2003 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 Ford Focus continued to struggle with the line's reputation for quality issues and recalls. Despite its somewhat checkered...
The 2003 Ford Focus continued to struggle with the line's reputation for quality issues and recalls. Despite its somewhat checkered history, the roomy interiors, smooth handling, and affordable price of the Focus line continued to appeal to American drivers looking for compact family transportation.
Buyers had a choice of several trims: the SE line, available in four-door wagon and sedan body models; a four-door LX sedan; and the performance-enhanced Z-line, which featured a two-door ZX3 hatchback, a four-door ZX5 hatchback, a four-door ZTS sedan and a four-door ZTW wagon. (The Focus was also offered as an SVT performance model, which you'll find elsewhere on this site.)
The standard models of the 2003 Ford Focus had a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder Zetec engine, which produced 110 horsepower; the Z-line models offered an enhanced overhead-cam version, which packed a more impressive 130 horsepower. Still, it wasn't power that was going to draw buyers to this line; value was the watchword that Ford emphasized in its marketing, and value was what people responded to.
The 2003 Ford Focus gives good value at the pumps, too, with 21-27 mpg city, 25-36 mpg highway. It may not set your heart aflutter, but it's easy on the pocketbook!
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Ford Focus appreciate its handling, fuel economy, and spacious interior. They enjoy the fun driving experience and solid performance, especially in terms of acceleration and braking. However, some drivers mention downsides such as poor exterior styling, high running costs for higher-performance models, and limited cargo space for families."
I love everything about my ford wagon. I've had her for over two years and she's been so reliable and wonderful. There is so much cargo room and the seats are very comfortable. Her transmission is gorgeous and her 2.3 l dohc gives her so much more pep in her step than a regular old wagon.
October 26, 2014This was a great, peppy little car that ran GREAT! Where it lacked in performance it made up for in economy & versatility. It had more headroom & legroom than other small cars I've owned and was very dependable. This car looks great with custom wheels and a dropped suspension; I just didn't have it long enough to get that far.
August 21, 2008Performance of this car is absolutely fantastic, the tires (Michelin) in combination with the large front Brembo brakes allow up to 1g in braking and 1 g in cornering due to the active front differential. The gear box is a dream as well and a shift light is installed which appears on the speed dial from 5000rpm. The build quality of the car is very good, the brakes however do squeak but i have been told ( by other ford focus rs drivers) that this is normal for the car. The exterior styling is fantastic, the large 18 inch OZ rims and the aggressive front grill as well as the rear spoiler give the car a brutal tone. Interior styling is fantastic, aluminum gear shift as well as aluminum colored pedals give the car a great rally touch; this is heavily complimented by the deep Sparco bucket seats colored in blue and black as the rest of the interior of the car. Maintenance of the car is great if it is kept in its original state as most stock replacement parts are always available at the dealerships (in Belgium at least). Gas mileage varies dramatically since the power is available throughout the revs, the problem i believe is that although the gear box is fantastic throughout all gears it lacks a 6th gear because when cruising at 120kmh on the highway the car is revving at around 3000rpm so it does drink a fair bit of gas in comparison to other cars in the same class. The car is extremely fun to drive as overtaking and cornering are a pleasure at any point of the day. I would highly recommend this car if you are able to keep paying for the high gas prices (min 97 octane). Keep driving :D
July 3, 2008What owners say
I love everything about my ford wagon. I've had her for over two years and she's been so reliable and wonderful. There is so much cargo room and the seats are very comfortable. Her transmission is gorgeous and her 2.3 l dohc gives her so much more pep in her step than a regular old wagon.
October 26, 2014This was a great, peppy little car that ran GREAT! Where it lacked in performance it made up for in economy & versatility. It had more headroom & legroom than other small cars I've owned and was very dependable. This car looks great with custom wheels and a dropped suspension; I just didn't have it long enough to get that far.
August 21, 2008Performance of this car is absolutely fantastic, the tires (Michelin) in combination with the large front Brembo brakes allow up to 1g in braking and 1 g in cornering due to the active front differential. The gear box is a dream as well and a shift light is installed which appears on the speed dial from 5000rpm. The build quality of the car is very good, the brakes however do squeak but i have been told ( by other ford focus rs drivers) that this is normal for the car. The exterior styling is fantastic, the large 18 inch OZ rims and the aggressive front grill as well as the rear spoiler give the car a brutal tone. Interior styling is fantastic, aluminum gear shift as well as aluminum colored pedals give the car a great rally touch; this is heavily complimented by the deep Sparco bucket seats colored in blue and black as the rest of the interior of the car. Maintenance of the car is great if it is kept in its original state as most stock replacement parts are always available at the dealerships (in Belgium at least). Gas mileage varies dramatically since the power is available throughout the revs, the problem i believe is that although the gear box is fantastic throughout all gears it lacks a 6th gear because when cruising at 120kmh on the highway the car is revving at around 3000rpm so it does drink a fair bit of gas in comparison to other cars in the same class. The car is extremely fun to drive as overtaking and cornering are a pleasure at any point of the day. I would highly recommend this car if you are able to keep paying for the high gas prices (min 97 octane). Keep driving :D
July 3, 2008We bought this car brand new in 2003 on year end clearance. 183,000 miles later it has been the most reliable car we have ever owned. Fully independent suspension makes it very fun to drive despite lacking some power. Check engine light has never lit up yet. No issues whatsoever with this vehicle. Back seat is tight for adults, but seats fold down making lots of cargo room.
March 26, 2014I hate the look of it, but the seating and cargo capacity is very nice for loading things and people into it! Love the gas mileage I get, and I love the handling. It's a little loud but all things considered it's a pretty comfortable ride!
June 22, 2012I love this car. Best performance out of the cars that I've driven so far. Superb handling, great acceleration, not to mention great on gas. Upkeep is pretty cheap, costs about 40 to 45$ to fill the gas tank. Appearance is OK. Paint is starting to come off on the hood and other places.
August 18, 2008This car is fun to drive - solid. It has interesting looks and is roomy enough to carry music equipment. Gas mileage is so-so in town, excellent on highway.
April 14, 2008Extremely reliable and normal replacement parts like tires, plugs, brake pads and filters are inexpensive. Never had any major issues or breakdowns with this car. Always worked, everyday. Gas mileage pretty good. Style and overall engine performance are lacking, but for the low price the reliability is worth it.
March 16, 2013The 1.6 engine feels slow. The estate has a sizeable boot. Watch out for rust as it's a major problem. Very good suspension, fun to drive and comfortable at the same time. Rear suspension isn't as durable as in some cars. Still looks good.
May 6, 2011Our baby! This car has survived several trip from Texas to Montreal, and back, plus countless roadtrips ranging from Roswell,NM, to St. Felician, QC, it also has managed to survive here in Montreal (the roads here suck, and I'm not exaggerating), its fun to drive, 5 people fit, (with comfort), and the gas is great!
August 24, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $15,080 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,285 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,365 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,070 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,695 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,365 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,170 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,825 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,335 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
