Popping sound in steering
My 2001 Ford Focus is making a "popping sound" when turning the steering wheel. This happening going forward and backwards. Is it safe to drive in this condition?
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2001 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2001 Ford Focus continued to be a favorite with reviewers and drivers for its roomy interior, smooth handling, and great gas mileage. The line's second year in North America proved a difficult one, though, with voluntary recalls for problems with a suspension bolt and with a battery cable on the premium Z-trim engine.
It seemed that if you got a 2001 Focus that was free of these production flaws, you loved it; but when they were bad, they were horrid. Bill Ford soothed investors with press conferences praising the potential of the line, and he probably wasn't spinning too hard. The Ford Focus filled a significant niche in the family compact market, and the line offered one of the most durable, affordable wagons available in the US.
Trims for the 2001 Ford Focus included the Street and SE lines, available as four-door wagon and sedan body models, a four-door LX sedan, and the performance-enhanced ZTS sedan and two-door ZX3 hatchback.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Ford Focus
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 23, 2014
As a Ford fan I like this one a lot, got it for a great price from friend, plenty of cargo room when seats are folded down, easy over 30MPG when doing highway speeds, but goes to mid 20's when running around town. I should be driving this one for quite awhile, its definitely not for sale, I like it too much.Dec 23, 2014
by Mark G
Nov 23, 2014
Great 2nd car, Ztech motor is awsome, put a timing belt on and good to go. When I bought it the rockers were completely gone so I found some trim from a Taurus and cut it down and it looks great. I'll post some pics when I canNov 23, 2014
by Doug E
Jan 18, 2013
Bought the car in March of 2001. It now has 200,224 miles on it. It still gets 29mpg in the stop & go daily commute, and 35mpg on the open highway. Kept up with the standard maintenance schedule, and it still runs and handles great. Acceleration is ho-hum, but at 130HP what do you expect?
There were a couple of recalls & TSBs early on, but they were handled by the dealer. So far the only major component to fail that was not covered was the alternator at about 130,000 miles. The 5 speed shifter base is made from a plastic/composite material and is prone to breaking. I'm on my 3rd. Easily swapped in the driveway in less than an hour.
Body/panel integrity is still solid, which is odd for a 12 year old car in the northeast. Interior holding up well, no split stitching or other tears. Front seats were pedestrian to start with, but no noticeable deterioration in the seat foam or springs. First clutch & brake jobs were performed at ~145K miles, per dealer inspection.
All in all, it's been a great car. Economical and fun ride for a small sedan.Jan 18, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 23, 2014
As a Ford fan I like this one a lot, got it for a great price from friend, plenty of cargo room when seats are folded down, easy over 30MPG when doing highway speeds, but goes to mid 20's when running around town. I should be driving this one for quite awhile, its definitely not for sale, I like it too much.Dec 23, 2014
by Mark G
Nov 23, 2014
Great 2nd car, Ztech motor is awsome, put a timing belt on and good to go. When I bought it the rockers were completely gone so I found some trim from a Taurus and cut it down and it looks great. I'll post some pics when I canNov 23, 2014
by Doug E
Jan 18, 2013
Bought the car in March of 2001. It now has 200,224 miles on it. It still gets 29mpg in the stop & go daily commute, and 35mpg on the open highway. Kept up with the standard maintenance schedule, and it still runs and handles great. Acceleration is ho-hum, but at 130HP what do you expect?
There were a couple of recalls & TSBs early on, but they were handled by the dealer. So far the only major component to fail that was not covered was the alternator at about 130,000 miles. The 5 speed shifter base is made from a plastic/composite material and is prone to breaking. I'm on my 3rd. Easily swapped in the driveway in less than an hour.
Body/panel integrity is still solid, which is odd for a 12 year old car in the northeast. Interior holding up well, no split stitching or other tears. Front seats were pedestrian to start with, but no noticeable deterioration in the seat foam or springs. First clutch & brake jobs were performed at ~145K miles, per dealer inspection.
All in all, it's been a great car. Economical and fun ride for a small sedan.Jan 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 05, 2012
I dislike having a hatch back back because you have to be more aware when backing out because you have a wider end. I dont like the car being a 2dr coupe because getting in and out with friends in the back is annoying having to move the seat. Also has a dummy shift light that drives me crazy if your off even by the slightest mile per hour. Nonetheless pretty good car, great condition for its year, reliable, and Jun 05, 2012
by Kayt G
Apr 06, 2012
i love this car it's an amazing little fuel efficient car. i couldn't have asked for anything better. it's reliable and can carry anything i need it to haul. i love driving it it's got racing transmission and is an amazing little race car. Apr 06, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2012
I liked the fact that its good on gas! It rides very smooth also. Low mileage for its year. It doesnt really work well for me because I have a bigger family size and its too small for all of us.Jan 05, 2012
by Lacey F
Oct 20, 2011
good litle car. Had to only do minor repairs like thermostat, battery, spark plugs/wires, timing belt and maintenance services like fuel filter, transmission flush and oil changes. When I need to "go" this vehicle has plenty enough power to get me where I need to go. I can go weeks without filling up on gas. In the snow...I tried to skid for fun but the cars front wheel drive takes controlOct 20, 2011
by Anonymous
Jun 27, 2011
My wife and I drive this car to do our errands. Good gas mileage in town. Decent ride and adequate room for us and our things. This is a relatively low mileage car. Handles well. Good car to hand down to a grandchild.Jun 27, 2011
by Karl M
Mar 31, 2011
Great car overall, very little to go wrong. If anything does go wrong it's very easy to do your own repairs. Parts are easily got. The build quality is excellent, and the handling is great in corners and twisty roads. The low engine models are underpowered. The 1.6/1.8 models onwards are the models to go for. This is a euro spec focus.Mar 31, 2011
by Daniel W
Jan 21, 2011
performance - acc. is ok (except for the electronics), braking ok, handling super
quality - somewhat sluggish in some parts, but overall good German quality
appearance - hey, this car was built in 2001 - so nothing really fancy now... but still somewhat cool...
cost - hm, could have better fuel mileage and lower costs for inspections... but ok
fun factor - yeah, if you don't care about fuel prices... or if you want to get new tires ;-) Jan 21, 2011
by Anthony B
Jul 29, 2010
I did kinda alot to the motor and was not happy with the performance it gave me at
all. it was decent for a 4cyl but wanted more. braking was great. handling was
great. build quality was cheap. has plastic screws all over the car. loved the way
the car looked and gave great gas mileage.Jul 29, 2010
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2010
I purchased this car for my mother, but soon discovered that it is an awesome car for my long commute. Now I drive it as often as I can. The gas mileage is awesome, and it lacks nothing in performance. The car has been trouble-free. The ride is surprisingly smooth for such a small car, and the engine is much more refined than my Escort. The Focus is everything I liked about my Escort...and then some. The heat and air conditioning in the Focus are also much better than the Escort although not quite as powerful as my Mercury Sable. Due to the ridiculous gas prices, I'm seriously considering a new Focus when it is time for another car. I just wish they still made the Focus as a station wagon.Mar 22, 2010
by Daniel S
Nov 10, 2009
The performance of this car is satisfactory due to the fact that it is on a sport suspension and the 5 speed manual transmission helps improve engine respnse pretty well.
the build quality is alright. so far it hasnt fallen apart or broke down altogether.
the appearance is pretty shaky. its got its bumps and dents but its holding out.
the cost of ownership is super low. gas lasts forever and parts arent terribly expensive.
fun factor. this car couldnt race much of anything but its somewhat entertaining to drive being a manual and the sport suspension.Nov 10, 2009
by John H
Sep 09, 2009
A great little car for the money. Good pickup and braking. Lots of leg and head room in the front. The backseat is a little small. Pretty decent steering. All around a fun car to drive. I love it the car/Sep 09, 2009
by Payton B
Aug 17, 2009
When viewed as a stand alone vehicle, the Focus Wagon
SE was a perfectly workable solution for a mother and her
children, but don't ask dad to ride along because he won't
fit if he's above average height.
Headroom isn't a problem, the wagon has an extended
roof line. No, the front seats simply don't travel far
enough for dad to get his legs unfolded, and the front
passenger seat is like a torture device for gents over 6'
tall.
The car is adequately powered, but fuel economy is not
up to snuff at about 25 MPG. We traded a 1998 Escort SE
Sedan for this car and the performance and fuel economy
drop off was astonishing. My wife misses this car because
she could fit in it just fine, but I did a happy dance the day
we sold it. Aug 17, 2009
by Karl B
Jul 01, 2009
its fun strong lil car. I have beat the hell out of it and it just keeps on going. I have a superchager on it and it still gets good gas mileage. this car is a must for everyone that wants a fun cheap car that can take abuse.Jul 01, 2009
by April H
May 09, 2009
my focus was awsome!!! it might not have been the best looking thing but i lloved her. she was very fun 2 drive because she was a 5 speed and was GREAT on gas and cheap 2 fix if something messed up but she only messed up once in 4 years!!!May 09, 2009
by Sarah M
Jan 26, 2009
I love this car! It runs great, looks great and is really fun to drive. it also really turns heads! this car is in great shape and is very low maintenance. the only thing i would change would make it a manual and i wish it had a little faster acceleration.Jan 26, 2009
by Cody W
Dec 01, 2008
Car handles pretty amazing for the price, performance stock was lacking but after a few modifications the car has opened up alot. Overall the car isn't too bad. Build quality touch and finish wise could be better but that is to be expected with a Ford. I would buy one again.Dec 01, 2008
by Kevin S
Nov 19, 2008
good handling def worth lowering looks and goes much better lots of things you can do to them. has good pick up speed for a mid range engine plenty of things you can do to the body and engine. good fuel econemy as well very reliable good for long trips
Nov 19, 2008
by Kelly G
Sep 27, 2008
I love this car. it is amazing. it looks great inside and out and preforms really really well. i give it 10/10 for everythin. It doesnt really cost alot to run. The car is great to drive, i drive alot like to newcastle and southhampton and its so smooth and fast and i have no hastle with the long journys. a+++ carSep 27, 2008
by Alex G
Sep 03, 2008
good car i have it for almost six years and i am very happy from it performance i take care off it very good
she dont eat too much fuel it a liter for 9 km and maybe even less.
i recomand this car very much.
the coast of ownership can be aliitle high if you buy only orginal parts.
Sep 03, 2008
by Sean H
Jul 02, 2008
5 Speed Manual the only way to go if you are going to drive a 4 banger. No real problems with the car (see cons). Jul 02, 2008
by Edvin M
Jun 30, 2008
I had the S2 version of the ZX3 so it had European suspension. This was a great car with good handling, fun to drive, and a nice interior. It seems to be durable as my cousin now drives this car and it has about 150K miles with no issues despite being hit by a truck and swiped by a semi on seperate occaisons.Jun 30, 2008
by Garrett S
Jun 11, 2008
I really don't like American cars because of the poor quality, especially economy cars, but this one seems to stand out. Powered by a stock 136hp Zetec DOHC, this little guy will flat out haul as its only 2550 pounds... managing 25-32 mpg.
This hatch has remarkable handling with a sport tuned independent suspension. It's turning radius is great for inexperienced drivers, and has a great deal of interior room. The interior offers comfortable high bolstered seats, but the fabric lacks quality. Dash has neat futuristic look, but vents are already broken at 89k, along with the arm rest.
Overall, good performance and handling, but Ford... think about quality, not quantity. Interior cheapness is very discouraging for future investment.
Jun 11, 2008
by Jamie C
Jun 10, 2008
Its been a good car. I think I would get another one if I was in the market, but it will have to wait until I drive this one into the ground. Jun 10, 2008
by Hilary T
May 26, 2008
Handles great, but I have had a few problems. It has a great interior and an awesome stereo system. There is plenty of space for such a small car.May 26, 2008
by Jordan C
May 26, 2008
Decent speed, has cold air intake, throttle response is pretty good.May 26, 2008
by Thomas M
May 08, 2008
Excellent quality and very economic. Little things here and there in the engine malfuction every so often, but very easy to fix. Very basic interior styling, not too dull and not too shocking.May 08, 2008
by Amanda H
Apr 20, 2008
I've had my car for 4 years now, and it has 110,000 miles on it. Granted there have been times when I wished I could have pushed it off a cliff (mostly due to my own fault) it is a great little car. More than I expected for a compact car. It is comfortable, decent gas mileage, and just the perfect interior and exterior for meApr 20, 2008
by Stewart W
Apr 19, 2008
Competent but boring, didn't do anything well.Apr 19, 2008
by Jessica B
Apr 05, 2008
Good for a first car. Relatively cheap to maintain. I loved this car until someone crashed into it on the side of the road one night. Wish I still had it! Cute, clean, speedy little thing.Apr 05, 2008
by Lyndon D
Mar 27, 2008
Cant possibly fault it, although it could do with being a bit faster. Handles like a go-kart, does 55mpg, has all the equipment I need and nothing I dont, never EVER gone wrong, I can drive 300 miles at a time and still feel comfortable. Shame everyone else I have ever met has either owned one or driven one, but then cars are popular for a reason!Mar 27, 2008
by Martin O
Mar 10, 2008
Amnazing car, few problems but it was a Ford!!Mar 10, 2008
by Paul G
Mar 08, 2008
Nice, i had a 2.0 ESP 5 door which took ages to find, worth the wait though...Mar 08, 2008
by Colin D
Feb 03, 2008
Great storage as its a full station wagon size. Great full tank and efficiency even after 120k and 7 years.Feb 03, 2008
by Paul H
Jan 29, 2008
Amazingly the Ford Focus is not a bad car at all. Considering all the requirements and the huge variety of alternatives out there I couldn't find anything else that does the job as well as this. Of course its a minor bonus that the zetec engine is a good performer and the handling is top notch as is the long list of standard equipment that happened to come with the car. And my wife likes it!Jan 29, 2008
by Richard B
Jan 07, 2008
I got this car at age 16, and it was wonderful.... Learned to drive manual with the transmission, very smooth, very easy to learn on. Jan 07, 2008
by Fernando O
Jan 05, 2008
Exterior and interior styling was fantastic. A very funky car. The 2.0L engine was very good and car was quite quick. Ride and handling was fantastic (of course, it's a Focus). The car took some seriuos beating and stayed in one piece... a great motor!Jan 05, 2008
by Lukey B
Dec 30, 2007
my interior is full leather so very nice. Gearbox and clutch easy to get used to, handling is brilliant and very smooth.Dec 30, 2007
by Alexander W
Dec 28, 2007
Now, im not a fan of Ford cars by ANY means.. except maybe the higher trim mustangs (Cobra, Mach1 anyone?) and this thing looks like a big rollerskate with tires.. but i'll be damned if it doesn't have a nice lil burst of speed when the pedal is punched, and handles corners like a champ..you can have some cheapo, hard as nails, wal-mart tires on there and it'll hug the road, and gas effecient..who'd figure? Dec 28, 2007
by Matt O
Dec 25, 2007
This car is relatively slow stock, but has plenty of room and is a comfortable vehicle. It handles very neutrally and makes for an easy car to own as a first vehicle. It responds extremely well to modifications, and when done right can be an absolute show-stopper. Dec 25, 2007
by Jim M
Dec 15, 2007
4 Cylider automatic. Disc brakes on front and drums on rear. Descent trunk space but spare tire hard to get out. All in all I don't know what to say but I guess it is an okay car fo what it is.Dec 15, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2001 Ford Focus?Compare this car
2001 Ford Focus Pricing
Original MSRP
$12,805 to $16,915Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent