford Focus
By WrstPirateever - August 10 - 8:28 pmFor a 2 door, this thing is fun to drive. Pretty good acceleration, and plenty of trunk space once the back seat is folded down. I couldnt believe it when I fit my new 42 inch TV in there and noone else could either! The back seat is useless for passengers unless they have no legs. Very tight quarters back there. Now for the bad. Ive never had so much trouble with traction especially on wet roads. I also have less than 60,000 miles and Ive already had to have a brand new transmission put in (luckily covered under warranty) and new tie rod ends. Now Im having issues with what I believe is the air intake control. Finally, this thing eats through tires like crazy
-
A great car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
By Anonymous - August 8 - 11:36 amI love my Ford Focus! The brakes do squeal, which Ive heard many times is normal in a Focus. Had them replaced at about 15,000 miles, and havent been a problem since then. Also, had a problem with the tie-rod, as well as a rough idle. But, once these problems were fixed, the car has been great! I drive my wifes Toyota Camry too, and my car is so much nicer! Its at the just right comfort level, so I dont fall asleep on long road trips. Also, it speeds up nicely. Has a couple dings, but I love my car, and will run it into the ground. Bought it new, and been driving it for 5 years now. I love the fact that I get 5 more mpg on highways than my wife, so we regularly take my car to Washington
-
The Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Focus
By William Sparrow - August 4 - 10:11 pmThe Instrument cluster died first, that alone was around six hundred dollars. Three sensors were defective and it failed inspection. A vacuum switch was followed by a major transmission malfunction. The trunk can be problematic at times. The visors are poor and the ignition switch is faulty. I have put 21000 gentle miles on this sedan. I drive like an old man and have this car serviced regularly (when it is not being repaired). I am a teacher and find myself struggling financially as a result of this purchase. The repair costs have far outweighed the fuel savings. I believe that Ford is negligent beyond reason. Ford should be ashamed of this abysmal car!
-
Love my Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
By Patricia Lejsek - July 28 - 2:00 amI was not looking for a Focus when I went to get a car. Due to the dealer not having the car I really wanted on the lot, I chose to get a 2003 Ford Focus, brand new, right off the show room floor. I love my Focus, and will be driving it for a long while before I get another car.
-
Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
By Bean - July 28 - 2:00 amWonderful car, no problems, very fun to drive
-
Tire Hungry - 2003 Ford Focus
By Arlie Rauch - July 23 - 10:45 amWe bought the car because of crisp handling and because of high consumer ratings. But, it eats tires. At just about every oil change it needs either a wheel alignment or the tires balanced--they are virtually always vibrating, and the rear end is noisy at any speed. We have had to replace the trunk latch--it quit locking. The car handled miserably on winter roads, of which we have some here in Montana. I eventually solved that by buying another set of wheels on which we mounted studded snow tires (we never had that problem with a VW Rabbit we owned for years). This car has been a disappointment, and we are strongly looking at getting something different. Its gas mileage is also poor.
-
Love my little Focus! - 2003 Ford Focus
By tsarina007 - July 23 - 10:00 amI test drove this car on a whim, and fell in love. It handles like a dream, has great pick-up, and a nice quiet ride. It has a great sound system, and bunch of little, thoughtful features (like a glow-in-the-dark trunk release inside the trunk). Plus, its really really cute!
-
Not a good buy - 2003 Ford Focus
By stanggirl - July 14 - 2:00 amI bought my car a year ago and within the past year have had nothing but problems. After exactly a year and some days my car would not run b/c the clutch switch went out. Not a good thing for a pretty new car taken well care of.
