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Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    The latest Consumers Reports Buying Guide for 2001, not the monthly magazine, pans the Focus.
    Even though it is their top rated small sedan, they state," Our top rated small Sedan, if not for it's reliability"
    Adding insult to injury, they do recommend the Echo.
    I find this disturbing as I always base my buying decisions on the CR. Thinking about getting rid of it while the getting is good. Any thoughts?
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    Thanks Pat, it is nice to get support rather than bashing in these forums!
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    You are correct also, some engine computers don't understand the scenario you describe. Although some do like Saabs trionic system, it can cut the engine completely in the event that it senses danger, and then restart when safe...Im sure thier are others as well...
  • razor5razor5 Member Posts: 27
    While waiting for my recall to be fixed on my ZX3, I strolled by the parts department to see if they by chance had Kona replacement parts. In particular, I want the kewl seatcovers. Yes, they are available at $179.00 a pair (two front seats only). While they did not have information on colors, they promised to call me tomorrow after investigating. For you biker dudes, they also have the Mont Blanc bike rack that comes on the Kona version and it's total cost is about $300.
    But lordy would it be kewl on top my black ZX3 with my Trek mounted atop it. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
    Anyone bought the seat covers and know the color options (duh, in case the dealer doesn't)?
  • jimmyfocuszx3jimmyfocuszx3 Member Posts: 65
    Does anyone know if the Euro Interactive Vehicle Dynamics system is the same as our Advance Trac?

    Trek's are ok, but not as slick, even though LANCE rides one.... Maybe he can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

    Anyone read AUTOMOBILE magazine?

    About the new Jetta Wagon after saying it wasn't as big as the Focus wagaon....
    "..... IT will cost about $800.00 more than the regular Jetta GLS 1.8T sedan, putting it at right around $20,000 -- which is considerably more than a Focus wagon, in keeping with VW's opinion of itself in the automotive world."
  • existenzexistenz Member Posts: 8
    The new Audi A2
    http://www.audi.co.uk/newcars/a2/

    (not exactly in the Zx3 price range though:))but I think we can appreciate it
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The A2 is a very interesting engineering and packaging exercise, but to say that most Americans wouldn't "get it" would be a gross understatement. As we all know too well, this is the land of wretched excess, and it seems most people can't spend their money fast enough on the roadgoing equivalent of a hippo wearing a tutu - a chrome and gadget-laden SUV. Audi is smart to not bring the A2 here - they'd wind up using them as service loaners, the way many Ford dealers use Foci.

    If you read only English, and want to keep up on things automotive, I'd recommend subscribing to AutoWeek, Car & Driver, and Automobile. Add Britain's CAR magazine and you'll keep up with the rest of the world, but try to overlook their anti-American (read: envy) bias.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The overrev scenario that killed my friend's M3 was a purely mechanical phenomenon - the electronic engine management system played no part whatsoever. Instead of the engine driving the car, the speeding car drove the engine - way faster than it was designed to go. I don't speak Saab Trionic, but unless it has enough smarts to instantaneously disengage the clutch, you're going to blow up the Saab's engine just as easily.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Well, I guess we have more of an idea of the total picture regarding problems with the zx3 over the past year. It's too bad that Ford fell short relative to the Japanese competition in the reliability category. Hopefully, this won't translate into significantly more time dealing with repairs over the life of the car. But I fear that it looks sorta grim.
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    Overall, how would all you ZX3 owners rate your experience w/ your focus? Good, bad or otherwise?
  • existenzexistenz Member Posts: 8
    But that's pretty bad and wrong, isn't it? Isn't that what we all in a way try to prove by our Zx3's?
    reversion of this Amrican trend is inevitable - gas prices inevitably growing, less space, etc, etc. It is just a matter of time (generations)
  • existenzexistenz Member Posts: 8
    Mine has been fine (bought it last february) Somewhat higher fuel consumption than expected (but I realize it can be atributed to my constant use of a/c)
    Also got a couple of tire punctures in circumstances where it should not have occured (touching a curb at low speed)
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    Anyone have a 2001 with 16 inch Firestone Firehawk tires? Any concerns or comments?
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I've got 'em. I'm assuming that they're not part of the recall. Don't have any info though.
  • lm_shaftlm_shaft Member Posts: 4
    I also have the Firestone 16in Firehawks. I checked out the Firestone site (www.firestone.com) but could only find tips on proper rotation and psi.
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    I don't believe this!!! I just got recall #3 fixed 2 weeks ago. Well, yesterday, I got a postcard from my Ford dealer telling me to come in to fix the recall. So I called them and told them I just took care it less than 2 weeks ago. Well they told me this is yet ANOTHER recall!!!! NOW they have to replace the plastic pillers around the windshield. I live at that dealer I tell you.
    I should of gotten the Toyota Corolla after all :(
  • existenzexistenz Member Posts: 8
    1.Fuel injector sensor
    2. Wheel bearing

    4. now A pillar

    Which was the third?
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    How is the ride with your 16 inch Firehawk tires? Could someone give me this tires model number/designation - Thanks
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Ya, I know about what that does. Was talking about upshifting.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Went thru two Escorts which Consumer Reports rated poorly. Had no problem with either of them. Both were high mileage (over 100,000 miles) when I traded them off. The only conplaint I had is that they both bothered my lower back and sciatic nerve. One has to remember that even the VW Rabbit/Golf fails to get good ratings from CR, BUT I love the way the VW drives. It's a trade off for me. Love the way the ZX3 handles, plus it is snappy. Good engine, good suspension, nice interior, and good looks. Over 20,000 miles and no problems.
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    What's number 3?

    The A pillar is old news. Just been waiting for Ford to design the new replacement. Glad they finally got it out. Will have to call my dealer and tell him to get it off back order.

    Pat
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    I am not even sure what each recall was for EXACTLY, (Hey, I'm female LOL) all I know is that there were 2 recalls before I got the car and 2 after I got it.

    PCleveland~What is the A Pillar? what is wrong with it? Thanks!!
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    True or false? It's my understanding that 2001 ZX3s don't have the pillar or wheel recall. these items have been addressed at the factory?
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    pat, good post on your escort experiences. i had owned a 5spd.2dr.tempo with 144,000 miles when i
    dumped it.this was also a car panned by the consumers mags.my wifes zx2 is a back-killer,seats
    offer no support at all.i have toned down my rants
    recently about the recalls.theres just too much on
    the positive side to like about the z.the fact is
    any make or model at any price can be a lemon.i
    know we have mentioned this before.i agree with you,the car is a lot of fun to drive.that in of itself has finally convinced me to enjoy it for what it is.i will take any future recalls in stride
    and with a cooler head.im going to view it as an
    opportunity to make the car a better and safer vehicle.venting,discussing,different view points,
    exchanging of ideas and other owners support has
    made it a worthwhile investment.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Assuming your car was so equipped:
    1. Cruise control recall
    2. Fuel injection pressure sensor
    3. Rear wheel bearing
    4. A-pillar modification

    For those who don't know, the A-pillar is the forward most roof support, the one on either side of the front windshield. The roof support containing the door striker plate and providing the top anchor for the seatbelt is called the B-pillar. The C-pillar is the roof support on either side of the hatch, mostly hidden by the tail lights on the ZX3. Ford has to replace the hard plastic trim on the interior of the A-pillar with something more resilient, since it has been determined that hitting that trim piece during an accident presents an unacceptably high chance for injury to your noggin.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    concerning the a-pillar recall,i had read that it only pertains to the drivers side being affected.
    seems both sides are constructed of the same material.did i read it wrong?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Don't think that affected to many ZX3. Sure wish it affected mine cause I would have liked the cruise control.

    As to A pillar, Silver Bullet beat me to it with a excellent discription of both the A pillar, B pillar and the C pillar. Thanks Silver Bullet, well done.

    Pat
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    The point I was trying to make is that if CR pans the Focus, then folks like me who base their purchase on the reports will be put off. I think we will suffer on perceived resale value which will be lower due to the 'not recommended' rating.
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    Interesting that you mention the horrible seats in the escort/tracer duo. I have one of each (a 91 and a 95) and the seats are really bad. Talk about sciatica! Otherwise both cars have had 80,000 trouble free miles. Based on these experiences, I'd buy more Ford products. In fact, I just bought a silver X3.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Go to top left corner on this page and clik on Edmunds.com. When edmunds page loads, follow down left side to "safety information" and clik. Follow the instructions. All the recall and technical bulletin information you ever need. Keep up with this and info at "blue oval news" and you will be better informed that your Ford service advisor is, that is unless he's one of us.
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Everybody has told me to take my wallet out when it bothered me, but it never worked. The seating in the ZX3 is not perfect, but it seems better. Still bothers me on a long trip. Maybe us that are bothered by this nerve problem should look into aftermarket seats. But hate to make that kind of investments if it would not help.
    Pat
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    The ZX3 is the first small car I've owned with more than enough leg room for me. The seats aren't bad for me since the upright seating position helps my back more. The good ride helps too.

    The whole package together should be considered for comfort. It fits me ok, and my 50+ year old back doesn't hurt like it used to in my Opel(ouch), Vega (ouch!), Pinto (ouch!!), Horizon (ouch..byebye small cars). I thought I had given up on small cars, but after 10 years of big cars and trucks and climbing gas prices, I took a test drive and...I'm enjoying the ride.

    Charlie
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    It cuts down on road noise. But it creates a new type of noise when you drive on wet roads.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    It is some type of Firestone product - New improved and probably saved Ford a lot of money. That's all anyone has come up with. We will have to wait and see. Mine survived one month of last winter plus all summer and fall to date.
    Pat
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    How is the ride with the 16 inch Firehawk tires that come with the Premium package?
    Could someone give me this tires model
    number/designation - Thanks
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    You guys have got yourselves a pretty useful forum. I spent the better part of the last hour browsing through much of it.

    cgsangel: You're absolutely correct - the focus is the first 'small' car my 6'2 body's been in comfortably. Sitting in my old volkswagen always felt like i were in a suit two sizes small.

    And don't the wheelwell liners make a pretty unusual sound when going over standing water?

    I saw pics of the 2001 model and got upset. Where were those options a few months ago? The zx3's lack of an armrest has been bothering me. Also, I've been looking into an aftermarket hand crank moonroof (to match the windows). I'm still concerned whether it'll work or look quite right. -though the dealer i talked to said i'd be ok at the end of the lease. I'm looking into installing an suv-esque rooftop luggage rack. I think she'd look good with one. And those new 16in wheels are so much nicer than the funky double-five spokes.

    Overall though, I'd say I'm very happy with the car (despite the gas gauge stuck at E problem, an annoying buzzing emanating from the driver's side view mirror, funky, non-folding rear seat cushion, ridiculous brake dust on the front wheels, somewhat lackluster engine, clunky shifter).
    A friend of mine bought a new VW GTI VR6 against my advice (i was pushing her towards a focus hatch), and now regrets it every time i let her drive mine.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    The tire info from the tire reads:
    P205/50 R16 M+S
    Firehawk GTA 02

    As far as the ride. I really don't feel qualified to assess the pros and cons of the ride. They are a much wider tire (and cooler looking) than anything I've had in the past. I assume that if I ever need to round a corner very fast, they have a better chance of holding on to the road. They seem to be a much narrower (from the side) profile compared to anything I've owned. The tag in the car says that they should be inflated to 34 psi. (When I brought the car home from the dealer they all had 30psi in them). Even at 34psi the front tires look kinda flattened out at the bottom, but I assume this is as it should be. The Firestone web site has some info on these tires under their passenger car, performance section.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    i like it. it does make a clunking sound when going
    over wet roads.it seems to dry quickly to the touch. from an appearance perspective i like it better with the felt in the well than without.it
    seems to resist dirt,mud,road salt,and any type of
    staining.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    for rear passengers. which nd noted for 2000 model
    yr. some time back. seems no improvement was made in that area for 2001.
  • tedf3tedf3 Member Posts: 7
    It was worth the wait!

    I just got my 2001 Malibu Blue ZX3, fully loaded. I've been waiting since May, after the 2000 that I ordered came in without power windows, and I had to re-order (from a different dealer, of course).

    The moonroof is great. Having driven a Colt for 13 years, the ZX3 is a luxury car, in my eyes. What with the "Theater Dimming Lights", the remote entry, hydraulic clutch, the power-everything - this is a great vehicle. Though I'm a little worried about the 16" wheels in the snow, after reading some of the posts here, so I'll have to be extra careful this winter. I wish I though about this when I ordered...

    Anyone know whether or not Ford is sending out watches for the 2001's?

    This forum has been an amazing source if information for me. I've made a list of things to look out for (washer fluid, brakes, odd noises, etc). Thanks to all for the info!
  • maikimaiki Member Posts: 27
    I asked this before, but didn't see any answers.

    Who got a 2001 with AdvanceTrac? Is it worth the high price of this option? Do you think it significantly adds to the safety of the car?

    Are the 2001s free of the problems that seemed to have plagued the 2000 model?
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Yes, I too have been driving an '89 Colt and find the ZX3 very luxurious. Of course my '89 Colt has had no significant problems and still has the original exhaust and clutch at 102,000 miles. The only problem it ever had was at about 98,000 I had to replace the computer (I found a used one on the Internet for about 160 dollars...my mechanic told me that he couldn't find a used one and that a new one would cost about 1000 bucks.) Good luck with your new car, my 2001 has only 200 miles on it and so far so good. I have a 5 speed, moonroof and the Premium package.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I don't think enough people have the 2001 (I just got mine a week or so ago) to say yet whether it has been improved in any way. I have not seen any posts from people who went for the AdvaneTrac. It's expensive and I don't think too many ZX3ers as a group will shell out for it.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Do any of you have any experience with the world of double-clutching? Many years ago, a good friend of mine showed me that if you are moving kind of fast and have to get down to second gear quickly, you can quickly depress the clutch, put the car in neutral, let the clutch pedal back up, race the engine, push the clutch back down and employ second gear. When this is done (I would often do this on my '89 Colt and the car still has the original clutch at 102,000 miles) second gear is engaged much more smoothly. I'm wondering if any other stick-shifters have employed this method and have any info or opinions on the procedure.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    'Anyone know whether or not Ford is sending out
    watches for the 2001's?'

    Ted,
    The reason we got the watch is because of the hassle of a recall. Hope you don't get one.
    :>)
  • xgearheadxgearhead Member Posts: 2
    I order a 2001 ZX3 two weeks ago with a promise date of 12/15/00 with the following options:

    Premium Group (16 in wheels et al)
    Power Group (I don't know why)
    ABS (I do know why)
    Traction Control (Just in time for winter)
    Moonroof

    I'll review the advanced trac when it arrives.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    rgreenberg,
    You shouldn't have to double clutch a manual transmission which has "syncro-mesh". But guess you can if you want. Don't think it will hurt the "syncro-mesh". I drive tractor trailer for a living and don't do it in the small vehicles, just in the big ones where it is necessary.
    Pat
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    pcleveland2,
    Hi, well, my old friend (you know, the one we all thought knew just about everything) used to say that the "syncro-mesh" took a workout over the life of the car (particularly where 2nd gear is concerned). He seemed to think that the total life of the clutch could be lengthened if double- clutching was used when downshifting into second (not all the time, but if you were moving into second from fourth, or I guess any rather fast speed for second). I have noted that when double-clutching into second things seem to flow a lot easier. But I guess, you think that it's not worth the effort? Glad to run into a double-clutching knowledgeable person!
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    If you are good at matching revs, double clutching on downshifts will add life to the transmission's synchronizer rings. I learned how to do this properly at the Skip Barber high performance driving school - it is a humbling experience to ride shotgun with a professional driver and watch how easy they make smooth, high speed driving seem.
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    congrats on your new car!! What color did you order?
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