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Ford Focus hatchback

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  • wolfarthwolfarth Member Posts: 8
    Wayne, MI plant workers are expressing excitement about building the new Focus. I see their enthusiam for the new product as a good sign...at least you won't find empty beer cans in the doors!
    I plan on buying a ZX3 when it becomes available.


    Letters to British car magazines & Car magazine's own long-term test are very positive. There have been a few reports of hardware problems(e.g. alarms, locks, windshields), but nothing catastrophic. Long-term owners do object to the 1.6L and 1.8L engines' lack of power, but those power plants aren't available in North America anyway.

    P.S. I know about endemic car problems: I and those of my friends who own VWs are constantly complaining about locks sticking, fog light lenses breaking, and batteries cooking. Since I have experienced identical problems with my '91 Corrado and a '97 Passat, the problems seem not to be unique to a specific model: It's just (the pre-Piech) VW's way of telling you that you own Wolfsburg finest!

    Besides, the problems you know are better than....
  • wolfarthwolfarth Member Posts: 8
    The October 99 issue of Car & Driver previews the new Echo. The car sounds roomy but underpowered. Base price is $11K; loaded, it's $12.5K. (In other words, you could work your dealer for bottom-end Focus and get more HP and a roomier compartment for a little bit more.)

    BTW, I don't like the instrument pod's location in the center of the Echo's dash. I have enough problems reading the idiot lights straight in front of me; I certainly don't want to stare off to the side....
  • waclawibwaclawib Member Posts: 3
    Hey,
    I started a Focus mailing list at:

    http://www.onelist.com/community/fordfocus

    I invite all current and future Focus owners!
  • ivan2ivan2 Member Posts: 2
    anyone know why ford does not make power window for the zx3? i know the european version has power window and power mirrors. can i install after market power window?
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Maybe because it only has 2 windows and they can both be reached from the drivers seat. ;^)
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    in response to the pwr windows comments, i also have a question- why is the zx3 also NOT AVAILABLE with the speed control/armrest/maplight and tilt/telescope steering wheel? and the pwr windows? no sunroof to be had in any focus....... all options the ZX2 had (well not telescope) and their closest competitor (VW Golf)has..... i am just hoping this early pricing information is wrong and these options will be available!
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    today i got the offical ford focus product brochure from my local ford dealer, according to the matrix in the brochure the pwr. windows WILL be available.... however the speed control/armrest/maplight and tilt/telescope steering wheel WILL NOT. (however cruise should be available as a dealer accessory i would think.....) now all i have to do is wait for the dealership to get one in to test drive it!!
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    I hope you're right about the cruise control/dealer installed option! I really need it for local 35mph road speedtraps! I just called Ford Customer Service and confirmed that it is only offered as part of the "comfort group" and not available on the ZX3. DANG! I was really excited about this car until this revelation.
  • davejaydavejay Member Posts: 18
    You know, my fiance can't drive stick, and doesn't want a big car.

    I hate low cars, and wasn't looking forward to giving up my tall compact truck.

    Finally, Ford releases a great, affordable, TALL compact wagon. Air, Auto standard. Everything I need, nothing I don't. I was ready to go to the dealer.

    Then I saw the picture of the 5-door hatchback.

    GODDARNIT! It's a MUCH better looking car, and now I'm going to put off buying the wagon this year on the off-chance they'll sell the 5-door hatchback here next year.

    And while it wouldn't work for my fiance, wouldn't that 5-door be great as a 5-speed?

    Sigh. Add me to that list of people that want the 5-door hatchback!
  • alexlukasalexlukas Member Posts: 1
    Need help with 2 questions. On the top of the line sedan Focus, I have heard that it will be available only with the wood dash. Is this correct? I currently live in England and have seen this dash and it would stop me from buying this car. Number 2 question, I prefer the SE, but if I want the larger engine, is the only tranny offered a auto? I like this car, but a lack of offering the 5 speed is going to force me to look at others such as VW upon my return to the states next year. Right now I drive the Ford KA. It should be the small car in Fords US line-up. What a fun car as well as a good one. Much better then the Aspire. Also sign me up for the list of those wanting the 5 door hatchback.
  • chuckdvchuckdv Member Posts: 4
    See the new Oct. 99' Car and Driver and www.blueovalnews.com for some interesting info on possible future engines for the Focus.
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    If I can get dealer intalled cruise control I'm going to most likely purchase a 3-door hatch very soon. However, the more I look at pics of the 5-door configuration the more I think I want my name added to the list of potential buyers for that one! ;)

    What's the latest total? 7? 8?
  • mookstermookster Member Posts: 3
    Chuckdv has found us a good lead at blueovalnews...check this out:

    € UNOFFICIAL: It has been alleged that Ford has issued a 'stop sale' on the Focus due to three potential problems. Ford officially launched the
    Focus in North America yesterday. A fax received by BlueOvalNews today stated that Ford dealers are waiting for parts to perform the following (3) recalls on certain Focus models. We have NOT verified this.

    (1) Recall #99B21 -- Fuel Pulse Damper

    (2) Recall #99B22 -- Engine Motor Mounts

    (3) Recall #99E07 -- Fuel Hose Contamination
  • lboltlbolt Member Posts: 4
    You ought to be ashamed to spread rumors, and you're no better than the accused criminal at BlueOvalNews. Name one car EVER built that didn't have initial build difficulties. You can't.

    These 3 issues will be solved, and will never be seen by consumers. That's the purpose of a "stop sale". It's not a "recall", as your title would have people believe. Use judgement next time you post confidential information.
  • dhkdhk Member Posts: 49
    Hey, I'll second that on the "confidential info". Why would anyone care what the daily problems/fixes are on a new production car? There are many production glitches working on all cars, all the time, which is why the production, reliability and quality engineers have full time jobs. All I want to know is that the company has an agressive program to find and fix as much as possible before the car is sold; if not, then a voluntary recall campaign would be second choice. I don't see anything here that's even remotely close to a black mark for the Focus.

    Have a 93 Escort. If the Focus is built as well as the Escort, it will be another great bargain car from Ford, IMO. If Focus adds some sport to the drive, should be a great car.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Actually, I think we are up tp about a dozen on the "sign up list." It might be time to let someone at Ford know...

    Hey carlady, we gonna see someone from Ford like we did from Subaru?
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    My local dealer doesn't expect any ZX3's for another 3 - 4 weeks but he thinks cruise control may be an option despite early spec info. I'm hoping this isn't just dealer speak!
  • chuckdvchuckdv Member Posts: 4
    Check out these wonderful pics of the EUROPEAN Cosworth Turbo(200+ hp):
    www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/cosworth1.jpg
    www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/cosworth2.jpg

    This will(hopefully) be introduced in the U.S. in the future(11/2yrs.?) as the SVT Focus R.

    I will be waiting for the Focus GT (170HP)
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    Is this for real? I haven't heard of it before but it would be cool.
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    According to the focus website the ZX3 won't be out until November.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    I'm just glad the guy is still out here...without him where would I go to see pictures of 1996 Thunderbird chassis test mules? Pretty...

    anyways...

    I hope all the folks who have bought Focuses already get pissed and demand refunds! HA! Maybe Ford should refund their money. You would think after 5 years in Europe the least they could do was keep the bugs out of it. And don't give me any of that "first year model" stuff either. This car has been built like this (sans catalyst) for FIVE YEARS! That is ridiculous that is already has recalls. Is the Focus going to be the next Citation? 11 recalls in the 1st year? Hey it hasn't been on Fred Ricart's lot for a week yet and it already has 3?!!
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    Those weren't recalls. Things are constantly being improved in any production process.

    Also, the Focus has only been on sale in Europe for one year, not five.

    I am getting really sick of having to listen to all these anti domestic car people in all these topics. Don't you have anything better to do than try to start flame wars. Grow up and stop acting like a sixteen year old who just got a new computer for his birthday.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    easy there buddy, or carlady will slap our wrists...just remind everyone that hondas and subarus are built right here in the u.s.ofa.....
  • nschortnschort Member Posts: 9
    When someone finds out more please post info about it. I will not buy one without Cruise!!
  • benmathbenmath Member Posts: 1
    I want the five door too! My wife doesn't like hatchbacks, and the zx3 looks impossible to get in and out of the back seat. I bet I could talk her into the 5-door though. I had an 89 horizon 5-door that was plenty comfortable for 4 adults and could carry a lot of stuff when needed. I don't want a wagon, and I would drive a ZX3 but would prefer the 5-door. Any chance it'll come to the U.S. in '01?
  • rteigenrteigen Member Posts: 2
    What I want is a 5-spd hatch with 130 hp OR MORE(can't afford more, but I can always use Amsoil and their foam airfilter), a 5-spd, and a leather interior...Anyone with me? Oh yes, and do a search on wolf-concept on your search engine, cool European company that already has air dams, suspension lowering modes, wheels, etc., for the Focus wagon, etc. Very very nice. I have a ford Ranger, 3000plus pounds, being lugged around by a 112hp 2.3l four. Any Focus will probably feel fast to me! Also, intense traffic is enough to make me contemplate an automatic...
  • jpalmjpalm Member Posts: 2
    Why no power windows/tilt steering/cruise control
    on the ZX3? Who at Ford is making these strange
    marketing decisions?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    ..that they catch bugs this early. If the earlier rumor is true , its great that they catch bugs quicker, instead of waiting until a year after. I am sure that new imports have bugs, too. I heard of recalls on Hondas and Acuras lately, too.

    A lot of folks seem to want the Focus to fail, so that they can say "told you so". It is not like the Escort was a flop, it was just time for a new model. Also, the Contour did not so well due to the SUV crazy market, not because of poor engineering.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    the SE will be available with the 130HP Zetec as an option. The ZTS has wood trim, but it is dark looking.

    Manual 5 speeds are standard in all but the wagons.

    Who knows when and if the 5 door hatch will come to the USA. The ZX3 was actually added at the last minute, after Ford found out that teens do not hate hatches like Boomers.
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    I've been in email contact with my local dealer and here's the sad news:

    I have researched the matter of the cruise control in regards to the ZX3.
    As of this moment there are no provisions for an after market cruise
    control that the dealership can install.
  • danielb_zx3danielb_zx3 Member Posts: 2
    I came across the following message on the news:alt.autos.ford newsgroup. It was posted by David Lorenson, CEO of Frontier Ford, which is in Iowa.

    "Ford is process of surveying their dealers via their dealers only website at
    http://www.fdealer.com about if more options should be offered on the 2000 Focus
    ZX2 (sic). A Moonroof would be available in either a manually operated version at
    $535 MSRP or power version at $595 MSRP. If and when they publish the
    results I will advise."

    Great!! Now's our chance!! The Focus is a great car, but there are many questions being directed at Ford as to why they didn't include this, or why they didn't give us the option of getting such-and-such feature optional. (I guess Ford's "Focus" is too narrow for a lot of our tastes....)

    For example the 3-door ZX3 model is fantastic, yet isn't available with:
    - factory cruise-control
    - sunroof (power, or manual)
    - power windows
    - AWD (all-wheel drive)
    - even engine (read: turbo, SVT, or "Focus R"!!)
    - etc.

    - Or how about a 5 door hatch model in the future??? (the European one looks the best of the lot...)

    - The station wagon is NOT available in the US with 5-speed transmission. From reading the messageboards & newsgroups, it is obvious that A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT THIS!! (I've heard it available in Canada, but not US...strange seeing as they all come off the same production line..)

    Anyhow, that's just a start. I'm sure there's many options/variations that you'd like to have available that you unfortunately can't have, due to the limited product & options packages Ford has decided to make available in N. America. Did you know that in Europe there are at least 28(yes.. TWENTY_EIGHT!) different versions of the Focus you can order? (This is including the 5-door hatch model ALSO not available over here.) Basically, you choose the package which suits YOUR needs, not what Ford tells you you have to have (ex: there is only 1 ZX3 package available in N. America, with limited add-on options).

    Anyhow, I say if you want Ford to offer N. Americans these choices - TELL THEM!!!
    Obviously, the topic has piqued their interest, as the above dealer survey would indicate.
    Now all we need to do is to put the pressure on them - TELL THEM what we want, and if enough dealers all tell head office the same thing... who knows... it just happen!!

    What have you got to lose??

    My advice (and I'm going to get started as soon as I'm done posting this message):
    EMAIL all the Ford dealers in your general vicinity. To find the nearest dealer:
    In the US, use: http://www.dealerconnection.com
    In Canada use: http://www.buyerconnectioncanada.com//default.asp?locale=en_CA
    -Tell them you would be interested in buying a Ford Focus, only you are disappointed to see that "X" option isn't available. You'd like to find out it will be available in the future.... otherwise you might just have to go take another look at that nice new Honda Civic you saw the other day...

    Additionally, personally visit your nearest dealer. TELL THEM what you'd like to see. Ask(tell) them to tell their regional sales manager, and to pass the word on to HQ.

    I'm going to buy a ZX3 regardless. When, is another matter. I'd like to buy one the second it comes out, but it IS missing a few things I'd like to see available as factory-installed options. But by expanding the CHOICE available to consumers, the Focus will have the added advantage of attracting a wider ranger of buyers - from the budget minded college student, to the college student-who-wants-the-best, to the 30-40 year old who wants a refined, yet sporty & economical vehicle.

    You know what to do... let's get on it!

    DanielB

    ---
    Ford Focus newsgroup: news:alt.autos.ford.focus
  • kurtd3kurtd3 Member Posts: 1
    Anyone know if the factory stereo is a double din or not, because if I get a new hatchback that will be the first to go.
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    according to ford product literature the ZX3 will have power windows and mirrors as an option. however as eveyone else has stated the speed control (cruise)is NOT. Also NOT available is the tilt and telescope steering wheel, the center armrest, the maplights. and no sunroof at all...... if they want to compete for the VW customers they will have to make these changes in option availability soon! also, i believe the product brochure does have errors with the colour samples. the sangria and infra red are reversed. and when at my local dealership an atlantic blue focus had a window sticker saying it was light saphire blue- so who knows who is right.wrong there..........................
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    It's possible that since the ZX3 was a last minute addition that the option list is short.
    Ford is probably a bit leery due to recent hatchback sales to add more equipment.

    VW's are getting more pricey, so the Focus has some advantages to begin with. Market demand will bring the desired options, I bet.
  • disturbeddisturbed Member Posts: 4
    Hello, Does anyone know precisely when the Zx3 will be available? I've heard everything from next week to January from the Ford Dealers! Thanks
  • kyrilkyril Member Posts: 2
    of telling Ford what do we want - there isn't profit to be made on such low margin vehicle. Sadly, it came the point that in the largest auto market in the world I can't buy the car I want! Toyota, Honda, or Mazda 5-door hatchbacks, ubiquitos around the globe, are not sold here. I've read somewhere that Focus was conducting focus groups, and they kept telling "No 5 door hatch!" And here we go!

    To the list of missing equipment I wish to add: leather (or leatherette) seats, decent stereo system, decent tires... Could go on and on...

    At times I think Ford is affraid of its own success: imagine people will consider 5 door hatchback an alternative to Excursion! You ain't gonna make 10K on Focuses!
  • nschortnschort Member Posts: 9
    Maybe Bill Gates will give us the options we want.
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    If you go to fordvehicles.com and try to "build your own" Focus ZX3 it says it will be available in November. Who really knows how accurate that is though? ;)
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    According to the ford web sight and the booklet I got from a Ford dealer yesterday Power windows are an option for the ZX3. Now I just need cruise control and I can buy this car.

    By the way, the ZX3 does come with the upgraded stereo system standard. You don't think they are going to put a $700 bose system in sub $15k car do you? That is what the aftermarket is for. I think we have to be at least a little realistic when we are complaining about wanted options.
  • tomp711tomp711 Member Posts: 13
    Is it just my imagination or are there differences between continents in the body of the ZX3? I can't pinpoint anything but I seem drawn to the web photos of the European cars more so than those that are labeled as for the US.
  • wolfarthwolfarth Member Posts: 8
    The major difference is the appearance of more massive, 5-mph bumpers. The aero effect is lost. Also, US front turn signals are placed behind the front grill.
  • sjohanson2sjohanson2 Member Posts: 4
    Supposidly ZX3 will be available in November. However, I saw one at at dealership in Owings Mills, Maryland. Go figure.
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    WHAT? YOU SAW ONE. TELL ME MORE.
  • rancheroranchero Member Posts: 25
    re: zx3 hatchback. where will it be poduced? wayne or mexico? if it is wayne, ok. golf now comes from wolfsburg. however if,like jetta & escort, zx3 comes from mexico, then think twice. i advise not to accept a mexico car without careful inspection and some knowledge of history of mexico car in market. who knows where zx3 will be made?
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    it is my belief according to everything else i have read the ZX3 should be made here in the good old USA in wayne. Mexico will be used to keep producing the Escort sedan and ZX2. the Focus sedan,wagon, and ZX3 should all be here.
  • rancheroranchero Member Posts: 25
    silyboy - i hope you are right. however, edmunds info for focus lists both locations for focus (not just escort/zx2) production. the one focus i have seen, a zts four door, was from wayne. because the zx3 is delayed by a month or two, i am suspicious that it is possible that all zx3 hatchback production will be in mexico - possibly the later plant for job one. c'mon ford, the monitor you've got for this group can find out and tell me. thanks - ranchero
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    after seeing the this liknk in another "Focus" room I have to say it is a better focus site than the USA one. for better representation of the vehicle (like pictures) try--

    http://www.focuscanada.com/English/

    ---------------------------------
    ranchero-
    i also have to agree, as i said i think i am right, but as always i stand to be corrected!! i know the sedans are from wayne... but ZX3 is a ?
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    Microsoft Carpoint says USA. So that is one more vote for Wayne.
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    did a little more research--
    from www.fordnews.com- vehicle line scheduling

    PRODUCT PLANT MODEL YR PROD. START
    *ESCORT (ZX2) Hermosillo 00 August 30
    *FOCUS Wayne 00 September 6
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    has anyone else noticed that the radio (the CD radio I know for sure) has a small detachable face??? On the face numbers 2-5 pop off!! that is an option no one else has......
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