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Ford Focus Wagon

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Comments

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    The Mazda3 resides on the European Focus platform . The US well have to wait until the 2009 or 2010 model year to get it. Ford apparently thinks the Focus is selling well enough that they don't need the new platform here.

    The Volvos S40 also is on the same Mazda3/European Focus platform.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    the Euro Focus platform was never ment to come to us as a Focus, it is way to expensive.

    The next gen will come to us as the cost of the platform has amortized over the pass few years since it was introduced.

    Only the Focus and the Civic offer independant rear suspension in this size catagory (maybe the colbalt, not sure).

    Corolla and Sentra both have cheaper torshen beam rear suspensions

    With Fusions SEs buyable at $18k, Ford does not need $18k Focus.

    Mark.
  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    Are the fusions as good as the Focus?
  • 0311vn0311vn Member Posts: 47
    My '01 Focus wagon will be six years old in Sep. It now has 83K on it. Last year in my post titled 'Focus repairs at 60K' I noted that a radiator fan went out that required the entire fans unit to be replaced at a cost of $670. at Phil Long Ford in Colorado Springs as I was on my way back from Detroit to San Diego. The good news is that has been the only major repair I've had done to my Focus since buying it new in Detroit in Sep 01.

    On the highway the Focus still gets in the low 30s mpg; the best tankful I ever averaged was just under 34 mpg driving west to east with the wind at my back thru NM and TX.

    I recently rented a Ford Escape while visiting in Detroit and it made me somewhat glad that I bought a Focus wagon and not an Escape. I've read that a Focus wagon has more cubic feet of interior cargo space than an Escape; with the rear seat down in a Focus I can believe it.

    Overall I would give my Focus a B minus for its reliability, gas miliage, and its usable interior space with the rear seat down. For a non-luxury. quasi-ultilitarian car I believe a B minus after six years of use is a decent grade. I would probably not buy another Focus only because I would prefer a somewhat larger car with my next purchase.
  • fordwagon67fordwagon67 Member Posts: 10
    This is very sad...

    I'm glad I got a Dark Red 2007 SES Wagon in Nov '06.

    The engineering and build quality are inferior (in varying degrees)to my wifes 2003 VW Jetta Wagon in every meaningful way with the exception of steering feel and roominess.

    But...I wanted to put my money where my mouth is and buy American. I'm very proud to drive a Ford built by the good folks at the Wayne, Michigan plant. I hope I can be a part of helping them keep their jobs with decent benefits.

    We must do what we can to save Ford!

    If they bring the next gen Focus here from Europe,and make it in the USA, then it will be my next car even if it cost more than a made-in-Mexico-Gen-X-tacky/shiny-tailight-the-h,e,double hockey sticks-with-the-American-worker Fusion!!!!!!!!!!

    Are you listening Ford????!!!!!!!

    You are listening. To the utter silence of most Americans who don't know or care where their cars are made as long as they can get leather and a nav system for $299/month.
  • scole1scole1 Member Posts: 4
    I would agree with the quality assessment. I was very close to buying a VW rabbit however for much less money I got leather interior etc in my 2007 SES wagon and yes better steering and a lot of extra room. A $370can after market Garwin GPS and $200 for Scangauge2 gave me all the navigation and trip computer features you could want.

    I just finished a long road trip and got ( 6.6L /100km) which I think is about 36.6 mpg us through serious mountains no less and the cars not even broken in yet and I am an enthusiastic driver. I found the car very comfortable with fewer rattles,less road and wind noise than the Corolla I tested before and super handling through the twisted mountain roads.

    Yes there were some poor assembly issues. The left passenger door required a strip of tape to remove a noise( I used the same tape that I noticed they used for the Rabbit doors) and some of the trim needed a little attention but I must say it's a friendly car. The Rabbit also had some assembly issues I might add.
  • fordwagon67fordwagon67 Member Posts: 10
    Hi,

    My 2007 SES ZXW has developed a very slight knocking/rattle in the front end that I feel at low speeds. Almost like a VW Golf with 128,000 miles and bad upper strut bearings.
    Except my car has 8,000 miles.

    Anyone experience this?
  • smithj86smithj86 Member Posts: 1
    My wagon, with about 80,000 miles had a similar problem. It turned out to be a broken coil spring and strut assembly.
  • lenwicklenwick Member Posts: 23
    I thinking of pulling my boat about 30 miles and back.It is about 800lbs has anyone done this Thanks
  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    what are you pulling it with?
    when I bought my 03 ZTW the salesguy said I could pull 1000
    pounds. I would think that would be on flat ground though.
    Don't know how it would be on hills.
  • sorioldsoriold Member Posts: 2
    Hi there:

    My wife and I are planning another camping trip and need to rent a car as our old For Taurus Station Wagon (1995) seems to have severe transmission issues and we do not want to kill it.

    We can either rent another Taurus Wagon or save quite a bit of money and get a Focus Wagon. I have done tons of research online trying to find comparisons of the storage volume of the two cars without much luck. What I have found are the following numbers:

    Taurus Wagon capacity:
    38/81 cft (rear seats up/down)

    Focus Wagon capacity:
    36/55 or 73 cft

    My problem lies in the 55 or 73 cubic foot difference as it is quite a lot. Does anybody know how a Focus Wagon compares to the Taurus Wagon? Maybe somebody has experience loading both cars... I know that the Taurus has tons of space but how much smaller is the Focus Wagon?

    Thank you so much in advance!

    Stefan
  • sorioldsoriold Member Posts: 2
    Hi there:

    My wife and I are planning another camping trip and need to rent a car as our old For Taurus Station Wagon (1995) seems to have severe transmission issues and we do not want to kill it.

    We can either rent another Taurus Wagon or save quite a bit of money and get a Focus Wagon. I have done tons of research online trying to find comparisons of the storage volume of the two cars without much luck. What I have found are the following numbers:

    Taurus Wagon capacity:
    38/81 cft (rear seats up/down)

    Focus Wagon capacity:
    36/55 or 73 cft

    My problem lies in the 55 or 73 cubic foot difference as it is quite a lot. Does anybody know how a Focus Wagon compares to the Taurus Wagon? Maybe somebody has experience loading both cars... I know that the Taurus has tons of space but how much smaller is the Focus Wagon?

    Thank you so much in advance!

    Stefan
  • danzigdandanzigdan Member Posts: 50
    I'm looking for a car to replace my Aztek that is still functional and still has room. I just missed out on a killer deal on an 2005 Focus wagon.

    A question for owners.....does the seat position bother you on long trips? I'm 6'2 215. I've driven a Focus ZX5 and the seat position was fine. I sat (not drove) in a wagon and it feels like the seat is sitting on the floor. It gave me a weird feeling.

    Does that bother anyone?

    --Dan
  • orcishorcish Member Posts: 9
    On both the Focuses (Foci?) I have owned, the drivers seat is adjustable up and down via a rotating knob. It works fine for me. My dad is about 6' 2" and has no problems with his either.

    Cordially,

    Steven Thomas
  • danzigdandanzigdan Member Posts: 50
    Steven,
    Thanks. Come to think of it I remember there being a knob like that on my mother's ZX5. I never thought to look on the wagon---I just thought, "wow, it feels like I'm sitting on the ground".

    I'm not used to that because my Aztek has no height adjustment, but I can recline the seats so far back that I could probably sleep in them. There's a feature! ;)

    -Dan
  • lenwicklenwick Member Posts: 23
    Well i just pulled my boat that weights about 1000lb with my focus wagon.No problem doing 55 mph it pulled easy in overdrive.No matter what i ask from this focus it does it.i have over 21000ks on it and no problems at all
  • danzigdandanzigdan Member Posts: 50
    Are 2003 Focus models considered "past the hump" of many of the problems that plagued early Focuses? I really want a wagon with the 2.3 engine (I'm in NY so they are available here).
  • orcishorcish Member Posts: 9
    I had a 2003 Sedan and never had any problems with it. The ONLY reason I traded it in for my 2005 wagon was that I needed the extra room the wagon offered for cargo.I am very happy with my wagon, but i kind of miss the uniqueness of the 03's dash and front end.

    Orc
  • danzigdandanzigdan Member Posts: 50
    I was looking at a 2003 wagon and it seems pretty loaded. But it's an SE and not a ZTW. I really can't figure out what it could be missing vs. the ZTW edition. It seems to have everything.
  • lenwicklenwick Member Posts: 23
    I have a ZXW its loaded leather heated seats 6disk eagle tires we love it best car we have evry had
  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    I believe that the ZTW is just the designation for the bigger engine. Thats what the sales guy told me anyway.
  • retiredguyretiredguy Member Posts: 67
    Both 2003 wagon models had the 130 hp engine. The other model cars did have different engines 110/130 & what ever the svt had. The ZTW had std cruise control, tachometer, adjustible lumbar suport in the driver's seat (which kills me..have to use a thin cushin). There maybe other items as well..
  • hokusfocushokusfocus Member Posts: 6
    can anyone tell me how much to expect to pay for a timing belt replacement on my 2000 Se wagon? I will be going the whole route with waterpump and tensioners & pullys, etc.
    Thanks
  • zombietom3zombietom3 Member Posts: 74
    The repair shouldn't be that different from my car to yours. '97 Escort wagon timing belt and water pump with R&R for about $600, at an independent mechanic, not Ford dealer. I would guess at least $200 more at dealer. Mine was done at 120k miles just because it was certainly time and it's better to do it before it fails on the road. Sounds like you know the reason for doing the water pump at the same time is just because it makes sense. It's a very low labor add-on after the serious R job to get at the timing belt.
  • kcrosskcross Member Posts: 4
    I have owened focus wagons since they were escorts. 93, 97, and 03. I have thought for the price and functionality they were the best. I tow a 1000 pound pop up camper. Unfortunatly my 97 died and I needed a new one. Even with Fords market share dropping they decided they did not want this part of the market when they stopped the wagon. Many replacement either were much more expensive or under powered 2.0l. I last week found a jeep compass. price(16000), power(175hp),and the look of a wagon and not SUV(Shiity,ugly,vehicale) . I am very happy to find a replacement
    kcross
  • jgirl4jgirl4 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 Focus Wagon ZTW that has just developed electrical problems. I have replaced the ignition tumbler/module as it locked up one day and wouldn't let a key turn. I have replaced the electronics for the wipers as the wipers would stop working intermittently. Now I am about to have my first alternator replaced as there is a significant electrical problem. The battery light will come on and then turn off. I have had the electrical system checked but the problem is intermittent thus it has been difficult/impossible to really know what is going on. If you ignore the battery light, the car will begin shutting down, first the lights go out, then the dash goes out then the fuel injector, then the power steering and then the car stops running. I am concerned as this all started this week but the car is four years old with 58,000 miles. I have been reading what others are writing and worry about continued electrical problems.

    Suggestions on what to do with the current problems? Is this the alternator or am I having an expensive repair done that will do little to solve my problem
  • leepnowleepnow Member Posts: 3
    While Im not a particular fan of Goodyear Tires, I have to tell you I found some that are amazing--great handling, better ride, and certainly beats the hydroplaning and drift from wind. They are the Comfortreds, and while not cheap, they have made an amazing difference in my 06 wagon. They have a gel layer between the treds, 80K warranty, and less edge squirm. I've had mine for nearly 15K miles and they look like brand new. One caution though, you MUST get them rotated every 4-5K miles or you wont get the rated mileage. A friend of mine has had hers for 60K and they are still handling great. Also, if you go to a Goodyear Gemini factory store, they are pretty good about their allowances for trading yours in against these tires.
  • rdebackerrdebacker Member Posts: 1
    I have had just had this same problem. I was driving county back roads with no shoulder and the just lights went off. Unfortunately, I did not quite make it home. I need to get this fixed ASAP. Have you learned anything. Thanks.
  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    I havent been able to tell where the noise is coming from, but this sounds familiar. I've got 80k on my 03 ZTW. I guess Ishould check this out .
  • jimtxjimtx Member Posts: 3
    Maybe the 55 is for the hatchback and 75 is for the wagon. Just doing a crude measurement for my hatchback gets me in the ballpark of 55.
  • phishloverphishlover Member Posts: 4
    Sorry, probably too late for the camping trip, but better late than never!

    I loaded my new sofa and loveseat into and on top of my wagon with ease. I had my little brothers Isuzu SUV and we could not fit it into the small opening on it and I decided to just use my wagon. The salesman and helpers thought I was crazy while purchasing/loading it, but as they saw me drive off they thought I was a "Genius". I also recently gave away an old sofa to a friend with a newer Taurus wagon, which had a much smaller opening in the rear but more space inside above, and probably fore and aft, of the couch than my wagon. We had a very hard time fitting the pieces of the couch into his car.

    I find it odd nobody mentions the numerous outstanding little features of the Fords. Like the fact that most are much easier to maintain/repair than foreign and even other domestics. For example the serpentine belt on all my Fords has been simple to replace on my own. Other makes I can not say the same thing about. I also love the steering effort on my wagon since all Focii only have to turn the steering wheel about 1/2 the amount of all other vehicles. And I could go on and on. And the I also have yet to drive another make of vehicle which feels as nice, and perfect, to me

    I Love my '05 ZXW SES 35,000mi.
  • phishloverphishlover Member Posts: 4
    Sorry, probably too late for the camping trip, but better late than never!

    I loaded my new sofa and loveseat into and on top of my wagon with ease. I had my little brothers Isuzu SUV and we could not fit it into the small opening on it and I decided to just use my wagon. The salesman and helpers thought I was crazy while purchasing/loading it, but as they saw me drive off they thought I was a "Genius". I also recently gave away an old sofa to a friend with a newer Taurus wagon, which had a much smaller opening in the rear but more space inside above, and probably fore and aft, of the couch than my wagon. We had a very hard time fitting the pieces of the couch into his car.

    I find it odd nobody mentions the numerous outstanding little features of the Fords. Like the fact that most are much easier to maintain/repair than foreign and even other domestics. For example the serpentine belt on all my Fords has been simple to replace on my own. Other makes I can not say the same thing about. I also love the steering effort on my wagon since all Focii only have to turn the steering wheel about 1/2 the amount of all other vehicles. And I could go on and on. And I also have yet to drive another make of vehicle which feels as nice, and perfect, to me

    I Love my '05 ZXW SES 35,000mi.
  • grantyellsgrantyells Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 ZTW wagon and had the exact same problem. It shut off for the first time last night and I can't get it to turn on and stay on without it happening again. I'm afraid to drive it for fear of being stranded. Did you ever get it fixed/ find out what the problem was?
  • lenwicklenwick Member Posts: 23
    We have had our 2006 Focus Wagon since new all that has gone wrong is i headlight .Ive pulled my bass boat about 1200lbs easy.The milage is very good never under 30 miles a gallon.Im sorry Ford dropped the wagon
  • geronimo1geronimo1 Member Posts: 1
    on rte 93 south of Boston early evening-
    behind blue Focus wagon, in right lane, 20mph, go to pass, he speeds up to 60 (????) :confuse:
    Couple of times. Decided he was a fruitcake. For laughs, ( as I was taking next exit), blew his doors and ears off and took my exit.
    Since when can a Focus wagon take a supercharged Lightining? Yuk Yuk Yuk :P
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    It can take one all day and twice on Sunday at the gas pump.

    Keep sending that gas money to the middle east. ;)
  • canadamocanadamo Member Posts: 2
    there's a major problem with the rear brakes - apparently the hand brake cable is seized in the rear brakes and this has influence on the bearings. Has anyone had any such experience? This will be quite expensive to fix but according to mecanic car can't be driven without repairing. My problem is that I want to change/buy a newer car and this is happening at a very bad time. Car is 2001, has been great up to now and has 232000kms so its time I feel to get something else. Anyone else has kept a 2001 wagon longer?
    thanks
    Canadamo
  • canadamocanadamo Member Posts: 2
    there's a major problem with the rear brakes - apparently the hand brake cable is seized in the rear brakes and this has influence on the bearings? Has anyone had any such experience? This will be quite expensive to fix but according to mecanic car can't be driven without repairing. My problem is that I want to change/buy a newer car and this is happening at a very bad time. Car is 2001, has been great up to now and has 232000kms so its time I feel to get something else. Anyone else has kept a 2001 wagon longer?
    thanks
    Canadamo
  • checdwchecdw Member Posts: 2
    I have try the back button to operate the Hatch but doesn't do anything. I have unlock all doors and no respone, is there something that need to be programed? or am I missing something, remote control operation work, front panel button work. But not the back buttom.
  • krashkadillakkrashkadillak Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 ZTW. Intermittant operation of hatch release button on the dash is a very common problem with the Focus. Sometimes mine works, sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, I just press the hatch release on my key fob.
    Marshall
  • checdwchecdw Member Posts: 2
    Marshall:

    Thank you for the comment, but the button that I am talking with the issue is the one in the actuall door, is a ruber cover button, that I think it should open, but in my 04 is not working.

    Regards
    Edgar
  • retiredguyretiredguy Member Posts: 67
    I have a 2003 ZTW...it's rubber covered button doesn't work any more..Since the fob and inside button work I have not tried to get it fixed..
  • pepe11pepe11 Member Posts: 41
    hello,
    I was wondering if someone could help me. I bought a new Ford Focus after negotiating a price at a dealership here in NJ. When I reviewed the invoice I saw that the sale price was $200 higher than we had negotiated. Salesman explained that it includes the $200 charge for window etching which qualifies me for a % discount off on my comprehensive insurance. The $200 was actually added to this dealership's printed invoice. I said ok, but...when I went to pay for the car and met with their closer (you know - the person that tries to sell all the extra warranty and stuff), she offered me window etching. I mentioned that I already paid for it. She hesitated and then explained that this was a "more comprehensive" etching policy. What the heck does that mean. I know I should have asked but instead I just said no. I looked at my windshield and do not see any signs of etching. Does anyone know how I can be assured that I got what I paid for? Thanks in advance for any advice.
  • rapidrickrapidrick Member Posts: 70
    Hey pepe11, the cretins are trying to rip you off. Sounds like they did. Chalk it up to experience. Write a nice letter to Ford in Michigan and courtesy copy the stealership. Let them know you have a bad taste in your mouth from purchasing your Ford from the scammers at the NJ dealership. Be civil and state the facts. Let them know this is experience will be remembered, and you will let all your friends and acquaintances know as well.
    Be rational, cool, and factual. Be confident that YOU will have the last laugh. Don't get mad, get even.
    It's sad that cretins like this, who are desperate to move cars currently, are scamming customers. They are sad beings, not worthy of our pity, remorse, or time. There are lots of pros who sell cars, but apparently not at said dealership.
    One letter and be done with them.
    Probably be a good idea to stay away from that stealership, as well. You don't have to get your car serviced there--you can choose any Ford dealer you want.
    Good luck.
  • jaimecollazojaimecollazo Member Posts: 1
    Hello, My name is Jaime , I have a ford focus wagan sinse 1999. I bought it new with 9 miles wow it was a great car I loved it. @ 77,000 miles my car just started making this loud noise and shutting off and shaking.My car was always cared for she was my baby.I took my car to a Ford dealer and the mech. told me that it has a blowby that means oil was getting into everywhere,That I would need a new engine. I was just wondering it this has ever happen to anyone else @ 77.000 miles or any miles ? Jaime
  • rapidrickrapidrick Member Posts: 70
    Jaime,
    Blowby? Oil everywhere? Need more info, no clue what you are talking about.
    It's been a month since your post...what happened?
  • orcishorcish Member Posts: 9
    November 22nd I hit a deer in my 2005 Focus Wagon. No one but the deer was hurt, but both airbags deployed and the car was totaled. I thought I was going to have to get a VW wagon, nice but at almost $30,000 more than I wanted to spend.

    My brother directed me to the car search website at my local credit union, and I found an entry for a used wagon about 80 miles away. I went down to look at it and found it was a 2006, same trim, SES, and same color, Light Tundra Green, as my old wagon!

    The only differences are the interior, black where my old was tan, and only 36,700 miles. My old wagon had over 107,000. (I drive a lot!) I bought it on Nov. 30th, and have loved it ever since.

    The 06 has traction control, where the 05 didn't, but that is about the only mechanical difference. Wish it had heated seats and heated mirrors, but I guess you can't have everything.
    ;)
  • dpj0711dpj0711 Member Posts: 1
    I have this same problem with a 2000 model. Just started happening within the last few days (weather has been frigid in the teens in NC). It usually frees up after the car has warmed for 5 minutes. Does anyone else have this problem or a clue as to what might be causing it/fix for it?
  • focuswagonfanfocuswagonfan Member Posts: 1
    I've got a 2006 focus wagon, and had the same problem...tried replacing tires and no help. Anyone else?
  • steffmmsteffmm Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2010
    I am looking at upgrading from a 03 Dodge Neon to something with a little more space. Any big issues that I should know about or reasons to shy away from buying a 2006 Focus 5 door hatchback with a manual transmission and 33000 miles on it?
    Any info/links would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank You
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