Ford Focus ZX3

silver_bullet

I read yesterday that CEO Jac Nasser was paid $9.3 million last year, a 13% increase. I'm sure he's made fixing the Focus hesitation problem a top priority (not). Regarding the above post on the Explorer/Mountaineer recall, considering the incredible profit Ford makes on these dinosaurs, you SHOULD get the red carpet treatment. With the Focus, Ford figures "spend a little, get a little" - don't expect them to bend over backward to accomodate you when recalls/campaigns are due.

moses5

I have had a rear suspension problem for a year and the silly Ford dealerships have not been able to find the problem. The ride and handling is off on my drivers side. Sometimes it feels unsafe.

hugoz

Right you are re "Jac will fix it". Yeah, those dinosaurs are what's holding up Ford's bottom line ... SUV suckers!

hugoz

Has anyone been watching the Speedvision channel on cable TV? Just this past week they were showing the "Rallye Monte Carlo" race, and there were three Focus WRC cars being raced. Colin McRae almost took first place in his Focus, but the car developed a throttle problem at the end and was beaten by a Mitsubishi. Pretty thrilling to see ZX3s racing around Monte Carlo. Here's the Focus WRC website with some cool racing photos:

http://www.rallycars.com/Cars/Focus_WRC/Focus_WRC_Pictures.html

focalpoint

Does anyone have any pictures or know anything about the focus zx3 s2 edition? I've seen the package on certain car buying web sites, but no pictures. When will they be available?

jjc5

The S2 edition is the ZX3 version of the Street Edition trim. Has the black outer body moulding, black interior with "special sport cloth" insert, a 6-CD in-dash changer (the layout is not as intuitive as the present), and the colors are liquid grey (the Sony edition's non-metalic platinum), sangria red, and CD silver. You should be able to order it (I don't know if many dealers will actually stock these models) and it is scheduled to be in production until the end of May. At least that's what our dealer told us.

Good luck!

zx3beast

been one week at shop.free loaner,ill wait till they get it right.

pcleveland2

Not trashing, Like the looks of her, like the idea of a turbo diesel, engineering is really great, but just want more power and more weight to hold her down on the snow and ice! Doing the posted speed limit (65 on snow/ice covered interstate) in the A-2 during winter months where I live would be impossible without some type of computer controled handling features. I've run light cars under those conditions and it's no fun at all, infact very unsafe on the part of the driver (me). Sometimes it was difficult with the ZX3 shoe'd with snow/ice tires. And don't even think about stopping in a hurry. Has to be very well planned and controled.

In all reality, I miss the 38/39 mpg that my Sentras and Rabbits got. The Sentra was to light of a vehicle. Have always liked the VW diesels and their 50 mpg, plus they held the road really well in the winter months. But their "blow-by" problem was something else. Guess they got that fixed finally.

My neighbor's crown vic gets almost as good of mileage as my ZX3, now if I could figure out how to get that v-8 into the front of my foci, we'd see some good mileage and super power. Just joking about getting the v-8 in the ZX3. In all reality, I would just like another 40 hp added to the zetec. Or the v-6 out of the contour.

To tell the truth, I did look at the Echo and passed it up for the same reasoning, low weight and low power. Plus I liked, and still like the ZX3 better than almost anything in its class. And I'm talking the class that Compactsports Car puts her in.

Pat

fgaydos

Have you seen the 'Made in Detroit Concept Focus'??
A version of the ZX3 with bulging fenders, solid panels instead of the rear side glass, and a subdued gray color that Ford calls, 'urban grunge'!!
Influenced by the old delivery sedans.

pcleveland2

Just wondering what has happened to everybody?

silver_bullet

Pat, I'm still hanging around, but I'd also like to know what happened to some of the other "long timers" on this board. Since people tend to keep quiet when they don't have a problem or complaint, my hope is that most folks are enjoying their cars - or at least have made their peace with them.

cgsangel

Hi,

I agree with silver bullet... after 14 months with mine, I'm still feeling good about the experience. With a touch of spring weather finally showing up, maybe more people are spending their time with their cars than online.

I'm looking forward to hearing more from the newer owners to see if the 1st year problems continue. And finding out from the long-term review at Edmund's on their ZX3, and how that goes. Mine got through the winter ok, but next year it gets snow tires.

charlie

svarney1

I just passed 4,000 miles on my 2001 ZX3, and I'm running about 26 mpg when I'm driving in the city. My last tank was about 80% highway and I averaged 35.4 mpg. I'm very pleased with the car so far.

zx3beast

been 2wks.at dealer.i will report back the results.currently driving a 2001 red zx3 auto,
loaded.actually, im not loaded the car is all power everything. i still prefer the 5spd.

pocahontas

Some of you might find this new Edmunds.com article: how to Inspect and Replace Vehicle Lighting, by Miles Cook useful..., especially because he's using a Ford Focus ZX3 to demonstrate the process. ;-)

Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards

silver_bullet

A good article, but remember when replacing halogen headlamp bulbs (like those in the Focus) to NEVER touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare fingers. A trace amount of oil from your fingertips will contaminate the surface of the bulb, and usually lead to rapid failure once the bulb heats up. Either wear light cotton gloves when handling bulbs, or handle them with a tissue or paper towel. A contaminated bulb can sometimes be carefully cleaned with denatured alcohol and a clean cotton cloth.

zx3beast

new plugs,wires, full detail + oil change,courtesy of dealer. a+b pillars look great. only three attempts. all current recalls were com-
pleted. glad to be back in the 5spd. auto is fine but give me the stick.
new hood prop rod + hood alignment was completed. they reprogrammed codes for the infamous 2000rpm stumble. its still has
the tractor sound but a finely tuned one. the car was detailed as if it was a new delivery. they did an extremely thorough job. i have a free
loaner and oil changes for as long as i own the vehicle. not to shabby.
it took a few visits but they finally got it right. the new service director is on the ball. no nonsense , get it done right the first time.
a fine gentleman , who sincerely and genuinely expresses a desire to address all of ones concerns regarding their vehicle. that is a refreshing experience,it should be a business model for all dealer service dept.
im pleased with the results.

fdthird

Sounds like a dealer worth knowing. Care to share the name and location??? This is the kind of dealer that sounds like it deserves our business.

hauschild

I've finally found a picture of the ZX3 with the S2 option at BlueOvalNews.com. There is a small article on the car, along with a (2) images. The following is the more flattering of the two:

http://www.blueovalnews.com/focus_s2.jpg

northguy

Just turned 4500 miles on the 2001 ZX3. Nothing negative to report. Still enjoy driving it and am still impressed with the big car ride in such a small car. IS ANYONE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2001 MODELS OR DO MOST OF THE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE CONFINED TO THE 2000 MODELS? Just curious since alot of the posts describing problems don't specify model year.

rwgreenberg

My 2001 just turned 3000. No problems so far. I'm only aware of one recall for the 2001, the rear seat hinge. Haven't taken care of it yet as I usually avoid going back to dealers at all costs. My last three cars were of the small Japanese variety, and they never saw the dealer after they left the lot. All of them chalked up well over 100,000 miles without a warranty time period related repair.

jimmyfocuszx3

SHOV6 & Pocahontas -- Thanks for noticing that I "hit the nail on the head" about 5 door's way back in post# 1035 & 1036

To that guy that asked about the guy that ordered Euro Tail lights. I meant Altezza style tail lights which are still on back order. I am planning on sacrificing one of my back up lights and turn it into a rear fog light.

Jimmy!!

boston14

Just got a ZX3 with 800 miles on it and came back from my 1st road trip and wondering what type of tires can replace the 205 50 16 on them now? These tires handle real well but ouch on long highway drives the 50 series are noisy and of course not comfortable. My last car was the 60 series and great for long drives. Does anyone know if the focus with the 16 inch wheels will work with the 70,65, or 60 size? I will take comfort over performance any day.

boston14

Is anyone here into motorcycles? I recently got a 2001 Suzuki Sv 650 and that thing is one hell of fun. Now that It is breakin in the fun is just starting and later I will add a M4 pipe and jet kit to race with the crotch rockets. I just love V-twin sounds. Cant keep up with the inline 4 crowds but for in town speed I cant hang with any of the Ninjas, CBRs etc etc. In town means under 60 mph or so. Besides those crotch rockets could a ton to insure and who the hell wants to pay over 1,000 a year insurance on toy?

boston14

Likes- great room, comfortable as many mid size cars, leaves my gargage with space for more junk ( isnt that why Americans buy houses? to have more room to put junk? ) Dislikes- wish the stick could shift like a Civic, blindspots, stock tires bad for long freeway drives. Go Penguins!!!!

silver_bullet

No, you cannot fit a higher profile tire to the 16" wheels without screwing up your car's gear ratios and speedometer reading. If you are dead set on going over to 60 series tires, why not swap your 16" wheels for some 15" alloys? You will probably find lots of takers who'd love to trade. I suspect the problem is really the tires - the junk Firestones Ford puts on those wheels are the real problem. Why not call the Tire Rack and discuss alternatives? 50 series tires aren't all the same - some manufacturers are capable of making low profile tires that are quiet, and not harsh. OEM usually means "cheap" - spend a little more and get some decent tires, and I'd bet you'll change your mind about those 16s.

kwall1

Did anyone catch the rally on SpeedVision tonight the ZX3 is doing pretty good. 2nd in overall point standings.

01redzx3

I must say that my zx3 has been a great car for me so far..i drive 60 miles aday and my zx3 is so much fun to drive. i can't get use to how fast this car is .the zx3 will move on down the road.my zx3 has all the toy's on it and i like the cd player alot . take care now and drive safe.

kebbat

I've been researching the new car market for several weeks now and I "think" that I have found the car I want (color, options, etc) and what I think is a great price - $200 under invoice, plus $1000 cash back from Ford.

Before I take the plunge, I'd love to hear if current 2001 owners are overall happy with their ZX3.

Thanks

rwgreenberg

I have one thats about 4 months old and am fairly happy with it. I don't find the acceleration very good, and the gas mileage stinks, but the car rides great and comes with lots of goodies for the money.

maureen9

I think everyone is out cruising in their Foci. I am very happy with my little car that can. I was having a whole whack of trouble with it the first 2 months of ownership, but most of that was because of the extremely poor parts supply chain of Ford. My 2000 Focus has been used for everything, even picking up ceramic tile flooring (about 500lbs)I do about 200 kilometers a day and am at 31,000 kilometers (19,500 miles) and rising rapidly. I was really surprised at how easily the 4 cylinder engine keeps its speed on hills and even modestly accelerate on hills. That is something my Voyager and YJ could not do.

jayoung

Anybody hear or know exactly when they'll start making a zx3 with the S2 package? Seems like a good deal, and I like the taupe color...

TIA - Jay Young

civic_cx_92

Mathmatically your stock 205/50-16" should be 62.94" circumference.

here are three options...
205/60-15" works out to 62.34"
or
195/65-15" works out to 62.80"
or
215/70-14" works out to 62.60"

CX

zx3beast

the better -half traded her 1999 zx2 for a 2001 auto neon. never a
problem with zx2. however,my zx3 is another story, which i have reported here many times. i did test drive a 5spd. neon on three separate occassions this past week. i must admit it, is a very smooth
shifting and quiet trans. the engine is quite peppy as well. the 2,000
dollar rebate is also mighty tempting. however, std.14 tires, std.
cassette, std, wheel covers, std. steering wheel, no tach, no fog lights.
no hatch. interior accomadations are nicely-appointed. big difference
is the absence of tractor-sounding trans and no 2000rpm stumble. to
those who have reported this problem previously, such as vadp and
norwaydoug , whats the latest with your z? i say this is not a quality built trans and i question its long-term reliability. it sounds plain nasty. this is presently the last remaing issue i have with my car. i dont want to give up on it but that trans is annoying. i should have never test drove that neon. whats up ford?

eas1

Make sure you check out your dealers service department and that they are respectful, before you buy. I have a 2001 and outside of squeeks which are probably due to the the terrible local roads it's been a good car. The car has 4500 miles, I usually get 34-35 mpg on hiway trips and about 25 mpg in very slow commuting. It is a very fun car to drive and for the money is a good value. I just wish the dealer service writers were polite. If you get a 2001 you shouldn't have many problems as most have been corrected.

vadp

zx3beast,
congrats with your new toy.
Hope you're enjoying it.
Regarding the tranny. I'm in the middle of something right now. It's still quite foggy at the moment. Don't want to post any info until it's all over. Hopefully in about a month I'll have some story to tell.

BTW, I'm completely agree with your description of the sound. It IS plain nasty.

njbongo

Well, I have the 2001 Zx3, 1100 miles so far and i can't say I have any of the problems any of you describe. I checked about the 1 recall before I bought the car (rear seat hinge)...it was already done at the factory. My trans doesn't sound bad, I don't have the 2000 rpm bog, ABSOLUTELY no rattles and squeaks, even on the pothole laden roads of norther NJ. And the 16" tires feel very comfortable to me even on the highway...BUT MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROPERLY INFLATED...that makes a big difference on very wide tires.

My mileage is not that great yet, but NONE of my cars ever got decent milage until after a few thousand miles. I don't care what anyone says about mileage, wether it's your mechanic or FORD themselves, but mileage has more to do with how you drive. For those of you that have alot of complaints about mileage...look at your driving habits, not JUST shifting (for those with a 5 speed), but braking, YES breaking. Sudden stops (providing that you actually downshift the way your supposed to) AND jackrabbit starts effect mileage MORE than shifting does. Also, people who live in higher altitude areas are going to get worse mileage no matter what. Remember that EPA milage is tested under 'near perfect" driving conditions. Do any of you actually HAVE that, I know I don't.

Sorry it sounds like i'm ranting a little, but I'm really just trying to help. Anyway, my z is such a joy to drive, I don't even think about it.

By the way, I went to the NY Auto show last Sunday and saw the S2, SVT and ZX5 !!!! They're all really cool looking, I can't decide which one I like best. I really wish they would make a ZX5 SVT...i really would like the 4 door more for easier rear entry (it is a pain in the but in the Focus since the seat doesn't slide forward with the back raised).

Anyway, one day I'm going to get the Jackson Racing supercharger kit, THEN watch the mileage drop...hehehe

...........just my 2 cents........

Vic

tgrcub

after driving a few ZX3's and listening to a few close friends rave on and on about this car, I've fallen under it's spell and am doing the usual dealer dance with numbers... but I'd be curious to get an idea of what everyone roughly paid for their model... I'm looking at loading mine up, from side air to moonroof ( and an automatic, so forgive me )... pretty much everything save the Advance Trac option... so if anyone, especially from the New England area can help me with a rough idea of what they've paid, I'd be most humbled and appreciative...

rwgreenberg

Hi. I bought mine on Long Island and paid 100 above invoice. (That is invoice as calculated by Edmunds web site.)

kebbat

My very first NEW car - funny how the new car smell is not nearly as headache inducing when it's YOUR new car smell.

Yesterday I made my way to Drum Hill Ford in Lowell, MA. Earlier this week I sent out email to every local Ford dealer - told them exactly what I wanted and explained that I had thoroughly researched pricing via the internet. Out of all of the responses Drum Hill was the best. They came back with a price $200 below invoice. I checked the paper work to see how long the car had been on the lot, about 2 months so I don't know that they made a killing via dealer hold back. At any rate, the price they quoted didn't change when I actually walked into the show room. My salesman was very pleasant and easy to work with. The finance manager actually got me a better rate than I got from my credit union. She did get me to buy an extended warranty, but with the difference in finance rate I still came out below what I thought I'd be paying.

My ZX3 is Twilight Blue w/ charcoal interior. I got power and premium packages and manual moonroof. When I first saw the moonroof I must confess I thought it was a bit cheap, but during my many test drives I started liking it. Now I'm just downright crazy about it.

The car is less than 1 day old and only has 60 miles on it (all but 4 of them put on by me). So far I love it. It handles like a dream around the curves of the backroads. The sound system sounds fantastic. I'm very pleased with my purchase.

1 question - during the break in period, what is the maximum speed I should go? I know I need to vary my speed for the first 1000 - other than that, I'm somewhat clueless.

Happy Driving!

ckeem

I am currently looking at a used 2000 Focus wagon, I was quoted $11400 for a 2000 focus wagon with 24,000 miles, automatic, side air bags and ABS. Is this a good price? or should I look some more? Thanks for your response.

njbongo

well, i got mine on april 4, and i paid $14500. It's a 2001, CD Silver, power and premium packages. I paid about $100 under sticker, HOWEVER, the dealer gave me a little above book value on my trade, so it was a fair deal. Actually, I think he got ripped off, because I traded a 99 KIA that was falling apart....hehehe....

One of the things I did do is apply for credit before hand at www.ford.com, then once I was approved, I called the finance manager at the dealer to get my interest rate. I got the special deal (6.9 for 48 months). They still have that promotion going.

As far as the car, get it and love it...I DO. I had a 1981 RX7, which I thought was the most fun car EVER to drive, until the ZX3 came along. It is not the FASTEST car on the road, but it's alot faster than people think, and I just read a review in car and driver saying that they were able to push the focus 5 MPH FASTER that the corvette through there handling tests (partly because of the smaller size and amazing suspension)...THIS IS NOT A JOKE PEOPLE, DON'T FLAME ME...IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, GET THE NEWEST ISSUE AND LOOK UNDER THE '10 BEST" section, it's in print.

let us know what you do

V

kebbat

I bought my ZX3 at Drum Hill Ford in Lowell, MA just yesterday.

I did all of the research before hand and let them know that I was fully briefed on how much everything should cost.

I got premium, power, and moonroof and paid $200 below invoice.

I also got 5.9% financing and $500 cash back.

All in all it was great working with them.

Hope this helps

norwaydoug

Hi vadp and zx3beast,

Congrats on the new neon for your wife.

My update is that I traded in my 5 spd zx3 and replaced it with an 2001 automatic zx3. I got a very good trade in value at the dealership and the opportunity to get rid of a huge headache. This cost me about 3,000 dollars.

I agree with you that the 5spd transmission is flawed since it has gear roll over issues at idle. Please refer to www.focaljet.com under the problems section for details.

I recommend to all who are looking for a focus to NOT buy the 5 spd. It's junk. The automatic is far better.

NorwayDoug

boston14

The stick is junk!! What am I hearing? It is not really that clunky and notchy of a shifter until I read opinions about it. By that time it was a suggestive notice that its a bad shifter. You know others determine you thoughts with their views. Here is the lowdown, Of all the small cars I have driven in stick the best is Chevy Prizm, and a close 2nd the Hyundai Eleantra. Both are near damm perfect. The Focus takes some grunt work to make it work but I like it. Since my other car is auto, It is a nice change. I think once the 2 door hatch is gone you guys will realize how cool this car really is.

zx3amigos

Hi everyone, I am getting my brand new ZX3 in about 2 days. I was told by the dealer that this car comes with Freestone 16" 205/50.......any complains on this?
Also, Any comments about the A/C? does it works fine?and Finally, how about the 5 speed std. trans. any problems on zx3 2001 (I read but still not sure about the std or auto trans.)
thanks in advance from a Mexican Friend.

norwaydoug

Hi,

I meant to say the 5 spd transmission works fine. It is a hoot to drive. No doubt.

Some of us have had problems with mysterious noises. Such as:

1. Tractor-like sounds during acceleration
2. Knocking sounds at idle

Both of these are caused by gear-roll over.

Some Foci are fine, while others are plagued with this problem. I personally hated this noise and I replaced my car with an automatic.

I wouldn't recommend to anyone to get the 5 spd because of this gear roll-over issue. It is not a fixable problem. If you get it, you are stuck with it.

NorwayDoug

norwaydoug

I think both are fine. The air is cold, but it does take a lot of power from the engine.

Adios

silver_bullet

Did your dealer ever suggest replacing your manual transaxle with another one? I would have pushed for that solution - maybe even insist that Ford supply a transaxle that they had "blueprinted" to make sure it was fully within spec. Failing that, I would have held out until year end for an SVT Focus with a Getrag six speed

zx3amigos

I really appreciate your info guys. Still have some concern about the firestones, mainly because last year firestone's recall on their Wilderness tires... I know this are a different family tires but the "Firestone" name gets me little worry after that.

Any way, thanks for the info and I think I can't wait until end of the year,I guess I'll go for the 5 speed t. more "sportty feel".

I'll keep in touch for feedback on my zx3 0 miles performance.
Best regards to all of you from Monterrey, Mexico.
Muchas Gracias.