Ford Focus Sedan

tiredofmanual

COLOGNE, Germany, Jan. 30, 2002 -- The German TÜV -- an authoritative industry body which controls and approves quality standards of industrial and consumer products -- declared the Ford Focus leader in reliability for cars between one and three years old.

Ford Focus is the German car industry leader in reliability.
The Ford Focus is the first German-built car to secure this coveted No. 1 position since 1987. The exhaustive analysis, published in the German TÜV's "Auto Report 2002," compares a total of 107 different models from all automakers represented in the German car market. Remarkably, 92.7 per cent of all Ford Focus cars examined had no fault whatsoever.

This latest news gives added substance to a growing body of evidence that testifies to Focus' industry-leading quality and durability standards.

Another indication of German customer satisfaction with the Ford Focus is demonstrated by "Schwacke's Automobile Index," a listing of the residual value of cars. Focus secured the No. 2 position in the November 2001 index, with a value of 67.06 per cent of its original sales price -- just 4 per cent behind the Volkswagen Golf.

This success is mirrored in the UK market, where the Ford Focus has been named by dealers as their favourite used car to stock and holds one of the best residual values in its class.

In 2001, Ford Focus sales were 895,700 cars worldwide. In Europe, a total of 568,000 Focus models were sold, an increase of 5.7 per cent on 2000. In the UK, Focus sales in 2001 were 136,882, up 19.6 per cent on 2000, and in Germany, sales of 99,571 were recorded, up 4.3 per cent on 2000.

Total Focus production since the vehicle was launched in October 1998 is now more than 2.5 million units.

With this latest endorsement of the Focus' quality and reliability from the German TÜV, this outstanding sales success is set to continue. Recent enhancements to the Ford Focus range for 2002 include the new 1.8-litre TDCi common rail diesel engine, refinements to the exterior design and innovative new equipment packages providing extra versatility and state-of-the-art technology.

In addition, Ford will launch two high-performance Focus models in 2002: the Focus ST 170 and the Focus RS. Both will profit from the successes and experience Ford has gained with racing versions of the Focus competing in the World Rally Championship and the German Touring Car Challenge (DTC).

teo

That's nice, but that's in Germany not in the good old USA where most Focus are built and also in Mexico.

I think Ford should think about importing the more reliable Euro made Focus to NA.

vocus

They seem to have all the more fun cars there. They also have more variety when it comes to engines and such, as diesels are accepted alot more there.

tomcat630

The person responsible for turning Ford Europe around is Nick Scheele, he also helped get Jaguar going, too.
He's been brough over here to help fix Ford USA, so let's see if he does the same thing for us.

mralan

Teo,

Why are you worried about what Ford does? You sell Toyotas in Hot Springs, AR.

riswami

likes to turn a screw. He also posted on the Taurus board some Lemonaide article. If I believed what was in that article I'd never start my 97 Taurus.

Good to hear that the Focus is getting some positive reviews. I still have it on my choices when my 93 Escort Wagon is at the end of its useful life. That could be another couple of years 149k and still running strong.

arial9899

I own a 2000 ford focus Sedan Se which I have had virtually little problems with and I have 33,000 miles on it however.... I have recently encountered a brake problem.. Now my breaks have always squeeled since i first received the car and was alwyas told well that is the kind of brakes they are.... However I have been recently told that my disks are unusually worn like the equivalent of a 5 yr old cars brake disk... The mechanic said it is the same with his brothers disks as well i was wondering if anyone else has been victim to this problem... I have already received the recall on my rear brakes and my brakes still squeak... Thanx for any info

dtownfb

I don't think having the front brakes worn at 33,000 miles in a front drive car that unusual. Considering some of the problems others have bene having with brakes (not just the Taurus), you are lucky to get 33,000 miles out of your front brake pads. Remember that the fornt brakes do about 80% of the stopping. So your front pads will wear a lot faster then your rear. I've never heard of front brake pads lasting 5 years not unless all your driving is highway mileage. If you do change your brake pads I would upgrade the pads. I would not have them put OEM pads back on the car if you have concerns about them.

Now the squeaking of the brakes is another story. There could be something going on there.

vocus

My front pads on my 1999 Mazda Protege wore out at 26,000 miles. Also, hard stopping on brakes that are small (on small cars) wears them quicker as well. That's what my mechanic told me anyway.

tiredofmanual

under warranty for the full 36,000 miles? If so then I would just have the dealer replace them and be done with it for another 33,000 miles. If not, then you can get very good quality discs and pads for less than $300, installed for less than $400 (or do it yourself - very easy!).

I know the pads wear out very quickly because they are so soft, but I haven't heard anything about discs going bad very often.

Head over to FocalJet and post your question in the Problems Forum. One of the moderators is a Ford Technician and may be able to shed more light on it.

vocus

No, they are not covered. That's considered a normal maintenance item. They were covered for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, but that's it.

tiredofmanual

Thanks, I wasn't sure about that. Regardless, the Focus supposedly has very good brakes (though I wish they were as nice as the Protege brakes) and badly worn discs don't seem to be normal. Pads I can understand.

teo

"You sell Toyotas in Hot Springs, AR."

What???????

Where did you get that baloney from?

I live in Florida, I am a Computer Engineer and drive a 2001 Chevy.

I am not involved into new car sales, much less so Toyotas.

bigcompact

2001 Focus SE (with Sport package). 4 door. Manual.

and still no problems!!!

dtownfb

The wear on your brakes esp. the front disc brakes is very dep[endent on where you drive, how you brake (hard and fast or slow and long), weight in the car, highway vs. city, bumper to bumper rush hour traffic, etc. there is no way of predicting how long front brakes will last. They should last at least 12000 miles.

personally, Until recently most of my driving has been highway driving (20k+ miles a year) so my front brakes lasted 40k-50k miles. Now that I am dring less than 10k miles a year I expect have to change them more frequently.

mralan

Hey, bigcompact:

How's that manual transmission? Does the "throws" feel precise? Do you recommend a std in a Focus?

bigcompact

Well, i would recommend a manual tranny in any car, so i'm definitely biased.

But in any case, I have driven both a ZX3 and my SE, and the transmission felt the same. Somewhat long throws, and somewhat "crisp". Some people don't like this kind of feel. Me, i'm used to it (I grew up with a '91 escort), and the crisper, longer throws makes me feel like i always know what gear i'm in.

But really, it's a matter of personal preference. I'd encourage you to test drive one.

Oh, and BTW, the engine pulls pretty good for a 4 cyl. anyway, but it REALLY opens up past 4,000 RPMs...

dudleyr

For what it is worth - I still have my original brake pads on the front of my '90 Integra. 139,000 miles. I am interested in the Focus, but am worried about reliability - I won't be in the market for a while so I am waiting to see.

riswami

agree with the last post. Brakes wear usually is an indication of driving habits. Got a 93 Escort Wagon with 149k - rear brakes are original; fronts done at 123k, Fronts were done at last inspection, still had pad left, garage wouldn't give me a sticker due to them being googd for two years. I had em done, but they were fine and would have went at last 20k longer.

Seems like the Focus does have more than its share of brake problems.

dtownfb

It seems like the Focus is getting much better. Of course the first year and a half and all the recalls doesn't help. But most of the recalls were limited to a small set of cars and most were not safety related. I'd give them one more model year and then go for it.

riswami

of mileage are folks getting with the ZTEC Focus? Seems the mileage isn't so great. Kind of defeats getting the Focus and moving up to a Taurus if the difference is only 5 MPG. Or am I mistaken and the Focus returns high 20s and low 30s on a regular basis?

djido

I have Focus ZTS and I wonder what is corresponding trim for it among european trims? What is main differences between them? How about parts (for example, does break pads for european models fits on american ones)?

bigcompact

...about 27 city and 32 highway in my 5-speed Zetec.

pat

A major newspaper is looking to interview folks who learned how to drive stick in their adulthood, and either fell in love or hated it. Also welcome is any input on why people love to drive stick, and any unusual anecdotes about how you learned etc.

Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.

Thanks as always,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director, Edmunds.com

mralan

Anyone know when the next major redesign for the Focus is scheduled?

ehaase

The next generation Focus is scheduled for 2005 or 2006. It will share its platform with the Mazda Protege and Volvo S40.

goolapper

'n all the Zoom-Zoom'rs r fretting bigtime that da'BluOval is goin' ruin the car they love!!!

tomcat630

The Protege is nice, but sitting in one it's like going back 10 years to 1991. The new Corolla and Focus's interior are years ahead of it. With the Focus, the only problem is "predecited reliablity".

It's a wait and see propostition to see if they can pull off a new car that will please the "purists".

benjaminh

Someone asked about gas mileage in the Focus. I have a 2000 ZTS, and I get almost exactly the mgp that epa estimated on the sticker (which seems weird): 24 city and 33 highway. On a recent stretch of highway driving at 75 on the interstate I actually got 37 mpg, but the city mileage is not that impressive. I notice that both the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic have better mileage ratings (c. 32 city and 38-40 hwy), but they are not as large inside as a Focus, or as nice looking, IMO, plus they cost more. It would be nice if Ford could copy some of the secrets for making really high mileage engines from Toyota and Honda though.

seminole_kev

you mean the secret of using smaller displacement engines...

;-)

tiredofmanual

The manual on the Zetec Foci is the MTX-75 - the exact same tranny that is in the Escort ZX2 and the Contour SVT as well as many European Fords (all of the models get different gear ratios though). It is a reliable gearbox and is the best tranny choice (along with the Zetec engine) for the Focus. It does have its quirks though. When cold, putting it into 2nd or 1st after you have been in 3rd is not the tranny's favorite thing to do (very high quality trans fluid helps out - get Redline D4ATF, 2.1 quarts) and the throws are long (but precise). Also, your local walmart oil change "specialist" may have difficulty figuring out the reverse lockout and page you to come put the car into reverse. For $150, I bought a short-throw shifter and installed it myself in 30 minutes - it changes the length of the shifter and the pivot points for a shorter, sportier feel. The shifter is only connected to the tranny by two cables so you don't have to worry about really messing things up by putting it in yourself.

The euro Focus has more options than the NA-spec Focus. Nearly every single Euro part will fit the NA-spec Focus. The bumpers will fit but will require trimming crash foam (Europeans don't care so much about 5mph bumpers). The Euro Focus has rear disc brakes and if you get the part numbers you can get the parts imported and they will fit perfectly on the NA-spec Focus. The front brakes are the same. The Euro Focus also has a little computer in the spot to the right of the instrument panel where the NA-spec Focus has a change holder. The grilles are nicer on the Euro Focus but would fit on the NA Focus if you figure out what to do with the turn signals. Of course the nice new 2002 headlights on the Euro Focus fit the NA Focus perfectly and have the turn signals integrated into them leaving the Euro grilles as an option.

I guess I could go on and on, but the gist of it is that I don't think there is a corresponding "ZTS" trim in Europe, but "Ghia" is the more upscale trim in Europe (I think). 95%+ of the parts are interchangable.

digiturbo

Hi,
I am in the market for new car. I am considering betweem Focus ZTS and 2003 corolla. I wanted to buy focus before the new corolla coming out. I still do because focus offers more for the money(PW, 16" Alloy wheels). Also, Ford dealers offer such a great new on new 02 focus zx3:$1400 below the invoice.
($1000 rebate+$400 graduate student)
After talking to the saleman, he will give me the same deal for zts. Is this too easy? hmmm? That's why I want to hear what you all think. How much below invoice the price should be?

I will be appreciated any input. Thank you.

macanudo

Hello all, can anyone inform me of the difference between the FL400S and the FL 2005 filters? The FL400S recommended in the Focus' hand book, while the FL 2005 is suggested for the 16V DOHC. What's the difference? Thanks in advance!

tiredofmanual

The FL400S is for the 8V SPI engine that is standard in the LX sedan while the FL2005 is for the 16V Zetec engine that is standard in the ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, ZTW, and optional on the SE sedan.

dtownfb

Actually the interior space in the Civic is near identical to the Focus.

You bought a good point regarding the Ford engines versus the Civic and Corrolla engines regardng mpg. The focus is no slouch in that department but the toyota and Honda do seem to be better. Oh well, all three cars are very good just different personalities.

benjaminh

Digiturbo: $1400 below invoice on a ZTS seems like a good deal. How much is that below list? When I bought my ZTS in Nov. of 1999 all I got was 500 off list (but then I got 400 off with the grad rebate, and 4500 off with the Ford Credit card—which is no longer in existence—plus they financed the rest for me at a good rate). If your ZTS lists for 16,500 or so, 1400 below invoice might put it at about 14k?? I think that a ZTS at that price is a good deal for the money. You would probably not be able to get into a Civic LX for that price, and the ZTS has more stuff standard. The tradeoff, of course, is that Honda has a deserved reputation for almost always making a top quality, reliable product, and Ford has at best a so-so record with that. I've had 7 recalls, and even though I'm sure all of those bugs have been fixed by now, there may be a few others.

The Focus is a shade larger than the Civic. For example:

Rear headroom Focus 38.5, Civic 37.6
Rear legroom Focus 37.2, Civic 36

Overall, I'd go for the Focus if you can get a steal of a deal. BUT, make sure you inspect every inch and every control on your car. Take a testdrive and make sure everything's right in terms of engine, handling, and transmission. Make sure all of the body panels are properly alligned. Mine were, but I guess some people have not been so lucky. Don't sign a contract and take delivery on your car until everything seems fine. Then, of course, if there are still problems you have 3 years of warranty during which they should fix anything that comes up. Have you already taken a test drive in the Civic or Corolla? How do they compare? Please tell us how it goes...

vocus

I have always had a problem with the seats in the Focus. I test drove a couple different ones (a ZX3, an SE sedan, and a ZTS) and all were not comfortable to me. I don't know what it is about them.

benjaminh

The Focus is also a shade larger than the Corolla.

Rear headroom: Focus 38.5, Corolla 37.1
Rear legroom: Focus 37.2, Corolla 35.4

These are not big differences, but you still will probably be able to tell the difference.

I think my ZTS has comfortable, firm seats. I did not comparison shop Honda or Toyota though, and so it is possible that they're better. Stylewise I think the Focus is sportier, and less vanilla than Corolla and Civic, but that's just my opinion.

twistinmelon

Sat in the ZX5 and the Corolla at the Chicago Auto Show. I put the driver's seat all the way back, like I would use it. Then I climbed in back.

My knees didn't even touch the back of the driver's seat in the Corolla.

My knees not only touched the back of the Focus's driver's seat, they pushed into it.

YMMV

twist

digiturbo

Thank you Benjaminh for your input. Actually, the dealer will take $1400 off the invoice. So, it'll be $14,407-1400=13007+dest.fee(according to Edmunds). Yes, it looks like a great deal, isn't it? I still kind of like the new design of new 03 corolla. Anyway, I will have to think about it.
By the way, I have test drove these three cars.(I was helping my girl shopping for the focusLX 2 years ago) However, I can only tell the difference in general since I am not a car expert:)
Power
Civic is out of the question since it has less power in this class. You definitely can tell when you test drive the civic. It needs more HP. Focus and Corolla have about 130 hp.

Interior
Personally, the seat of civic and Corolla are quite comfortable. I drove focus every now and then, but I can't seem to find the right seat position that is comfortable. Maybe it's just me.(I kind of have long legs.)
Also, the quality of the Corolla interior (like fabric) is the best.
Exterior.
Corolla S definitely won due to the new redesign and body-color rocker panels. (The CE& LE corolla look so-so)
Interior quietness
Focus is quiet. However, Corolla is very quiet.
So, corolla > focus >civic

Price :For the money: Focus>Civic>Corolla.
Last, I will have to choose between Focus and Corolla(Money or Value)

dtownfb

But the Civic is wider in the front hip room - 51.2 vs. 49.4; rear hip room - 49.8 vs. 49.5. And the Civic doesn't have the "hump" in the rear which helps with the leg room.

But we're splitting hairs, that's why I said near identical. And the 130 hp in the Corolla and Focus are pretty muted (even though the Civic EX has 127 hp). In other words, they don't translate into speedy 0-60 times. So the Civic is not much slower (if it at all). The real difference between the Focus and Civic is their personalities. Focus has a sportier edge (better handling, seemingly better acceleration, etc.) while the Civic has a more mature feel to it. Better ride, slightly better interior (I do mean slightly).

Both are nice cars and you won't go wrong with either one.

benjaminh

I didn't know that the Civic was better on hip room. As you say Fred, they're pretty much the same size. I love the idea of the flat floor in the Civic! Seems like if you get front drive you should get a flat floor. I wonder if the next generation Accord will have it too. It's a little off topic, but have any previous front drives ever had a truly flat floor? The 66 Toronado? I don't know...

What is the out the door price for a Corolla with the same equipment as a ZTS? I'm guessing that it would list for about the same (c.16k), but that you'd pay near list for the Toyota.

Karen_S

To accommodate all Focus owners, the Ford Focus ZX3 Owners has been changed to Ford Focus Owners on Edmunds.com Owners Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

mpgman

Looked at a loaded ZTW wagon with traction control, ABS, and side air bags. The list is $19K. Reading all of the posts here make me concerned about forking over around $18K for a Focus. What is depreciation like? Seems to me that while a Jetta wagon or a CR-V might cost more to begin with, they might be worth more in 2-3 years. Your thoughts? They are all about the same size.

sanjosezts

Bought my silver 2002 ZTS almost 3 months ago...and have not looked back once 4500 miles later. Leather, traction control, moonroof, in dash cd changer...When I put it alongside the Civic, Corolla, and Sentras I was looking at, there was no comparison. Even ran it at 100+ for long periods between Bay Area and LA - and it rolled along as smooth as the $25K Jetta one of my buddies drives.

The only thing that irritates me is what seems to be excessive brake dust on the alloy wheels. I find myself having to clean the wheels at least once a week to keep them looking good. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal? I expected this would go away once the car was broken in, but still an issue. Any ideas? Should I have it looked at?

vocus

The Jetta or CR-V will definitely be worth more in a couple of years. Check out Kiplinger's personal finance magazine's special auto issue. It nominated the Jetta as holding 50% of its original value after 5 years, best in the class.

benjaminh

I bought my Focus largely because I had Ford credit card discount of 4500, and without that I'm not sure I'd do it again. With the current rebate and dealer discounts you can get (someone mentioned invoice minus the 1000 rebate) your price will be much less than almost any competitor, but your resale value will also be less. In terms of performance, I think the Focus is equal to anyone else—Jetta, Civic, or Corolla—for comparable models in everything except mpg. I get 24 city and 33 hwy, but with a Civic you'd probably get 30 city and 38 hwy. The jury is still out on the quality of the Focus in the long run, i.e. will it last past 100k if well cared for without needing major repairs. I have no idea, but as my warranty comes close to running out I worry a bit. Think twice before you get a Jetta though, because VW's often have serious quality issues—as bad as Ford if not worse, plus they cost more to repair. Check out the Jetta and VW boards. Bottom line: I would not pay 18k for a Focus. Unless you can get a better deal than that, you might be better off going somewhere else. For 18k you can buy a Honda Accord LX for goshsakes.

mpgman

Agree on the Accord LX, but the ZTW is a wagon. Never thought of leasing before, but with expecting to drive around 10,000 miles or less per year on this car, maybe leasing a Jetta Wagon is the way to go?

vocus

At least the Jetta wagon has the better warranty (4 years/50K miles), and it's also built in Germany. It's shown to have better reliability than the ones built in the Mexico plant (where the sedan is built).

bigcompact

It has nothing to do with breaking the car in, it's because they are organic pads. But to be honest, if you wash your car once a week (except for a couple months in the winter, I can usually get out to the coin-op), it will come right off every time.