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One last point, the only time ABS brakes are not a plus are when dealing with loose surface conditions such as sand or snow. Since most people aren't going to take a ZX5 off roading, I think the only reason (other than expense) not to get ABS would be if you deal with alot of snow covered road situations.
The 2.3 seemed to have noticably more power, even w the AT (that perception may have been enhanced w the kickdown shifting of the AT). However, I thought the interior layout & driver's seat in O5 was better. The 05 seat definitely had more bolstering, actally felt a bit tight & I am only 5'8" & 155 lbs. The 04 seat was felt flat, almost shapeless.
I have been seriously considering replacing my 92 Civic Si hatch w the Focus. However, I would be much more apt to get a Focus if they offered the 2.3 in the 05 ZX5. I hope Ford will reconsider its engine availablity for the ZX5 in 06. Is there any Ford site where someone might listen?
Mazda 2.3 has a bit more HP & less torque. The MZ3 5spd feels significanly more precise the the Focus. Not sure if there is any differences in ATs. I found the Focus AT is very smooth & responsive
From what I can read, the 2.0 is a just adequate for this car & the 2.3 far better. Unfortunately it looks like the 2.3 is only available in 04 Zxs.
So I would love to hear comments from owners with ZX5s that have both 2.0 & 2.3 with AT & manual tranny.
2.0 owners, do you often wish from more power?
What real world mileage are people getting with either engine?
Thanks
My commute is about 60-70 miles per day, round trip. Mainly rural 4 lane roads and urban interstate. I've been averaging 30MPG for most of this time - not bad, but there are times I wish the gas tank was just a little bit larger. I can go back and forth to work for an entire week if I don't go anywhere else.
Would I like the extra 15-20 HP the 2.3 brings to the table? Who wouldn't? Do I absolutely need it? In my opinion, nope.
(Of course, I have two other cars in my household, a 180HP Saturn L300 and a 250HP Saturn VUE, so if I need an adrenaline rush, I can drive either one of those.)
As always, YMMV.
Thanks,
-Bob
After literally years of research, my husband and I took delivery of a 2005 Focus SX5 (SES) today. We're pretty happy with the deal we got, and we're not ashamed to say that if it weren't for the reduced prices we probably would have gone in a different direction. But it seems that the Focus' reliability has gotten better with the 2005, and we're pretty confident in our decision.
I look forward to learning more from each of you, and to participating in this community!
I want to buy a Ford 2005 Focus SX5 as well. Could you please tell me how much you get it?
Thanks a lot
For the Family promotion, I focus Focus :shades:
I tested a Ford Focus SX5 yesterday. So disappointed!
Paid $16,500 CDN for a 2005 ZX5 using X-plan and various Ford rebates.
TIA
I'll tell you why I'm not impressed with the Focus: From what I can tell (searching dealer inventories and at fordvehicles.com), the ZX3 and ZX5 hatch versions are available only with BLACK interiors. There are two versions: black-on-black and grey-on-black, both of which have a huge black dashboard in under the windshield that heats up the car something fierce. I understand gray leather is also available, but NO Focus hatchbacks in the U.S. are available with a tan (or other light-colored) interior.
Is my understanding correct? If anyone knows anything different, please enlighten me. Between cash back of $2500 and the employee pricing, the price of the Focus can't be beat. My last three cars have been Fords, so I am comfortable with the brand, but from what I've seen, the interior of the Focus hatchbacks is hideously dark.
This isn't just Ford, either; it's all of them. For instance, a Hyundai salesman assured me the bench portion of the Elantra back seat didn't move and the only folding part was the seat back. He was practically bragging that he went to dealer training and was shown every feature of the car. I then proceeded ot pop the rear bench up and fold it forward, enabling the rear seat back to fold flat.
But enough ranting. I came to this thread because I was just wondering what the gray-on-black really looks like. If someone could post pictures of a gray-on-black (I think it's called "light flint") interior, or a gray leather interior, from a ZX3 or ZX5, I would appreciate it. Or if you have an honest-to-goodness 05 Focus ZX3 or 5 with a tan interior, let me know.
I'll stop by a dealer to check it out.
It's not that I bought this car for the mileage, but, with so little power from its 2.0 engine, I'm looking for something to balance it.
I don't mean to bash the Focus, it was a good buy.
Does anyone have any more information on the down payment matching mentioned above? I figure I'm about a grand under water to get out of my lease early and if I could "split the difference" with the matching the numbers could work.
Now, just have to wait for it to stop raining so I can go see if they can actually find the car.
Thanks
I guess that because DRL is mandatory in Canada, all Focus come wired for it. I found out that all that's needed is the addition of a relay in the electrical box under the hood.
The relay has Ford part # 4F1Z-14089-AA. I got it for $25 and is as easy to install as just dropping it in its socket (see the Owner's Manual).
My car's now got DRL.
I had somebody at my dealership look at it and their computer was reading 26 mpg :confuse: . Considering this, I think there is something wrong with the engine management module and I am going to ask them to replace it. After all, I bought a small car not a small truck or SUV.
TIA
So far, after 1000mls (i.e., the typical break in period), my Focus is still guzzling more than its due share: between 23 and 26MPG in my commute. My Intrigue (3.5 V6, 3500lbs.) and my Bonneville (3.8 V6, 3700lbs.) get 22 to 24MPG in my commute. Shouldn't I expect better mileage from a 2.0 I4, 2700lbs car?
I think part of the reason for the longer breakin period is that many new cars have "adaptive technology" where it looks at how you drive and then optimizes the engine computer and transmission shift points based on what it sees.
But the more astonishing of all is the Corvette: it can easily average 27MPG on the highway, with 400HP to tap.
Your comparing the MPG on a commute to work to the MPG on a trip across the country. Apples to Oranges.
>>> But the more astonishing of all is the Corvette: it can easily average 27MPG on the highway, with 400HP to tap.
If you gear anything tall enough it will get 1000 MPG. The Vette has enough torque that they can put a real tall final gear in it.
I posted other times that I get the same mileage in my Focus when commuting as in my Bonneville and Intrigue, cars almost 1000lbs heavier and more powerful. Oranges to oranges.
Bottom line: the Focus is a little gas guzzler. :lemon: My case is not exceptional, but, apparently, the norm, given so many posts reporting similar numbers.