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 81 through 90 of 353.00

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Impressive Safety - 2003 Ford Focus
  By geo50000 - May 7 - 1:23 am

  My ex wife totaled our 2003 Focus at 55 mph on a mountain road; Every corner of the car was demolished - but she walked away with only a small bump on her head. The cabin was completely intact. I recently bought another one just like it. A good, solid car for the money.

• 

  The car is good but the dealer is BAD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nanjihu - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The most impressive if fuel economy: I drived 200 miles and only used 5-6 gallon gas with 5 people in the car.

• 

  Quick commuter car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Calitocra - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several other econo- boxes I was feeling very uninspired. I was looking for resonable economy but fun-to-drive factor, too. After taking the Focus SVT 5-door for a test drive I was sold. Great handling and brakes, interior upgrade is far above typical econo-box fare, spirited engine response (at higher rpm). This car is great fun to drive, is smooth on the highway and is amazingly quiet at highway cruising speed. The SVT team did a great job on the suspension. Its firm, but not harsh, nimble, with little lean in the corners. So far, Im very happy with this car.

• 

  much fun for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bobdman - February 6 - 6:20 am

  I was not sure at first on the test drive but liked it enough to buy it. I must say im impressed with the ride and handling but felt that the front end seemed to feel a tad heavy in aggressive cornering but still a ball to drive in the twisties.

• 

  Premature wear of brakes & rotor damage - 2003 Ford Focus
  By fjcooks - December 18 - 4:06 am

  Drives fine. Premature wear of brakes and damage to rotors is a known problem. Expect to replace rotors every 15,000 miles at $500 out of your pocket.

• 

  Ford Focus Fun - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Eibhlin - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my ZX5! However, Im not getting the mileage I thought I would be getting. I also have a problem with the windshield wiper design. There always seems to be a stream of wated running down the windshield to the right of my line of vision. It gets annoying.

• 

  Money well spent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nativejayhawk - October 29 - 2:00 am

  A great little car with a lot of pep. I owen a 2004 Mustang and I enjoy driving the focus just as much. Great stereo system. The focus has a smooth ride. With few exterior upgrades like I have done it really an eye-catching vehicle.

• 

  Red_Bird - 2003 Ford Focus
  By scjenk - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have put 6100 miles on it in 3 months and have no problems to report. The car is very quiet comparded to its competition, and rides good for a small car. This is the best handling car I have ever driven, handles like an expensive sports car. Needs more power, especially when coupled to the automatic. Gas milage is a little disappointing, averaging 26 MPG for mostly highway driving.