The 2003 Ford Focus is a pretty good all-around daily-driver at a parts-car price. It might not be quite as reliable as a Civic or as roomy as an Explorer, but starting at well under two grand, it’s punching above its rank.
Is the 2003 Ford Focus a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – Objectively speaking, the 2003 Ford Focus is a decent car. But for the price, it’s excellent.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – It’s very comfortable for up to four adults, and the wagon can pack about as much cargo as you’re likely to need for any road trip.
- Reliability 7/10 – The Focus gets a bad rap because it’s used as a daily-driver family car, but most drivers report 200,000+ miles on the original powertrain.
- Safety 6/10 – Decent crash test ratings and outdated tech add up to a mediocre safety score.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The 130 horsepower entry-level engine is surprisingly potent for something that gets 26/34 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Value 8/10 – For 2003, the Civic and Corolla might be the best value cars overall. But, starting at under $1,700, the Focus might be the very best car on the market at this price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Ford Focus?
- Consumer Reports praised the smart design and fun driving feel of the 2003 Ford Focus. Abundant road noise and inferior trim materials cost the car a perfect score.
- Kelley Blue Book users liked the car for the most part, with 80% of reviews awarding the Focus 4 and 5 stars. Positive reviews praised the reliability and storage space. Negative reviews knocked the cheap-feeling materials and some drivers report making one repair after another.
- Edmunds loved the “thoughtful ergonomics,” the spacious interior, the smooth ride, and the great handling. In the cons list, they noted reliability issues and that some drivers might not find the seating so comfy.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Ford Focus Have?
With 534 reports on file, electrical issues make up more than half of the 1,015 total complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These problems date back to the first year of the car’s release, with one of the most common complaints being for ignition lock.
There are 57 powertrain complaints on file at present, with drivers complaining of random stalling while driving. This is roughly in line with what you would expect of after twenty years of wear and tear.
The most concerning recall was issued in 2006 for a potential engine fire stemming from a fuel leak. An aftermarket Purolator brand fuel filter could potentially come loose, leaking gasoline all over the engine. The recall affected 58,640 units.
There have been 7 recalls for the 2003 Ford Focus, a fair number for a car that launched in the early ’00s.
How Long Will the 2003 Ford Focus Last?
According to data from RepairPal, you should expect to spend around $300-$400 a year in maintenance costs on an older Ford Focus.
Long-time Focus drivers typically report a lifespan of 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Considering that so many of these cars are used as daily-drivers by busy families, those numbers aren’t bad.
I just explained that in the last question which seems to be asking me basically the same thing as last question
The only issues I have come across were issues with the alternator, it wasn't working but it was very hard to diagnose because it was coming back that it was perfectly fine
Yes. But it is having electrical problems. Not expensive to fix, but because it is older ford quit making certain parts so it is difficult to find a mechanic that will fix it.
With regular maintenance my Focus is extremely reliable. I have had no problems with it. I am in it almost everyday and I feel stress free.
I bought mine used so yes it has a few problems because the maintenance hasn’t been kept up with but they shouldn't be that expensive to solve .
Yes it's reliable... it's been a very good car. I've replaced the battery, brakes, alternator and brake lights
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is decent but basic, with tape players in the lower trims and CD players in the higher trims. If you can find one with the European Appearance Package, that comes with a subwoofer and six speakers. Standard models have four speakers.
Safety technology is likewise adequate. Anti-lock brakes and a full airbag system are about as fancy as it gets. Good for 2003, but not exactly ahead of its time.
Is the 2003 Ford Focus a Good Value?
The 2003 Ford Focus is a good value, if you’re buying an entry-level trim. A used Focus is unlikely to ever reach 300,000 miles, like a Civic or a Corolla might, but an SE with under 150,000 miles on it starts at around $1,631. You’re not going to find a lot of cars at that price that still have 50,000 miles left on them.
At the higher end, a ZX3 may cost as much as $4,148, although typical listing prices are closer to $3,885. At that price you could do better than a 2003 Focus. At around two grand or less it’s a steal.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Ford Focus?
The 2003 Ford Focus is offered in a wide range of trim levels, from the base ZX3 to the top of the line SVT.
ZX3 is an entry level two-door Hatchback trim, featuring:
- 15″ silver aluminum wheels
- AM/FM stereo
- Cloth seat trim
The LX is the Sedan entry level trim, featuring:
- 14″ steel wheels
The SE is a third entry level trim, available in Sedan and four-door Wagon models, and adding:
- Keyfob and remote keyless entry
The ZX5 is a mid-range four-door Wagon model, adding:
- CD player
- MP3 player
The ZT, another mid-range model, is available in Sedan (ZTS) or Wagon (ZTW), and adds:
- Front fog lights
- Driver lumbar support
The high-end SVT is available in two-door or four-door hatchback, and adds:
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth and leather seat trim
- 17″ silver aluminum wheels
- SecuriLock anti-theft
- Stainless steel pedals
- CD player
What Engines Come In the 2003 Ford Focus?
- The base engine in the 2003 Ford Focus is a 2.0L SOHC inline-four, delivering 110 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic and configured in front wheel drive.
- Next up is a 2.3L DOHC 16-valve engine producing 130 horsepower and 149 lb.-ft. of torque. As with the 2.0L, the 2.3L is paired with 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
- Available in the SVT trim is a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve engine producing 170 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission in front wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2003 Ford Focus Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Ford Focus?
The hatchback model has gotten high marks for comfort and spaciousness from reviewers and drivers. Rear hiproom maxes out at around 51 inches, which is comfortable enough for two adults and a kid, but may feel a bit tight with a whole crew on board.
There have been a few reports of the suspension giving out after twenty years on the road and leaving the car sinking and sagging around corners. You won’t know until you get it out there for a test drive.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Ford Focus Have?
Wagon models go up to 55.8 feet of storage space with the seat down. The Sedan has 13.8 cubic feet of trunk space and the hatchback stores 35.1 cubic feet.
The wagon will pack about as much cargo as you can expect of any vehicle that isn’t specifically a pickup, SUV, or moving van, but even the sedan will easily store three large suitcases in the trunk.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
In North America, the 1st Generation Ford Focus ran from the 2000 model year to the 2007 model year.
2000: The first-year Focus introduced the standard 130 horsepower 2.0L engine and “New Edge” styling the nameplate has made iconic.
2001: New for 2001 was the AdvanceTrac vehicle dynamics system, basically a whole overhaul to the car’s traction control.
2002: A revamped suspension system saw the addition of stiffer springs and a more durable anti-roll bar.
2003: Ford redesigned the cabin to reduce road noise, and they added higher quality interior fabrics.
2004: The biggest change for 2004 was the addition of leather seats as an option in the ZX3.
2005: For 2005, Ford gave the exterior a modest redesign and added a pair of 136-horsepower Duratec engine options.
2006: Other than some minor changes to panel designs, the 2006 Focus is basically a 2005 Focus.
2007: Every Ford Focus with a CD player is now MP3-capable. That’s about it for changes to the final first-gen Focus.
How Does the 2003 Ford Focus Compare to the Competition?
Comparing a 2003 Focus to a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, performance stats and prices are comparable at the entry level, but the Elantra doesn’t offer anything like the 170 horsepower SVT trim. If you’re looking for a little more muscle on a budget, the Focus wins hands down.
An entry level Honda Civic isn’t quite as powerful as a Focus, maxing out at 115 horsepower. But it is one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the market, typically going at least 250,000 miles on the original powertrain. It’s also priced to match, running at least a thousand dollars over the Focus on average.
The Focus isn’t the best 2003 car in the world, it’s not even the best overall value, but it sits at a perfect crossroads of price, performance, and reliability. If you need something that will last another 100,000 miles, get a Honda or a Toyota. If you have $1,600 to spend and you just need to get to work on time, get a Focus.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Ford Focus?
Yes, it’s good for a small family. And great space in the back of the car for traveling and groceries.
It's nice and dependable. I haven't had any problems with it even though it's 16 years old. I also drive it out of town quite a bit.
Yes, it is still running and doesn't have many issues. I like most things about it except for the alternator issues I have had,
Yes. The engine and transmission are in good shape for its age. The only issue I am having is electronic issues.
Yes, very good. It gets great gas mileage and is low maintenance. Holds steady on the road and is pleasant to drive. It zips around the city with the greatest of ease.
No it has too many complications when auto work needs to be done, the vehicle is not all that good on gas
Yes it was a very popular and reliable vehicle. It had all the bells and whistles and the stereo sound system was state if the arts