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 51 through 60 of 353.00

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  Still great after 3 years - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kate - May 4 - 9:59 am

  I bought this car new and it is just as much fun to drive over 3 years later. I have the Zetec engine, it has lots of pep and I get 25 mpg overall and thats with over 20 stop lights between home and work. The original Firestone tires were...well, junk, and after lots effort on the dealerships part, I gave up and replaced them with Pirelli tires at 8000 miles. The back seat is roomier than I expected and the front is very comfortable. Huge trunk great for travel.I love this car!

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  A GREAT Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sara A. - April 18 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased this car based on reviews. It had 16,000 miles and was a rental when I got it. I must say, this car is an excellent value for the amount of car you get. I have not had one single problem with anything on or in the car, with the exception of the cigarette lighter leaping out at me when pushed in; strange, but not a huge deal. It is fun to drive, very zippy, and has a huge trunk. The CD player/stereo system are very nice. All in all, buy this car.

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  Recommended - 2003 Ford Focus
  By TheReverend - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our ZX5 Focus a lot. The power is adequate, though not great, and it handles like a champ on all types of roads. I love the way the interior is laid out, ergonomics are good, seats are comfy. Our minor problems were that we had to have it re- aligned after only 17K and the paint chipped off the shifter knob at about 15K. The alignment could have been my fault, I do drive it pretty hard. The exterior looks get a little old after awhile, but aftermarket parts are everywhere.

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  fun but... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Kevin - February 13 - 12:19 pm

  Great car. Works well in winter with snow tires. Spirited driving brings out the best in it. Clutch assembly problems and poor gas mileage make the car suffer, though. Insurance companies act like its a sports car also. Wouldnt buy this car again.

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  Focusing on Quality-Where is it? - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mark Roman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  At crusing speeds, there is an electrical problem which causes the vehicle to stall whenever I turn on the lights or flick the high beams back and forth. Its been the shop twice to trace the problem to no avail. While I had the vehicle in the shop for the first service, some grease monkey backed into it damaging the rear bumper. They had the vehicle in the shop for 19 days in January. Whenever I flick the windshield washers, I get a strong smell inside the cabin of antifreeze. Theyve replaced one piece and it still occurs. The drivers seat has a loose piece. Theyve also replaced the outside rubber on the drivers side door and the car alarm.

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  Practical Performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Alleve23 - July 17 - 7:30 am

  Traded in an SUV for this car in the North East. Performs well in the wet/snow conditions. The ZTW has provided me with more than adequate storage space and power. It is nimble and quick with the ZETEC. Rear shocks needed to be replaced at 2000 miles; they have been fixed and have given me no problems since. I have driven the vehicle 26,000 problem free miles per year and it has been holding up very well.

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  quite a good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By asb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my new Focus. It is a confortable car and I like it. Still not confortable with the gas mileage...could be much better for this size car.

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  Its OK - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jason - May 26 - 3:53 am

  I purchased this car two years ago new. So far I have been pleased with the car but it has had several issues and the dealership was a nightmare to deal with. Right after the warranty ran out I had a $1300.00 air conditioning problem that the dealership ripped me on. There has also been some other repair issues that I feel reflect poor craftsmanship; however I do like the car and I guess for an economy sedan it will do.

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  2003 SE Zetec - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tim - July 22 - 12:16 pm

  I had my problems; first the cold idle is still very rough till it warms up. Dealer couldnt fix. Also the rear camber adjusters were factory defective which made the car handle terrible in the winter and ate the rear tires up at 20,000 miles; dealer installed new adjusters and tires under warranty. I told the dealer to take the terrible low-profile Firestones and chunk them as we live in a snowy climate. Engine has plenty of power. Transmission has a harsh 1-2 rolling shift if you dont stop completely. Brakes are excellent as far as stopping power, steering is nimble, ride is acceptable, gas mileage is way below what it suppose to get. All this said I do like the car but my review at 60,000 miles may tell the story.

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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.