Subject: 
2000 Focus


Thu, 7 Apr 2005 17:04:08 -0700
Date:    





Hello,

I checked out your website, and I see that a lot of people are having 
trouble with the Focus.  I thought I'd share my experiences with you.

Ever since day 1, I have experienced a rattle and thumping noise coming 
from my rear axle every time I go over a bump.  I brought the car back 
to Ford five times, yet their mechanics insist that there is nothing 
wrong with the car.

After 8 months of owning the Focus, my transmission blew and it had to 
be replaced.  Fortunately it was under warranty and did not cost me 
anything.  The technicians did, however, try to imply that it was my 
driving that caused it, mentioning that I had to let the car break in.  
I know that I'm a woman driver, and I know all the stereotypes that go 
along with that, but I'm fairly knowledgeable about cars, and I know 
how to break one in.

Soon after that, my stereo started to shut itself off randomly.  That 
too was covered under my warranty, and wasn't really a big deal, but it 
bothered me that I had to get it replaced.  A few weeks after that, the 
rear right window got stuck in the down position for a few days.  
Luckily, it was summer and also not too huge a deal.

While at a state park last year, I got into my car to leave and could 
not turn the key in the ignition.  I took the key out, then reinserted 
it, only to find that now the key wouldn't even fit.  I had to have the 
vehicle towed and the entire ignition replaced- right before Christmas. 
  Needless to say, that put a little damper on the festivities.  
Apparently, this is a common problem with the Focus, yet Ford is 
accepting no responsibility.

Then my brakes took a little turn for the worse.  My husband replaced 
the pads after only about 36K miles.  I didn't think brake pads wore 
out so quickly, and my husband also commented on my driving, saying 
that I drove too hard.  Again, I assured him that I drive like a normal 
person, with no excessive hard braking.  My brakes have squealed since 
day 1, which Ford assures me is okay.  Every once in awhile, I can feel 
the brake pedal pulsate beneath my foot, and I have to let off and 
reapply the brake to stop effectively.  Lately, I have been hearing a 
slight grinding sound which got worse today.  Coming home from the 
grocery store, it sounded like I was dragging a grocery cart.  I rolled 
down the window to listen and just as the noise suddenly stopped, my 
ABS light came on.  The owner's guide says that if that happens, "have 
your vehicle serviced immediately".  Brake issues are also a common 
problem with the Focus, yet Ford still refuses to acknowledge their 
shortcomings in quality.

I have driven a 1982 Chrysler NYer, a 1980 Dodge Aries, and a 1999 
Pontiac Grand Am.  The problems I have had with the Focus has exceeded 
the number of problems I have had with all three combined.  I have 
never felt such dissatisfaction from ANY product I have purchased.  I 
feel suckered into this lemon disguised as a car.  I will NEVER 
purchase another Ford product, and hope that nobody else does.  I don't 
make enough money to afford a car that constantly needs repairing, but 
if you'll excuse me, I need to go "service my vehicle immediately."

Sincerely,
Larissa Roderick
owner of Total Recall (aka, my Focus)