Ford focus is a decent car and good value, especially the SVT version, but how can the car be considered a 10Best with the numerous recalls in the past few years? According to the Center for Auto Safety, it has nine safety recalls and six more issues being investigated. The selections are based primarily on the things that are right about a car’s design, not the things that might go wrong during ownership. The focus provides an unusually elevated degree of driving refinement and interior utility for a car in its price range.
Ford says most of the recalls—nine of them—came in its first year, including: “rear wheel hub-retaining bolts can loosen; crimped deckled wiring harness (loss of tail lamp); possible wiper switch overheating that could result in loss of wiper function; misrouted battery cable could lead to insulation damage; possible loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arms to the steering knuckle. Four of the 2000-model-year recalls also applied to some 2001 vehicles. There was only one additional 2001 recalls for “possible seatback recliner-spring damage that could result in loose seats.” Things can go wrong with expensive vehicles, too—the ’01 BMW X5 sport-ute has been recalled nine times. Our 2000 long-term Focus SE wagon had two recalls (A-pillar trim replaced and rear-seat hinge fixed), both of which were handled routinely during a regular service.
Nice to see the Fords focus in its fourth year on the 10Best list. I’m glad the spine-crusher seats didn’t sway your decision. I have a 2001 ZX3. As far as reliability, I’ve had two recalls and a bad EGR sensor. Other than that, the car has performed flawlessly. You write, “Our favorite focus is the SVT version.” The SVT is awesome, but the RS would smoke it, and with one less gear. Michael Miles. Clinton Corners, New York.
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