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 21 through 30 of 353.00

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  I LIKE IT! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nizoral1 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my new ztw wagon today for 13900 including all rebates from ford and dealer. tt control 6 disc changer you name it. Nows the time to buy that leftover. Cant beat the price msrp 19200. 13900 WOW Just cant beat the price for anything close to the wagon!

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  Buyer beware - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ignition defect - February 13 - 12:08 pm

  Ignition replaced 3 times. Exhaust pipe that connects to engine replaced twice. Mechanic said it will have to be replaced again and again because it is a known defect. Brakes replaced too many times. Now engine rattles. My mother has the same car. Same problems. It has been in fender benders twice and a guy driving a stolen truck ran in to the front end and no dents! The other cars had the damage. That is one great thing about the car. There is not a lot of room in the back seat.

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  Never Again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By stanlell - June 17 - 11:36 am

  In the shop twice for transmission problems before 12,000 miles. Took 1/4 tank of gas and 2 hours to go 23 miles up hills recently while traveling on vacation.Thought the transmission was going to fall out. Back again last week for same transmission problem that was "repaired" 18,000 miles ago, only had to pay $100 deductible even though it is under full warranty. Afraid to drive up a hill because I am out of cash and cannot afford another $100 should it have to go back in the shop. I will never again have a Ford product and this one will be gone as soon as I make the last payment. Hello Toyota.

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  Focus ZX3 Hatchback - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Barbara - June 15 - 9:56 am

  Ive been disappointed with this vehicles gas mileage since I purchased it. Ive found that larger automobiles get better gas mileage. I have a gas tank that holds just over 11 gallons and when I travel 350 miles to visit my son the car uses about a tank and a half of fuel. That figures out to be less than 22 MPG on a road trip.

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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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  Needs More Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Chris1983 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Hello I Thought I Would Post A Comment I Had One Of These Cars For A Rental The Other Day It Had 8,500 Miles On It And Was Pretty Much Basic Beside The Auto Trans Anyways The Car Was Decent It Had Some Issues Like The Trans Would Make A Popping Noise (Who Knows) And The Car Wouldnt Even Move Out Of Its Own Way Ive Been In An Escort Before And I Know For A Fact That This Was Slower Than The Escort And Also The Gas Mileage Sucks I Drive A 1993 Lumina Minivan And It Has A 3.8 V6 And It Gets Way Better Gas Mileage Than This Car Anyways Thanks For Your Time

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  This is a LEMON - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Steve - September 1 - 11:00 am

  This vehicle performed superbly right up until the 40,000 mile mark. First of all, the Pirelli tires are horrible and will need to be replaced between 35-40k. Secondly, I had to replace the brakes and rotors because they were shot. Third, I had to replace a transmission part that caused my engine to skip (thankfully covered by the extended warranty). Lastly, and most important, the engine stalls in the middle of traffic with no warning. I have taken it to the dealer but they cant figure out what is wrong. I used to think "buy American" but in the case of cars, ITS NOT WORTH MY LIFE or yours either! Do yourself a favor and STAY CLEAR of this one!

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  DONT MAKE A MISTAKE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus2001 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO $PEND MONEY ON MAINTAINANCE BECAUSE IT STARTS TO BREAKDOWN ONLY AT 20K MILES!!! SO OVER ALL....ITS NOT A GOOD CAR TO HAVE IF YOURE ON LIMITED BUDGET NOR BUSY LIFESTYLE BECUASE YOU WILL SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SERVICE DEPT RATHER THAN GOING ABOUT WITH YOUR LIFE!

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  Failing Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tootnguyen - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The focus has proven rather disappointing to own. Mechanical problems and failing interior parts quickly became apparent. The A/C and transmission failed at 4200 miles. Discovery of numerous recalls on a vehicle relatively new to the market is disconcerning. This model is setting automotive records for the most recalls since its intro. The Ford dealers were rude and overworked fixing other focus recalls. More Focus models were in their garage than on the dealers lot. Interestingly, The true test of a the build quality is how a car holds up after the warranty expires even if you dont plan to hang on to a car that long.

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  Disapointed - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bubba5 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Thought the gas mileage would be better...I average 20 mpg...the drivers seat is terribly uncomfortable after 20 minutes of driving...I had to take it to ford to replace the seat cover after 10,000 miles...the metal frame cut through the cover...maybe I just got a bad seat cause other reviewers seem to like these seats...automatic is sluggish...needs more power and better brakes