Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

mp10

6 cylinders in this car (hatchback) seems like overkill - I zoom along thinking I'm doing 55 - 60 and I look down and the spedometer says 75...yikes! It's not even trembling yet at that speed. I think you people want to use this little car as a dragracer...

wmichgrad

If you buy, I don't think you necessarily will need to buy the extended warranty. You can buy one at any time during the warranty period (I believe). Also, you know your car and how you drive it. You may feel that after two years (or whatever), that you have never had a problem and an extended warranty will not be necessary. Would you be so sure if you bought used? I'm not saying that buying used is bad. For me, buying new would be preferrable.

As far a a 6 cyl in the Focus, I wonder if the engine compartment is big enough for this. What about an I5? Does anyone know? I think a little larger engine would be nice, not for dragracing, but for better acceleration when the car is loaded with people and/or stuff. Not that the Ztec is all that bad. But the max HP and torque are at engine speeds I barley see in "regular" driving. I don't think we'll see a much larger engine in this car, as long as the Trucks and SUVs are selling well. Ford has to meet CAFE, and are probably barely doing that now.

Thanks for the info on the wheel wells Tmetravler.
I probably will not do tis on my car, since it is a lease, but I will keep it in mind.

projectzx3

as most of you know i'm currently waiting for a left front fender to complete repairs to my zx3 that suffered damage in a deer accident. yesterday i went up to the bodyshop to inquire. i'm pretty sure i overheard the manager state to my technician that the fender comes or is produced by Firestone?????? does anyone know for sure? i may go back up and ask. my point is this....Firestone is big in the manufacture of polymer fibers and molding and is far from just a tire company. this could explain the wierd fiber in the wheel wells. hmmmmm? well tell me what you all think. still waiting for that damn fender....since 12/16 AHHHH!

projectzx3

how is everyone doing with gas mileage? especially the 5 speeds like mine? thanks

clayman1

Any thoughts on the gas mileage of Auto Vs Stick?
I have an Automatic and not sure I want to go back to stick even though they can be fun.

dhills

Hi there,

has anyone had any problems with their 2.0 litre zetec with a manual transmission? I have noticed this problem since it got cold here (-25 c).

The car will not stall all the time. It starts fine and will run well. I will park it at the store and then when driving home it will stall if you kick in the clutch.

I have talked to the dealer and they have spoken to Oakvill Ont. Canada and they are aware their is a problem and are "working on it".

Has anyone heard of any recalls yet or of any similar problems?

ezavaleta

Thanks also to to Tmetravler on the noise reduction solution. I haven't noticed the noise in my ZX3 and I just drove in the rain today. But I plan to do the insulation for stereo sound purposes. Which leads to my question for Tmetravlet: Do you have any suggestions for realtively inexpensive stereo upgrades (i.e. without changing the headunit) for the ZX3? It seems as though CD player puts out enough power to justify a speaker changeout (5x7) -- I was thinking about some Boston Acoustics or Polks. But if you feel a headunit change is the only way to go, since it will allow amplicfication, then please suggest on that end as well.

Thanks

briand789

Last night I picked up my autumn orange ZX3, traded in my '94 Ranger, and I want to say this car is a blast to drive! Last year I had looked at a Neon R/T, and decided against it because it felt cheap for the money. This car feels so much more solid, and the engine is responsive. The car grips the road so well, and just begs to be driven fast and hard. It's by far the best car I've ever owned. The dealer, Portsmouth Ford, gave a good price ($45 over invoice), no pressure. Just overall a great experience, and I love this car!

stevelbert

Drove a ZX3 last week, loved it. I have to wait until October or I'll take a beating on my Pathfinder lease.

1. You new Focus owners, please give us a report on handling in the snow (if we get any).

2. Anyone have any idea if Ford is gonna offer cruise control & power windows on the ZX3?

briand789

Cruise (aka speed control) and power windows are supposed to be offered as a comfort package beginning in Feb.
We haven't had snow in New Hampshire in nearly 300 consecutive days - just about a record-breaker. If and when we get any, I'll let you know how the ZX3 handles in it.

tomcat630

I don't think a V^ is in thr cards for the Focus. It won't fit without extensive mods.

I heard that the Focus may come in an SVT with a normally aspirated 170HP Zetec, to compete with 160 HP Civic Si. If so, I will get in line for one. At the very least, maybe the engine in the 140 HP Escort ZX2 S/R may be put in. (knock on wood).

hkoenen2

I was having an problem with the ABS and Brake warning lights coming on while driving. The dealer played with it yesterday and after talking with tech support and lots of test driving decided that the speed sensor is bad. At one point one side of the car was traveling at 158mph while the other side was only doing 35mph. They are ordering a new sensor and should have it here next week. I guess there are only 9 units available. With any luck that will fix my problem after only 3 days in the dealership. Good thing I still have my old car to drive as backup.

charliemike

Basically the ZX2 S/R powerplant is the same engine as the ZX3 with a new PCM (Chip), intake, and exhaust.

silyboy

the speaker upgrade is the lowest cost thing u can do right away. if you want more amplificatio, you just make sure you get an amp with speaker level(line) inputs, those will hook up to a factory style deck with little to no problem......

tmetravler

Speakers are the cheepest way to get a bit more cleaner sound...however an amp will always add some basic clean power to spark up those speakers! I agree that the unit installed in the zx-3 is darn good..alot better from the "top of the line" stuff that was installed 10 years ago. So have fun, you guys are lucky I still have to wait to order my zx3 because I want all the goodies (except autotrans..ick) anyways have fun & tmeout!

mp10

I've been driving the Focus (hatch) for a week now and my hands still aren't used to the extremely thick steering wheel. I'm a woman with average size (female) hands and tonight my hands actually ached when I got home. The other nuisance is the location of the window handle - it's too low and forward of the door grip. In this case, I'd go for the power windows if it's an option in the future - just my 2 cents.

azsmith

I have had a manual ZX-3 for about 2 and a half weeks. Someone was asking about mileage a few posts back. I have had two tanks full that I filled so I can report on those. The first one got about 28 miles per gallon with a mixture of 1/3 highway driving. That wasn't bad considering break in of engine. Second or last got 32 Mpg! I was pretty happy. That is with the same amount of highway driving or maybe a little less. And I should say I am a bit of a lead foot. But I have been taking it easy on newer engine. I usually travel faster than other traffic and about 75 on freeways.

BTW This car handles great and is smooth at all speeds. It is nice having more feedback in a car without being harsh or jarring. Styling is great. Although some people plain old do not like the styling.

I have only seen one other hatchback on the road being driven.

Dwight

jcu1886

I too have yet to see another ZX3 being driven on the road, here in the Cleveland area. I have seen several of the sedans, however.

danderson

pecos

I'm considering a Sangria Red ZX-3 5-spd. equipped with mats, pwr. door locks, and a/c. List is $13,645. Invoice is $12,719. It was manufactured in Hermosillo in Nov. Any thoughts out there about build quality of the ZX-3s and what dealers expect to sell these cars for? Things seem pretty slow right now. Dealer might be real eager to move inventory off the lot.

xqu

I was wondering if somebody else has the same problem as mine: The first time I started the car in cold morning, I have to use a little bit more effort to put the gear into first and second. After couple of minutes driving, the problem was gone. The same thing happened on my 7 years old Mitsubishi. But the focus is only one month new. So do you guys think I should bring the car back to dealer or it a common problem for a stick shift?
Thanks for any answer, have fun with your ZX3 )

jcu1886

I haven't noticed any problems in that regard. My car has, however, been in a closed garage every morning since I have had it (for 10 days now).

danderson
Cleveland, OH

tsmith98

The trans oil isn't warmed up yet and it makes the box a little baulky. It's not a big deal.
Just let things warm up (should be doing anyhow). You can slicken up the shifting by putting in Redline MTL synthetic gear oil. If you do this make sure you use the MTL. It has been developed so that there is enough friction for the syncros to work. If you use the regular Redline gear oil, you'll destroy your trans.

clayman1

The Feb. issue of Popular Science Magazine has a glowing review of the Ford Focus. It is compared to the Dodge Neon, Hyundai Accent, Toyata Echo, and the VW Golf. It more than holds it own against them.
I suggest you read this if you are sitting on the fence about a possible purchase.

jshoemaker

Looking for specific dealers that carry aftermarket intakes/springs/etc. for the Focus. Looks like the stock intake is a bit restictive and that a cold air intake could fit below the battery.

Also, anyone else notice that the radio fades out under heavy breaking?

silyboy

ok first of all a "solution" to yhe radio comment. If you noticed the radio has AVC or automatic volume control, you can set it to 0, +1, +2, +3. This basically means the faster you go the radio will gradually increase by that amount to compensate for road noise. When you are breaking you are slowing down so it will do the reverse of this........

as for aftermarket parts, give it time, there are some out there but it will take time for everyone to do the R&D and get finals. you may want to check www.focussport.com for parts. Also check http://www.kustomz.com/focus.html -they have an intake, superchip, springs, and some other goodies. Borla has an exhaust system allready and it includes a less restrictive air filter. Hope this helps...........

drebe73

Just bought my new black ZX3 on Friday, was heading to the dealer on Saturday to drop off the title of my trade when a guy ran the light and collided with me. Ruined the front end, deployed the air bags. I had the car for less than 24 hours and now its back at ford sitting in the lot waiting to see whats going to happen. I'm so upset right now I can't even believe it.

clayman1

I'm almost ready to purchase the ZX3 but need one final confirmation.I'm a bike rider and carry my bike to different locations for all day excursions.
Can the rear seat fold down to let me carry my 21 speed bike? Now I have to remove the front wheel to get it into my Mazda 323. Will it be a problem transporting the bike?
TIA

projectzx3

drebe i hit a deer the night i was bringing mine home! just under 2000.00 in damage. killed the deer. 35 mph head on! that happened 12/16/99. i am still without our zx3. dealer keeps saying parts are backordered. i'm tired of hearing it. that's just bad business in my opinion. anyway, i hope you have better luck than i on getting a speedy and professional repair done. the only good news is the zx3 held up real well for a compact car. i'm sure i would have been seriously hurt in many other small cars. i hope you are unhurt. stay in touch.... i had 10.2 miles on mine when it happened.

ps- anyone want to sell thier left front fender to me? haha! i really don't know if i'm actually kidding ... name your $

mp10

Yesterday morning I was thinking about projectzx3's deer accident while trying to dodge all the crazy Massachusetts drivers coming at me from all sides, and re-assuring myself that the odds of being in an accident with *another* Focus that had been on the road for a week or less must be very small....and now drebe73 never even made it back to port with his...I mean, only 20,000 have even been sold..

projectzx3

Johns Hopkins University has released a report stating the cutting edge design that is so appealing to all of us just plain stuns wildlife and stupid drivers that have low I.Q's! It is rumored that the design of the zx3 can cause sensory overload on animals and humans that are only slightly more intelligent than say a deer! haha!

sorry i need to find something to laugh about.

tickbitty

The Focus "T4U kits" are finally listed on www.focus247.com Kind of cute stuff, but a lot of it is a little steep (priced) and looks like something you could put together yourself with a little effort (picnic backpack and a lantern, etc)Doesn't look like most of it is custom made to fit in nooks and crannies of the car (like the miata luggage we once bought my dad!) Also, they still aren't listing the bike rack and stuff, which a lot of people ask about here.

I'm another carorder person, haven't heard anything (beyond getting the T-shirt fed ex package) in nearly three weeks. Hope it is just the holidays and that their communication will improve. Need the car!

ezavaleta

Thanks for the responses on speakers/amps. Now, anyone to care any makes/model on either? Also wondering what can be done non-intrusively for more bass, perhaps a Bazooka tube in the hatch? Have had one before and thought they're pretty good for the price.....

brianinmass

Last week I purchased a black 5 speed w/ mats, A/C, and power locks. I paid $12,925 delivered (I've since seen a better price in the Boston area). I think its a great car...handling, engine, ergonomics. It doesn't feel poorly built, but then again, it's one week old.

Gripes: As mentioned in an earlier post, the window handle positioning. It's low and if you've got stuff (i.e. CD jewel cases) in the door bins you have a bit of a problem rolling the windows up/down. More of an inconvenience than anything else. Also, the non-tilting/scoping steering wheel seemed a little far away at first.

BTW: in reply to the person who wanted to know if their 21 speed bike will fit in w/seats pulled down: My 21 inch fixed gear road bike slides right in when the seats are pulled down (without removing the front wheel).
Hope this helps.
Brian

ezavaleta

Thanks for the responses on speakers/amps. Now, anyone to care any makes/model on either? Also wondering what can be done non-intrusively for more bass, perhaps a Bazooka tube in the hatch? Have had one before and thought they're pretty good for the price.....

ezavaleta

for the multiple postings of More on Speakers? Don't know what happened.

On the position of the window handle -- I also stored CD cases in the door bin and would have to remove them when rolling down the window. As you say, a slight inconvenience. Now I just ride with my CD cases on the seat next to me, since I rarely have a passenger. Don't like having them out, so am considering a 10-disc changer.

mich9139

help!!! like the way the hatchback looks (i think). like the price/performance (re: hp) of escort. like the room of the focus. like the $700 body mods for the focus. but, from a purely price/performance stand, which is the better deal??? what kind of numbers am i looking at??? help!!!!!!!!!! really like the little fords, but then again, that late 2000 neon r/t sounds nice too...

drebe73

Gang, I miss my ZX3 so much. I really hate driving the rental. I couldn't help but tell my story to any one who would listen. It kills me to think of my wounded car just sitting there all alone at the dealer. I can't bear to think that I may not get to drive it for a month, possibly more. I could just imagine driving around in my new car, with people checking out the "cutting edge" style. Now I'm stuck in some old rental car. I just sit and torture myself reading through my owners manual. Gazing longingly at my second key and remote set. Am I pathetic or what? It's just that this is my first brand new car and the first car that actually reflects my personal style.
AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!

mp10

We feel your pain, drebe...

clayman1

I live in the inner city and would never leave my CD's or anything for that matter in the car. Instead I found nice CD case's that act like a book holding from 2 to 20 Cd's, they come in hard and soft sided. They fit in the glove compartment nicely. Can be found in computer supply stores like Staples or Office Max etc. Lot easier than playing with jewel boxes and protective also.

Happy to hear I can throw the bike in the back and a bonus is not taking the wheel off.
Contacted Autobuytell and will start taking tomorrow.
I understand you should never offer more than invoice plus tax tags etc., since the dealer has built-in profit of 3% of invoice already. I don't need a car now so can play hardball, I hope.:>)
Wish me luck.
Good to see the range of prices on line here, that helps.

clayman1

I currently have a Alpine FM/AM Compact Disc Receiver in my car. Would it be worth the trouble to move it to the Focus? How good quality is the supplied player in the Focus?
Is there a Specifications page for the Focus player?

brianinmass

As someone who just let go of a 4 x 35 watt detachable faceplate pioneer when I bought the focus, I can say the factory cd player is just fine. I could maybe see going through the trouble of installing a different cd player if it was part of a 6- or 10-cd changer, but not if its a single disc. The factory one has the volume control system which is actually not that bad of an idea, its got big buttons that are easy to use, and its got a little detachable thingy.
I couldn't find any specs on the system in the manual (I think it may only be 15 watts per channel) but I don't miss my 4x35 watt system at all.
Brian

silyboy

Little FYI for everyone looking to get a Focus or a happy owner of one already! (Personally my order is going in tommorow for mine)......
Awards as of this date and as far as i know--
2000 North American Car of the Year
Car & Driver 10 Best
Automobile Mag. Car of Yr.
AAA Best Buy under $15000
"runner up" Motor trend Car of Year

and it has received numerous good reviews in other magazines and newspaper around the country.

cahollan

I've put 1000 miles on my ZX3 in exactly one week, and now I think I'm having problems with the 5 speed. It just doesn't seem to shift as smoothly as it did (new?). It seems a bit more clunky...in fact if I try to shift with the upshift light, it *is* clunky. I can hear the gears clunk as I move the lever and release the clutch. It's much easier to shift (and less clunky) when revved up. Is anyone else having this problem, and is it worth a trip to the shop?
Or am I just crazy. Or both?

mzn

Friends, please keep in mind our Maintenance & Repair and our Aftermarket & Accessories conferences. You may get good, perhaps broader, responses there as well.

carlady/host

dudleyr

The Focus weighs about 3-400 pounds more than the Echo. This makes a big diff in acceleration.

charliemike

I have a ZX2 and it is a hoot to drive. I will say that the ZX2 is going to be much faster and handle much better than the ZX3. Until a S/R version (if there is one) of the ZX3 comes out, the ZX2 is probably your best choice in the go-fast department ...

projectzx3

i hope and trust all of you are enjoying your ZX3's. i'm still waiting for that left front fender. friday will be 4 weeks. my dealer's bodyshop insists they are fighting with ford's parts every day on my behalf. i truly believe they are. however, its getting ridiculous to me. Do you all think i should contact Ford Customer Assistance personally? My thinking is they might just pay a little more attention to it if i call thus it might just get the fender to my dealership more quickly. the only thing is i do not want it to reflect poorly on my dealership because i really do think they are raising hell to get me the part. please give me your opinions. thanks, mark

tickbitty

Have any of you Ford drivers out there ever tried to order a custom paint color? Looks like I may end up ordering/waiting for my Focus, so I asked a local dealer if Ford will ever paint the car in another Ford color that is maybe "out of the lineup" for the particular model.

I was thinking the zinc yellow (mustang and ZX2 color) on the ZX3. He said sometimes they will do it for an extra fee. I'd pay it to get the yellow. Obnoxious color, I know, but anything to fill the void of my canary yellow superbeetle I wrecked 12 years ago, that was so dear to me.

Let me know if anybody has experienced ordering special paintjobs from the factory. Thanks!

projectzx3

i don't know what in the world made me think of this today but here goes. i only drove my ZX3 10 miles before rudolf ran out in front of me. my ZX3 doesn't have the latch lock-out for reverse. the one i test drove at another dealer did! i need to hear from folks on this. let me know if your zx3's with manual trans have the lock out. My dealer is saying that's a feature only in the sedan. and i don't think they're right. i figured if its a part they owe me they might as well order it while our zx3 waits in the bodyshop. rsvp

tickbitty

The one I test drove had the ring (I wouldn't really say latch) on the gearshift that you had to lift for reverse. Not really sure what the purpose of it is, don't think I'd care if mine got it. But maybe it a safety or theft thing?