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Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • redzx3redzx3 Member Posts: 16
    Hello i have to say that my zx3 has been doing very good and i'm happy about that .I have a 2001 zx3 with all the toys on it and auto trans, with 25,000 miles on it now .The more miles i put on it the better it runs .
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    I thought some of you might find this interesting: Ford Focus Gets Primo Warranty.


    Revka

    Host

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

  • sacfocus1sacfocus1 Member Posts: 8
    Regarding brake wear, as I stated, the service manager of my dealership stated the mileage on the pad replacement was about average for the foci's they see.
    My previous vehicle was a Toyota pickup 1989, and my first pad replacement was at 75k mi.
    I have a mileage Question though maybe someone can answer. Why does the city mi. jump 4 mpg from 22 city to 26 city on the later models?
    My 2000 usually averages the 22, for a 2 liter 4cyl./auto . My guess is they changed the chips in the engine cpu. or changed the shift points in the tranny.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I, too, would be interested in knowing if ford has changed chips in the cpu or t/mission shift points. IYO, would the change of chip benefit older foci?
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    I had a 2000 and 2001, put about 7,000 miles on each, but sold each due to problems. Ford, by the way, is nice at the dealers, but doesn't really do much to fix problems, unlike Japanese dealers who think your complaints are legitimate and promptly fix them.

    Anyway, twice bitten, you'd think I'd learn, but maybe Ford is getting the bugs out, and the ZX3 was one of the best cars I'd ever driven - ride, handling, comfort, noise, acceleration, and spaciousness.

    So, talk me out of it or into it. A 2003, yeah or nay. I have time - I'd wait until the rebates are juicy again. $500 right now on 2003's doesn't cut it, but Ford has tons of 2002 they are still trying to clear out.

    FYI, the "warranty" is now significantly better, and supposedly the car is quiete, with either better mounts or more sound insulation. Opinions from anybody who has driven a 2003 would help, too.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    "Ford, by the way, is nice at the dealers, but doesn't really do much to fix problems, unlike Japanese dealers who think your complaints are legitimate and promptly fix them."

    Were that the case, perhaps I'd still own a Toyota! I've been back in the Ford fold since 1987 and have found the exact opposite to be true.

    Think its very shaky to make blanket statements about any kind of dealer. I've had some good luck with Ford dealers and bad with Toyota...
  • clayman1000clayman1000 Member Posts: 69
    I know what you mean about wanting to sell/keep your ZX3.
    I also find it to be fun and practical/ nerve racking and frustrating.
    But after replacing my windshield, auto tranny,rotors and pads and now my ignition switch, plus all the recalls, it is time to move on....Also, whenever I hit a moderate bump in the road my right front end thumps all the way down. It is a bad sign when you are on a first name basis with your repair man.
    How can you consider buying another ZX3 when you know the jury is still out for engine fires, air bags problems etc.
    When does it cease to be a bargin.

    I test drove lots of '03s and will change pretty soon. Looking very hard at a Forester. That extra 35 HP really makes a difference.
    The new Hyundai GT is very nicewith a 140 HP engine. All leather seats standard! Power everything. You could do worse. $14,000.

    On the other hand, I have had a great experience with one Ford dealer (Holman)and a horrible experience with another(Pacifico)in my area, Philadelphia.
    Depends on the dealer, not the company.
    Except for the rotors and drum, Ford replaced everything under warranty and did not blink an eye. I give them credit.
    Good luck.
  • danger_cowdanger_cow Member Posts: 5
    Hi all,
    I haven't posted in awhile. I have been enjoying my 2001 focus. had a couple of recalls, one which they still cannot fix. Fixed the wheel bearings, Tried to fix the door unlocking and locking while driving (this is still happening)
    other than that the car has been fine. Today however as I pulled into my parking spot at home I tried to take the key out of the ignition...you guys want to guess what happen next......the key is still there I am going to have to tow it to the dealer to get them to take it out. I know this is a problem with some Focuses and I was waiting to see when it would happen to me :) My wife and I are going to be buying a SUV next year. We thought about the Explorer but after my experience with the Focus and Hers with a Contour...NEVER NEVER NEVER again will i buy a ford. I love the focus and i will drive it till it wont go anymore, but Ford will never see a dime of my money again...
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    does anyone know if 2001 foci have "smart" air bags?
    Or, do they just have the regular kind. Thanks
  • rmsabcrmsabc Member Posts: 17
    i have a 2000 focus
    the am radio has to be replaced for second time
    key interlock has to be replaced, you can pull key out and alarm still goes off

    new problem is car does not take bumps well
    dealer drove on smooth pavement and says is ok

    when you drive on bumps you have to hold onto steering wheel,, car use to take bumps really well now it feels like a cougar does any one have this problem

    what should i do

    i have 6 year extended warranty that kicks in 60 days any thoughts
  • magnetophonemagnetophone Member Posts: 605
    I have had the problems with the ignition and the suspension that you have. My car is out of warranty now. Every time I drive my car, I am afraid of it but can't really afford to get rid of it.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    My 2001 w/ 10,000 miles on it has been trouble free and very solid. However, lately when driving over irregular surfaces the hatch seems to "jiggle". It's the only way i can describe it.
    Does anyone else have problems w/ loose hatches?
    tia
  • rmsabcrmsabc Member Posts: 17
    saw your posting on same problem

    on the suspension problem, what does the dealer say it it, i have 2 months on warranty then extended warranty.
  • magnetophonemagnetophone Member Posts: 605
    The dealer told me that it was a bent alloy. Well I replaced the alloy out of my own pocket and it still acts up.
  • hauschildhauschild Member Posts: 62
    Just turned 10 grand on my black 2002 3. No problems to report.

    The good news is that my last 5 tanks of gas in city driving has averaged around 30 mpg. Highway seems to fluctuate between 32 - 36, with 32 occurring when I'm bucking a strong wind.

    Also, I haven't noticed any squeaking or anything with my brakes, so I'm not sure what all the fuss with the brakes is. Maybe I won't notice it until after 20,000?

    No squeaks, rattles or the like, either. I'd have to say that so far, it seems to be a phenomenal car for the money. I always find myself in amazement when I'm zipping around with the tunes blasting that this car only cost me 12 grand!
  • fred147fred147 Member Posts: 1
    I am interested in either the golf or focus. After hearing all the horror stories and am leaning more towards the golf. Has the 2003 focus addressed the problems that has plagues the previous models.
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    But I've been very happy so far with my 2002. Most of the problems seem to have been taken care of from the earlier model years.

    -Dyn
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    and I think it is a fantastic car for the money. I have a ZX3 with the S2 package. I think it rides and handles great and have had no fit and finish problems. One recall, but who cares, it took a half hour of my time to have it fixed. The only thing I wish is that it was a little faster. In spring I am thinking about getting something a little bigger and faster. Or I nay keep the ZX3 and turbo it. That would be fun. Anybody have any good info on putting a turbo on a focus? To bad we don't get the turbo Focus RS like in Europe - that would be fun! just my thoughts.
  • vinceburlappvinceburlapp Member Posts: 64
    Look at the next all new Cavalier. Hatchbacks might reach the US a year later.

    http://www.thehollywoodextra.com
  • dragon3dragon3 Member Posts: 8
    Hi, I'm interested in replacing my '88 escort gt
    with a zx3 w/ auto trans.Any owners out there with
    this setup?
  • alantpoolalantpool Member Posts: 12
    I bought a 2002 in July, ZX3 Premium with auto as the only option. Love it. 8000 miles and no problems so far...MPG is around 26, not as good as I hoped, but it should improve (crossing fingers). Plus it was out the door for $11,500 with only the factory rebates.

    al
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I've a 2001 w/ an automatic. Never had any problems w/ it. Get 28MPG consistently. Kinda disapointing mileage but guess that's the penalty one pays for convenience. Always had a stick and miss it but once I get in traffic I'm glad I have the auto and love it.
  • trevatreva Member Posts: 39
    I'm still going great with my 2000 zx3 w/auto. With 24000 miles now, it's still a very smooth shifter, and cruises very well at 75 mph. As the others have said, the mpg ain't amazing at 25-26, but then again I'm always quick off the stopline.

    I'm continuing to "squint" at new car designs, with the possibility of trading mine in before the warranty expires next June, but so far I'm having trouble finding new cars that satisfy my criteria, including internal head/leg room for my 6'3" frame, and trunk carrying capacity. The closest I've seen is the VW Golf TDI which I've rented in Germany a few times and liked a lot. A little more expensive I know.

    But my zx3 will do just fine until then. I think it's still a great car, the seats are still supportive on long trips, and the sound system remains sweet on the ears.

    treva
  • markregelmarkregel Member Posts: 32
    I knew about the recalls when I purchased my 2000 ZX3 5-spd (purchased used as a salvage title!), and don't regret it for a minute! This car has the best road-feel and handling of any I have driven. It's the first car I truly find fun to drive. I'm a conservative middle age driver, but can't help carving out fast turns in the ZX3. Twisty mountain roads in Colorado are a blast! Despite the good handling, the ride is smooth and composed. The Zetec engine is smooth, quite and has plenty of power in my opinion. Just finished riding in a friends brand new Nissan Sentra. I didn't tell him, but no way would I trade it for my Focus. The ride was harsh and choppy, and it sits low, like riding in a hole. That's what compelled to write this review. No car I have driven, not even more upscale models like Acura compare to the ZX3 driving experience. Build Quality? I find it to be quite good overall. Gap tolerance is excellent except the rear hatch (Even RX300 has big gaps around the rear hatch!). The dash and switchgear is well laid out and has a quality feel. My only complaint is the interior plastic covering the pillars could be upgraded, but that's a minor thing. The ride feels solid and composed on any road. I find myself talking bumps and railroad tracks at full speed in the ZX3 while slowing down in my other car (a 2003 Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix), Recalls? Most of these recalls are just plain silly, like the rear seat latch that is not "idiot proof". In fact I was upset when the dealer performed recalls without my authorization during an oil change. Ford is quick to do a recall for the smallest problem, which is most likely a result of the media frenzy over firestone tire lawsuits. Can hardly blame the car or company for that. Recalls may be great ammunition for those that love to trash this car, but does not in itself mean a poor quality car. I hear the Focus is the best selling car in the world, and very popular in Europe. Takes a great car to accomplish that I would think? After driving one I can see why! All I say to buyers who simply choose "Consumer Reports" top model is "Your Loss" and enjoy your Toyota Echo. I doubt the Europeans give Consumer Reports so called "non-biased" reviews the time of day. I know this is off the subject, but when the P.T. Cruiser first came out, Consumer Reports totally trashed it. Called it "another example of poor quality from Chrysler". Quite interesting they now list it as #2 on their reliability list. I can't imagine any intelligent person taking anything they say seriously.

    P.S.
    I've have had the "key stuck in the ignition" problem, but this was simply the result of pressure against the steering wheel lock. Simply release the pressure by turning the wheel and you can pull out the key. This can happen with most any car, however the Focus has more steering feedback than most.
  • lashondalashonda Member Posts: 5
    I bought a 2002 focus ZX3 on 9-30-02. The day after I bought the car, I had it idling in the carwash bay and the car died. The car has continued to die while idling, not all the time...just every once in a while. The dealership where I bought the vehicle say that they can't duplicate the problem, therefore there's no fix. The DID replace the fuel pump driver, cleaned the spark plugs and replaced the sparkplug wires. This is my very first brand new car...and I'm scared to death that I've been stuck with a lemon. They have had my vehicle for 5 days now and still no results. They say the car has missed once. I don't know what to do...

    Anybody had this problem???
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Sorry to hear about your vehicle problem. For more feedback, you may also want to post (copy/paste) your message in our ongoing Ford Focus Problems discussion. Good luck in finding a solution.

     

    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    As a long time Zx3 owner and early adoptee (2000)I am happy to report I am the proud new owner of the Elantra GT. Wow, what a bargin.
    The reason I traded my ZX3 in was in part due to the warranty running out in Dec.
    Plus, the key cylinder had to drilled out and replaced because the key just would not turn unless you played with it for a minute or so.
    Add that to a cracked windshield, broken Auto Trans, rotors grinding to dust at 20k miles and all the recalls. Then, there is the studies under way about possible engine fires and suspension control loss. As we say in south philly, forgetaboutit!

    I admit the car was fun to drive and had good get up and go,go,go.

    What I like about the GT is it is larger and with four doors. The rear storage area is huge. All the seats are leather. 6 speaker sound, moonroof, spoiler ...Etc. etc. If you are thinking of changing, research the GT. I'm very happy I did.

    I wish you all good luck with your Focus.
  • sacfocus1sacfocus1 Member Posts: 8
    I commented about brakes many postings ago, but here is the latest. The 45k oil change was due so back to the dealers I went. But Surprise! the front pads were down to 3mm. So, guess what? thats right! new pads and rotors turned, this time I got 19k mi. wear. I swear, I am Not a Maniac driver but this is only the 2nd auto trans. car I have owned, and I live in a Fairly large city, and do maybe 60% city driving.
    Brake job 220$ oil and service 45k, 125$ aggravation? Priceless!
  • focuserrorfocuserror Member Posts: 34
    I have also noted a terrible bouncing and rocking problem with the suspension in the rear of the vehicle. Ford dealer demands $90 for alignment to "diagnose" the problem. This is absurd. The car is still in original warranty and also has 100,000 mile E.S.P. from Ford. The brakes are in terrible shape and squeeking after replacement at 11,000 miles. I have already had the fuel pump replaced as well as multiple other problems. Front page of Detroit News - Focus Article:


    http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0210/13/a01-611243.htm


    There is no excuse for the aggravation of this vehicle.

  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I plan to intstall winter tires (probably goodyear ultra ice grip) on my zx3 this winter on the original 16" rims (I have aftermarket rims w/ summer tires for the warmer months). As you know, the original tires are 205/50/16. I've had a couple of reputable tire dealers tell me that I can use 205/55/16 size tires w/o any problems.
    I'm leary of this advice. I'm afraid of all sorts of problems w/ the increased tire aspect ratio.

    Any opinions out there?
    TIA
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    Just read that they both improve horsepower and mileage. It sounds like it could be too good to be true. Has anyone installed this on their focus and if so, what was the result?

    -Rob
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    The HP boost is negligable. You won't be challenging any Corvettes with this mod. All it does is filter the air less which, while allowing the engine to breathe more freely and increase power, also increases the amount of crap that gets into your engine and will foul your oil faster. More air = better performance. Less filtration = more crap swimming around in your engine. You decide what is most important to you.
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    They breathe better longer if you go long mileage between air filter changes (or services, in the case of the K&N). However, sometimes oil from them can get on your mass-sensor heated wire, and throw the sensor system off (but I haven't had this happen to me, and it may be related to over-oiling the filter when you service it). I have also tried just changing the paper air filter element more frequently - every 10,000 miles - and this is another way to keep the air filter system free flowing.

    It could be a different story if you use the K&N kit that replaces "crooked" factory air delivery systems with a freer flowing system.

    Finally, consider a freer flowing (and somewhat noisier) exhaust. The Magnaflows are pretty good, if noisy under full throttle acceleration. The difference is much greater than an air filter change.

    Don't forget you'll have harder time getting engine related warranty repairs after your modification. The dealers tend to be suspicious of people who "hot rod" their cars. Or buy souped up cars (SVT's?) to begin with.
  • perthosperthos Member Posts: 3
    Greetings all. This is my first post here. I have a 2001 ZX3 with manual transmission with 31K on it. I love this car and I haven't had any problems with it yet. Well, the gas gauge sticks sometimes but that's all. One thing I'm not too happy with is the original tires. Winter, here in Perth Ontario, requires good traction. Last winter I spun out at 25 kph when the tire treads filled with snow and became slicks. So this winter I want snow tires. I'm looking for recomendations on tire brands. Thanks.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    best of luck with your new purchase. ive been pleased with my
    new vehicle these last 18 months. i realize a lot us 2000 owners
    had heaped a lot of praise on the "hatchling", however as some noted,
    parts quality has been a legitimate issue. i know many of us had
    tolerated a lot of inconveniences,probably more so than we would
    have with another vehicle. as has been stated many times , the fun
    factor was very real. you and others know the rest of the story. im
    glad you found a vehicle that should provide you with a pleasurable
    driving experience.again, best of luck to you!
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Glad to hear your 2001 ZX3 is serving you well. ;-)

    For recommendations on snow tires, you may also want to check out some of the tire discussions on our Aftermarket & Accessories board. To start, here's Snow/Ice winter tires. Use your copy/paste so you don't have to re-write your message.

    Please return here to keep us posted on your ZX3 ownership experience. Happy motoring!

    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
  • zx3forlifezx3forlife Member Posts: 3
    How can this be reset?

    I had removed the spark plug covers and when I started up it ran a little rough. Figuring I did't have them on snuggly I redid and drove off. Noticing it a little rough and now the CEL [Check engine light ] came on so I pull over and once angain re do the spark plug caps. Now the engine purrs like it has for the previous 40k but the CEL is still on .
    Can somebody tell me how to reset it without having to go tothe dealer?
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    I posted a response to your same question in our Ford Focus ZX3 problems discussion. Good luck, and please return here to keep us posted on your ZX3 ownership experience.

    Revka
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
  • magnetophonemagnetophone Member Posts: 605
    I am a cheapskate and want to avoid getting a transmission fluid change. The car has 35,000 miles, but they did a transmission fluid check and said it was full and that the fluid looked good. Can I just continue to drive or do I need to get it changed? I don't want to pay 150.00 for a tranny fluid change right now.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    If you don't get a response here soon, you should try asking (copy/paste) your question in our Maintenance & Repair, Transmission Service discussion.


    In addition, you may find some helpful information in Edmunds' Maintenance guide. There, you can look up the manufacturer recommended service intervals, as well as estimated parts and labor costs for your vehicle. Good luck.

     

    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    Pls forgive me but this isn't my usual Focus question. I also have a '95 escort that, only when the air temp is very cold, drips a small amount of antifreeze. About the size of a quarter. Took it to Ford and they put dye in the cooling system and couldn't find any leaks. Never leaks when engine or ambient temp is warm. Could it be a microscopic crack somewhere that expands when the metal is cold and contracts?
    Any ideas? TIA
  • novoqnovoq Member Posts: 26
    Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has named the Ford Focus ZX3 “Best in Class” among cars priced under $16,000 in its December 2002 Special Auto Issue.


    http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13661

  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Wow! When did you read that?
    While you were in the local FORD dealers repair shop waiting room, having recall number 11 fixed??? Or maybe by the light of your engine fire?
    If anything that puts Kiplingers in a bad light.

    Someone should direct Kiplingers to this site:
    http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0210/13/a01-611243.htm

    Or better yet, read the messages on this board.

    Talk about trying to make lemonade out of a lemon.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    fgaydos, please.
    You've been on this boards long enough to know the answer.

    The Focus IS the best handling and riding car in the class, period!

    I understand your dissatisfaction with the '00 model. A lot of us, the early adopters, got screwed up big time by the FoMoCo's launching mistakes.
    It's a different story now. The newest owners are quite satisfied with the initial quality.
    I'm pretty sure it would be a different story if you gave the Focus a second chance and purchased the '03 model.
    Again, I understand your feelings.
    But please, don't make outrageous assumptions.
    It does nothing but puts you in a bad light.
  • danger_cowdanger_cow Member Posts: 5
    My 2001 Focus recently stranded me in the backwoods of NJ. In the beginning of my trip my auto door locks started cycling (closing and opening, while driving), it was an effect that is similar to me pressing the remote of my alarm to lock or unlock the car. I pulled over and turned the car off when I went to restart the car the alarm remote would not disengage the alarm and I could not start the car. I had to have it towed to a Ford dealer, the alarm guy there had to cut the wire which went from the alarm to the starter and take out the fuse for the door locks to get it started. I will be taking the car to the dealership today to see if they can find the problem. P.S. this has been going on, on and off from the day I bought the car. The dealer tried to fix it twice but the problem is still here. Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this problem?
    Thanks all.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    I heard some cars have wiring problems in the A-pillar which affect the door-lock function.
    BTW, some dealers are better than others.
    Unable to fix a problem? There's no excuse for that.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I, too, was concerned about excessive realls even though I had only one (rear wheel bearings). So, I called ford's toll free ph.no. and gave them my vin number and found out that, as of now, there are no recalls for my vehicle. If ford's to be believed, they probably know the recall and associated vin numbers before most others. Anyway, thought it's no guarantee I feel I've done all that can be done to this point and feel better knowing that my vehicle is not being recalled now.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    I stand by my statement..
    I have driven both the Focus and the Hyundai Elantra GT and I can say without doubt the GT is far and away a better car. This is a car in the Focus' class.
    PS
    Here is yet ANOTHER recall about to happen:

    Ford's Focus Under the Microscope...Again
    The officially beleaguered Ford Focus -- already the subject of 12 recalls -- could be recalled again if a current safety investigation gets kicked up one more notch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the Focus for engine stalling problems, and recently elevated that investigation to an engineering analysis. If the NHTSA determines there is a problem, it could demand the 13th recall for the popular lineup of hatchbacks, sedans and wagons that has won several enthusiast best-of awards. The NHTSA has received about 3,000 complaints of engine stalling thus far, and links them to 16 accidents.

    Source: Edmunds Hatchback Newsletter.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Hi all. This has nothing to do with my Focus, but since I feel that you are all my fellow Focus buddies, here goes.

    I have a Tercel with 95,000 miles...no problems in its 10 year life so far, until today.

    Local mechanic (I don't know him well) says that the car failed inspection and needs an 02 sensor. As in Oxygen sensor. He says that it will cost me about 500 bucks to replace this.

    Does this sound reasonable? Do these sensors fail? I've never had a car fail inspection, and have never had to replace this before on any car.

    Any info would be appreciated.

    Thanks
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