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 301 through 310 of 353.00

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sgomez - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is very well equipped for the money. Lots of space and nice features everywhere. Power is modest but still the car is fun to drive due to great dynamics. Fuel economy is improving with time. Now its at 23 mpg. So far the only problems experienced is a squicky noise in the rear that I hope the dealership will take care of in the 5K service. The front wheels are always dirty due to fast fading brake pads, but so far the braking power has been adequate and enough. There is storage space everywhere in the cabin. The car feels much larger than it is. Focus is a very good car that Ford consciously failed to make a great car. Only they know why.

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  real performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By inahurry - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is a true performance car (see stats in Consumer Reports, which say, among other things, that the SVT is about equal to a Porche 911 with respect to its handling). Ford makes available lots of great extras that others dont, at least for the price (HID headlamps, audiophile sound, heated seats, etc.). I still think, like the other reviews, that more low end power is ironically missing. Still, the car is very, very well balanced and responsive. The 6-speed transmission is nice.

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  Better than expected - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2focused - August 24 - 12:46 am

  Lots of fun to drive, good mileage and great handling with the SVT suspension I Installed for $325 and 6 hours labor.

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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

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  Nothing but problems - 2003 Ford Focus
  By IR - August 11 - 2:33 am

  Purchased this vehicle on the recommendation of Consumer Reports. So far this car has had nothing but problems. Ford dealership replaced the clutch, airbags, alternator, and the engine computer. Overall quality is below average; theres a reason why this car has a low resale value.

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  New Owner Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mcoene - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Being 65" with a long torso, it was tough for me to find an economical vehicle both in terms of cost and fuel economy. I have a long commute and so far am delighted with my new ZX3.

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  my first new car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreami1969 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I think that the only thing that i have a problem with is that the trunk has rusted inside, so when it rains the water runs into the trunk, mildew smell comes out of the A.C. unit when we turn it on and the passanger side door panel is coming off, other than that we love the car.

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  mine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JDJ - July 24 - 2:00 am

  this is the second focus i have had...my previous was a 02 ford focus (just a few minor problems with the 02 that i had over 2 years) this has been a great car so far no complaints

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  A very good buy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Joe - July 20 - 8:23 pm

  Im sorry to hear that one person had such a bad engine, but mine has 32,000 reliable miles. Ive tested the bumpers twice without a ding at 5-10mph bumps. Very comfortable, even after 7 straight hours behind the wheel. (WOW, no neck aches.) Its got enough pep to get me on the highway. I also like my MP3 CD player that comes standard. Mileage has been disappointing. I had a Contour before with a similar engine and it got 35mpg whereas the Focus gets about 30 mpg. I am pressed to say anything bad about the car.

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  okay - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus queen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The cars is great. Can be fast of the line, you go 50 without paying attention.and the ac is chilly. Overall i like the Focus.