Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

cefurod

You listed another conference group for the focus on your last post. Can you post the full website again? Thanks.

fish8

Just think of the miles you are not puting of your car!!!

What do you all think of the Mercury Cougar's styling? Since they both have the New Edge design. Did any of you drive the Cougar or consider it? Just curious. I own 1999 Cougar and I really love the styling of the Focus Hatchback.

mp10

Not putting on any miles, but I'm still paying for it while it sits frozen in the bowels of the Dealership's laboratory - I got the first payment invoice a couple of weeks ago (hey, they don't waste anytime in sending *that* out!). I honestly don't blame the dealership in any way - I do think Ford should have worked out a deal with Mexico to get the parts out and I don't understand Ford's unconcerned attitude about this situation.

fastfocus

The Cougar is certainly a nice-looking car, but I feel that the Focus is a purer expression of "new edge" design. Everything seems to fit its purpose on the Focus, while the Cougar's various fender lines seem superfluous. Taken as a whole, the Focus looks fresher (not just newer) and more unique. Just my ever so humble opinion! However, the Cougar puts a lot of other cars to shame...for example, I hope Honda comes up with something halfway decent when they design the next Prelude!

ragtop99

I like the styling of the Cougar but prefer the ZX-3. I've always liked the traditional looking hatchback. The New Edge design is very appealing. Much better than all of the drab GM's running around. There is talk about high output versions of each of these coming out within a year.

Speaking of other cars; for those of you who like the styling of the ZX-3, what do you think of the soon to be released Chrysler/Dodge PT Cruiser. I really like the look and was wondering if those who like the hatchback look shared my opinion. I might consider one of these except they are built off of the Neon platform and Consumer Reports lists the Neon as not very reliable. Maybe Benz will straighten Chrysler out. The Cruiser is also to come out in a GT version. That will be too cool. Three vehicles from U.S. manufacturers that are neat looking and fast with good handling.

projectzx3

mp & company,

i am the finest example of a corporation forgetting about the customer after they've got the signed contract. i'll be making my second payment in roughly a week. it really stinks.

projectzx3

at this point i really have given up caring to a certain degree. i am by no means hurting financially.... but this car was for my son. that's who i feel for. if it drags on i'll go purchase a 00 GTI and drive this piece of tin through the dealership's front window once they get it fixed.

projectzx3

i still believe the ZX3 is the BEST value out there dollar for dollar... and safer too. hey i'm still here after a head-on with a doe at 35 mph. that's why i agreed to purchase it for him in the first place.

pcleveland2

You guys got me scared. I was really considering buying a ZX3 before the end of next month, but!!! Whats the deal with the manual transmission sticking?? I live in up state New York south of Buffalo. This morning was 4 degrees, and thats not as low as it gets around here. I know manuals get stiff when it's well below 0 degrees, but what I've read here sounds like a adjustment problem or a engineering problem. What are your dealers saying about it? Also for the Focus' layed up, are the dealers supplying a rental free of charge?

Suddenly, I find myself thinking about a automatic which would be nice because I can get a remote starter, but I still prefer a manual tranny.

fish8

I totally understand your frustration. On my 1999 Cougar, the driver seat back needed to be replaced because it was missing some foam padding from the factory. So, I waited about 1 week for the new seatback to get in from the supplier, which happens to be in Mexico, and I bring my car in to have them replace it with the new one. Well, I get my car back after the service was completed and I notice they put in a totally different seat from what originally came with the car. This is a big deal because the car had only a couple of thousand miles on it and was only 4 monthes old. After the dealer called Corp. Ford, which took about 2 weeks to get an answer, Ford tells the dealer that they are no longer producing the seat that originally came with my Cougar. So basically, I am SOL with a seat that does not match my car. Ford thought they would save some $ by producing a cheaper seat. Fortunately, they put new padding in my old seat and it looks brand new. This is just another example of Ford not thinking of the customer after the initial sale. I really feel sorry for those Cougar owners that need to replace their seats and they realize that the new seat will never match the rest of the interior.

johnhec

The alt.autos.ford.focus reference I made in an earlier messages is to a Usenet newsgroup, which you ordinarily access at your ISP through a newsreader (such as is supplied with Outlook Express or Netscape Communicator). You can also get to archives via your browser at http://www.deja.com , although I consider that less flexible unless you're doing a keyword search...

- John

mp10

To answer the question about a free rental - yes, for the time being but I believe that was only because I said it wasn't safe for me to try to drive the car (without the power steering) - and they seemed very confident they were going to get the p.s. pump the next day. As for the transmission, I gave my 2 cents on that before - automatic and it was great - very smooth and seamless shifting in any temp (we're having the 4 degree and less temps here too). I can't believe I had the bad luck to have this happen and from looking at Dejanews there doesn't seem to be a trend or pattern (yet). But after the 1984 Ford Escort I owned, I said I would NEVER buy another Ford. I then had a used 1989 Toyota for 9 years (it was a rental and already had 40K miles) and it NEVER ever broke down in those 9 years and is still going strong (I just sold it for $1300 with 140K miles) and I always thought I would get another Toyota - but then I saw the Focus and thought I'd take a chance. This is just a really bad omen for me since I had resolved NOT to buy a Ford and 19 days after I do - BAM! m.p.

jamers85

You're not alone. When New York Newday ran their magazine with the year 2000 cars, only 2 cars took my attention. The PT Cruiser and the ZX3. Now i have the ZX3.

norwaydoug

The Focus sedan and ZX-3 have the same front end. In my opinion the parts such as fenders, hood etc. would come from the factory no matter if you bought a US assembled sedan or a Mexican assembled hatchback.

The North American Free Trade agreement allows Canada, Mexico and US to move auto parts very easily through each country and this would not be a problem.

I have a ZX-3 and I think it is a wonderfully assembled car. It is made in Mexico by obviously a very caring and dedicated group of workers. I have only had Japanese cars in the past and my Focus is the best built of the lot. I love this car! I have hit a deer with my car and I will find out later today if the parts have come in. Waiting for parts is a drag......I agree, but to be upset about it is a waste of time.

I would recommend to Project ZX-3 to contact Ford Customer service and ask for a new ZX-3. I think you have waited too long. I think Ford is under-servicing Project. You have a very good case.

Those are my opinions!

NorwayDoug

hkoenen2

I know that lemon laws usually only apply to dealers not being able to fix a mechanical problems in 4 tries or if it ties up the car for more than 30 days. I wonder if the same applies to dealers not being able to supply body parts that make the car non drivable.

briand789

It pains me to have to write this, but with only 1050 miles on my ZX3, I have my first problem. Last night, we had a heavy duty snow storm, followed by an ice storm. This morning, as I reached 60 mph on the highway, the car shook like an unbalanced washing machine. I know there was a recall on the motor mounts, but Ford says the recall was already done. Anyone else experience this awful shaking? Any ideas on what it might be?

tickbitty

Briand, you can "scribble" or hide your multiple posts. You said you have had a lot of storms up there lately, make sure there is nothing stuck on or in your wheels or tires. I once had the exact problem you desribe, a horrible shudder that felt out of control, esp at higher speeds. I took it to my mechanic only to find that the shaking was caused by some mud concreted to the inside of the wheel. I was embarassed! Hosed off the wheel, problem gone.

tickbitty

Hope that helps. By the way, I ordered the ORANGE!!

briand789

Thanks, I didn't realize I could hide them. I have no idea why the computer does that, either. I only posted once...

mp10

I think it would matter if the disablement was caused by an accident (your fault) or a flaw in the car or parts - which would be my situation, I think.

tickbitty

Briand, did you have ice on your wheels? It's amazing how that can throw off your car's balance.

I noticed in the Focus wagons session that people are having trouble closing the hatches on their wagons. Anyone notice this on their ZX3?

briand789

I'm going to have to check out those two things later this evening. It's very possible that snow or ice around the wheel/wheel arches is the problem - I was pretty buried the morning and had to plow through a (very small) snowbank to get out. I will be very, very relieved that that's all that was the matter!
BTW, the hatch was very easy to open, even covered with a thick layer of ice.

ezavaleta

To all those interested in aftermarket exhaust systems, I have news from Borla. I just called them and they said they just did the measurements for the ZX3 and a kit (cat-back, muffler, & air filter) should be available in 2 weeks (Sedan system is already available). They'll sell direct or put you in contact with a local dealer. Pricing is not yet available. You may want to check out their website (www.borla.com) or call them direct 1-877-GOBORLA to inquire. I'll be ordering mine for sure -- it'll be my first aftermarket upgrade, can't wait.

One inquiry: does anyone know what tire pressure we're supposed to be running? The manual says to check a sticker on the driver-side door jam. I found the sticker, but there doesn't seem to be any tire pressure info on it.

briand789

This is great news! I can't wait to hear how Henry sounds with a sweet exhaust. Also looking forward to a K&N Air Filter. I put on of them on my truck, and it seemed to make a real difference in acceleration. I'm also interested to see how the FocusSport plugs and wires do on the car. Anyone order them yet?

tomcat630

I have a friend with a 1999 VW Jetta that is sitting in a body shop (since early Dec.) waiting for body/trim parts also. Now, this is a car that has been out over a year. Same story with "we don't know when..." So, other car comapnies are doing the same run around.

I am sure it won't make you feel better, but if you had gotten the 2000 VW Golf and needed parts, the same wait would probably happen. In the VW posts, there are similar stories of long waits for parts and/or car orders.

I used to work for Canon and when a new copier would come out, parts were hard to get. I would have to pull a part from a showroom demo to satisfy the customers.

projectzx3

Orlock, my dealership ordered the fender today from your dealership. They are 'overnighting' it and it should be here tomorrow. I would like to thank you personally... maybe send you a couple dozen chesapeake bay steamed crabs... quite a delicacy. anyway you get the point. feel free to email me and maybe we can correspond directly instead of on this conference if you like. you made my son's day! anyway, to edmunds users it is really nice to allow folks access to ones email address ... so update those profiles ... alot of nice people here. well that's my two cents worth. we're still going to be waiting on the left marker light...the amber one in the bumper...any chance you can get your hands on one of those??? our family really would like to thank you.

projectzx3

today i actually smiled for the first time in 40+ days. however, im not going to count our chickens before theyve hatched. but we have hope:)

silyboy

they allready have the exhaust system for the sedan!! you can get the part # on the web site.

kdominczak

VW Golf TDI or Focus ZX3 look like two best two choices out there(hatchbacks,at similar price and overall quality)Did anyone tested acceleration
of TDI vs. ZX3? If anyone did which one was better?

marker606

After hearing about all the problems you have had with the Focus, I'm gong to wait (at least) until mid-year to even think about purchasing a Focus. I hope all of the best for you all and your Focus'.
Just my opinion--I think the PT Cruiser looks like a cheap, minivan ripoff. I would never want one of those!! I think it goes unsaid that I would take a ZX3 over one of those cars any day.
also: Chryslers don't have a very good track record either. I recently rented a Neon, and it was less than six months old and when you were at idle, the whole dash board would shake and you could hear the car rattle over bumps; I was disgusted to put it lightly. I am a lover of European cars, and even though the Focus wasn't built there, it says a lot that it was just designed there.
My family have been long time Benz, BMW and (now) Volvo loyalees, and I wish you all could undersstand why. Euro cars are *the* best.

mp10

The Golf was very attractive but is hardly in the same price range - it's quite a bit more expensive. The Honda Civic hatchback is comparable and has enormous resell value - I know someone who recently got $2500 for a 1986 Civic hatchback. But they are ugly little troll cars, very low to the ground. In my opinion, of course. Then again, perhaps I should have gone for substance and not superficial looks when I bought the ZX3 (I know, all you Hatchling owners who have healthy cars don't want to hear that...I am trying not to be bitter, but it's very hard). Ford just sent the new owner survey - I guess I can give them an earful now.

monikaann

Back in November one of my co-workers got a VW TDI. He was looking at the ZX3, but he needed a car right away so he got the TDI. It is a sharp looking car. 6cyl, leather interior. It looks like it has the "EDGE DESIGN". It gets a lot of second looks. He paid $23,600. That is 50% more than I want to spend and I would imagine the other costs of ownership will be at least 50% more too. I hope Ford is quick collecting feedback on problems with the Focus, to get them corrected ASAP. It is such a great car, it would be ashamed to drop the ball in production. It occurred to me also that the front end of the sedan and hatchback should be the same. I just saw that for the last year, Ford profits were up and GMs were down. Ford must be doing some things right.

tomcat630

At GM headqurters, they had an Opel Astra to look at and sit in. It's the same class car as the Golf and Focus. It was real nice and I wish GM had them available here in the USA!!

I like the Focus so far and I liked how it was on a test drive. I have a Contour now and it is running great. Its solid, even at 95 mph!

Also, check the VW topics and there are a few unhappy owners. But, I still like their cars.

xqu

According to the Owner's Guide page 252, it says 33 PSI COLD but I'm not sure if it is correct for Focus.

fastfocus

Mp10, you said Hondas are "little troll cars...low to the ground." Let's not forget that racing cars are low to the ground, too, and for good reason - it improves handling and general vehicle dynamics. However, "low" is not the way to go these days now that half the population seems to require a 5,000 pound Safari Vehicle just for running around town. At least Ford's come out with a cool hatch that sits high enough to: a) provide great interior room, and b) allow drivers to see around some of those roadgoing monstrosities.

bjammin2

I guess nobody has the same problem as my zx3. I posted a comment about may noisy and rough tranny. The engine isn't as smooth as silk either, but everything could be much worse. Despite these problems along with Ford's options packaging blunders (no cruise or tip sliding passenger seat available at release) I wouldn't trade my car in for anything else. I've really grown fond of the hatchback look and the attention the styling gets me. The engine at only 130 hp really makes use of each pony. Automobile listed a 0-60 time of 6.9 s posted by FoMoCo. I don't think they're too far off. The pluses heavily outway the minuses. I love my zx3.

projectzx3

Let's not forget the 'focus' of this particular conference. If i wanted to read and post about Hondas and VW's i would go to those conferences. I'm sorry i mentioned the Golf. I did so in anger. I am still a Focus fan. Its got almost the same bang for alot less bucks.

pmartin100

Why can't Ford produce the Focus 5 door hatchback for the US market like they do in Europe? Would also like to see all the engine choices in the US that they offer here in Europe (eg, turbodiesel)

bigb7

I,mplanning to buy a ZX3 does anyone have any reasons why I should not??

danny1234

I'm running 32 psi.. seem to have read somewhere.


ezavaleta, you are right.. I searched all over the car to find the tire pressure label, but the car does not have any. I was planning to call customer service, but I guess i forgot.

well, 5000 miles on my hatchling today and time for my first oilchange and a visit back to the dealer. So far, the car is holding up real good, no creaks, squeaks or rattles. I do hear louder thumps from the back when going over frost heaves,
but the weather has been hovering near zero, so i guess it may just be that the oil in the struts is thicker.

Took it through a car wash, and the antenna stayed on without any problems.

The engine has smoothed out and is not as buzzy at higher rpm's. I guess it will become even smoother after that oil change.

briand789

Thank you, tickbitty, for the words about the unbalanced feeling I experienced. Indeed, it was just snow and ice build-up around the wheels. Once they were cleared, the car once again displayed the solidity, confidence and handling of a $25,000 car.
From my own personal experiences, I can think of no reason whatsoever not to buy a ZX3. It's really a great car - really fun to drive, steals a lot of attention on the road, loves to corner, and goes fast!

jamers85

It's like a Twilight Zone. Less than a month ago, when someone posted that you will find the tire pressure specs somewhere around the door, I checked and found it.
It says 32 front and 32 rear. Then when I looked for it about a week ago to double check, I couldn't find it. Where did it go? Can you check in your car? Maybe it's there now.

cefurod

Some of you mentioned how the Focus makes use of all it's 130hp. I was just wondering, how high do you rev your engines on 1st gear? Since i'm still breaking in my engine, i don't rev it higher than 3000. Even though, i feel no power on 1st gear and still little in 2nd. But i feel more as you shift to higher gears. Is the power for the lower gears in the higher rpm levels?

briand789

If you shift at 3000 rpm, that's why you don't feel the torque or the horses. If memory serve me right the torque comes in at 4500, and the max hp at 5400. I sort of have a lead foot - I tried to break it in easy, but I just can't keep from winding it out. I figure as long as you keep it away from "redline," (6800 rpm) it should be OK. Also I have the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty. In any case, if you rev it harder, you'll feel it.

cefurod

Thanks, that's what i needed to know. By the way, how's your gas mileage? My needle is on the halfway mark but i've only gotten 150 highway miles so far. Do we have a 13 gallon tank like the sedan or is ours smaller? I don't see how i'm going to be able to get 400 miles on a full tank of gas.

briand789

I have 1050 miles on mine, and I just filled up last night. I got 234.6 miles out of 9.71 gallons - that's about 24 mpg in 50/50 city/highway driving. Considering how I like to rev, I guess that's just a little less than average. I wish it were more, but maybe as the engine continues to break in it will improve.

tickbitty

Briand, glad your solution was a simple one.
I came accross this page by another Focus nut (is it one of you?)

http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/thepits/1425/

It has some pics of another twilight blue ZX3 and some great links for you aftermarket enthusiasts

uncleal

Car and Driver had 0 - 60 at 9.6,
are we looking at a transposition here?

I'm seriously considering a Focus, BUT since I'm currenlty driving a Contour SE at 17o hp, I'm concerned that at 9.6 to 60 mph, I'll be miserable....

Regards,
Al

johnhec

I believe the tank in Focus sedans and hatchbacks is 11.9 gallons. I've found in my ZTS that the gas light will come on when I've used about 10 gallons, and when I've filled up with the needle at zero, I can add about 10.5 gallons.

- John

projectzx3

the only reason not to but a focus is the scarcity of parts right now if you are involved in an accident or have a mechanical breakdown. the car is just one helluva value. not a porsche but hey look at the price. a new car with all kinds of potential for customizing for roughly 14k. as far as the 0-60 times i saw 6.9 seconds and 17.1 in the 1/4 mile. both of which are very good for this type of 'stock' vehicle. anyone know how tickbitty made out on her carorder? miss her comments.