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Interestingly, there was a little note from the factory saying that my car had been randomly selected at the factory to be road tested after assembly and that 57 miles had been put on during that testing.
Also their survey typically only takes into account 60,000 owners. Spread that 60,000 responses over the number of manufacturers and model cars that are available (and the fact I took 4 years of math in college), JD does not represent an accurate way of rating the cars. And if people would read the fine print, they would realize this. Sort of like the Motor Trend "of the Year" awards. (How they picked the GMC Envoy as SUV of the Year is beyond me? lately they have been predetermining the winners of their comparisons and the numbers don't support their findings.)
CR receives close to 500,000 surveys EACH YEAR plus they do extensive testing with one of the best, most respected engineering staffs in the world. (Check their creditials in the magazine if you don't believe me) The biggest complaint about CR that I can think of is they are too practical in their analysis of cars. They are down on SUV's. And that is where you as a consumer have to be able to read their reports and analyse how this car fits your needs. Don't let CR, JD, Motor Trend or any other magazine decide what car you should buy. These are only information sources to be use in the fashion you need them.
I guess it's time to schedule my 6th visit (in 14 months of ownership)...
It wasn't that long ago that when a new car developed a problem once it was on the road it was the owners problem. I know that having to take the car back can be a pain in the back side, but at least in this day and age the car companies take more responsibility. I've owned Fords, Mercurys, and Toyotas in the past that had many design defects that were my problem. In the "old days" we really had no recourse but to pay to get it fixed as well as we could.
Yes, it would be great if they could build the cars right the first time, but at least we are not alone in the process of getting the cars fixed. To me, that is a huge advantage over the way it was not that long ago.
Enough is enough.
Recalls and reliability might be connected, but they are not the same thing.
In other words, just because the Car And Driver Focus was reliable doesn't mean they are all reliable.
On the flip side, just because your friend's Focus is really unreliable doesn't mean one you buy will be the same.
In other words, you are totally wrong in what my message is.
I get what your message is, just that the "reliable" manufacturers right now are putting out sleeping aids on wheels.
If you are looking for acceleration, there is a rapidly growing aftermarket for it. It doesn't come close to matching the previous generation Civic, but since the current Civic is a step backward in its aftermarket-friendliness, the Focus isn't that far behind. Don't want to risk your warranty? Head to the dealer and flip through the Ford Racing Catalog... Quite a few go-fast parts available for the Focus, including a supercharger.
Also, consider the styling. Love it or hate it, you have to admit that it is bold. The CD player in mine also outshines the stock stereos in the competition (Mazda MP3 is the exception). Want in on a secret? Take the 6-disc in dash changer out of the Escape, put it in the Focus and suddenly new features appear (like speed-sensitive volume).
My car is very reliable and your post is the first time someone called it a sleeping aid.
The styling is very controversial as is the styling of the Focus and neither one are boring in that regard.
My wife and I just returned to Connecticut from a great week in New Hampshire. What a pleasent trip we had in the Focus. I just had major back surgery 7 weeks ago, and was pain free, unlike the '98 Escort would have been. I now have 4500 miles on the car and it gets dealer installed mud flaps tomorrow morning. I know the "Wheel Bearing" recall is on the way, but so what, at least Ford stands behind their products.
73
Randy
Yep, a poor excuse for flawed quality control at the assembly line. Quality Job #7 and Recalls Job #1?
If I want to be abused, I'll just find a Yankee fan to do it to me!
Thanks
That may say something about the Fcous that some owners of rival makes (ie japanese car owners) can't or won't realize. i could never understand the need to put down someone elses choice or make them see the "error" of their ways. I drive a civic but you'll never see me criticize anyone anymore on their choice. Maybe once upon a time. BTW the civic goes away in a month or so and gets replaced by the other "compact" to make C & D's 2002 top ten list
Kyle
ps it aint the focus!
If I change the intake system, is that mean I also need to change the exhast system too?
Also, do I need to change the Spark plug and spark plug wire because of the new air intake is installed?
That said, it is indeed time to get back to talking about the car as tiredofmanual is doing.
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
The Focus, that my wife drives mostly, rides as good as, and rides better on bumpy roads, than the Maxima. It handles as well or better than the Maxima and, other than power (the Maxima has 255 HP) I think it is just as good.
Also I could buy two Foucuses for what I paid for the Maxima. (Most of the complainers in this formum would complain about any car they had)
Also I get a loaner car from my Ford Dealer in Kingston, Ontario, but not from Nissan.
Another reason that the Focus holds its own handling-wise is that it was designed by Ford of Europe for the European market. A car the size of the Focus is not an econobox in Europe, it is a Family car. Aside from softer shocks and springs, it would have been cost-prohibitive to change the suspension when Ford brought the Focus over here. If you want to see what Ford took out of it, look at European Ford sites and check out some features and options available there.
Today I ordered a 2002 ZTS with the following options: Automatic, Leather, 6 Disc Changer, ABS (no advace track) and Side Air Bags.
The dealer offered up his invoice to look at immediately. The numbers were exactly what I had gotten off of Edmunds. Not only did he not try to add Advertising fees, he offered to reduce the price by the amount of the holdback since I was ordering. This was all before I presented my offer.
Here are the financial details:
Base/D&D: $14,842
Automatic: 725
Leather: 619
ABS: 356
Side Bags: 312
6 Disc Chgr: 249
Less Holdback:-222
Total $16,881
Now he did mention that besides State tax of 3% and $50 for Tags that there was a $200 Documentation fee in addition to the above cost. Is this charge legitimate, or is he trying to get back some profit here. Any comments on this deal?
However, I never knew a dealer to charge for both tags and documentation. It seems to me that it should be both for one price.
What do others think?
Door locks automatically after reaching 7mph. It will only do it the first time while the engine is running. Example: You hop in your car and back out of the driveway. You start down the road. You hit 7mph and bingo! The doors lock. Lets say that at the next stoplight, you press the unlock button. Doors unlock. You drive off, at 7mph nothing happens (provided you didn't shut off the engine) because it's still on the same engine start cycle. Now if you shut off the engine and then restart, drive off and reach 7mph, the doors lock because it's a new start cycle.