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-
You are missing out! - 2003 Ford Focus
By Steve3402 - September 15 - 2:00 amI purchased the ZX5 in November, 2001. This has been, by far, the most fun, reliable small car I have EVER driven! So many people have been concerned about recalls, ect. In a year and a half and 10,000 miles, I have had not one single problem with this car. Beat that Honda Civic! Its amazing how many people dont think Ford can compete with Toyota and Honda... perhaps they should dare to compare. FYI... I recently drove the new Corrolla and wasnt nearly as impressed. The Focus is a MUCH better car to drive.
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good fuel efficency and lots of space - 2003 Ford Focus
By fordddddd - August 31 - 2:18 pmI bought my car as a rebuilt vehicle over a year ago. It had 12K miles on it. Now it has 36000 miles and i have not yet had a problem with it. I get around 27 mpg average (city and highway). I love this car because it gives good fuel economy and can haul a lot of stuff. I use it to take my dogs to training and i can hold 3 crates with the rear seats folded down (500, 400 and a 300 crate).
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Excellent deal - 2003 Ford Focus
By linuxevangelist - August 6 - 10:00 amHandling is nearly unbelievable. Braking performance is awesome as well. Low-end torque is missing so its a little slow of the line but once it gains enough RPMs to hit the power band it really takes off. The interior design is really nice. Stereo system is awesome. Seats are comfortable and the back seats are surprisingly roomy. There is a slightly noticable problem with rough idle that appears from time to time. This is a known problem by Ford and can be made better (but not fixed completely) by having the computer reprogrammed by an authorized SVT service center - this issue was fixed in the 2004 model. Im very happy with my purchase overall and would certainly recommend this car.
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Got rid of it - 2003 Ford Focus
By Chris - August 3 - 3:06 pmBought this car at 40k miles and got rid of it at 64k. We had the key problem where the ignition locks up we just never took the key out, always left it in the car to avoid getting stranded. Couldnt put chains on it. Trunk wouldnt shut properly. Gas mileage steadily declined despite regular oil changes and check ups. After reading all the reviews about the car crapping out around 60k, we just wanted to be rid of it.
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Fords Go-Kart - 2003 Ford Focus
By -J D - - July 29 - 10:00 am"Fun for under $20K" ~ Its a great package for the $ price. Handling and stopping is tops on my list. Its not a drag car, but the six speed Getrag transmission is gear-ed for back country roads with lots of curves. Its a super everyday driver with good performance for a 2 liter engine with 170 hp. "SVT" did a great conversion on the Focus to make it a fun car to drive and own. If your looking for a sports compact car I would drive them all and include the "SVT Focus" on my list. I did and I am happy with my purchase. Got to go ~ ===========> Oh, `be safe and race @ the track "ok" : )
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Do this again, Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
By Mel - July 20 - 11:03 pmThis car is adequately powered for almost any situation. It has needed only 1 repair in 60000 miles. The power window lifter failed on the passenger side and the dealer was able to make it work better than when it was new. The mileage is excellent, I am averaging 29 miles to the gallon under all conditions.
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Excellent - 2003 Ford Focus
By RB - June 21 - 2:00 amThis car is a fine auto, superb handling and ride. Great interior for my 6 ft frame with plenty of space for other riders and luggage. Terrific engine producing quick response and good highway speeds without effort. Very good mileage both around town and highway driving.The new edge design with a europian flair is outstanding. An overall excellent value for the price.
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Good car. - 2003 Ford Focus
By dirkaelder - June 16 - 10:00 amI have only driven the car 2000 miles but it has done a good job. The engine is weak but sufficient. Gas mileage drops off drastically at speeds above 65 mph. At 72mph I was getting about 25 miles per gallon. This is only slightly better than my WRX. The car rides great but seems a bit floaty. The handling is excellent. I wouldnt try to many passes on a two lane highway. Overall I am satisfied so far. I was a bit hesitant at first with reading some of the prior recalls and problems with the brakes. This seems to have been resolved.
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focus converter - 2003 Ford Focus
By carproblem - June 16 - 10:00 amThis is a very impressive wagon for the $. Previously owned a forester and outback vdc. Both were very good vehicles. But its hard to justify the $CDN difference though. The outback was 15k more, the forester 9k. AWD is nice but not worth that money. The ZTW works great in the winter with the proper winter tires. Advance trac excellent. Highly recommend that option. 0% finance, find another wagon with all those features. It does not exist.
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4dr Sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
By allee - June 11 - 10:00 amI purchased my car end of June 2003 and so far I love it...I traded in a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta that gave me nothing but problems the day I bought it...I am hoping that my Focus gives me a much happier life... I am alittle hesitant to give my focus a full rating on reliability until I have had it a year or so...then I can give a true rating. But thus far its fun to drive and I am happy at the moment!
