Used Ford Focus 1998 - 2004 review

The edgy Ford Focus caused a sensation when it arrived in showrooms in 1998, and for good reason. Stand-out looks brought it instant kerb appeal, though it was the whole package that impressed.

The ride and handling were praised from the outset, and these fine driving dynamics were not limited to the range-topping or sportiest examples; all Ford Focus models steered sharply and were agile and fun.

The interior took its influence from the bold exterior styling, although it hasn’t aged as well and is a bit extrovert for some.

On the other hand, the driving position and the location of all the controls was very well considered, and space is good.

Being a huge seller, the Focus was offered to suit all budgets, from 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol options right up to a fast, engaging RS model, while a 1.8 diesel was available for high mileage users.

Three and five-door versions were offered, as was an estate and a saloon (rare in the UK), and all were pretty well equipped for the time.

You really can buy a Ford Focus for less than you paid for the phone in your pocket, with the tattiest, highest mileage examples starting at just a few hundred pounds. We’d recommend spending a bit more, though, because cars at that price have the potential to bring plenty of repair bills.

You’re unlikely to have to pay more than £2000 for any first-generation Focus, with the exceptions of the RS and particularly nice ST170s.

Any of the mainstream models above £1500 should be the very best: low mileage, full history cars with meticulous owners. Estates don’t cost any more on the used market, nor is there any difference between three and five-door models.

Servicing should cost around £200 a year, insurance will be inexpensive and fuel economy decent.

Obviously the diesels offer the best fuel economy, but the petrol models should get into the 30mpg realm relatively easily - unless you buy an automatic, that is.

The 1.4-litre petrol model will be adequate if you’re not intent on any out of town journeys, but the 98bhp 1.6 and 113bhp 1.8 are better all-rounders.

The early TDdi diesel used an old engine, and its 88bhp output made it fairly pedestrian performance-wise; the later 1.8 TDCi upped the output to either 98bhp or 113bhp.

The massive range of trim options can be bewildering; LX, Zetec and Ghia versions all come with useful equipment, while CL, Flight and Studio cars are best avoided.

Plenty of special editions were offered, including Silver, Millennium, MP3, Elle, Chic, Ebony, Ink, Black and more besides, but none are worth paying any extra for.

The standalone ST170 is an enjoyable, rev-happy warm hatch, while the 215bhp RS is a specialist model for those wanting hardcore thrills – and it's priced accordingly. Indeed, it’s an appreciating classic, with the very best examples costing more than £20,000; it was priced at £19,995 when new.

Our favourite used Ford Focus: 1.6 Zetec

The Focus and VW Golf have long been protagonists, with the Ford unquestionably the sharper drive and better equipped as standard, but trailing the Volkswagen on badge appeal and build quality.

The Vauxhall Astra will do everything the Ford Focus does, only with a little less verve, while looking a lot dowdier. It’ll be as cheap to buy and run, though, and the interior should wear a bit better than the Ford's.

Nissan’s Almera might lack the good looks of its Ford Focus rival, but it’s more engaging to drive than its amorphous lines would lead you to believe, and should better the Ford for reliability.

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