I think the dealer can get around the original keys thing, but yes you do normally need two keys to program one. Can't believe the luck, or should I say bad luck, you and ND have had with your foci.
Sure would be nice if we had the European style taillights. Think they are legal in all 50 states. Think their fog tail light is built in the bumper. To bad that's not a option here.
pcleveland2, it seems like a rule now. A lot of the ZX3 owners at this forum drive the manual trannys. I would like to ask everybody with the 5-speed tranny to let us know if you have that infamous knocking (diesel like noise) at idle and/or during acceleration in 1/2 gear. The sound goes away with pressing down the clutch pedal. I think that the most, if not all of the MTX-75(manual tranny), have this problem. And if this is true Ford better start to worry about issuing a new recall. I don't think that anybody, when the time comes, will be interested in buying a rattling/knocking used car(= very bad resale value).
unless you cover up the moldings you will have this problem when you wax the Focus by hand. This may sound silly, but what if you take it to a car wash and go through the "wax machine"part?
Every time I arrive at work with a rental, my coworkers are all "now what's wrong with your car?" Alas, I feel like I haven't really had many major problems. The only one, aside from the infamous accident, was the clutch that was taken care of in a week. The rest is me being very picky, which I told them that when I got my car back that I would be back everytime a heard anything slightly out of the ordinary. So I brought it back to have the E-break handle replaced because it was gouged during the initial repairs, and the scratched AC guage face.....TBC
Hi people, I haven't washed and waxed my Kona yet, but I probably will be soon. So what is this about the trim being all messed up by waxes? Aren't there any brands out nowadays that are made to specifically avoid this problem? I'd appreciate some brand suggestions if you got em, thanks.
SIDE NOTE TO THOSE BUYING A KONA: My dealer said they put my bike on order (after I already had the car). But then I started thinking about that and knew that I would need to be sized for a bike. You can't just order a generic bike of course. When I confronted them with this, they admitted that the dealership "bike guy" had left, and they didn't really know anything about it. I finally, after having had the car for a month, found the bike dealer they were supposed to send me to in the first place. I'm pissed they didn't give me this information in the first place and it seemed like they just hoped I'd go away and forget about it. So make sure they send you to a specific bike shop (Kona-certified) to be fitted and order your bike.
vadp- although the sound is there, i havent noticed any depreciation in performance. it seems stable and solid . i do intend to have it checked by dealer. i had wanted to get it looked at last saturday. i am going to try again this weekend.i really dislike the thought of going back . my plan is to trade-up when the turbo or other performance-type models are available. presently,the value is quite high. you do make a good point regarding the future.
My car goes to the dealership tommorow. We'll see if the new dealer will admit that there is a problem with the tranny. Last week my rear brakes started to squeal constantly at low speeds. I'll bring it to the dealers attention too. And finally I want to take care of a rattle in the dashboard. It's quite loud and very consistent on all but perfectly smooth roads during the first 20 min of driving in the morning. When the car warms up the rattle seems to go away.
konacruiser, I'm not aware of any of the trim safe waxes. Personally I'm using the Zaino product. http://www.zainobros.com/ Very good stuff. It does leave the white residue on the black moldings. I was too lazy to mask them. But an application of the Mothers Back to Black Trim Restorer took care of the residue. http://www.autobarn.net/trimchrome.html
Ok, so I've booked to have my z in for its 5k service. The maintenance guy quoted a figure of $113 for doing this. Is this about the right cost ? He mentioned that in addition to changing the oil + filter, they'd check a few other things including "re-tightening the emergency brake". I can't help but feel I could do most of these things, but would be worried about doing the brake. When I keep receiving these junk-mail fliers quoting $14.95 for oil-change......
At the least I'm gonna ask for a discount since I've been waiting 3 months for Ford to order a part for me. (It's a long story, but basically the 'Prep-Guys' scratched the paintwork and punctured the door window-seal whilst attempting to break into the car to retrieve a locked-in set of keys, whilst prepping the car for me to pick-up). As I say, a long story. But I'm awaiting the new window-seal. I figure at the least a half-price 5k service as compensation.
I bought my car from Superior Ford in Flat Rock. The salesman I dealt with is someone my parents have bought vehicles from since 1980, so he is very fare with me. He didn't try and sell me the extended warranty or anything like that. I used Ford's x-plan which is like a couple of percent above the a-plan. The x-plan is a friend and neighbor play. Basically if you're a friend of someone who is a salaried employee of Ford, you qualify. I have 500 miles on my zx3, and haven't noticed any of the problems people mention yet.
To Prospective Buyers: I just hit the 10,000 with my 5-speed, and here are some observations at this point: --Averaging about 32 mpg highway. --Car is at its best on the highway, where it can "stretch it legs" at highway speeds with little strain. However, if you're looking for a car to burn rubber, this one isn't it. --Mechanically, car seems okay. I've notice a slight rattling (?) sound occasionally when in neutral (reminds of a heat shield rattle, but I don't think it is), but it hasn't been anything other than a minor irritant. --Paint (white) is holding up well, although the flat front end gets plastered with bugs. Despite my fear of damaging the paint, I bought a "bra" because I'm afraid the front end and hood will get chipped this winter from anti-skid and cinders. (Black bra looks good on white car.) --I've gotten used to the seats, which I originally thought were uncomfortable. --Very much like having a hatchback, but I'm sorry I got a manual. Shifting isn't fun anymore.
In short, as you heard before, it's a good economy car for the price. But, after driving it for four months, I find the ride ho-hum. Best to everyone, Jay
Can anyone tell me about the moonroof on the 2001 model? Is it a liftout glass panel or is it some kind of crank mechanism? Also, does anyone know the timeline for the 5-door debut?
That's exactly why I got the automatic. Gettin to old for the shifting thing. Think I got the better end of the deal on this one. I think the automatic is quite under rated.
As far as the ride, you just have to take a trip to the northern part of Pa. where there are hills and curves. She's in her glory on those curves and hills. Oh, she will burn rubber, but I don't because all I can see is the dollar bills getting ready to go to the owner of the tire store. More fun car than economy car.
I have been waiting for my Zx3 since the 3rd of Aug. There was a parts delay becouse of the Moonroof. This delay ends on Monday. I have a few connections so I have access to the ford Fleet group, They have informed me that the Zx3's with moonroofs are indeed ready to start production on Monday morning. But as to the action of the Roof I still have not been able to get an answer to that question. I guess I will have my answer when my singrea red buddy arrives.
as far as I know, the only difference between the 2 cars is more $ and a few extra options available on the '01. Asides from that it's the exact same car
The 2001 has a "premium" package option (air, bigger wheels, and speed control). If you are interested in this package, I think you can save a few bucks going with the 2001. The biggest difference I found is that there were no 2000s around with exactly what I wanted. Most I found had AT (which might have made sense after reading about all the noises coming from the 5speeds). But I've always enjoyed the shifting game.
Because there are a few more standard features, the price differential between the 2000 and 2001 isn't much at all. The 2001 ZX3 INCLUDES a center armrest, which some 2000 ZX3 owners have paid as much as $500 to have installed.
The most prominent new option in the 2001 is the availability of a manually operated sunroof.
IF you can wait the 10-12 weeks it takes, I'd recommend ordering EXACTLY the ZX3 you want - I did and I'm very happy that I have only the options and colors that mattered to me.
I do not hear the diesel sound you noted in your tranny - I drove a diesel Rabbit for 9 years. I have 1500 miles on my ZX3 - this will climb faster as my Miata goes into hibernation soon.
Ford Mondeo (probable replacement for our aging Contour),sounds exciting:Key features of the new Mondeo range include:
All new design exterior featuring Ford 'family' New Edge styling cues, projector-style headlamps and a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels Class-leading safety with Intelligent Protection System standard across the range - featuring adaptive dual stage front airbags, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags, three point seat-belts for all occupants, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and four-wheel disc brakes All new interior with high standard specification and class-leading space, including 500 litres boot capacity Available in five trim levels - LX, Zetec, Zetec-S, Ghia and GhiaX Four- and five-door bodystyle, with estate to follow in early 2001 Debut of new Duratec HE four-cylinder engine family - the largest-scale engine development programme in Ford history Choice of four strong engines, including new Duratec HE petrol 1.8 or 2.0-litre, new Duratorq DI diesel 2.0-litre and Duratec V6 petrol 2.5-litre Wide range of available options, including Electronic Stability programme (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), integrated Radio Navigation System, Multi-Media in car entertainment system, in-dash six-CD autochanger Ford's first 'virtual development' car, eliminating paper, drawing boards and saving 13 months in development time "The new Ford Mondeo redefines the standards in its class, just as the Ford Focus did before it", said Ian McAllister, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. "It has been developed to meet the needs of a customer base increasingly knowledgeable and demanding in their car buying and owning decisions - everything about the new Ford Mondeo shows how serious Ford is in meeting and exceeding these customers' expectations. "I am sure Mondeo's outstanding combination of contemporary design, wealth of equipment, class-leading safety and reknown driving quality will ensure Ford's position at the top of the extremely important market segment", he added.
Fresh New Design Introducing a fresh new design, the new Ford Mondeo echoes the latest Ford 'family' look, with sleek, distinctive lines providing a crisp, poised and modern appearance. Projector-style headlights, with a high-intensity xenon option, add to the car's presence.
On the interior, high quality materials, softer mouldings, metallic finishes and chromed detailing hint at new levels of interior craftsmanship and enhance the quality feel of the whole vehicle.
Class-Leading Safety and Security The Ford Mondeo has always set the standard in its class for safety, with the original 1993 Ford Mondeo being the first car in its class to offer a driver's airbag as standard.
The same is true of the new Ford Mondeo, whose new Intelligent Protection System heads the no-compromise safety package, intended to establish a new benchmark in its segment.
New, adaptive dual stage front airbags are at the forefront of this system, able to detect from sensors in the seat tracks how far forward the occupant is seated and deploy accordingly in an impact. Additional sensors in the passenger seat can also tell if the seat is occupied by a person to ensure the airbags only deploy when necessary.
Front seat side airbags are also standard in this system, matched with side curtain airbags for a complete airbag safety system. Side curtain airbags, installed in the vehicle's headlining provide occupant protection from side impacts along the whole length of the passenger compartment, increasing safety for rear-seat passengers.
Additional safety features such as three point seat-belts for all occupants, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, four-wheel disc brakes, a collapsible pedal structure, deploying front head restraints and ISOFix child seat points complete a comprehensive standard safety package, while further options include Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
As secure as it is safe, the new Ford Mondeo also boasts standard perimeter alarm, Safeguard engine immobiliser and key-operated bonnet lock.
Refined Driving Quality Launching a brand new family of Ford Duratec HE four-cylinder 125PS 1.8-litre and 145PS 2.0-litre petrol engines and new 115PS Duratorq DI diesel - in its first passenger car installation - the new Ford Mondeo provides a major step forward in Mondeo's reknown driving quality.
Alongside the new engines, which are available across the range, is the proven 170PS Duratec V6, still one of the lightest engines of its kind and now available in Zetec-S and Ghia X models. All engines are capable of meeting and exceeding Stage III emissions requirements.
A neutral steering set-up, 50mm longer wheelbase, wider front and rear track, plus a bodyshell which is 60 percent stronger torsionally ensure smooth, precise and predictable handling, while all-round disc brakes with ABS, housed in standard 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels, add to the purposeful appearance and ensure the new Ford Mondeo is poised and controlled on all roads.
Low Cost of Ownership Reducing the cost of ownership of the new Ford Mondeo was one of the highest development priorities and extended service intervals - increased to 12,500 miles - are just one such feature of the new Duratec HE engines.
Lighter, stiffer and smoother than the outgoing Zetec units, these engines also offer improved economy, quieter, more refined operation and lower servicing costs due to easy-maintenance features and reduced service time for the 22 most frequently occurring non-routine repairs.
All new engines boast fuel economy and emissions improvements, with the new Duratec HE engine generating 50 percent fewer emissions than a 1995 Zetec-engined Mondeo.
First Digital Ford The first Ford vehicle to be created digitally, the new Ford Mondeo was developed with Ford's powerful array of computer tools known as C3P that eliminated paper, drawing boards and 13 months from the development process. With C3P, Ford can develop products with even higher levels of quality at a faster pace - new Mondeo's development time was just 24 months.
Can we get it in our Focus? Those new engines could be a great improvement over our decent Zetec.
and looked at the specs of the 3-door Focus and it states that manual glass moonroof that tilts and slides is available there. I likely has a hand crank. I would assume that it will be the same for the 2001 ZX3 in the US.
In looking at the options for the 2001 ZX3 on carsdirect, I no longer see an ootion to have a cassette player rather than a CD player. (The cassette option was available on the 2000 models, at no extra charge.) Is the cassette option no longer available?
Can the driver's seat in the 2001 model still be adjusted for height, as in the 2000 model? I don't see that in the 2001 literature.
If you can find an old issue of Sport Compact Car [June 2000] they did a really nice article on Ford's Interactive Vehicle Dynamics system that is really nice, and explains alot. They test drove an Euro-spec ZX5 w/ 5speed, and had alot of praise for the system. I am looking at getting a 2005 ZX5 [supposedly will be sold here by then] with the system as it adds rear disc brakes from what I have been told. While typing up this post, I got "Joe90" singing the song DRIVE, pretty apropo huh?
maiki: Larger (16 instead of 15)+ Wider wheels means more grip and better handling (these wheels have lower profiles as well, which adds to that)
I havent seen the armrest yet. But the cupholders are by the Gearshift. I would just rest my right arm on my lap , but I drive with my right arm so it doesnt matter that much for me.
The advance track is some sort of low-grade traction control. Its probably more preventative in nature (ie prevent slides, more accurate turns) than performance in nature. You dont really need it from what I can tell.
Some moonroofs can leak or have windnoise, but both cases are rare. I've been in several cars with them and concider them to be more usefull than annoying, even if they did leak or have windnoise.
The CD player comes with cassette player I think. That option was just a cassette player WITHOUT a CD player.
Yes there is still the height adjust.
Comedyactor: The armest is availible for 2000 installation, but it costs like $500 or more.
Yesterday, I saw a 2001 Sangria Red zx-3. It was equipped with an automatic, power package, with tilt, cruise, power mirrors/doors/locks, center arm rest (like the sedan) and 16 inch wheels with the Kona Style wheels. I also noticed that the Sangria Red is darker than MY2000. Also as previously posted, the badging is 'thicker' than before. I also believe the front spoiler is now painted rather than black like MY2000. This was the most 'loaded' zx3 I have ever seen. Ford is responding to our needs.
Advance Trac: THis is much more than simple traction control. It also includes stability control. There are rumors that the advance trac option also includes rear disk brakes (now you can all 4 wheels covered in brake dust!) ABS is required for advance trac. Please note this option is 1200 USD.
Abs/Side Airbags: These options were available in 2000, however, the 2001 with either abs or side airbags(I forgot) includes rear headrests for the rear seat. Just like the Euro Models.
Rumor: Apparently the rear seat bottom is also split (60/40) so that one can flip the a single seatback down and a single seat bottom up so that you can load items on a flat surface. I do not know if this is true, thus it is a rumor.
Hey all - just wanted to let you know hit 10,000 miles on Friday in my acclerated use Focus owner test ...
All seems well so far. The one thing I worry about is say...the clutch spring breaking like it has on a few Z's. With all the highway miles, I obviously don't use it as much...
But so far so good...(knock wood) (cross fingers) (throw salt over shoulder? wait-forgetaboutthatlastone)...
if that is true, about the seats, I'm going to buy a rear bottom seat. That is one inconvenience I really don't care for in this car. Not much good to have the back only split.
to tickbitty, The seat cushion attaches to the sheet metal differently, so you can't retrofit a 60/40 bottom cushion to a 2000 ZX3 without major work to the sheet metal (reform metal, drill hole, add backing nut)
Just read post on other board about Recall concerning ZX3 with build dates of 10/4/99 to 5/6/00 (also other foci built in US):
Rear wheels have potential of falling off due to poor wheel bearing clamp loads. Listen for grinding or clunking noise from rear of vehicle or wobbly rear wheels.
NOTE: This recall is not on the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority Site yet, therefore is not official or confirmed. Information comes from "Blue Oval News" site : "www.bonforums.com/focusrecall_wheel.htm"
Wonder if that is the clunking noise I get on some hard cornering. Will just have to wait for Ford to announce the recall.
I called EBC directly and placed my order through them using a credit card. They forwarded it on to a local vendor, and my pads arrived about 4-5 days later. I don't have the number handy, but they advertise in Sport Compact Car magazine, and there's always the internet.
Got my car back, feels good to be back in my Z again. When I picked mine up what should I see but a 2001 ZX3 in the yellow on the lot. It looked great. Windows were tinted. It was auto, love the new rims.
ok, here is the scoop. called the Ford CAC and got the info.
Recal #00S31
It is about the "Rear wheels have potential of falling off due to poor wheel bearing clamp loads. Listen for grinding or clunking noise from rear of vehicle or wobbly rear wheels." *In particular the left rear wheel!* (thanks pcleveland2 u nailed it)
Listed time to repair is "less than a 1/2 day"
It possibly can effect vehicles built- July '99-Apr 28 '00 @ Wayne (sedan and wagons) October 4 '99-May 6 '00 @ Hermasillo (so basically early-mid production models)
Note- some dealers have no clue about this. called my usual dealer and they had not heard of this recall yet.....
Blue Oval News talks of wheel retention cap on RIGHT rear wheel. Wonder who has it right, them or Ford cac? Right and left determined from drivers seat while facing forward. Steering wheel on left side of vehicle. Think everyone knows this, but.
silyboy, Thanks for the Ford CAC confirmation and recall number.
zgrrrl, Don't get excited yet, unless you have the grinding, clunking or wheel wobble/vibration. Give Ford time to get this out to dealers. We all had the recall info on the injector regulator long before the dealers knew what was going on. If you do have the grinding and all that I suggest you get to your dealer ASAP along with recall #. You sure don't want wheel falling off while going down the road.
Ownerconnection.com has a red light on for recall but shows no info for it yet.
Comments
Sure would be nice if we had the European style taillights. Think they are legal in all 50 states. Think their fog tail light is built in the bumper. To bad that's not a option here.
Pat
it seems like a rule now.
A lot of the ZX3 owners at this forum drive the manual trannys. I would like to ask everybody with the 5-speed tranny to let us know if you have that infamous knocking (diesel like noise) at idle and/or during acceleration in 1/2 gear.
The sound goes away with pressing down the clutch pedal.
I think that the most, if not all of the MTX-75(manual tranny), have this problem.
And if this is true Ford better start to worry about issuing a new recall.
I don't think that anybody, when the time comes, will be interested in buying a rattling/knocking used car(= very bad resale value).
a 60/40 split rear seat cushion,
front passenger seat side pocket,
available heating on leather seats
I too would prefer having the European tail lights
but would not want any lighting at the bumper level
Vadp - I have a 5-speed and promise to actually
listen to the car instead of the usual high volume CD
SIDE NOTE TO THOSE BUYING A KONA: My dealer said they put my bike on order (after I already had the car). But then I started thinking about that and knew that I would need to be sized for a bike. You can't just order a generic bike of course. When I confronted them with this, they admitted that the dealership "bike guy" had left, and they didn't really know anything about it. I finally, after having had the car for a month, found the bike dealer they were supposed to send me to in the first place. I'm pissed they didn't give me this information in the first place and it seemed like they just hoped I'd go away and forget about it. So make sure they send you to a specific bike shop (Kona-certified) to be fitted and order your bike.
noticed any depreciation in performance. it
seems stable and solid . i do intend to have it checked by dealer. i had wanted to get it looked at last saturday. i am going to try again
this weekend.i really dislike the thought of going back . my plan is to trade-up when the
turbo or other performance-type models are available. presently,the value is quite high. you
do make a good point regarding the future.
We'll see if the new dealer will admit that there is a problem with the tranny.
Last week my rear brakes started to squeal constantly at low speeds. I'll bring it to the dealers attention too.
And finally I want to take care of a rattle in the dashboard. It's quite loud and very consistent on all but perfectly smooth roads during the first 20 min of driving in the morning. When the car warms up the rattle seems to go away.
I'm not aware of any of the trim safe waxes.
Personally I'm using the Zaino product.
http://www.zainobros.com/
Very good stuff. It does leave the white residue on the black moldings. I was too lazy to mask them.
But an application of the Mothers Back to Black Trim Restorer took care of the residue.
http://www.autobarn.net/trimchrome.html
Still I would suggest masking the side trim.
I can't help but feel I could do most of these things, but would be worried about doing the brake. When I keep receiving these junk-mail fliers quoting $14.95 for oil-change......
At the least I'm gonna ask for a discount since I've been waiting 3 months for Ford to order a part for me. (It's a long story, but basically the 'Prep-Guys' scratched the paintwork and punctured the door window-seal whilst attempting to break into the car to retrieve a locked-in set of keys, whilst prepping the car for me to pick-up).
As I say, a long story. But I'm awaiting the new window-seal.
I figure at the least a half-price 5k service as compensation.
treva
I have 500 miles on my zx3, and haven't noticed any of the problems people mention yet.
I just hit the 10,000 with my 5-speed, and here are some observations at this point:
--Averaging about 32 mpg highway.
--Car is at its best on the highway, where it can "stretch it legs" at highway speeds with little strain. However, if you're looking for a car to burn rubber, this one isn't it.
--Mechanically, car seems okay. I've notice a slight rattling (?) sound occasionally when in neutral (reminds of a heat shield rattle, but I don't think it is), but it hasn't been anything other than a minor irritant.
--Paint (white) is holding up well, although the flat front end gets plastered with bugs. Despite my fear of damaging the paint, I bought a "bra" because I'm afraid the front end and hood will get chipped this winter from anti-skid and cinders. (Black bra looks good on white car.)
--I've gotten used to the seats, which I originally thought were uncomfortable.
--Very much like having a hatchback, but I'm sorry I got a manual. Shifting isn't fun anymore.
In short, as you heard before, it's a good economy car for the price. But, after driving it for four months, I find the ride ho-hum.
Best to everyone,
Jay
As far as the ride, you just have to take a trip to the northern part of Pa. where there are hills and curves. She's in her glory on those curves and hills. Oh, she will burn rubber, but I don't because all I can see is the dollar bills getting ready to go to the owner of the tire store. More fun car than economy car.
19,000 miles with no problems to speak of.
Pat
Pat
What differences are there between the two model years? Price differences?
Because there are a few more standard features, the price differential between the 2000 and 2001 isn't much at all. The 2001 ZX3 INCLUDES a center
armrest, which some 2000 ZX3 owners have paid as much as $500 to have installed.
The most prominent new option in the 2001 is the availability of a manually operated sunroof.
IF you can wait the 10-12 weeks it takes, I'd recommend ordering EXACTLY the ZX3 you want -
I did and I'm very happy that I have only the
options and colors that mattered to me.
I do not hear the diesel sound you noted in your
tranny - I drove a diesel Rabbit for 9 years.
I have 1500 miles on my ZX3 - this will climb
faster as my Miata goes into hibernation soon.
All new design exterior featuring Ford 'family' New Edge styling cues, projector-style headlamps and a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels
Class-leading safety with Intelligent Protection System standard across the range - featuring adaptive dual stage front airbags, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags, three point seat-belts for all occupants, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and four-wheel disc brakes
All new interior with high standard specification and class-leading space, including 500 litres boot capacity
Available in five trim levels - LX, Zetec, Zetec-S, Ghia and GhiaX
Four- and five-door bodystyle, with estate to follow in early 2001
Debut of new Duratec HE four-cylinder engine family - the largest-scale engine development programme in Ford history
Choice of four strong engines, including new Duratec HE petrol 1.8 or 2.0-litre, new Duratorq DI diesel 2.0-litre and Duratec V6 petrol 2.5-litre
Wide range of available options, including Electronic Stability programme (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), integrated Radio Navigation System, Multi-Media in car entertainment system, in-dash six-CD autochanger
Ford's first 'virtual development' car, eliminating paper, drawing boards and saving 13 months in development time
"The new Ford Mondeo redefines the standards in its class, just as the Ford Focus did before it", said Ian McAllister, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. "It has been developed to meet the needs of a customer base increasingly knowledgeable and demanding in their car buying and owning decisions - everything about the new Ford Mondeo shows how serious Ford is in meeting and exceeding these customers' expectations.
"I am sure Mondeo's outstanding combination of contemporary design, wealth of equipment, class-leading safety and reknown driving quality will ensure Ford's position at the top of the extremely important market segment", he added.
Fresh New Design
Introducing a fresh new design, the new Ford Mondeo echoes the latest Ford 'family' look, with sleek, distinctive lines providing a crisp, poised and modern appearance. Projector-style headlights, with a high-intensity xenon option, add to the car's presence.
On the interior, high quality materials, softer mouldings, metallic finishes and chromed detailing hint at new levels of interior craftsmanship and enhance the quality feel of the whole vehicle.
Class-Leading Safety and Security
The Ford Mondeo has always set the standard in its class for safety, with the original 1993 Ford Mondeo being the first car in its class to offer a driver's airbag as standard.
The same is true of the new Ford Mondeo, whose new Intelligent Protection System heads the no-compromise safety package, intended to establish a new benchmark in its segment.
New, adaptive dual stage front airbags are at the forefront of this system, able to detect from sensors in the seat tracks how far forward the occupant is seated and deploy accordingly in an impact. Additional sensors in the passenger seat can also tell if the seat is occupied by a person to ensure the airbags only deploy when necessary.
Front seat side airbags are also standard in this system, matched with side curtain airbags for a complete airbag safety system. Side curtain airbags, installed in the vehicle's headlining provide occupant protection from side impacts along the whole length of the passenger compartment, increasing safety for rear-seat passengers.
Additional safety features such as three point seat-belts for all occupants, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, four-wheel disc brakes, a collapsible pedal structure, deploying front head restraints and ISOFix child seat points complete a comprehensive standard safety package, while further options include Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
As secure as it is safe, the new Ford Mondeo also boasts standard perimeter alarm, Safeguard engine immobiliser and key-operated bonnet lock.
Refined Driving Quality
Launching a brand new family of Ford Duratec HE four-cylinder 125PS 1.8-litre and 145PS 2.0-litre petrol engines and new 115PS Duratorq DI diesel - in its first passenger car installation - the new Ford Mondeo provides a major step forward in Mondeo's reknown driving quality.
Alongside the new engines, which are available across the range, is the proven 170PS Duratec V6, still one of the lightest engines of its kind and now available in Zetec-S and Ghia X models. All engines are capable of meeting and exceeding Stage III emissions requirements.
A neutral steering set-up, 50mm longer wheelbase, wider front and rear track, plus a bodyshell which is 60 percent stronger torsionally ensure smooth, precise and predictable handling, while all-round disc brakes with ABS, housed in standard 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels, add to the purposeful appearance and ensure the new Ford Mondeo is poised and controlled on all roads.
Low Cost of Ownership
Reducing the cost of ownership of the new Ford Mondeo was one of the highest development priorities and extended service intervals - increased to 12,500 miles - are just one such feature of the new Duratec HE engines.
Lighter, stiffer and smoother than the outgoing Zetec units, these engines also offer improved economy, quieter, more refined operation and lower servicing costs due to easy-maintenance features and reduced service time for the 22 most frequently occurring non-routine repairs.
All new engines boast fuel economy and emissions improvements, with the new Duratec HE engine generating 50 percent fewer emissions than a 1995 Zetec-engined Mondeo.
First Digital Ford
The first Ford vehicle to be created digitally, the new Ford Mondeo was developed with Ford's powerful array of computer tools known as C3P that eliminated paper, drawing boards and 13 months from the development process. With C3P, Ford can develop products with even higher levels of quality at a faster pace - new Mondeo's development time was just 24 months.
Can we get it in our Focus?
Those new engines could be a great improvement over our decent Zetec.
What differences are there between the two model years? Price differences?
http://www.fordconnection.co.uk/IMC_Start.asp?model=00B
and looked at the specs of the 3-door Focus and it states that manual glass moonroof that tilts and slides is available there. I likely has a hand crank.
I would assume that it will be the same for the 2001 ZX3 in the US.
Also, how does that center armrest work? Are there no cup holders then? How could the driver rest his arm while driving?
Thanks,
Mike
Also, how does that center armrest work? Are there no cup holders then? How could the driver rest his arm while driving?
Thanks,
Mike
Is anyone familiar with it? Does it significantly add to safety? Maneuverability? Is it worth the considerable extra expense?
The next new option available is the moon roof. I've never had a car with one before. Are there potential problems with them.?
Can the driver's seat in the 2001 model still be adjusted for height, as in the 2000 model? I don't see that in the 2001 literature.
How much? Anyone had one installed?
Pat
Wonder whats happened to car lady - Time for Part IV.
If you can find an old issue of Sport Compact Car [June 2000] they did a really nice article on Ford's Interactive Vehicle Dynamics system that is really nice, and explains alot. They test drove an Euro-spec ZX5 w/ 5speed, and had alot of praise for the system. I am looking at getting a 2005 ZX5 [supposedly will be sold here by then] with the system as it adds rear disc brakes from what I have been told.
While typing up this post, I got "Joe90" singing the song DRIVE, pretty apropo huh?
Larger (16 instead of 15)+ Wider wheels means more grip and better handling (these wheels have lower profiles as well, which adds to that)
I havent seen the armrest yet. But the cupholders are by the Gearshift. I would just rest my right arm on my lap
The advance track is some sort of low-grade traction control. Its probably more preventative in nature (ie prevent slides, more accurate turns) than performance in nature. You dont really need it from what I can tell.
Some moonroofs can leak or have windnoise, but both cases are rare. I've been in several cars with them and concider them to be more usefull than annoying, even if they did leak or have windnoise.
The CD player comes with cassette player I think. That option was just a cassette player WITHOUT a CD player.
Yes there is still the height adjust.
Comedyactor:
The armest is availible for 2000 installation, but it costs like $500 or more.
Advance Trac: THis is much more than simple traction control. It also includes stability control. There are rumors that the advance trac option also includes rear disk brakes (now you can all 4 wheels covered in brake dust!) ABS is required for advance trac. Please note this option is 1200 USD.
Abs/Side Airbags: These options were available in 2000, however, the 2001 with either abs or side airbags(I forgot) includes rear headrests for the rear seat. Just like the Euro Models.
Rumor: Apparently the rear seat bottom is also split (60/40) so that one can flip the a single seatback down and a single seat bottom up so that you can load items on a flat surface. I do not know if this is true, thus it is a rumor.
ND
All seems well so far. The one thing I worry about is say...the clutch spring breaking like it has on a few Z's. With all the highway miles, I obviously don't use it as much...
But so far so good...(knock wood) (cross fingers) (throw salt over shoulder? wait-forgetaboutthatlastone)...
The seat cushion attaches to the sheet metal differently, so you can't retrofit a 60/40 bottom cushion to a 2000 ZX3 without major work to the sheet metal (reform metal, drill hole, add backing nut)
Rear wheels have potential of falling off due to poor wheel bearing clamp loads. Listen for grinding or clunking noise from rear of vehicle or wobbly rear wheels.
NOTE: This recall is not on the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority Site yet, therefore is not official or confirmed. Information comes from "Blue Oval News" site : "www.bonforums.com/focusrecall_wheel.htm"
Wonder if that is the clunking noise I get on some hard cornering. Will just have to wait for Ford to announce the recall.
Pat
And tell me, this clunking? Is it VERY noticable...or...
Recal #00S31
It is about the "Rear wheels have potential of falling off due to poor wheel bearing clamp loads. Listen for grinding or clunking noise from rear of vehicle or wobbly rear wheels." *In particular the left rear wheel!* (thanks pcleveland2 u nailed it)
Listed time to repair is "less than a 1/2 day"
It possibly can effect vehicles built-
July '99-Apr 28 '00 @ Wayne (sedan and wagons)
October 4 '99-May 6 '00 @ Hermasillo
(so basically early-mid production models)
Note- some dealers have no clue about this. called my usual dealer and they had not heard of this recall yet.....
Hope this helps!
Any info car lady?
silyboy, Thanks for the Ford CAC confirmation and recall number.
zgrrrl, Don't get excited yet, unless you have the grinding, clunking or wheel wobble/vibration. Give Ford time to get this out to dealers. We all had the recall info on the injector regulator long before the dealers knew what was going on. If you do have the grinding and all that I suggest you get to your dealer ASAP along with recall #. You sure don't want wheel falling off while going down the road.
Ownerconnection.com has a red light on for recall but shows no info for it yet.
Pat