Ford Focus hatchback 2004 - 2011 review - CarBuyer

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You'll like the fact that this is one of the best small family cars to drive, and offers a range of powerful diesels. Even though the firm suspension and sporty ride is not to as comfortable as some rivals, a January 2008 facelift has improved looks and means interior quality is a close match for upmarket alternatives like the VW Golf. ECOnetic editions offer great fuel economy, while high performance ST editions are fun to drive. Both three and five-door models are spacious, but the latter is the better family choice.
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[@vandammefanz1]

THIS FOCUS became a award for the best used car 2011 in Germany. i have the same in black

[@sameyers2670]

I've an 07 reg one that I paid £490 for 2 years ago. Over 200k on the clock and still drives really well. Says a lot how good the design was and how well they were screwed together

[@misterdog7]

Prices are higher now on the used car market but just picked up a 06 one for the misses, 250k (km's) on the clock and it set us back 2000 bucks. But it's from friends so more confident too about the purchase haha. Wish me luck!

[@sameyers2670]

@@misterdog7 Good luck with your purchase. I traded mine in nearly 2 years ago as it was becoming a money pit, I now have a 2015 Mk3.5 which is great

[@lucasmancini2]

I own this car since 4 years. Bought it with 70‘000km now im on 140‘000. no repairs no problems, it just runs and works! It’s an amazing car! I love it!

[@electroid8119]

Yep, great little workhorse. Not had to spend much at all in 100k miles. Provided you service it, it's a good little number

[@dalesmith4985]

some year models might be ok but the 2012 LW focus is rubbish with lots of failed auto transmissions and even though mine has the manual gear box, the steering rack had to be replaced after just 59,000 kilometers and now has 75,000 and the heater core failed needing the entire dash pulled out to replace it. I can't wait to trade it in and get rid of it

[@maybe7703]

Very nice, what engine? I'm planing buying one

[@misterdog7]

@@dalesmith4985 Sounds like the earlier ones were the more reliable ones?

[@electroid8119]

@@misterdog7 a late mk2.5 is usually pricer than an early mk3 with an ecoboom engine

[@DJTXD123]

Ive got the ford focus style, same colour, 2008 model, love the look of it, and its never let me down

[@Stevewatson3]

Just got one it’s the 1.8 zetec, stepping down in power from my mapped Sri it’s pleasant I drive around a country town it’s geared nicely for it and can handle the moterway when I do venture. Plenty of space and has a nice sound.

[@tazzmaztic]

Ive just brought a 57 plate 1.6l Titanium goes like a dream

[@tom100hp]

+Pube ford's are very reliable these days just look at how many are on the road everywhere uses them as company vehicles etc

[@tazzmaztic]

Had my focus since September it's been a dream to drive. Starts first Time smooth and almost drives itself I'm so happy with it

[@Matty12333]

John Smith There is lots of fords on the roads, especially fiestas. I think fords are reliable too, very underrated car manufacturer

[@q3b26]

It's my car! I love my car, I have a ghia spec. The one thing that really annoys me is that there's nowhere to put loose change! I have the 1.8 TDCi and she flies. Miles better than the old Mk1 I used to have.

[@nou790]

I have a 2009 Focus 1.8 tdci. now it's over 115K km and i really love it

[@netako]

Back when every hatchback used to have personnality...

[@MrIceColdM]

10 years later I can say that Focus that I had for a few years had far better interior plastic than Golf.

[@TCoops]

Yeah, car reviews always crack me up. They fixate on small details like cupholders and pockets in the rear seat, but completely disregard fundamentals like handling, engine quality, serviceability, build quality etc... But then again, maybe the average consumer doesn't care at all about those things, and only really look at the shallow details, like "can i plug in my ipod" and "will it hold my coffee"...

[@kyannieee]

Mat watson has the most viewed video in this channel😂😂

[@عينعلىالعالم-خ9ل]

I have a 1.8 one am really in love with her (the car)hh

[@madflavour831]

Matt loves a polo shirt.

[@Xcorgi]

It looks alot better than the new American model. It actually resembles the Mazda 3 a great deal more that it shares the same chassis with!

[@tommym4818]

Recently bought exact same car in vid 11 plate. Great car.

[@dylanpower1438]

Tommy RFC where did u buy it from

[@tommym4818]

@@dylanpower1438 got it from peter vardy car dealership

[@dezzie9771]

Tommy RFC how many miles had it done? I’m looking at one with 70,000

[@tommym4818]

@@dezzie9771 72,000 when I bought it.

[@zamazalotta]

Got a 2010 Focus 1.6 after my 2003 BMW 316ti died on me. The Focus is a good, reliable car but the ROAD NOISE! Why is nobody talking about this? It's too loud. I have to crank up the volume so high I will go deaf soon.

[@Mr.M1STER]

That could be down to your tyres. What tyres do you have?

[@zamazalotta]

Dunlop Sport BluResponse. I also already laid down two rolls of reckhorn isolation mat, got only a 2dB improvement

[@Matty12333]

zamazalotta Ford Focus have terrible road noise, yet me fiesta is almost silent at 70 mph

[@DavorPopovic]

Mat Watson.. you are the best.. you have best reviews and I enjoy to watch all your videos... and just have one question.. my car 2.0 tdci 136hp mk2.5 2008 year he's a little louder and noise in the cabin .. and when I go on the highway.. its a lot of wind noise and tire noise.. do you maybe remember this issues when you test this car :) and do you have any suggestion how to fix this?

[@MsGerti12]

I own a 2009 now but my first car itwas a 2002 1.8 tddi and that car was a tank the mk2 is better at driving but it has a lot of issuses with steering rack althought i have put all around new shocks i still get knocking sounds over bumps the mk1 i had it for 4 years i only changes the small sunsepsion at the back the mk1 is way better built than the mk2

[@BarryBethal-yv2oz]

This looks nice with the skirts on

[@Arlind22]

@gunsnflamethrowers yes by good looking i meant externally. I do agree that the ST model looks way better but the normal choice for most people won't be the ST, but probably the diesel or the economical petrol versions. I hope that in the future they learn their lesson.

[@rowsdower12]

@ss2k11 I think its obviously put there for the review to show case the cargo capabilities of the car. So they put it there, then film it. Also they are bring along a camera crew so I assume they make good use of the car a as well.

[@jimbobby629]

T'is a good car over all. He should of mentioned that the 1.6 tdci can have problems if not regularly maintained and driven sufficiently such as dpf and injector problems. Also its kind of crap how the door bins are tiny and only a Titanium/Ghia have something as basic as a rear dome light as standard . Ah Ford and their penny pinching. However still a good model of car.

[@MrVineEye]

I agree with this review. Focus is by far the best car ive ever driven. Also one of the most comfortable and quiet rides. Just be aware that although the 1.6 tdci is a fantastic engine, the pre 2008 facelift model focus has had numerous reports of repeated turbo failures. They fixed the problem when it was facelifted (the model shown in this review)

[@Cupat1]

Keep it well serviced (and I don't mean everything 10000 miles, I do it every 5000) with good oil and it should be fine.

[@rustyfrombluey]

"The badge isn’t as desirable either. As a result the Focus will depreciate faster." Lemmy: Respect VW. #respectVW

[@nanau2002]

yes ,it s 200 euros cheaper then golf 5

[@rustyfrombluey]

Yooka: So he replied to a comment... Yooka: Well, #respectVW.

[@nO_d3N1AL]

I think this is the best looking one.

[@mrpreda7266]

Is that matt Watson

[@zacharyjones1283]

JaiTee yes

[@MrEngland92]

Ford focus just. Won the best for the past 25 years!! Yess my baby :P

[@eternalhalloween1]

That's a strange complaint Mat made. "The car is common." I'm not the biggest Ford fan. But if I were going to go Ford, I would be more tempted by the Mondeo.

[@Gogeta307]

To be fair it is cause when I drive I see a focus every 2minz, then again it's a ford (I have a mk1 going for the mk2)

[@eternalhalloween1]

Trevor Phillips Does it upset you to see them that often?

[@Gogeta307]

i got the mk1 focus and i rather keep that than get the mk3 focus, the mk2 is good though

[@RocasThePenguin]

Very nice car. Nothing really wrong with it. Prefer the Golf due to its quality, but I would take a Focus any day of the week. Forget the Astra.

[@n1.official263]

Is there an auto version of this car this model

[@Alexander-oz9rz]

It is 7 years later

[@sonialilly5688]

We got 2006 & the petrol outside cap won't open? Only just got it.

[@BOYZBUYZ]

i want this guy's job!!

[@SAMERTHELEGEND7]

How dollars $ ??

[@hheehzzuuz4409]

What's the size of the wheels on this car ? 18" or 17" ? Looks nice.

[@CrankCase08]

It has bloody awful loud road noise at >40mph. I wished I'd bought an Astra.

[@jackdren9974]

That's weird because mine doesn't. May be a problem with your car.

[@markoneill8188]

I have a white 1.9tdi s I'd like to lower it at back just a tad but have no clue on how to go about it and does it cost a fourtune

[@thesupremetomcatios4315]

I lease a 2004 Focus hatchback.

[@JesusEscandonBolanos]

I don't know what you mean the better family choice, when you only like the sport feeling, but sport and focus are not in the same level, sport and Porsche, sport and 350z any of house you can say sport, a family car is not a sport car, so for those that want a sport drive feeling please don't buy a Ford Focus, and for those that want a family car, search for safety. I don't know any parent that want his family fell how fast the car can go. So don't mix sport and family complete different things

[@Reddylion]

ford fiesta diesel tdci luv it !

[@aproapemasini6066]

Is the 1.6 petrol Focus good for a city dweller ? The car would be driven 90% of the time in the city, so road noise is not exactly an issue. Also, is there a massive difference in power between the 1.6 and the 1.8 ? Or better yet, the 2 litre ? I drive low mileage ( under 10.000km per year ) and I do earn some money, so fuel consumption is not very important for me. Thank you so much !

[@3381-c5v]

the best engine is the diesel 1.6 but if you won't do much mileage petrol is a way to go but it s a bit underpowered

[@FullmoonGarou]

no best engine are 1.8 tdci 115 or 2.0 tdci 136 not 1.6 crap

[@victorstoulm3356]

2.5 is the best. I have this one to city too :)

[@thegmcar]

@DimachkaS Alan Mulally will do the same in US. ! just wait his plans are impressed me

[@Harryd06]

do i get the tdci .6 or the petrol .6

[@Dankcatvacs]

why is beer advertising for a car?

[@shakes7720]

throws empty bags in boot

[@paulpall]

How many shoes do you have ?

[@Toledotourbillion]

Imagine if the blue oval manufactures this model again but with updated interior tech and newer engine. It will sell like hot cakes.

[@michalviktorin6758]

New ones sucks. There is less space for legs inside, and central console looks terrible. But I agree this with ecoboost engine would be nice, and simply replacing radio with radionavigation....

[@LoneCl0ne]

Its 2020 now and I still think this is a good idea

[@forza223bowe5]

Michal Viktorin Best focus was the MK3

[@metjuplays5200]

well, I have that model in white color, but with maxed out interior like fe heated leather seats, automatic wipers, touch screen radio etc. It also has 2.0 engine with some tunes so I am very happy that I have that car :)

[@audibleadventures9004]

ive got two, 2007 hatch and a 09 estate, great cars, both bought for under a grand together :)

[@MrMonne84]

I still have the 2009, 1.6 titanium. Honestly it's the best car I've owned.

[@Kiwigucci]

I couls say the same. I’ve got a 2007 1,6 st car. 260.000 km. Still runs like new.

[@joeparker6929]

It hasn't depreciated that much. Auto trader. find one for less than 4 grand on an 09 plate. Great car!

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

It’s 2021, and I’ve seen some Focus MK2 facelifts going for as low as 1.5 grand

[@CyberWolfVR]

@@glennchinyangarara8225 I just purchased one today lol

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

@@CyberWolfVR oh yeah how much for

[@shona5512]

The 2010 1.8 petrol Focus Zetec S facelift was my first car and is still my daily driver. It's got decent fuel economy, decent power output and looks good as anything. It's suits as a family car and it suits as a sporty young persons car. I have a full ST kit conversion on my car and it really does look the part. Insurance was relatively cheap too, £1300 for a modified 1.8 petrol is a fair price in the UK where insurance companies love to screw over young drivers.

[@Spoonerisim]

How did you get this for so cheap ???

[@LEE-ty8vq]

@@Spoonerisim I just purchased one today used with 83k miles (petrol) for 3895. Full service history and runs like a buety.

[@pedrocarlito4498]

Is 5 gears a big problem with the Focus? I would be doing some motorway journeys from time to time, would you suggest this or a VW Golf with 6 gears?

[@LEE-ty8vq]

@@pedrocarlito4498 I drive from NW Wales to Manchester frequently and I never have any issues. The only problem I have picked up is that it likes to burn oil. I noticed also on the exhaust that its a bit dark so im assuming its running Rich. Im not 100% though.

[@ChrisT-ls8go]

@@LEE-ty8vq I'm thinking of getting a 1.6 petrol for my second car, what's it like on long journeys (motorway) and handling of potholes?

[@cedronar]

Looks a LOT BETTER than the new one

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

First I was gonna say it looks hideous but now I think it actually looks good

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

But it’s Mazda3 cousin looks the best to me

[@thomasmason3483]

The Zetec engines are a lot better as well 👍

[@EliranC]

Best car ever to buy in 2021. Its cheap, its super safe, super reliable, fast and super fun to drive. It my top rated family car, I drive it on my day to day life with a Honda Type R FK8 for when I want to release stress. Believe or not, till I bought my Type R, I did some insane trips with it, from mountains to super sharp turns, it felt almost as good as my Type R, beyond speed, it feels almost the same. That said, its more fun to drive a "common car" fast than an "expensive" car slow.

[@Brrrrrrre]

Just bought a 2010 and I gotta say I love it. Paid 1k for it as well. Great as a first car

[@happyrics2204]

Got the 2008 1.6 Diesel Estate version, 4 years now never let me down yet, And drives brilliant, Plus the £30 a year tax is a advantage, Cant fault it at all, For 11 year old car, Im happy with it.

[@jasonwilliams800]

Got the same motor in the hatchback 1.6 manual Turbo diesel engine. How often do you normally charge the cambelt, every 25 000 miles.?

[@si4632]

@@jasonwilliams800 🤣

[@sameyers2670]

Mines a 1.8tdci estate, I think its great

[@florinmariuscascaval8481]

I will buy a 1.6 petrol in 2 days for £500 180 000 mileage😂 Will it worth 🤔🙈?

[@LDN13Y]

Such an amazing car, Yes I have one (1.6L silver Zetec) and I just can't fault it. Yes there are some parts which are slightly cheap like he mentioned, but if you don't mind that, then the focus is wonderful.

[@TemporaryJ]

Do you still own it?

[@Fizzeetoast]

Is this the face lifted 2008+ model? I love the look of this particular car in the video

[@Gogeta307]

yes it is

[@tom100hp]

yes and it's also the zetec s model

[@Masted-dy7xl]

Mk 2 pre facelift 2005-2008,face lift 2008-2011

[@alanmcninch65]

I have a 2010 zetec model very good all rounder only complaint it has quite alot of road noise

[@HydroInvalid]

Bought this car years ago because of this. Was a very good car and helped me a ton

[@gmcjetpilot]

Yea I always jam my boots in the glove box and ball up my jacket in the center arm rest compartment.... Ha ha.

[@jackdren9974]

I owned the 2007 MK2 estate pre face-lift version with the 1.6 engine Absolutely lovely car. Solid quality, great engine in terms of reliability (not so much on power), very stable on the road, and quite good looking imo, especially the estate.

[@CrazyInWeston]

Ford made 2 versions of the 1.6 petrol engine with differing power levels as well as the 1.6 diesel. Which Engine do you have?

[@HybridViking]

Wish my Mk1 Ghia had more toys, looking at a Mk2 Ghia for me next car, its a good ol car though.

[@III_lxrd_III]

When u realize its Matson from Carwow 😂

[@declanmurphy1006]

2021. I'm on my third (used) Ford Focus. Not a very fashionable car but ticks a lot of boxes.

[@adamwoodward2003]

I have an 09 Focus Titanium with the 1.6l petrol engine. It's a brilliant car, I've been all over the U.K. in it.

[@James-hh1lq]

Mk2 best focus shape to date

[@SuperFlamethrower1]

i think ford made a expensive and 'ugly' mistake when they brought out the new focus,reminds me of them alien spaceships you see out of one of them sci-fi films,this previous model shown here by matt looks 100x better,ford should of kept rolling it out,now its too big,bulky and ugly :(

[@RefinedRouge]

I love my s focus..for the money hard to beat..stiff suspension..but good handling

[@7poros]

I have a car like this. Among other things it's very fun to drive!

[@jeffallinson8089]

I owned a mk 2 1.6 diesel econetic and I loved it. With the ridiculous fuel prices now, I wish I kept it.

[@lucasworktv]

Just the hatchback! Legendary car!

[@lucasworktv]

Hocus pocus, there’s pizza on your focus 😂

[@Arlind22]

Ah the old Focus... the interior of the new one has 100 different buttons, way too crowded and of course it isnt as good looking as this one.

[@doodsydoodsy5370]

I have the exact same car as that in 1.6 petrol looks good in silver imo it's fine reliable and handles extremely well only downside is the fuel consumption which is not great compared to my last car which was a 2 ltr tdi audi a 3 but cant expect it to compete with a diesel Decent enough car

[@electroid8119]

Yes, it's a thirsty little bugger

[@doodsydoodsy5370]

@@electroid8119 yeh shame we can never rely on the manufacturers claims eh 😡

[@tentifr]

I prefer the pre-facelift model, looks more elegant

[@jackdren9974]

Me too

[@Phen0mable]

It's going to be my first car. I just need to safe 3 grand

[@tapiwanashemupanduki8744]

Phen0mable I bought 1 last week for only 4grand

[@Adam-ce2fe]

@James Brennan first time driver 1st year without no claims bonus £1300 without black box

[@grahamd4764]

I have just bought the 2008 titanim model for a good price. Its 2.0l diesel six speed gear box with 18inch Alloys. It has higher specs inside over the Zetec. It drives lovely and is very quick. The extras include: Electric drivers seat Cruise control Auto dimming rear view mirror Auto lights Auto windscreen wipers Parking sensors Passenger light and vanity mirror Sun glasses holder Rear seats has pull out middle arm rest with cup holders Upgraded seats all round.

[@alexandrua6121]

how many miles/km does it have. I m looking for a focus and i don't really know what is a respectable milage.I m looking to spend 4.5K euros max

[@augustogmarconcini]

One of the best cars I ever have. Unfortunatelly I dont have that version because did not came at South America. Im still using 2.0 Mk2

[@Slovakianb0y]

Suspension is quite firm on this zetec SPORTY model ..... ? Really ? I mean really ? is he being serious ? Of course its firm ?

[@SIMcityplayer2002]

Well I have a ford focus MK2 (base trim) and suspension is actually quite firm, although it's not uncomfortable.

[@q3b26]

I have a Ghia which is supposedly the "comfort" high end one rather than the "sporty" titanium one and the suspension is very firm.

[@shona5512]

The Zetec model is 10mm lower than a standard Focus So yeah it is at least more firm than a non Zetec model.

[@edwardthomas9671]

I not bothered about its Shapes or looks my interest is it going to keep going and what the problems to look out for

[@electroid8119]

Timing belt.

[@82panther]

I have a 3-door Focus Ti - vct from 2005 and it has 260.000 km. The car still looks great. The interior has no damages or noises and every time i am driving it, it makes me happy.

[@alexballantine3973]

I love the way they say 'focus' in that accent, Faocurs and I just say focis :l

[@lbukem4259]

Just bought one of these. Best car I've ever owned.

[@EliranC]

By far the best budget car out there.

[@Godot28]

Which model did you buy? Year? How has it been to own so far?

[@fog9358]

WTH I've never seen this focus in my life what model is it? And I know sounds dumb it being a Ford but I've literally never seen em before are they available in America?

[@cooper-rc7xx]

Emilio Padilla no, dont think america has this model.

[@RobotShlomo]

You don't know how envious I am that the UK and Europe got the cool focus in 2008, and we got that hideous re-skin in the U.S. I still don't understand why they did that.

[@autofriendleads]

The car is beautiful and solid. It is spacious and looks comfortable for a small family. It has a big space for the luggage to go on a holiday. It is smooth and good on the road.

[@deikusi]

Ford focus is my favourite model car. It's my brother and makes my heart so excited if I could get.

[@ladeninlogen]

I love Ford! :)

[@sevens12]

Hyundai is cool too

[@III_lxrd_III]

No ford is better

[@Stefan71092]

Great car thu drive. I hawe the breack version from 2007 the 1.6 tdci 109 HP full ghia and IT Black and IT made from titanium. Great car thu drive and great car in the world Congrat Ford for the Ford Focus especial the Mk1 .

[@-DC-]

1.6tdci one of the most unreliable engine's ever fitted to a European car Lol, no thanks !

[@evanenright367]

I've had mine 3 years with no problems it depends on your driving I drive 40000km a year mostly motorway so that helps alot

[@JordieMotive97]

This is a really good review. i agree with everything he said. im getting a mk1 focus as my fiest car. Ford for life :)

[@Wollemi1988]

This is better looking than the mk3

[@neilwilliams8741]

got a tdci 2010[59 plate] superb... lynx duratorq engine ..sticks like glue..10 times better than da fuhrers fave car makers[don't mention the wolfs[berg]

[@118luke]

Ahhh Focus MK2.5 Zetec-S. Have 2 of these in our family (a Grey 1.8 Petrol and a Black 1.6 TDCi) both are lovely cars to drive. The 5 Door TDCi Zetec-S are quite rare though and tend to hold their value better than the more common 3 door Diesel & 5 Door Petrol versions. The Zetec-S has a similar body kit to the ST

[@Taxtation]

If they made the mk1 (my favourite shape and current vehicle) with a 2.0 TDCI engine then that would be the best car on the market but the MK2 focus in the zetec trim looks very nice. Plus, with the depreciation due to it being "a ford" makes it one of the best second hand cars you can buy.

[@mrwheedles5373]

My fav car XD mum just got rid of hers this year she shouldn't have

[@Mrskullcandy23]

Agreed

[@draneiv]

Hello im from 2020, and this guy will be the reviewer of a channel named *"Carwow"* Wait am i right?

[@dimape]

great car. I have one just like this in brazil, but it's the titanium in black. it's very confortable and fun to drive.

[@itchycooable]

got a 54 plate 1.6tdci but am used to 1.9td citroen xud engines..just getting used to mine being under powered , changing down gears going up hills and even being stuck behind truckers , its comfortable tho and i can get my bicycle in the boot.