Every video on a Ford: "I've never been much of a Ford fan" 5 minutes later "This is BRILLIANT!" Just admit it James, you love 'em

Keeping your car longer could make better sense than 40k on an EV to save the planet

Omg that scrappage scheme survivor sticker is brilliant. 😂😂

My daughter found a Ford Focus mk1 automatic 1999. When it arrived it looked like it came from the swamp. Covered in green goo moss and thick muck. Roof and bonnet covered. It seems no one wanted this state of a car found in a small sales garage by my daughters Internet search. But she had a feeling this was the car she had to buy as her first car. This car was neglected. I feel it may have been left in a yard under trees. Its taken many washes and colour t- cut to bring this beauty back to life. And I must say each day I look out the window this car is looking better each day. The gleam is comming back. Still plays tape cassettes too. It drives dam good. A fast car. My daughter was right to have this determination to get this hidden treasure!

An absolute design classic, a huge leap forward from the Escort it replaced. Modern enough to be safe and good to drive, old enough that you can fix it yourself. That’s why I bought myself an ST170 last year.

The Mk1 Focus was SOOOOOOO groundbreaking in terms of design and driving dynamics...and in my view is the best looking Focus to date. I personally think it still looks bang up to date!

My first car was a 53 plate like this, bought in 2010 and only swapped it last year, 10 years later. It was proving so reliable and simple to work on. Had around 150k but still good to drive and cheap to run.... Now you tell me I should've saved it 😂.

Owned a Mk1 ST170 for 8 years. Loved it.

I own 2 mk1 focus cars and still use them as driving school cars, even today the mk1 is in a different league to the other focuses, the styling still looks fantastic inside and out, the touch and feel of the dials and their positioning is spot on and compared to any other car you feel so much more in control, almost like your part of the car, i cannot fault the mk1 at all! They actually make you feel good when driving!

Good video. My first car was a 2000 1.8 Zetec

The fact that you see so many of these Mk 1 Focuses on the road is a testament to just how great these cars are. I predicted that the MK 1 would achieve classic status donkeys years ago so this video is hardly news to me. What a lovely example of this model though it's a beauty.

I think every car is worth saving, no matter how crappy they may be or how common they are. What's common today will be rare tomorrow.

Great cars. I bought an ST-170 a couple of years ago specifically to use the engine in a transit connect. After driving it home down the A120 I didn’t have the heart to break it up! Awesome little car and very overlooked for some reason. I still have it to this day and it’s slowly undergoing restoration

ST170 - awesome piece of early 2000's icon. Rev box with 6 speed, reliable and handles like a dream

This kind of review is why jay em on cars is a proper car channel rather than the ad vehicles that a lot of others are.

Now this video surprised me a bit. Mostly because a Mk1 Focus was indeed my first car. Specifically a baseline 2004 Focus in a color called "Midnight Blue" which essentially was almost black. The fact that it had no air conditioning made things rather ...interesting during summer. From my perspective the clutch wasn't as bad as you make it out to be, but I'll admit there are certainly better ones. As for rust and repair bills, for all the years I had it, I had remarkably little trouble with it. Just your usual wear and tear items like brakes and such. As for rust, I figured I better take precautions against that (such as underfloor-wax prior to winter) in order to ward off any salt from the roads - a measure that did pay dividends. I remember in 2014 when the bi-yearly mandatory technical examination was due, the mechanic doing said examination had it up on the lift, walked underneath to take a look around, came back, looked at the year of production, shook his head, went back under the car, and eventually came back to me to confess he was surprised that virtually no rust was to be seen anywhere. After roughly ten years and over 150.000 kilometers mind you. If my late grandfather hadn't gifted me a different car that was better for my knees to get in and out of, I'd probably still drive that Mk1. In an urban environment is was plenty fun to drive - only on the Autobahn the lacking horsepower and torque made acceleration beyond 100kph rather slow.

As an argentine owner of a Focus MK1 '03 (5 doors) I really appreciate this video. You described the car perfectly! Maybe it's not a classic yet, but it has the potential to be one in a few years. Well done, suscribed!

Back in 2016 I had the opportunity to buy a 1 owner 3dr Focus ST170 with 80k on the clock for £1500… but I bought a Clio 182 instead, I loved driving the Clio, but to this day, there’s a part of me that regrets not buying the Focus as I feel I would’ve hung on to it. They are indeed a future classic, brilliant cars!

The MK1 Focus was one of the best cars ever made. Growing up in the 80s and early 90s most cars were the same (sort of) but when the focus came along it was totally different from anything ever done before.

Last year i bought my first car, a Mk1 edge 16v zetec engine, 1 lady owner with 82k miles on it,and all I can say it was a car. Nearly 20yr old car and it's had no faults (apart from a new clutch), I love driving my motor, she's a beaut and for the age has some pull on her, had a few bad boys at the traffic lights revving there motor's until I pull off, and she can move for her age.

I bought my 2003 3 door 2.0 Zetec brand new here in Australia, and I still run it, now has 230K on the clock, still looks like new and never misses a beat, only modification is a K&N cone filter. Will never sell it, love it too much. Really enjoyed the video 👍

bought one yesterday - 2004 mk1 1.6 wagon. my first car - hopefully it'll serve well, gave really good first impressions =)

I drove my sisters mk1 focus in the 1990s when I was driving Audi's and was shocked at how well the focus drove. Its handling, steering ride and refinement was just amazing. And this from someone who hated Fords.

What you said about the gearshift I completely agree on, I bought my 1.6 MK1 focus 6 months ago and while testing some I was amazed by that shifter feel. Even in the really bad cars I test drove the shifter felt brand new. It really is a joy to row through the gears in these cars.

We had one of these in the family from 2006 to 2018... a 2002 1.6 auto saloon. The one thing that stood out from day one, to now, is the chassis and more specifically, the control blade rear suspension. It's unlike anything I've felt on any other commuter car... taking corners really feels like the back had steering as well, and is coming around just as much as you've steered the front wheels. It's genuine fun, despite the lack of power

When the gearbox is nice, the engine tone is good, the setup is well balanced and the road is twisty and clear of traffic, having too horses means you'll enjoy that beautiful road for a shorter time.

My 2005 Focus died this year because it spent the first 12 years of its life under blizzards in upstate New York. The undercarriage got rusted to the point it couldn't support new brakes etc. Best car I've ever owned & I greatly lament its passing. Will continue to look for a gem like this one.

I bought myself one, a 2005 MK1 1600 in pristine condition, looow milage, all options . What a pleasure to drive (and now own). Your video is spot on.

Have such an appreciation for Fords of this era. My first car was a 1999 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec with the red seats. It was chosen randomly by me as something I could afford and it drove fine when my parents test drove it so I we bought. It was so grateful to have a car but didn't think it was anything special at the time. Can honestly say I've never had more fun driving any other car. The chassis was just fantastic and the engine had a lovely subtle induction roar. Was such fun for the two years I had it and was even ok for long distance work. Miss that car. Faultless reliability too. Electrics in my 2002 Fabia are always playing up! As someone who's Dad had a Rover 75 company car, we had a lot of these with Hertz keyrings on as the 75 was fixed again and again. Seemed all the car you'd ever need to me! 🙂

As an owner of an svt here in the states I appreciate anyone willing to give the little focus just a small run. I have owned 2 and they are such a pleasure to drive. Mine now gets about 250 hp and I track it on occasion and people are blown away by what it can put down

Glad you featured this james as I owned 2 and my dad had 3 over the years can't speak highly enough of them 👍

Actually mad watching this, I bought a beautiful 51 plate mk1 focus 1.8 TDCI 115 with 117k miles on the clock back in August I'm the 3rd owner cars originally from Chester (England) and its now in Angus (Scotland) cleans up amazingly with no rust on the body or underneath and drives as if it left the factory... £750 for such a good car I plan on taking care of it!!!

Great review! I'm old enough to..... Well, let's just say when these came out I thought they were astounding. The ride & handling were superb and the design refreshing. It really made all the other companies up their game. Best as a family car and I agree, don't mod it. Thanks Jay!

You've made me feel fashionable!! Mine is a 54 reg and looks identical to this - same colour and 3 doors, but the 1.8 TDCi. Had it from 120k and still going strong at 175k, though needed some welding of rear suspension at last MoT. Drives great on a twisty B road, still looks fresh, and here's hoping it lasts to at least 200k.

Hi just watched your video on focus mk 1 i have owned a 2001 1*8zetec for about 14 years now i bought it of a friend of my sister with full service history and only 28,000. miles on i have now got 98 800 and still never lets me dow during covid it didn't move for 4months first time I went back to it it started first time 🚗👍👍👍👍👍

Glad you've reviewed the Mk1 Jayemm. I've owned a few and often thought of them as one of the overlooked fun cars to drive. Pretty much everyone has a memory of one, which without doubt makes them a future classic.

I remember when this came out new and your right about the styling, cars at the time were still box shaped with rectangular lights and this came along with its flowing lines and angled lights which became the standard for every car maker from then on...

Love the video, I still own my 2003 Black Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, it’s done just 48,000 miles and is still purring. Running costs are low, insurance is £350 a year, what’s not to like. I’ve owned it since 2004. Mines got sporty seats, electric and heated mirrors. And yes it’s a future classic.

I've just bought a silver 04 1.6 LX 5 door with 57,000 on the clock Owned briefly by a young driver, who wanted something more economical and newer Previously owned by an elderly gentleman who took it the same garage it was bought from every year from new for 17 years And it shows, because apart from minor bodywork issues the vehicle is a beauty!! I noticed is was lacking in power, so I've deliberately driven it hard with a fuel treatment in it and.... it has transformed the power and eagerness of the engine I am also getting a very respectable 42MPG out of it (and that's including some "spirited" driving) It needs rear headrests and the air conditioning doesn't work, but otherwise the car is SOLID for a £1000 purchase

Awesome video Jay, one of my close mates bought one of these (a 1.6 flight) when it was only 2 years old and on 11,000 miles. We went out for many road trips and back lane hoons in it and what an awesome car it was. Ford did a fantastic job with these. He eventually got rid when it was on about 170k, but it served him flawlessly for years.

my mum had a 1.8 tdci estate in neptune green when i was about 5 years old and Ive now got a moondust silver ST170 5 door at 22 years old and I love it so much.

Mad respect to the owner for keeping that going. I too learnt on a Mk2 focus (mechanics rather than driving) and do have some nostalgia, to this day I remember the reg of that car 9 years later.

Yessss their time is now! I picked up a beater 5 speed ZX3 that was rough around the edges but super duper clean underneath. I thought nothing of it until I got it running right and fell in love with the engine and design. Fast forward a year now I’m mk1 focus obsessed. Amazing underrated machines.

A nice trip down memory lane this was. I was 10 when my parents bought one brand new in 2000. The only brand new car we'd ever had in the family! We had it for around 14 years and 175,000 miles and it never missed a beat. It had a hard life starting with my Dad using it as his own company car and he drove it hard. Then it was handed to my mum who ended up with 2 shunts in the rear - 1 which required a new tailgate. It eventually suffered my incompetence behind the wheel when I was given it at 18, and had to choose between hitting a roundabout instead of the rear end of somebody else's car. Even then we still had it repaired and it continued to work faultlessly until finally sold on. Ours was a black 1.8 with leather and the "sport pack", which was basically traction control and rear discs I think. It was an absolute joy to drive. The gearbox was so precise for a family hatch, even after all the miles ours did.

I wish I brought an rs when they were 7k afew years back.

my second and third cars were 2002 Focuses, and i really really loved mine. it was so insanely involving to drive, and just a wonderful wondderful ride every minute.

Good to see that you started with more normal cars recently, i drive a 2003 1.8 tdci for 6 years now with 200k miles on the clock and it was a great pleasure all the way. I am a Ford fan since childhood as my father drove a mk3 escort 1.3l.

My wife got herself a new Ford Fiesta when my 1999 Ford Cougar got too long in the tooth and needed too many fixes to keep it going. She generously gave me her Mk1 Ghia Ford Focus, 1600 Automatic which she had from new in January 2000. I use it twice a week to take my golf clubs to the golf course so it's not adding many miles to it's 60,000 in 21+years. Still immaculate leather interior and no rust anywhere it has done us very well and seems to want to go on for ever.

Cracking car to be fair. I had a 3 door model (Zetec) similar to the one you’re driving. It was a good looker when I put some decent Ford wheels on it too. More than pleasant to drive even with the 1.6 engine. Definitely agree..

I had a new 1.8 Zetec in 2000 which was followed by a 1.8 TDCi and then an ST170. Utterly brilliant to drive, comfortable, reliable, practical etc. I've been looking for another one recently to keep for the future. Good ones are climbing in price now and they sell very quickly. Ideal for me would be a 1.8 Zetec 3-door in silver with Climate and Reflex Pack or another ST170 3 door with Custom Pack in Magnum grey, Machine silver or Capri blue. People underestimate how good these are and how much of an industry changer they were when launched, forcing all the other manufacturers to up their game to compete. Top review. Well done.

The MK1 Focus represents the pinnacle of value for mass market car buyers. Affordable, reliable, cheap to run, great to drive, practical and fantastic styling for a cheap hatchback.

I've got a 2001 2.0 Ghia estate and put a Collection front bumper on. Still drives great and looks pretty good too. It will be a sad day when I have to replace it.

We had a maroon 1.8 when they came out. The way it looked at the time was just so fresh compared to everything else, and the new edge look also looked wonderful on the Puma and Cougar. Multi link rear suspension is what made these stand out from the crowd

Tell you what, ive really enjoyed this particular review. Its a car quite close to my heart for various reasons, but i had to part ex it when some bearings went. It drove brilliantly and you could feel the speed through the car; as you said, it communicated its intentions very well. A very cohesive car that i do miss. Im going on auto trader now

Love this vid James, I had an nearly identical model and colour, but 5dr and diesel. Only the last year of ownership with rust and repair bills, did the relationship slide less on the love and more on the hate side. Whenever seeing a mk1 now though, always brings back the love... dream would be an ST170 in that famous blue

Love the way you'll review any car! Great channel! Keep up the great work!

Chris Harris said the MK1 focus was the best car he'd ever driven. It blew him away.

Love it. Ford nailed it in that era of decently reliable cars that still felt like a mechanical device (in the good way) and that you weren't frightened to work on yourself. I'd imagine much smugness of enjoying that car now, knowing that others don't get why those attributes are so special.

Nice work Jay. My first car, a 1998 1.4 CL 5 door. Poverty spec but it could drive over 400m on a single tank of petrol. Great fun round country lanes. I once drove from Dunkeld to London in a day in it and was feeling fine at the other end too.

Nice to see this. Owned a mark 1 brand new in 2004. It handled like a dream and was comfortable too. The engine didn't have much go and the worst thing on mine was the road noise from the tyres. I've since found that anything with Michelin's in that decade was loud so changing tyres might have improved things. The gearbox was best I've had. I replaced with a mark 2 1.8. That engine was nicer and it was quieter but something got lost. It lacked the crispness and agility. I think biggest issue was mark 2 1.8 was electronic steering and mark 1 was hydraulic. Fast forward 17 years and it still looks great. What surprises me is how the interior looks. People never rated that back then but now it looks refreshingly interesting. Especially nice as a 3 door which mine was. I had a choice of edge or flight and I opted for the later as only 8400 brand new! Bargain.

I just bought a MK1 2.0i 16v for 1200 euro with 170.000km on it. It's value doubled in the last months for some reason. They become rare here, the 2.0i, in good condition.

One of the best reviews you have done. Most defiantly a future classic. Both my lads are learning to drive...and I'll happily push them in the Focus mk 1 direction for a first car.

I noticed how good the design of the 3 door is a few years ago when I saw one in my car park with fresh eyes. The overall shape is really beautiful and the way the rear windows taper to a point and meet the back window is so good and you never see it today.

I have a 2002 MK1 saloon, paid £900, only had it about 6 months, its still in pristine, factory condition, drives like it's new. I absolutely love it.

I had an SVT (ST170) and it was just amazing to drive. Still my fav car to drive that I've ever owned.

I’ve got a z4 3.0i like Joel’s, this video makes me realise how quick and well specced it would’ve been in 2004, it still gets compliments today I remember in the early 2000’s when the focus was winning every award going

I have a focus 1.6 54. The same colour, rust free and I've owned for 10 years. It never let me down and it owes me nothing. Great car !!

Brilliant Video. I own a 2004 Ford Focus Saloon and currently restoring the old girl. Easy to work on and service as long as you keep the rust away as soon as you see it, they will keep going for years and only increase in value.

Your point about people _don't appreciate things that are there_ is soooo right. It's weird but true that cars in 10-20 years just get a retro vibe.

When I was a kid I remember thinking how cool it was with the "taillights on the roof".

I recently drove a 2.0L Zetec Ghia 5mt Focus and it surprised me to no end....its almost af fun to drive as my 1990 Celica was...

Great video presentation! My wife is the proud original owner of a Machine Silver MkI 2002 Focus Sedan and she just loves it. It is the base manual model with a safety pack (ABS & SRS) and has a 1.8 Zetec motor. The CD radio unit failed twice (once under warranty) and has since been replaced with a Sony unit with CD & USB. The speed sensor failed and caused some drama with the engine cutting out at inappropriate times, but eventually got that sorted. At 185,000 Km (115,000 Miles) it has just had the timing belt replaced for the first time, but now a CV joint is on the way out too. It even has all the stupid original plastic Ford wheel trims which admittedly are all held on by cable ties! Other than that it is in excellent condition as it has always been garaged.

Was great to meet you James and I am glad you liked my car. I totally agree with the title of the video.

I have a fond memory of my old machanics tutor singling out this car as one of the best cars his ever driven. He had nothing but praise for the chassis, the brakes and daily drivabilty. He was a good influence.

I have the 4 door saloon Ghia 2.0 from 2000 and MK4 focus Vignale and still love throwing the old focus round bends and so fun to drive!

I had a 1.8L Zetec as my second ever car (after an Escort) and it was a great car. The electronics started to go on it, but by that point I had owned it for 5 years and it was around 10 years old. I've checked on it and it is still on the road, it was a great example (apart from the electrics) when I had it so hopefully still is. Great video, brought back memories of one of my favourite cars I've owned..

Absolutely beautiful 🤩 The best ending music on KZfaq

I bought a mk1 ST170 two years ago. It might not be an RS but it is such an underrated hot hatch!

Great video! Definitely a modern classic now. After owning my 02' plate 3-door 1.6 auto for several years now with the label of the 'old man banger' stereotype - recently I've had a few people approach me in supermarket car parks commenting on how tidy and cool it looks. Not something I've had before! I firmly believe the MK1 will continue to move into the car enthusiast community as a modern classic in the next few years as most examples are either on their last legs or extremely tidy with little correlation between them. This will only make them far less common. The fact there are so many of them around after at least 16 years is a testament to how they were built and designed. People talk about the rust which is an issue and has killed many of them of down the years, but the main reason a lot are still around is that drive-train that gives that great driving experience and fun factor will just keep soldiering on (just remember to change the timing belt) I don't see many golfs of the same age on the road that's for sure. I definitely think cars from the 90's and early millennium will only flourish in demand and value in the next 5-10 years as people will inevitably try to avoid being forced into an EV for as long as possible, or for the over 65's - possibly indefinetly.

A Focus Mark 1 drove me to the hospital when I broke my arm some 10-15 years ago and it is a fond memory. It was really nice and helpful of the person (neighbor's daughter). I'm now actually kinda feeling nostalgic about that.

Got to drive a 04 plate 1.8 Zetec, absolutely love it to bits. Best car I've driven, just so sad I can't afford to insure it

A very interesting take on a car that most people wouldn’t give a second glance. I would definitely agree that this is a future classic, it seems that everything with a Ford badge eventually becomes desirable. Great video James.

I learned to drive in a mk1 Focus and have appreciated them ever since. Solid little cars for sure.

I think this is a pretty good shout Jay. Whenever there is a car which has a massive presence and sells in huge numbers like the MK1 Focus did, then some time later you find yourself thinking "I haven't seen one of them in ages", I do think that is potentially an indicator of a future classic, even if only a very niche future classic, maybe our generations' 2CV or Morris Minor!

I just bought Focus ST170 Wagon in Imperial Blue. Great Car

One of, if not the best FWD handling car of its time. And will still put most new cars to shame in the corners today. I've owned mine for 2 years now and love it.

Had a 01’ Focus MKI TDDI for 6 years. Sold it with new clutch, tyres, full service and 200k miles, ready for another 100k! What a battle tank that car was! And quite funny and dynamic to drive! Also great in fuel efficiency! It is still out there somewhere in West Sussex.

My grandma has an mk1 a 1998 to be exact and she bought it when it was new It has no rust at all and she is taking care of the car very well

Jay do a vid on the normal 1.7 Puma - a tidy one for a grand they drive really really good! All this Focus needs is a couple of holes drilled pre filter in the air box 👍

I’m on my second MK 1 TDCI Ghia. Even now it does 45-48 MPG. The chassis and steering feel is leagues above the equivalent Astra etc. Its a shame that sometimes these can only be one big bill away from the scrap heap.

Ahh, Jay, you’ve made my day with this. You see my daily driver is a mk1 1.6 focus which cost me £575 and everything you said is true. Mine needs some TLC but it’s a wonderful drive. My 20 year old daughter used to slag it off until she borrowed it one day and now her own Ford Ka has died she wants to take it to uni next year !! Great video.

i loved these from the moment they were released in 1998, and finally realised my ambition to own one in 2002, a white 1.8 zetec 5 door. i LOVED it

I’d love to see a review of the mk1 Mondeo especially as production has now ceased

I've got one of these, same colour but Flight trim (poverty). It's my first car and I've had it for 3 years now. Cost me nothing as it was my grandparents' car and has probably cost about £1000 in maintenance over that time, I got it at 45000 miles and it's about 72000 miles. It's a great handling little car, and although it's utterly gutless and personally I'm not a huge fan of the looks, you've hit the nail on the head here Jayemm!

thanks. never miss a vid ...... best honest reviewer ...

Had an LX for years . Loved that car with a passion it was such a beautiful drive👍❤️

"Let's put the theory to the test, shall we?" : Cuisinart noises ensue:

The rear suspension , as it compresses, adds more Toe-In ...to reduce understeer. That is Key.

just finished getting rid of the rust on my 1.6 zetec.... had it for 13 years and still love it as much now as I did then :)

My wife and I both have 2003 SVT's ( like your ST 170s I believe). Mine has 170,000 miles and hers has 210,000 kms. We love them! Great little rockets! Great review, thanks!