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 211 through 220 of 353.00

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  ZX3, Best driving experience - 2003 Ford Focus
  By markregel - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 Focus XZ3. This car has the best road-feel and handling of any I have driven. The ride is smooth and composed. Just finished riding a friends new Nissan Sentra. I didnt tell him, but no way would I trade it for my Focus. The ride was harsh and it sits low, like riding in a hole. Build Quality?

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  Best Drivering Experience Ever - 2003 Ford Focus
  By markregel - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has the best road-feel, steering response and handling of any I have driven. The ride is smooth and composed. Just finished riding a new Nissan Sentra, no way would I trade it for my Focus. The ride was harsh and it sits low, like riding in a hole. Build Quality? I find it to be quite good overall. The ride feels solid on any road. Recalls are great ammunition for those that love to trash this car, but does not in itself mean a poor quality car. All I say to buyes who simply choose "Consumer Reports" top model is "Your Loss" and enjoy your Toyota Echo. I cant imagine an intelligent person taking anything they say seriously.

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  2003 ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SilverOne - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 ZX3 before this and I loved it. I put way too many miles on it and just had to get a new car. I decided on the ZX3 once again because of how much of a great vehicle it was. Its very fun to drive, has very good performance and power for a 130hp engine, the handling is great and it has lots of room. They have made many improvments on the newer models and fixed a few things also. I know Im going to like this car as much as I did the last and will probably get yet another Focus after this one! Sounds crazy but I really do like them.

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  My First Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 089437620583 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  The company i work for deploys Ford Focus wagons and i drive one 100+ miles each day... So a Focus was my first choise when it came to buying a new car. The car rides super smooth and is really quiet. Its very comfortable and everything is within reach. The guages are easy to read and the 5-speed is very fun. In the department of reliabilaty, not a problem. My work car has been in 3 accidents and the only thing wrong with it squeaky breaks. Nothing has gone wrong with it except for problems that were the result of human error. My car has turned out to be a fun, cheap, reliable car to drive.

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jend99 - May 24 - 4:20 am

  Worst experience with a car and a dealership in my entire life! I urge anyone and everyone to stay away from the Ford Focus. For the last NINE months I have had continuous brake problems with no resolution other than Ford uses cheap parts. That they do! The salesperson never told me I would have to pay to replace the brakes every 12,000 miles (as they now tell me!) or I would not have purchased the vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ranran31 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  A Great car to drive and very well designed

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  2003 SE with Zetec & auto - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Koolaid Kid - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Nicely equipped for a reasonable price. Peppy Zetec engine, lots of features too (e.g. cruise, power everything, cd changer in the dash). Handles well for an economy sedan, have to keep remembering to drive safely. Smooth ride, fairly quiet on the road. Comfortable seats, but hard to reach the wheel when the seat is all the way back (6-1, 230 lbs). I was hesitant due to reliability and build quality reputation, hope I am not disappointed like some Focus owners.

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  Not Happy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By clarkdnr - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus (ZTS)initially seems a great buy, but buyer beware. While the interior is comfortable and well designed the build quality is ridiculous! My car was in the shop for over a month two months ago then a few days ago I had a wreck due to a malfunctioning seat, so back to the shop it goes. These are just two instances in a long line of problems.Ford is not terribly helpful either. Before you buy PLEASE got online and look for customer chats, not reviews. I was astounded to see how many people were having non-stop problems from these cars from the beginning.

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  Fun and practical - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rbsjrx - March 14 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this so I could send my beloved 96 Contour into semi-retirement. Its been a lot of fun to drive, although driving is more work than the Contour. Overall, Im quite satisfied. It can blow away most unmodified Minis which is good enough for me. Handling is excellent, but surprisingly not that much better than my Contour. It feels better, but thats just because of the better support from the Recaro seats. As noted in my Contour review, the Contour is both lower and wider than the Focus, which shows on twisty roads.

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  Good Starter Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus4eva - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase and it has been AWESOME! Very comfortable and roomy for a person of my size (61" 200lbs). Base motor has GREAT PICK UP! It may weed out a little at higher RPMs but can cruise at 85MPH! Handles mountains with ease. Made 3 major road trips and have not had any problems. Gets FANTASTIC gas mileage. Over 20k miles in less than a year and still running strong!