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 31 through 40 of 353.00

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  REVIEW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mrs.Mechanic 6/23/10 - June 23 - 8:04 am

  I purchased my car in 2006. It had 27,528 miles. Now at 113,200 miles. I have had no major problems with it, with the exception of poor lighting. I just replaced the motor mount, and the ignition switch last year(09). I think this is a great starter car for any young person.

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  Poor Quality & Engineering-Ford Cops Out - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Cold Mainer - June 3 - 5:30 pm

  Fun car with great gas mileage if driven correctly. I average 34 MPG on the highway at 60 MPH. A major flaw of this vehicle has been the rear suspension. It has too much negative rear camber and not enough toe. This causes wear to the inside edges of the rear tires. This is not adjustable and must be accomplished with the use of aftermarket parts. It cost me $350.00 to get this problem fixed. It has stopped eating tires now and has improved the safety of the vehicle. I have 48,000 miles on my latest set of tires now. This vehicle was very dangerous when operated in snow and wet conditions. It always wanted to spin around before I got the rear end problem fixed. Trunk latch, ignition rp

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  Reliable as a tank - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tdwillis - May 27 - 8:24 am

  We have had this car since it was new and now we have 188k on it and all I have to say it has been super reliable and flawless. The only problem early on were the front sway links, but mechanically our focus has been and still is remarkably reliable. The trans and engine is original and has never been serviced for nothing. We also have never had a check engine light come on and it passes the emissions test every time with flying colors. Our Focus also doesnt burn a drop of oil. I dont know why everyone else has had the problems they have with their Focus but my experience has been very positive. Driving this car 300k miles doesnt seem like a fantasy anymore.

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  Solid - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Matt - May 24 - 2:12 pm

  I knew even when I bought this car that I would never truly love it, but it has been rock solid for me over the last three years. Outside of routine maintenance, I havent had a single headache or repair. I keep wanting something to go wrong so I can talk my wife into letting me get a sexier vehicle, but my Focus just keeps plugging away. I could have paid far more for a used Civic or Corolla, but I wouldnt have gotten a better or more reliable car.

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  PZEV only lasted 98,826 miles! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mirox - May 5 - 12:28 am

  Quite funny to get a car that is designed to be maintenance FREE for 15 years or 150,000 when in reality it does not make it to 100,000 ! The 2.3 L engine with Timing Chain supposed to be an improvement over the 2.0 L with timing belt! Except when the plastic slippers wear out it jumps timing and bends all valves - hence a JUNK! Now at to that clutch that lasted only 36,000 miles, Audio system that had to be replaced 5 times, Steering wheel that just locks and can not be unlocked again without replacing the key switch, RIGHT engine mounts that break, and host of other things like worn out Front Struts at 78,000. This vehicle has problems that YUGO never had! Simply a BAD CAR

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  Traded a Gas guzzler for a Money Guzzler - 2003 Ford Focus
  By disappointmentabound - April 5 - 6:33 pm

  Great car for the first 45,000 miles! The tranny went out and was replaced under warranty at 3 years old. A year after the transmission replacement, the brakes went out and had to be completely replaced. About two months after the brakes, the struts went out. Also had to have them replaced. Upgraded stereo went out then, started hearing a terrible front end grinding noise-was told it was the transmission. Called the dealership and they said it was 3 days out of warranty. Took it to a different dealership and was told the motor mounts were also bad. Oh, and the ignition switch locked up. Was gonna just sell it, resale on the car isnt even $1500 but it gets great gas mileage.

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  Mediocrity at its best! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By monkeyfinger - February 22 - 8:21 pm

  My 2003 Ford Focus has seen its share of problems: Alternator, Thermostat Housing, AA Solenoid, Fuel Pump, Water Pump, Drive Belt, Timing Belt and Engine Mounts. I Love the compact design however, this causes astronomical labor charges or very difficult self repairs. You actually have to go under the car to change the headlight bulbs. Overall, I like my Focus, but I wish Ford had put more thought into the quality. For example, a thermostat housing that is not made of plastic. If yours has not failed yet, then it soon will. Or a better set of engine mounts. One thing that the focus will do is help you become a great mechanic.

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  Been a great car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WYcommuter - February 14 - 7:26 pm

  Bought with 8000 miles in 05. Still have with 115000. Only one issue and that was a new ignition core (cheap repair). Live in WY and commute through blizzards and have never been stuck or stranded with this great little car. I drive it and leave the F150 in the garage when its icy. Did not buy fancy, manual windows, locks, etc. maybe that why no problems.

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  Good, economical car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dan - February 14 - 9:48 am

  I love this car. I had a 2002 Focus and gave it to my daughter. It has over 105000 miles and hasnt needed anything. Mine has 72000 miles and hasnt needed anything other than tires.

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  My Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Europop2500 - February 10 - 12:42 pm

  Bought it w/ about 87k on it. 1st thing to replace it was the radio, couldnt read very well w/ the lines through it. Trunk latch doesnt work properly. To close the trunk I have to pull the safety lever in the trunk. It had fairly new tires on it when I bought it, they are already bald 7k miles later. A dome light towards the rear seats would be Nice, @night I cant see a thing back there. I get about 22 mpg all town. It would be Nice to put the rear seats down from the car, not just the trunk. The ignition cyl. Went out, Ford charged $270! Rip off. Only the drivers door has a keyhole and when its colder than 32 degrees the keyhole freezes and u cant get the key in, or turn it. Ive tried many options