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Ford Focus (1998-2005) Review

Category: Small Family 4 out of 5

Summary of the Ford Focus (1998-2005)

Price Range: £16,700 to £22,845

Assets

Pleasant to drive, good cabin layout and ergonomics, wide range of engines and body styles, excellent common-rail turbodiesel, high levels of refinement and quality.

Drawbacks

Non-common-rail diesel a bit loud, ride could be a smidgeon more compliant ... not much else.

Verdict

Still one of the very best cars in the class.

Ford Focus Review

Overview4 out of 5

The Ford Focus isn't just the best-selling car in this class, it's one of the best-selling cars in the world and has had plaudit upon plaudit bestowed upon it since its acclaimed launch in 1998, when it replaced the ageing Escort. The Focus range has gone from strength to strength; from its initial three- and five-door hatchback range an estate and saloon have been added, while new engine options like the excellent TDCi turbodiesel and the 2.0-litre turbo unit in the hot Focus RS have kept it in the headlines and at the top of the best-sellers list. It's due to be replaced in 2005, but is still one of the very best cars in this class and it's difficult to see many rivals bettering it over the coming year or two.

Average Reader Rating

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Latest Readers' Drives About the Ford Focus

wingboundvortex
wrote on 05 10 2007

The Ford Focus is like the school prefect - top of the class in every respect. The handling dynamics...

JazBot
wrote on 19 09 2007

Fuse 13E had blown again. I had no speedo, no rev counter, no fuel guage. A small but crucial impedi...

luckyjimga
wrote on 12 09 2007

We don't know we're born, really, do we? This is your optimal practical purchase at around £8k and a...

hughperson
wrote on 26 07 2007

Had a chance to compare long term rentals back-to-back over many miles on the same roads. LX has a n...

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