Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part IX

togneter

I ask myself that every day. That's why I drive with my lights on. I will write no more on this topic. Look at part XII if you want to know what I think...

zx3beast

vadp-thanks for the quick response.how would you
interpert those numbers in terms of success?

rookie34

I am proud to say I now am a member of the Focus ZX3 family. Never thought it would happen - owned Rangers for over 12 years. But I logged on to Edmunds for info on new cars - scrolled down the chat rooms and found all the good news on the ZX3. Had a rough time finding a stick in Florida. Must be because of the large elderly population. Had to go to five dealers before I found my baby - a CD Silver hatchback. Love everything about it - great handling, great looks and great gas mileage (not below 30mpg - I do mostly highway driving). Receive many stares and several people have asked me while stopped at a light what kind of car it was. Have not seen many ZX3's around the Stuart/West Palm Beach area - have seen several PT Cruisers (another sharp-looking car but the dealers are adding $2 to $3,000 over MSRP and the waiting list is 10 months long!). If you see a silver ZX3 on I-95 give a wave!

zx3beast

good luck + enjoy the ride.

vadp

Ford underestimated the popularity of ZX3.
Unfortunately they can't satisfy the demand. The industry as a whole is running at the near full capacity. Supplyers can't instantly crank up parts production. This explains why it takes 10-12 weeks to get the factory ordered Z.
It's hard to see why Ford is still building so many escorts. I suspect the April and May numbers will increase for the Focus and decline for the Escort.
We'll see if Ford will keep building Escorts for MY 2001. If not, the waiting time for the factory ordered Focus will be much shorter.

zx3beast

thanks vadp,sure does seem like a runaway success
story.i agree that they woefully underestimated the demand for the hatch.heres hoping that our present
z purchase will retain more value.of course, it will depreciate but maybe it will not take as big a hit as normal.

ltrez

SVT Focus
http://www.thecarconnection.com/columns/caught/000
605_Caught.asp?idSection=0

zx3

the Meguiar's liquid wax is holding up well, the z really gleams in sun. I'm pleased with the wax, dunno if it is/is not the "best" ... but it sure is nice, and you only wash the car, then when dry, aplly the wax over entire car, then wipe the haze off (comes right off), then give a few strokes with the clean terry cloths and whammo! -- brilliant shine, no hard work/hard rubbing.

I'm considering your suggestion to leave the the chrome ZX3 badge on the rear, but I might move it down to just above bumper, like GTI did. Should look cool. Thanks.
zx3

dustoffbob

Has anyone found a decent set of seat covers? If so what brand, where @, how $. I saw an article in Nov 99 that said Ford was going to offer neoprene seat covers, but I have had no luck tracking them down. FYI, I already no about wet okeole, I am looking for something a little less $$$. Thanks to all.

Additionally, once I had my recall completed (fuel injector replacement) that slight hesitation or slippage around 3000 RPMs has left and it is now smoother than ever!!!

zx3beast

zx3- a co-worker has a gti(cosmic green) i will
take note of location of badging. i never really
gave it any thought till i read your post.when i
took note of my z,there is a lot of busy look to
back-with the focus,zx3,+ford blue oval+dealer name.i was thinking as well the location you mentioned would also be distinctive.im going to give the meguiars a shot since i have a good base of 2 carnauba waxings.i like the no hard work part.

zx3

Thanks for input on Badging. But your z is black. And black (IMO) looks bee-oootiful with a Badge. You have a win-win situation. I envy you there. I wanted black.

To others:
I withdraw my post about DRL's. It's a direct contradiction (in a way) of what I posted about DRL's over a month ago.
My (lousy) excuse is I wasn't thinking here about Bikes -- only that drl's look nice. But a month ago I was thinking about Bikes.
(Sheesh!!.....shoulda stood in bed).
zx3

guyindasky

Ok, stumbled across this link for this device that supposedly can let you know your times...For those of you who've done "mods" to your car, it would be interesting to see what times you can get with this device.

http://formen.ign.com/news/20352.html

Sporin

My sister has ordered a ZX3 in silver/charcoal with automatic tranny. That was about 2 weeks ago and the dealer told her six weeks total. Now after reading all these posts, should she really be expecting 10-12 weeks? This will make a big difference to here so I'd love to be able to give her some confirmation.

btw--This car seems to be about the best overall value on the market today for a fun to drive hatch. It is her first new car after driving a crappy, used Geo Metro for the last 4 years. This was the car Iso strongly recommended she buy based on her limited budget and the excellent reviews here and in just about every magz.

Thanks to the forum for the info.

:-)

gabegarwick

I remember this from a week or two ago I think. Several of us were looking for these floormats. Someone did manage to get the part numbers for us. I managed to find them in the Ford Online Store.
Here are links to the pics
The carpeted ones ($44.00) for front set:
http://www.icollection.com/stores/Assets/product_images/large_AFOCS005.jpg

The vinyl/rubber ones ($43.00) front set:
http://www.icollection.com/stores/Assets/product_images/large_AFOCS006.jpg

Gabe

number17

... and it was a BLAST to drive. I've never had so much fun test driving a car for a while.

I've identified the following pros and cons in my brief test drive:

Cons-

1/ Feather-light clutch. I thought my (ex-)Civic's clutch was light, but then I test drove the GTI and it was even lighter, and now the Focus has the lightest clutch I've ever driven. It's light, and feel-less, like an on-off switch. Not a big thing, but more feel is defn welcome.

2/ The Zetec engine is peppy, but is not overwhelming in the power department. The low end is not bad, but the engine kindda runs out of breath in the high end. Of couse, I expect things to get a little better once the engine's run in.

3/ A small thing, but the big C pillar makes it almost impossible to check the left blind spot. Nothing blind spot mirros can't fix though.

And on to Pro's -

1/ Suspension and overall driving dynamics. I cornered as hard as I could with the sales man sitting in the back, and I wasn't even close to the limit of the car yet. The suspension exhibit very little roll during hard corners, and keeps all 4 tires planted on the ground all the times. This is one of the best handler I've driven in this price range.

2/ Quick and accurate steering. Small steering wheel.

3/ Shifter and gearbox. This is one of the best M/T gearbox I've driven .... it's definitely in the Miata territory. Gears are closely matched, short accurate throw, no vague feeling even when shifting quickly. I never expected this from Ford.

4/ Interior refinement. It's defn in the Golf territory. The ZX3 I test drove had dark charcoal interior. Materials feels rich, seats have nice cloth and nice sport bucket seats. Layout is ergonomic, and stylish.

5/ Styling - some ppl like it and some ppl don't. But either way it is making a statement, and I like it.

6/ Price - it is Cdn$20K fully loaded. Few cars in the price range can compare to it and is as fun to drive (other cars I'm currently considering for my sister are Sentra SE, Tiburon, Civic Si(R) ... all of them cost more than the Focus if equally equipped)

Needless to say, I was very impressed after the test drive, and recommended it to my sister. The dealership said they have a supply problem though, and that'll only get worse from now (cos no more factory orders for 00 models) till the 2001 models come out in ~4 months. I guess if they can't find a model with the the color (orange, black or deep blue) and features we want we can always wait for the 2001 models ....

Does anyone know what differences the 2001 model will have?

Thanks for the info folks.

#17

loolala

I ordered my Silver ZX3 on March 19, and last week, it arrived at the dealer's lot. I expect to get it early next week. So it's more like 12 weeks in my case.

vadp

I noticed a lot of posters are not happy with an amount of brake dust on their front wheels.
Here is a site that sells a set of kevlar dust free front brake pads for $89 + $5 shipping.
Will be available for shipping in July.
I wonder if anybody has any experience or any additional information regarding the quality of that product.

http://www.ebc-brakes.com/autopads.htm

togneter

Interesting that you found the clutch "on/off." Most reviewers like the amount of play in the clutch. I, for one, have found the clutch nicely weighted (not light at all) with LOTS of feel and play. Wonder if your test model needed adjustment?

As far as the Zetec, I think we'd all like a few more horsies, but torque is more than adequate. Also, your observation that it runs out at the high end seems curious. I've found that this engine is happiest in the 3000 to 5000 range, and if your gunning it, it's really strong until shifting at 5500 to 6000. My problem is there isn't ENOUGH low-end torque.

Interesting to note the difference of opinion...

number17

Clutch thing - it's no biggie, and I can live with a lighter clutch (easy on your leg when you're stuck in traffic ... ) but the clutch is definitely light .... Friend of mine test drove another ZX3 from a different dealership and had the same comment. I am surprised you find it nicely weighted .....

Power - I think the engine has enough low end torque (there's no such thing as too much power / torque = ) The power thing could be the engine's still green and not run in yet. I thought 130hp would feel more powerful than that.

But otherwise I was very impressed with the car. Now, if they can actually locate a car in Ontario with the color and features we want....

#17

drebe73

Hey Rookie34 I'm wondering if you happend to be driving down Military trail in West Palm Beach between 45th and Community Blvd. going north on Sunday the 4th at around 6:15pm? I saw a silver ZX3 at that moment while heading south in my pitch black ZX3.
I don't see many ZX3's in West Palm but did see 3 that weekend. I was hoping that other ZX3 owners in my area would join this board. Welcome and be cautious of the elderly drivers. It was on military and community where I wrecked my car that day in January.

I have an apointment on friday to check out the ratteling in the back and the loose drivers side window. If my window is rolled down all of the way and I shut the door, the window rattles in the door. The passanger side does not make the sound and is very solid. I'll keep you posted on what happens.

silver_bullet

The EBC Green pads are very highly rated and should virtually eliminate the awful dusting problem. I've been calling EBC directly for about two months - they told me July is the likely date for pad availability. Part number for the ZX3 is DP21185.

togneter

I've been cleaning my front wheels about twice a week to keep the dust off. Can't wait to get these pads.

I see VWs all the time with dusty frony wheels. It looks aweful. Makes me think the owners don't love their cars... =]

silver_bullet

Ja, German cars often have the blackest wheels. The OEM pads for most German cars come from either Jurid or Texstar - both create a lot of dust, but are very quiet. Americans gripe about squeaky disc brakes, so softer pads are often the route taken by car makers to minimze customer complaints. Unfortunately, these pads tend to be very dusty. Another very good pad comes from Repco/Axxis, their Deluxe version. Repco has not yet produced a pad for our car, alas.

superf22

so what is the deal with the superchip for a zx3? what does it do? where can I get it? how much $$$?
thanks much

zx3beast

this link was previously posted by vadp.good info here on 2001 focus.click on...
http://www.blueovalnews.com/

togneter

The Superchip is between $240 ans $300, dpending on where you buy it. You can go to http://www.superchips.com for more info. They suggest that you call them with your exact computer number to get the right chip, rather than buy through a dealer.

As far as performance enhancement, there doesn'y seem to be a consensus. Superchips claims +13hp ns +25fp of torque on the Zetec, but whose to say how accurate that is.

Any personal experince out there?

togneter

Bad typist...bad..

catmom

Please post after you take your car to the dealer. My window does the same thing.

vadp

Production units:

Focus ZX3 4,717
Escort/tracer 7,849

According to this numbers Ford reduced production of ZX3's in April by almost one thousand units comparing to March!!
No wonder waiting times are so long.

source: Automotive News, May29

torinopaddy

I have read several reports on Foci equipped with "Advance Trac" or Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as Ford have dubbed it here. All have been extremely positive. So it has come as a bit of a surprise to me to learn that so few have been sold in Italy. One large Ford dealership told me that they have sold only one so far. Hard to explain as it costs little more than the regular version.
Having said that Focus sales are doing well here. The turbodiesel is selling particularly well. Almost everybody on the newsgroup seems to have a diesel station wagon. The most common complaints on the ng here are from people awaiting delivery, and from people complaining about squeaks and rattles. Sound's familiar, doesn't it?

Oh well, I still don't have mine. It should be here tomorrow or the day after or whenever :-).

zx3

Welcome to "z-land", best of luck, you'll love your new rides.
zx3

alfaromeo

Is that zX3 owners sound like really nice people! - judging from the tone of this forum..

- forza focus!!! (no, I'm not mad about it, but y'all seem so nice)

audiolizard

This is the last time I'll post about this, I promise. Here's the URL again.

http://www.geocities.com/audiolizard/

To all prospective web designers, Netscape does not like framesets with only one frame. Lame, huh? Thanks for the support, and keep the links coming. If you have a webpage about your focus, I'd be glad to add it.

rubberban

first g-tech's aren't said to be very accurate. someone on www.club-focus.com has put up a dynograph of a stock zx3. i think they were getting close to 105 horsepower at the wheels. Sport compact car magazine did a supercharged zx3 along with the focussport intake, borla exhaust, and a jba header among other things and got something like 160 hp at the wheels, obviously most of that power is coming from the supercharger.
you can get a superchip for your zx3 at www.kustomz.com/focus.html for 229.00. you need to provide an eec calibration which can be found behind the glove compartment and to the right. they will do free upgrades on all chips with the kkm sticker at no charge as it gets upgraded. i've had it in my car for a while now and there definately is a difference, but i think horsepower/torque increase is in the single digits.

pcleveland2

Torinopaddy,
The concept sounds, and probably works great UNTIL your vehicle is in a accident where it has to be jacked up. That's where the problems begin. While the emergency people are jacking up vehicle to get the driver out, the car is trying to level its self. They have to know how to disable the system.
Same with the air bags. If the air bag failed during accident, it can go off while they are working on victim in vehicle. Again, they have to know how to disable air bag system.
Lots of cars and lots of systems mean real problem for the emergency crews. The concepts of these advanced systems are great except in a accident where the system fails partically or completely, or where the system attempts to work after the accident takes place. Auto makers should be placing a disable switch in a common universal place where emerigency response crews would know where to look for it.
Pat

mac54

I've seen a few posts about the hesitation/surge when accelerating around 2000 rpm. Did you notice that on yours before putting the superchip in and, if so, did the superchip cure it?

zx3beast

i have known about this since my my 1998 zx2 5spd.
exhibited the same tendacies.ive have posted previously that i did not believe this to be a flaw
or cause for concern.i do consider it to be a quirk
of the zetec.it is only prevalent as you approach
1900 to 2000 -2100 rpm.it is ever so slight if you are holding in that range.it also corrects itself very rapidly as you accelerate.the zx3 5spd. is exactly the same way as i remember my former zx2.
to me,it is no different before or after the injector recall.i tend to agree with previous post that it is deliberate and has to do with a balance of fuel economy/performance.if one quickly gears-up
it wouldnt even be noticeable.

rubberban

i put my superchip with less then 1000 miles on the car and i didn't notice the hesitation/surge at 2000 rpms before the chip. after i read all the posts about the hesitation/surge i tried driving the car at around 2000 for a while and i didn't notice anything.

zx3beast

rubberban- it really is that subtle,that it can be
overlooked.i havent really gave it any thought till i started reading post about it again.try hitting
right before 2000 than accelerate,it is very slight
but it does exist.im not concerned at all about it.
i just wanted to quell any fears for those considering a purchase of the z.

jwkessler1

audiolizard - Thanks for the update! All is fine now. Great site!

torinopaddy

pcleveland2,
The Electronic Stability Program is not an active suspension unit. It works with the anti-skid and the ABS to control under and oversteer while cornering. As such it is designed to keep you out of accidents in those situations when normally the car would lose traction. As I understand it, the system works by controlling the throttle first and, if that is insufficient, by independently braking the wheels to keep the car on line.

In the case of an accident, I don't understand how this system will cause trouble while jacking up the car. The suspension is totally passive, how can the car "try to level itself"?

Personally, I consider this as a very positive safety aid in that it is one of those like ABS that can help you stay out of accidents in the first place. I am not the most safety conscious of drivers but it is reassuring to know that, in treacherous conditions and at the limit, the car will intervene to help me stay out of harm's way.

silver_bullet

Correct, torinopaddy. ESP is a dynamic stability control system (to steal BMW's terminology), and has nothing to do with the car's suspension system - only the brakes and throttle, and via sensors, the steering. When the car is stopped, ESP does nothing. It is some very interesting technology, and as long as you can switch it off, would be a nice safety net.

hugoz

I took my ZX3 to the dealer this morning -- the inside door latch on the driver's door hasn't been working for some time now (hatchling is only 2 1/2 months old!). This is the only thing yet to go wrong ... took it to one dealer already, and after wasting a lot of time dropping off my car and then waiting forever for their shuttle to take me to the train station, they called later and said, "oh, we have to special order the part, can you come back again next Monday?"

My response was to find another Ford dealer who gave me a loaner -- which was a dark blue Focus sedan. The sedan has an automatic, a regular 2-liter engine, and all power. My impression: the automatic trans is surprisingly smooth, resulting in quick acceleration. However, the non-Zetec engine IS real noisy when accelerating at lower speeds. Makes me glad I got my ZX3. The Zetec's noise, by comparison, is kind of a healthy, low level growl that belies its power; the sedan's noise is just plain annoying. The power door locks and windows, though, are nice.

Oh, when I dropped off my Autumn Orange ZX3, the driver at the dealer who took my car asked me about the color and said "I've never seen that before." Guess we are rare breed.

rathstar

hello out there.. after looking around and spending a lot of time "lurking" on this forum, I ordered a twilight blue zx3 from a dealer in denver on April 17th. well it still isn't here, but the dealer managed to get one on monday that was almost exactly the same! (except it has the side air bags and smokers package) so I said hey, I'm sick of waiting, and I drove down there yesterday to get it. Best move I ever made!! I absolutely love my new car. this morning it is already looking dirty though )-: so I have to figure out how I'm going to wash/wax it. I live in an apartment complex that doesn't have a wash area, so I'm not sure what to do; i might end up having to park on a side street or something.

some side notes: from reading through this forum before placing my order, I already expected to wait 10-12 weeks, even though the dealer said 4-6. Also, boy do I wish that the dealer showed me how to put the car in reverse. I made a big fool of myself trying to demo the car to a coworker when I couldn't even pull out of a parking space!
of course I figured it out eventually, but it is totally non-intuitive.

now I just have to figure out what to put on the license plate....

(rs)

silver_bullet

I'm sure you'll love your car. Do yourself a big favor and read your owner's manual from cover to cover -- the ZX3 has many interesting and unique features, and the manual will help you get the most from them. Sounds like you have a pretty car - does it have the Medium Graphite interior?

alfaromeo

Yes, on page 342 of the manual, it explains how you can use your radiator to make fresh brewed ZX3 espresso! lol

Also, when I went to see a ZX3, the dealer, in that 'I know it all' attitude, explained that there was a sensor somewhere in the engine compartment which when hit, cause 'the engine to collapse' immediately (i suppose in the event of the collision). I promptly opened the hood, and there it was: a big red button with big lettering: ENGINE COLLAPSE BUTTON.
Of course, being the child I really am, I pressed it. Not only did the engine collapse, the wheels fell off, the ejectable seets fired (ouch! - no moonroof), the ZX3 cruise missiles hidden under the back skirt made a 'clunk' when they hit the asphalt, luckily displaying 'off-mode'; the air bags went flying like balloons, zipping around left and right before one of them hit the dealer right in the face and momentarily blinded him.

That was when I chose to disappear from the scene in a hurry...

vadp

http://www.speedvision.com/~data/publish/automotive/01cnews/000521a.PHOTO_LARGE.jpg

Here is an article:

http://www.speedvision.com/pub/articles/automotive/01cnews/000521a.html

kdominczak

Hi, there.
I know that there is no better experts in styling design than Italians.
How do you like "Fiat Multipla"?
I've seen it in one of European car magazines, oh man is this thing the ugliest car ever or what?
It's so out of proportions, just plain ugly ,looking just like a pit-bull mixed with a tall poodle.
Some people here in the States are saying that our zx3 is so radical in styling, wait until you see some of those other European cars(beasts)!
"Citroen xsara picasso" also makes me vomit through my ears! Talking about the Beasts lets talk about the Beauties too. I really like Opel Astra Coupe 2.0l. 190 hp(turbo). Different Opel, Corsa II is nice too. Why don't we get some of these here in the States?
It's all a question of personal taste, though. Tell me how it looks from your side of the Atlantic? Is Focus considered as a radical styled car there?

togneter

Nobody makes uglier cars than Citroen. Never have...never will.

Peugot 306 is a fine looking machine, though.

pcleveland2

Sorry guys, thought that it was a suspension stabilation thing like some of the other cars have.
What I get for talking first and reading last. Should take my own advise.

Pat