subject: Ford Focus Review [print this page] Ford Focus Review Ford Focus Review
I am aware that when I was last in the vehicle market, roughly 6 years ago now, that Ford didn't have that much of a great history for reliability. I clearly remember people telling me that FORD stood for Fix Or Repair Daily, and therefore if I got a Ford, I'd regret it. Well, I'm glad to put them wrong, and I feel the opinions of almost everyone has now changed over time, and I feel, the exact reason why is essentially due to this car.
I've owned my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec for roughly six years now, and out of the seven cars I've owned, this is undoubtedly the very best. Whilst it isn't the most powerful, or perhaps the most comfortable (the driving position took me some time to get use to), it's been just about the most reliable, pleasant to drive, and lowest priced to run and maintain. Inside the 6 years of ownership, I'm able to honestly say that the only single thing I've had gone wrong with it was a ball joint on the passenger side. Aside from this, the only money I've allocated to the vehicle over the ownership period was for servicing and having it's MOT done at a local garage, petrol, road tax, and insurance. It had been purchased 2nd hand at a car dealership, and had done roughly 70,000 miles, and was seven years old at the time, so average mileage per annum roughly. It was eventually purchased for 3,500 by myself, and driven out of the forecourt with a large smile by it's new owner. The vehicle itself is a very smooth ride, barely noticing the pot holes that litter the London streets. It's sleek in design, although I have found the grey plastic for the centre console which houses the automobile stereo has faded away slightly, revealing the black plastic underneath. My car is seen as a three door model, and it has electric powered windows on both the front windows, along with heated front and rear windows. The drivers side allowing control over both passenger and driver side windows, whilst the passenger side door only allows for passenger side window control. You can easily pop open the boot using a button to the driver's side which is on the dashboard, plus the car also has a traction control button which is at the side of the gear stick. Apart from these features, it's simply business as normal when compared to other cars. Fabric material line the seats, the glove box is of a suitable size, and everything else is pretty much where you'd expect it.
My model had alloy wheels, in addition to a narrow temporary wheel inside the boot (I don't really like these things, much preferring the whole size wheel which use to come as spare). The boot is of adequate space, easily allowing me to store a full size suitcase plus more in the back without restriction, additionally, the passengers while in the back of the car can get themselves comfortable thanks to ample leg room being provided. Whilst the interior may look cheap against other cars in this period, and you'll notice the occasional rattle, the vehicle has been nothing short of amazing in my experience, thanks to it's simplicity and reliability. I've had no problems with the electrics like with previous cars, had no recurring faults like with previous cars, and it's started first-time, every time. Presently, you should also be able to purchase one cheaply as a consequence of newer models now being launched.
When looking for yours, do not forget to check it includes a full service history, and likewise try to have a good look at the car during the daytime, allowing you to inspect it's body work in natural light, and likewise be able to check out it's interior thoroughly, and in addition search for any leaks from underneath the automobile. If you're inexperienced with such matters, it's far better to take along someone who has practical experience of cars or a mechanic.
