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Ford Focus hatchback

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Comments

  • edrusselledrussell Member Posts: 4
    My dealer in Louisville KY, has one ZX3. A white 5-speed with air and floor mats. Sticker price 13,110. More are expected any day.
  • mikusmikus Member Posts: 109
    Hi, ppl, I am in Moscow, Russia now but going to get to USA in 2-3 month for an IT contract job. It's interesting to read all the info here. Saw Focus hatchback two times "live" and it is better than some photos of it. It's the best in the line, while wagon is the worst.
    I wonder, why european models are always spoiled in the USA? Even in details. Look at the turn signals - they're not like european. Front signals are mounted in the grille, and rear are ofter red instead of orange. Is it an american fashion? And I definetely dislike those moldings, that spoils all the designer's idea. Just look at Cougar with moldings and you'll understand what I mean.
    Can one get european-style car in the USA, ex. Focus or Cougar?
    ---
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    I really enjoyed the last response. I being a North American and displaced in Europe.....I believe I have the advantage to respond in a knowledgeable manner.

    Yes.....The Focus looks better in Europe. It has a nicer interior fabric and the smaller bumpers and the side indicator light is cooler. Even the car key is much cooler in Europe with a skeleton key appearance. Very cool.

    Many of the reasons for the frumpier look of Euro cars in North America relates to regulations such as the need for stronger bumpers and lighting systems.

    The amber light is possible in North America, but for some odd reason the amber light is disfavored. I have no explanation. I prefer the amber light cluster, but it is not a big issue.'

    Moldings are important in the USA because people tend to accidently 'door ding' when they park too close beside you. It provides protection, but I agree that it is not the most attractive item on the planet.

    Thank you FastFocus for your information in response #259. We will have to see.

    Oh and to Mikus----I just love Ladas! Liked your note a lot!!!

    Take Care,

    Norway Doug
  • jpthreejpthree Member Posts: 16
    Hi,

    I've been reading all the posts on here since I'm looking for a new car to replace my 89 Jetta GL. I haven't been able to test-drive a focus hatchback yet because the dealers here (RI) don't have them...or at least they didn't this past weekend. I did visit my local Saturn dealership and drove an SL2 sedan. I liked it...it's a decent car for the money, and the resale value is about as good as a honda. The thing is though that the performance is not as good as I hoped it would be (the handling and brakes are good, but it could use more power), and I'm not crazy about the styling. I don't find the car attractive at all, but it is great to drive.

    I should also mention that I'm picking my car not only as transportation, but also as a weekend warrior race car, since I compete in SCCA solo2.

    I'm very excited about the focus hatchback as it seems like a good package, on paper at least, and I think it would be competitive in my class for solo2. I also really like the styling, and the word "german" keeps coming up in reviews of the car, which to me seems like a good thing as I do like my Jetta quite a bit.

    So, I guess I'm wondering if any "performance drivers" or racers are out there. If so, have you driven one of these cars? What do you think about them?

    Thanks!
  • acartwriacartwri Member Posts: 14
    I just test drove a ZX3 hatchback at a dealer here in Chicago. Surprisingly, It was an Auto trans?? Anyway, It was dark blue and looked and felt really good. The seats were sporty supportive. They had a lowering/raising function that "tunes" your position to exactly as you want it. I like the back low and front high like many euro cars.

    The radio was good w/standard CD. With the Rear Seats down, It had a lot of cargo room. My only complaint was that acceleration felt sluggish. I hope the 5-Spd will cure this. Handling/Brakes were good.
  • csv001csv001 Member Posts: 1
    Where did you test drive the ZX3? I live in the Chicago area and I have been delaying my decision on which Focus to get until I could see the ZX3.
  • acartwriacartwri Member Posts: 14
    Fair Oaks Ford in Naperville. It arrived @ 11am and I was test driving it by noon. Twilight Blue auto trans. They had alot of the sedans too. No brochures though do to the consumer response of the focus.
  • bjorkremixesbjorkremixes Member Posts: 2
    I have enjoyed reading all the postings (on subject and off) I have waited quite a while to make up my mind and I will be ordering a black ZX3 asap. I have every detail in place except the test drive. As yet I have only driven the underpowered sedan. The ride impressed but, I need the smaller car handling.
    Being a CRX repeat owner (400000 miles combined), I have always tended towards the Hondas. But, my God, to get the same or similar setup would have run me 18k at least. Yes, I too would love to rebuild my current CRX but, there is not too much metal on it that has survived 13 Minnesota winters.
    When the ZX3 arrives and I can test drive it, I will be ordering for an early January delivery. I plan to keep my eyes on the info being posted here until then.
    Once again, thanks for the info...

    Sean
  • fastfocusfastfocus Member Posts: 42
    Great post, Sean. I hope the ZX3 will make CRX fans happy. I like the idea of a black ZX3 but I want to see one "live" before I make up my mind. Good luck!
  • monikaannmonikaann Member Posts: 16
    I think the Focus shares a lot of styling with
    the VW Jetta. They both have sharp crisp lines.
    I'm going to test drive the ZX3 Saturday. I've
    only seen one Focus sedan on the road and it
    stood out from all the cars around it. The Focus
    ads on TV really don't tell you anything about
    the car. They're just feel good ads.
  • maynard7maynard7 Member Posts: 16
    Richmond Ford (in Virginia) gave me a brochure for the Focus today. I am hoping that the quality control at the car factory is better than the brochure factory. They mislabeled the colors on the brochure on the reds & the blues. At any rate, the colors on the brochure don't look anything like what is actually on the car. You need to go to the dealer & get the paint chip brochure. Colors on the Focus go by different names on other Ford models.

    In case Ford happens to be reading these posts, I'd like to know why you can't get Atlantic Blue on the ZX3. Why don't they let you choose whatever color you'd like (among colors available on the other Focus models)?

    They are expecting ZX3's here any day now (in fact, a white one was supposed to be here 10-28-99, but there was a train delay).

    I sat in a Focus sedan & it's OK, but it's not as big inside as I was expecting. In fact, it doesn't seem any bigger than a Ford Escort I rented a couple of months ago.

    The dealer is already playing games & the cars aren't even here yet. They're saying that "this is the hottest thing from Ford in years" , and "everybody wants one". Translation = we're going to try to extract a lot of money from you. If they try these things on you, remind them that 2-door hatchbacks are among the slowest selling models in the USA right now. Yes, the ZX3 is in short supply right now, but pretty soon there will be plenty. If they were so hot, they would all be pre-sold before they even got to the dealer lot. I hope this ends up being a fun car, because it looks good in the photos.
  • dxmanddxmand Member Posts: 4
    I test drove a ZTS sedan today and was surprised by the small steering wheel and fake wood. Anyone else notice the size of the wheel? I wanted to drive a ZX3, but of course they're not it. For those of you that have driven the ZX3, what do you think of the Zetec's power? I wasn't really that impressed with it in the ZTS, but I hope the ZX3 will be a bit lighter and therefore quicker.
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    I think all of you people complaining about lack of power need to drive my car for a couple of days to get yourself tuned back into reality. I drive a 95 escort with 88 HP. I very rarely am not able to accelerate as quickly as I would like. The only time it feels really bad is trying to get on the highway in the summer with the A/C on, or on a big hill. Since I live in central Indiana I don't see too many of those big hills. The Focus has almost 50 percent more power than my car so I have trouble believing it is underpowered. Try to keep in perspective the class of car that the focus is in. For the money you are getting pretty good power. In the sedan topic a guy was complaining that the car was "dangerously underpowered" because he had tried to pass going up a mountain and the car didn't accelerate as quickly as he wanted it to. In my opinion that is a dangerous driver, not a dangerous car.

    Please don't take my post as a negative one. I'm just trying to keep people from jumping on the "this car is underpowered" bandwagon.
    Think of it this way. Evidently, this car is good enough that people are having to really nitpick to come up with stuff to complain about.
  • ragtop99ragtop99 Member Posts: 33
    I agree dae3. The only zx3 in the postings that's been driven was an automatic and that can make a big difference in a driver's abilty to get the most power when needed, as the post suggested. 130 hp with 130 lbs. of torque is no slouch. Automobile Magazine loved the handling and performance of the car. They called the Focus the state of small car art.
  • mikusmikus Member Posts: 109
    Hehe. Eoropean versions begins from 1.6 (or even 1.4) engine. And 2.0 version is considered to be top of the line. You're lucky, guys :)
    ---
  • jpthreejpthree Member Posts: 16
    Eh, you can never have enough power ;-)

    Kidding aside, I don't think the Focus is underpowered. I haven't driven one yet, but its numbers sound good, and I've read the zx3 does 0-60 in 8.8 seconds with the 5-speed (which is all I drive anyway). With a little tweaking you can easily drop that down a couple of tenths without sacrificing drivability. Now you're into GTI and CRX Si territory. And that's not a bad place to be. Plus, those cars you really have to rev to get the maximum torque out of them. The Focus' peak torque comes on below 5000 rpm, which is pretty low.

    Actually, now that I think about it, the Saturn SL2 that I test-drove wasn't really all that underpowered either, but it didn't feel quick. It was pretty eager to rev and was nimble though.

    I'm kind of surprised that Ford isn't offering the Focus with the lower-powered engine as well, since people looking for a bargain car can get the "stripper" hatchback.
  • acartwriacartwri Member Posts: 14
    You guys defending ford's trademark weak motors are weak. 130hp may seem like a substantial number for advertising's sake. However, this car hits the scales at 2700+ lbs. Not exactly light for a 3-door hatch. Do the math, with an auto trans it feels like a slug on Valium. The comparable neon pulls 150 hp out of the same 2.0 displacement. The zx3 should be intended for Sport minded drivers like the Si Honda or GTi crowd. I agree, a stripper should be offered, as well as a really sporty model w/2.5 v6 or turbo 2.0.
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    The neon also has a crappy 3-speed auto and only has front power windows available. The only reason I would want power windows would be to be able to put down the back windows. Not to mention that it has the resale value of a banana peal. :)
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    zx3 weighs 2551 pounds. The wagon weighs 2700 pounds.
  • dae3dae3 Member Posts: 55
    Civic (Except for Si which has much less torque)
    Corolla
    Cavalier (2.2 engine that is on most sold)
    Saturns (SL, SL1, and SL2)
    Escort
    Sentra (standard engine)

    I know there are more but I'm not going to go to all the trouble to look them all up. As you can see it stacks up very well in its class. It just cracks me up to read the Corolla topic that everybody talks about how the car has great pickup. Ford builds a car that is even quicker and suddenly it is "underpowered." You really need to go to the next level of cars before it gets beaten. Even the cars in its class that do better do so by very small amounts.

    My basic point in these posts is to point out that for the average person this car has plenty of power. For the most part the people posting here are not average car people. You want to know how much the average person knows about their car. Someday when you have some extra time go stand near the Auto service counter at Sears and look at the blank stairs the counter person gets when they ask people if their car is the model with the V6.
  • acartwriacartwri Member Posts: 14
    As soon as someone drives a 5-spd. Let us know if it feels quicker than the pokey automatic ZX3. I want a car with a pulse above minimum life-sustaining levels. I owned a 88hp 1.5L 87' CRX si that really felt quicker than automatic focus ZX3.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    The 2000 Neon is suddenly outdated with the Focus now out. 3 speed automatics went out with horizontal speedometers!

    And the "new for 2000" Cavalier is (as always)a Conestoga Buggy! GM is not replacing it until 2005 or so. By then, it will qualify for "antique vehicle" plates.

    The Neon's 150 HP engine is not offered for 2000. It's not to appear until the 2001 R/T is out in spring. For '01, we may see a Focus SVT that I hope is more powerful than 150 hp.
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    Not that I do much driving at this speed, but the Focus is governed at 106 mph in the US. Why? The Euro Focus 2.0 does 125 MPH+. Again, I don't drive at these speeds, but it is somewhat absurd to limit it like that. Does Ford not trust American drivers to be responsible and behave? My current Neon is limited to 118 MPH and its just the base model only built in 95.
    106 is very conservative.
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    The LX sedan weighs 2468lb. The hatch has to be less by at least 100lb.
  • mikusmikus Member Posts: 109
    Please, what do you mean when you're talking about limited top speed? AFAIK the limiter controls revs, not speed. Or am I unaware about built-it speed limitations for cars in US? Anyway, it is unsafe in case of sudden overtake - one couldn't have the opportunity to finish it. If it's true that is a very bad news for me.
    About acceleration. Are you guys all drag-racers? Whatever the number is, everything under 10s for 0-60 seems very good to me. This car is about handling, cornering, driving pleasure etc. The sporting car doesnt have to be dragster. Dont you agree?
    ---
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I agee accelerating is a small part of driving. I would much prefer a car that handles well to one that is a little faster accelerating. All modern cars offer plenty of acceleration. I would love to have a Focus with a Turbocharged Direct Injection Diesel. If you want to know what a slow vehicle is try driving a vw mini bus from the sixties or seventies.
  • granthalseygranthalsey Member Posts: 4
    When is the most recent time anyone has heard for delivery of the ZX3?
  • ragtop99ragtop99 Member Posts: 33
    I've called 3 dealers in the Chicago within the last 2 days. One said he doesn't think they'll get them in until January. Another said they don't believe they'll get any in before February. The third said he's not sure. Ford's WEB site still says November so it seems to be anybody's guess.
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    This is not a rev limiter but an electronic governor. See the Automobile mag article.
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    Does anyone know if there are head rests in the back seat? I know the Euro version does, but I am not sure about our's.
  • mgambermgamber Member Posts: 4
    Test drove the ZX3 today. It is built in Mexico. Says so on the sticker.

    I ordered one a month ago and the dealer has confirmed Nov. 29th for delivery...

    Mike
  • danielb_zx3danielb_zx3 Member Posts: 2
    Someone from Dallas, TX posted (with pics) on a newsgroup that they had test driven a black ZX3 last week. When I replied to his post to ask if it was a "show" car or if it was actually available for sale, he said he could have bought it right then and there, were it not for his bad credit rating.

    I got an email directly from Ford of Canada this week in reply to one I'd sent them-- the Focus ZX3 will be available in Canada as of January, 2000. (they mentioned 65 days in the email... but that would have worked out to Jan 1st... and I doubt they'll be open on that day!?)

    Haven't visited this group for a while so I don't remember if I posted this before (or someone else for that matter):
    - The ZX3 be available with Power Windows, mirrors and Cruise Control AS OF FEBRUARY PRODUCTION.

    DanielB
    danielB@idirect.ca
  • wmichgradwmichgrad Member Posts: 28
    Rear headrests are not currently available on the Focus in the US.
  • ertzogertzog Member Posts: 9
    I drove the ZX3 on the naperville (chicagoland) lot. Later that day I went and bought a new VW Golf GL TDI.

    I am a manual shifter. The automatic raced and buzzed for awhile (we started it first after a mild night). It was a nice shade of dark Blue but that was the end of the accolades. Drive feel was not "tight" it seemed to be flexing - couldn't feel that the independent rear suspension feature was adding anything at all.

    The front windshield does not go up to the roofline? The roof curls down a bit blocking the view for tall people like me (CRX owners will notice this right away, yucko). The seating is "cozy" - seems the door closes into you, you cannot adjust the seat angle easily with the door closed, its that tight. The center console seems a bit fat, further compressing my gangly long legs.

    It didn't seem to have the fit and finish of the VW's or the Echo. The plastic/velcro visor mirrors are pure cheese.

    The dealer (swarmy) said he's selling at MSRP until he has fifteen or so sitting on the lot. To get ABS, side impact airbags and AC puts it up to $13,500 with two months estimated delivery?
    Not for me. I'm now a rabid VW Diesel fan. Wave to me when I pass while you're at the station pumping gas (again and again).
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    i am from milwaukee,wi. A dealership in milwaukee area does have one ZX3 (Black, 5-spd) and they are slowly but surely expecting more of them. Also in feb/march the option list will expand, so if that is your major disapointment with the ZX3 just be patient!
  • indyianindyian Member Posts: 4
    I test drove a manual 4 door SE with the sport package (zetec engine)last week with a friend. I really liked it, very quiet and smooth, but handeled very well. Because you sit high the you do feel the body roll but there is not very much and the tires stuck well without any howling.
    I think the car is deceptively fast, as the engine is quiet and doesn't have any dips or spikes in the power. Also as it breaks in I'm sure it would gain a bit of horsepower. On the freeway it accelerated from 60 to 90 mph in 4th
    gear effortlessly with hardly any increase in wind noise and felt very comfortable at that
    speed.
  • granthalseygranthalsey Member Posts: 4
    Has any one heard of any in the houston area?
  • monikaannmonikaann Member Posts: 16
    I showed up for my test drive on Saturday. No ZX3.
    Salesman said they got the wagon in but not the hatchback. At work today, I thought I spotted a
    ZX3 on the parking lot at work. Turned out to be
    a 2000 VW GTI GLX. I guess it would be about the
    same dimensions as the ZX3. 174hp 2.8L V6, leather interior, 16 in tires, 4 wheel discs. It had 3 headrests in the back seat. It was real sharp at $22,620.
  • te09_627te09_627 Member Posts: 1
    Hey All, been waiting for the manual ZX3 patiently, stopped by the Ford Dealership and test drove a ZTS 4 dr sedan automatic, feels smooth and comfortable, didn't feel very fast though, interior looks nice for an economy car. Salesperson said, he didn't know when the coupe manual ZX3 would come in...anyone in Miami have any info?
  • vorlon_2vorlon_2 Member Posts: 1
    Ordered my ZX3 on 9/29. As of last night it's due in 11/29.
  • wmichgradwmichgrad Member Posts: 28
    It seems to me there are some people who expect too much from a car in this segment. What you have in the ZX3 is a car whose only competition is the Honda Civic hatchback, not the Jetta Golf. That's not to say people won't look at a Golf and the ZX3, or even the Civic Coupe or Saturn coupe. Generally, people who want an entry level hatchback are going to look at Civic hatchback and the ZX3. If you have the money to buy a Golf, then you are probably not looking at either of the
    previous.

    Let's compare:
    Honda Civic Hatchback CX starts at $11,650 the DX at $12,200. The ZX3 starts at $11,865. The Golf GL at $14,900 and the GL TDI at $16,195.

    The only reason a person who could buy a Golf GL TDI would test drive a ZX3 is to put it down. Both are exceptional cars for the money you pay.
  • jpthreejpthree Member Posts: 16
    I have to agree with you, wmichgrad.

    plus, I don't know how someone would expect the performance of the TDI to compare with the ZX3. They aren't even the same kind of car!

    As an aside, there's 3 articles on the Focus, a modified Wings West Focus, and the World Rally Focus in Sport Compact Car magazine.

    I personally have driven the 4-door and I can't wait to drive the ZX3. This car reminds me of a modern Rabbit GTi or Austin Mini. I think there'll be a plethora of performance parts for the focus, and it seems like it'll be a competitive car for racing.

    -Joe
  • jtaimjtaim Member Posts: 34
    I'm one of those people who are looking at the Golf GL TDI and the Focus ZX3. Loaded, the ZX3 is only $2000 less than the TDI (which comes pretty loaded).

    Yes, it's comparing a $16K car to a $14K car, but people don't just shop by price. I also shop by value. I consider the Golf TDI a good value because of the quality of the car and engine. I consider the ZX3 a good value because of the quality of the suspension, rear legroom, etc.

    So the person who test drove the TDI and ZX3 isn't necessarily out to mock the ZX3.
  • maynard7maynard7 Member Posts: 16
    Test drove the ZX3 and the Civic DX 2-door coupe. I think they both handle and accelerate about the same. They both feel nimble, but both don't really take off very quickly. I know the Honda will hold its resale value better, and will probably break down less frequently, *but* inside the Honda feels so dated. Everything is so typical and old-looking. The Focus inside is fresh and modern (outside too). Since the Focus costs less, it's an easy decision to go for the Focus.

    There are two dealers in the Richmond VA area who are charging 2% over invoice for them, so don't overpay for yours. This car is in short supply right now, but 2-door hatchbacks in general are slow sellers in the USA.
  • wmichgradwmichgrad Member Posts: 28
    Just so there is no misunderstanding, I was making a generalization which was meant to respond to one person's comment on the ZX3, which I felt was...well, bitter. It sounded to me like the only reason that person posted was to put down the car, not to make a positive contribution to the discussion. Like I noted in that post, there are people who will consider both. Part of that is looking at the specs, price, test drive, etc. I know if I were going to buy a hatch, and had the money to spend, I'd probably go with the Golf. Even with the ZX3 loaded, the Golf has many more or better features than the ZX3. Also, the warranty VW offers is outstanding.
  • ezavaletaezavaleta Member Posts: 25
    In San Antonio, TX I didn't find a ZX3 until I hit the 4th dealer. It's dark green and has AC as the only option. I test drove it at lunch, filled out the application and they let me drive it back to work. By 5:00 they had approved my 6.9% financing through Ford Motor Credit, no small consolation since my credit is so-so. They wouldn't budge off the MSRP, but I got a $400 recent graduate discount, so I only paid about $300 above invoice.

    Simply, I think the car is an incredible value. The word that constantly comes to mind is "refinement." I still can't believe it's a Ford.

    I owned a 1993 BMW 325i for a few years. Now, I'm not going to make any absurd comparisons, but you just can't justify a $20k price difference. German road manners are very much evident, not an exaggeration. I think sales of the ZX3 should blow away the overpriced Golf.

    I wanted a fun, inexpensive commuter that could decently handle two child seats in a pinch. The Focus more than fits the bill. The back seat is roomier than my wife's 97 Hyundai Sonata.

    Ford equipped this car just the way I would have. They included good-looking 15" alloy wheels, sport seats, independent rear suspension, and a decently peppy and refined engine. I thought I would have to add an after-market stereo, but the standard CD player really jams, so I consider it a bonus. The front seat height adjuster is pretty cool, too.

    Well, I've plugged it enough. When the Focus minivan comes out at the end of next year, I'll be first in line to get one for my wife. I think that's endorsement enough.

    Once again, I can't believe the Focus is an American car. I'm proud that it is, and I hope the ZX3 does well enough to prevent its discontinuation.

    One final word, the dash plastic quality and feel is reminiscent of a Lexus, no joke!
  • ragtop99ragtop99 Member Posts: 33
    Two dealers near me (Chicagoland) have one ZX-3 each. Nearest dealer just got it in today. I sat in it but didn't drive because I'm looking for a 5 speed. The interior is nice. Seems well made and roomy. The doors are fairly close to the front occupants but I like that. It gives support when making fast turns. Not sure about the steering wheel position and size. It does seem small as someone noted in an earlier post. Have to drive to see if I like. I noticed that the seats are very firm, lots of side leg support. The car looks much bigger on the outside than I expected. I checked Edmunds stats. It's only 4" longer than a Civic HB but lots more cargo room. I thought the rear tires looked too small, probably because the rear end of the car is so big. It sounds goofy talking about this car being big but I drive a Miata. I'm anxious to drive a 5 speed. Has anyone taken a 5 speed for a run? If so, post us when you can pull yourself away.
  • ragtop99ragtop99 Member Posts: 33
    Two dealers near me (Chicagoland) have one ZX-3 each. Nearest dealer just got it in today. I sat in it but didn't drive because I'm looking for a 5 speed. The interior is nice. Seems well made and roomy. The doors are fairly close to the front occupants but I like that. It gives support when making fast turns. Not sure about the steering wheel position and size. It does seem small as someone noted in an earlier post. Have to drive to see if I like. I noticed that the seats are very firm, lots of side leg support. The car looks much bigger on the outside than I expected. I checked Edmunds stats. It's only 4" longer than a Civic HB but lots more cargo room. I thought the rear tires looked too small, probably because the rear end of the car is so big. It sounds goofy talking about this car being big but I drive a Miata. I'm anxious to drive a 5 speed. Has anyone taken a 5 speed for a run? If so, post us when you can pull yourself away.
  • ezavaletaezavaleta Member Posts: 25
    Forgot to mention that mine is a 5 spd, wouldn't have it any other way. As suggested above, I'm liking the car more each day. But here are a couple of irritations:

    The previous message mentioned the steering wheel position. I think that it's aligned about an inch left of center. It's kind of odd at first, but getting used to it.

    There's a shift arrow light that activates at about 2000 RPM, very irritating, although it does shut off after a bit.

    Another watchout: The molding along both rear windows is not aligned. I had the car in for detailing 2 days after I bought it, but they said I'd have to take it in to service to check it out. It's not too noticeable, but it's still bothersome.

    To end on a positive note, this car really is fun to drive. I haven't pushed it past 4500 RPM yet, and I'm still having a blast. Some cool features I didn't even know the car had: foglights - pull out the headlight knob; detachable stereo face. Still amazed how good it sounds with only four small speakers -- been looking for the power output, but haven't found it in the manual. I'm guessing at least 40W per channel.

    On my first fill-up, I put in super unleaded. The manual only states regular. I know running a higer octane can't possibly be bad, but does anyone know if there's an effect if I switch back to regular after a while?
  • acartwriacartwri Member Posts: 14
    (ezavaleta) Does the 5-Spd feel pretty quick? Or is it pokey like the automatic?
This discussion has been closed.