Ford Focus ZX3

silver_bullet

You don't have to take your car to a Ford dealer to keep your warranty in force. As long as you keep records showing that services were performed, you can take your car to an independent garage, or even do the work yourself.

csandste

I had hoped to drive my mother-in-laws old Nova until early next year at which time the Elantra GT's would be more plentiful and the Focus ZX-5's on the market. It died on Friday. Since there are no 5 speed GT's in the area, I'm probably going to have to choose between a GLS and a ZX-3.

In my opinion the Elantra is more refined and probably has better build quality, the ZX-3 is sportier and will probably have better resale (although Hyundai will improve). Both are equal in room. Your thoughts please (I'm also posting this in the other brand's forum, I expect I'll get fans of each car on their home ground.)

boston14

First both cars are good choices with low prices. Since the performance is about the same I would rather have something a little bit spunky looking and can fit some cargo in the back. The z makes me feel younger than I really am ( please get a stick for the z). The focus did not win so many awards because Ford bride a lot of people.

csandste

Actually I think that the Elantra GT is quite a bit better looking than the GLS and the ZX5 is better looking than the ZX3. Wish the old Nova could have held up a couple of more months, I'd have choices that would have made me happier.

I will be limiting my choices to stick only, that's why I'm not getting a GT yet (unless one comes in on Monday).

cobie

I've not been in this forum for quite some time so I thought I'd update you all since, in the past, i've complained about crummy mileage.
At 4000 miles I have finally gotten some long distance driving in and am very pleased. The car seems to have "very long legs" and handles much better at higher speeds than around town. So far I've not had one problem w/ the car and have not had to return to the dealer for anything.
As far as mileage goes, around town it still stinks -- mid twenties at best. But after a recent 500 mile trip w/ steady speeds in the 80-85MPH range the little four pot returned 27MPG. Not bad considering the speed (and usually w/ the air con on). At legal speeds I'm getting about 30-31 which is just what ford says (w/ automatic).

newzontheblock

cobie, I completely agree with everything you said.
I had some lousy mileage problems as well, but recently I've been doing rather well on the highway (28-31) and just ok in the city.
I'm just about due for my 5k service and all is well, I'm still smitten with my little z.

csandste, I'm glad the Elantra GT didn't come out a few months ago, else I'd be facing the exact quandary you are now. I probably would have gone Hyundai, especially 'cause I'm scared of American cars to a certain degree (build quality, reliability), then again korean cars aren't exactly leaders either. Hyundai does have a better warranty though, and no plaguing recall problems. I don't think the GLS holds a candle to the Z though. All that being said I don't regret my decision at all, I love my z and will continue to, it's a great fun, little, unique car. Even if it's not the SVT...

silver_bullet

We did this comparison last weekend, as we were considering replacing our problem-prone ZX3 with the GT. The Elantra is a very nice design, and looks great on the outside. Fit and finish of the body was nearly faultless. The interior was a big letdown, with its cheap feeling hard plastics and marginal quality leather. Hyundai really should have just put a good quality cloth or perforated leatherette into this car. The ZX3 was also the handling, steering, and ride quality winner as well - lots of body roll in the GT. You can't touch the GT for gadget content and warranty coverage, though. I guess we'll just hang onto our ZX3 for now...

boston14

what are the problems from your z. I drive mine about 9k per year as I have 3 cars and hope my z will last for 20yrs. Really, I have a 82 corolla and 90 Camry with only 56k so I keep my stuff. Hopefully the Ford will be like my Toyotas.

silver_bullet

I hope you're not disappointed, but I doubt your ZX3 is going to be as trouble-free as your Toyotas. Some of our problems include:
1. 4 recalls and a service campaign
2. small rust spots starting to appear on hatch (I live in the sunbelt)
3. A/C (?) dumping water onto passenger floor
4. brake rotors warped - replaced with aftermarket
5. ignition switch sticks and must be popped out to stop the chime
6. Coarse sounds from manual transmission at low speeds in first gear (like gear lash)

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. It is a nice car to drive, I just don't think it is going to hold up. Now that my fiancee owns it (and loves it!), I have to ignore my gut instincts and keep dealing with the problems, but I told her we WILL trade it right before the warranty expires...

cgsangel

Please don't judge all ZX3s the same...

I've owned mine since Feb 2000 (a Dec 99 build date) and I haven't experienced any problems with
rust spots(I live in the mid-atlantic and travel up to New England frequently), no A/C problems, no brake rotors warping, no ignition switch sticking, and I have the trouble-free automatic. Mileage has been what was advertised. If any problems should occur, I have the extended warranty. The recalls were all completed... the last two during a routine oil change.

Silver Bullet, I believe you've said a few times that you have the Dec 99 build date also. I won't admit they've all been as good as mine...especially after reading the posts here for over a year. And my brother's Dec 99 has had most of the problems that you've experienced. So I guess it's the luck of the draw.

Anyway, since my brother has gotten by the initial problems, he has been pleased and doesn't intend to trade.

I finally found a small car that I can fit in comfortably. I can't say that about the Toyotas or Hondas. I like the seats being a bit higher too.

Charlie

konafocus

Love the car!! Loved so much the girlfriend got herself a 2001 and loves it. She keeps getting complments all the time!! my mpg are as stated, I get between 30-33 miles per the gallon on the freeway, and 24-27 miles on the city. I drive the little car as if I where in a high speed pursuit. FUn car to drive.

Any how these are my questions, any help is appreciated!!

Where can I find the rubber floor mats for the Focus, the back seat and front seat ones? I know I saw a link here a while back, but I haven had any luck yet?

Does anybody know when dealers will have SVT parts, so that I can swap them on my FOcus, like the Gauges (Tach) Like the green/blueish display on the tach. Any help is appreciated.

seminole_kev

rwgreenberg

Hi. I bought mine from the Ford website, but I don't believe they are still selling them on the web, as I couldn't get them to come up on revisit. I tryed to get there, put up the link, but no dice.

digiturbo

Hi,
Mbuddy has the 2000 fucus(24K) never has a single problem with the car.(besides those recalls) That's why I consider a focus
One of the dealer in Raleigh-Durham offers $1500 rebate (not include $200 doc fee). Let's say the ZTS's MSRP : 15540
15540- 1500 = $ 14040
invoice:=$14672

So, it's about $600 below invoice. Does this make a depreciation sense at all. How low should the price be? or should I wait till the end of the year? I will greatly appreciated any input.
Thank you
B

botski

Bought the ZX3 5 months ago.

Two months ago, the car was hesitating badly and the "check engine" light came on. Took the car in and they replaced a pressure sensor.

Last week the "check engine" light came on again. Yesterday the "check gas cap" light came on (the cap was tight) and then at 5:00 after work, the car wouldn't start. All electrical systems seemed ok, but nothing under the hood responded to my key turning. So it's in the shop again.

Put these 2 instances together with two flat tires and [non-permissible content removed] gas mileage (24 MPG with 80% highway driving? Come on Ford!!!!!!!!) and I'm not pleased with this car at all.

seminole_kev

2002 Pricing is now on Edmunds - New car section. Includes the ZX5 with options.

jnmartin

I'm taking a trip down this weekend and was wondering what the gas prices are down there. It's $1.43 up here (was 1.72 a month ago).

boston14

either It works greats and provides fun driving or the tedious patience of recalls and repairs. I have been lucky 4 months 1.6k later and not one problem.

smece

as cgsangel suggested i took my zx3 in to get checked because my milage was around 15-18 mpg in the city (nyc). first they checked if there is something wrong with a car, and nothing was wrong. then they did some driving test and hooked up something to the car computer. so they said everything is normal, car is getting 22 mpg in city and 29 highway "which is what ford said". it seems they drove it about 30 miles. i don't know what type of test this was, but my milage is still low. how did they measure the milage when testing? car computer told them? ah and the guy said to be easy on acceleration and change the type of gas. meanwhile i've been testing for weeks, and i don't get any better milage no matter how soft i drive. and they used the same gas i put in (tank was full). but i will change it. so far i've been using mobil 1, same station, same side, every time. last stats before i took it in: 14.5 mpg, 90% city driving, with a/c usually on.
does anyone have any suggestions? is the damn computer lying about milage? maybe it thinks its getting 22 mpg while i reality its 15.
the car has around 3750 miles.

smece

newzontheblock

jnmartin, this might be too late as it's already Saturday, but...this morning I stopped and filled up for $1.55 at a Hess that's usually the lowest in my area (NE Philly). So there's a ballpark on what to expect, hope it wasn't too late to help.

newzontheblock

Wow, maybe i should have waited to get gas... this morning, same station was 1.53.
So it goes.

Bullett, thanks for the comparo, I know I sure feel alot better about my decision, styling will only get you so far (and it's not like our cars are lacking there either).

On another random note, I just had the 5k service done. I decided to give a dealer a try and was plaeasantly surprised, they didn't try to bilk me for any extra charges and get this- they said they'd call when the car was done- and they did! I was fairly impressed.

After that experience I'm seriously considering the ESP program that was mentioned in earlier posts, anyone know where one could go about such a thing? Dealer? Net?
Thanks.

fgaydos

Took the ZX3 in and had them change the break pads for a new set. No charge because of the TSB on noisy breaks.
Looking forward to the ZX5 next year.

silver_bullet

Gas gauges are notoriously inaccurate devices. The only way to do a mileage check is to fill your tank at the station you normally use -- pick one particular pump, and note which one it is so you can return to the same pump later. Fill until the pump "clicks", then stop. Reset your trip odometer, and drive your car as you normally would. After you've driven a few days, or used about half the tank, return to the same pump and refill again, stopping at the "click". Note the miles covered on your trip odometer, and divide that number by the number of gallons of gas you just added - there's your MPG reading.

smece

silver_bullet, this is pretty much exactly what i've been doing all along. same gas station, same pump, every time, to the first click. the only difference is that i wait until the tank is almost empty. here is my last receipt: 11.716 gallons, odometer reads 167 miles. so that is about 14.25 miles/gal. this is 100% city driving. the best i ever got, with 70%+ freeway, is 20.64 miles/gal. the worst is 12.84. i have 11 readings recorded. i'm not sure what to do,..

petedo

I noticed my check engine light came on last night when i started my focus. It's been really hot here. I changed the oil at 2000 miles and I'm now at 2200 miles. Just wondering if anyone elses light has come on for no reason inparticular. Everything looks and sounds fine. Any ideas? I want to avoid going to the dealer if at all possible.

boston14

what is gear lash? Is that the sound from the gears at low speeds(under 20mph) and in 2nd gear is where I notice the car is not too smooth. The manual does not sound smooth at all under 2200 rmp or so in the low gears. That is my only complaint in 4 months ownership. Once the car gets so speed damm its fun. I guess I have been lucky, got a 01 model and no defects at all. Great AC, much better than my 2000 Galant. Killer stero too.

silver_bullet

Smece, I'd take that documentation and go directly to the Ford zone representative, or Ford customer service, and keep pestering them until they either come up with a fix, or offer to buy your car back - that mileage is way too low.

petedo - make sure your oil filler cap is tightened properly, and also make sure the gas cap is securely tightened. The CEL is often triggered by vacuum leaks, and these are two of the most common ones.

Boston14 - gear lash refers to the relative "looseness" of the fit of the revolving components within the transaxle. Production tolerances vary, and a transaxle assembled at the sloppy end of the tolerance spectrum will be noisier than a transaxle with tight tolerances. Many of us seem to be "blessed" with noisy transaxles - they will probably function just fine for many years, they just won't sound very good while they work.

gogogopher

Hi All,
Got a check engine light and the ZX3 ran a bit rough so off to the dealer. Error codes P0401, P1405 and P0300 showed up and they replaced the DPFE - so what's a DPFE? ALso someone months ago posted a helpful site that defined all the error codes. Anyone got that on hand.
Anoter bonus, it turns out the "chugging" or "fluttering" on acceleration I thought was from the tranny was just a loose heat shield.
sounds good now,
Thanks,
Wilson
'01 ZX3 yellow

fdanna

My first 12000 miles were problem free but now I'm having hesitation problems and my power steering fluid needs to be filled every couple thousand miles. I think the power steering is a no brainer and there's a leak. However I'm having the hesitation that I've been reading about here. It's always between 2 and 3 thousand RPM and no when accelerating or decelerating...only cruising. It started out as a surge, but I ignored it...not it's full fledged jerking. I'm taking it in next week but I would like to have some suggestions for the mechanic in case I get the "we can't find anything wrong" response.

Thanks in advance.

silver_bullet

The surge you describe is one of the most common Focus complaints - if you check out the forums at Focaljet, you'll be reading about this problem half the night. Some possibles to check: malfunctioning DPFE sensor, or a clogged or defective EGR valve. Many of the posts I've read point to the EGR system, and its related sensors and controls. Re: power steering fluid - you've got a leak, alright. We had this problem too, and the leak was at the steering rack end seals. You might have the same one, a leak at the pump, at the reservoir, or in one of the connecting lines. Good luck.

tgrcub

Hola fellow Focus owners...

just passing 2200 miles on my 01, and it's been fabulous so far... but a few questions for the group

- what is the true size of the gas tank??? I usually run my tank until the low light comes on, and then another 10-20 miles, and the most it will refill ( up to the first click ) is about 10.9 gallons... on the plus side, mostly in-city driving gets me between 24-26 mpg so far, and the one true highway trip netted me 32 mpg, so I've been on of the fortunates in this regard
- my Focus is yellow, and I'm curious how often people driving this color are having to wash their cars? my biggest complaint are the black streaks that bugs leave all over the hood, as they take forever to gently brush off... and has anyone had a problem with paint coming off? I think I spotted a small hole on my hood where the primer was showing...

fdanna

Silver_bullet: you were dead right. They replaced the rack and pinion and replaced the DPFE....everything is now fine...except that they didn't do the alignment properly so the steering wheel is slightly turned right when going straight. Hopefully they can fix this easly with a proper alignment....I'm SOOOOOOO glad I bought the extended warranty..I knew that a domestic car was going to be problematic...at least I got the rental free as part of the ESP.

silver_bullet

Glad they got it fixed, except for the steering wheel. My car was delivered with a crooked wheel, and I had them correct it by performing an alignment - they can adjust the toe to get it straight, but you need a picky tech who cares enough to get it right. We recently had to put our ZX3 in for a sticking ignition switch and a water leak from the A/C that wet the passenger's floor. The work took 5 days, and I had to eat the rental car bill :-( Still like the car, but all the quality glitches have made me into a Ford hater.

fdanna

Considering the rash of recalls and the persistant quality problems they've been having, I'd say it's going to be a tough year for Ford. I've never been a fan of the company and their products have always tested high in performance but average to below average in quality and reliability. I was mentioning my trouble with my car to a friend in Rome to which he responded "what do you want? It's a ford!" Apparently the image does not change overseas.

Why can't GM and Ford get it right? I think it's good old american greed and the bottom line, winning over reputation and prestige. It's certainly not American workers because if you follow that theory then why are Japanese cars manufactered here by Americans just as reliable as the ones from overseas?

Every bolt, every screw, and every piece of wire that goes into a car needs to be good quality. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how well you assemble it, it's going to fail.

Before you know it, even the Korean brands will be more reliable than domestic...and that will be a SAD day in American automotive history.

Focus is an excellent performing car and is the absolute top rated car in its class for everything except reliability. The setiment here echoes this time and time again: "Except for problem X,Y,Z...I love the car."

Quality needs to be "Job 1" again.

silver_bullet

Maybe Ford is finally getting the message, as they've brought in a new guy to oversee quality issues for North American built cars - I believe he's an ex-Jaguar guy (which really says something about how bad the problems are!). I can't recall the last time Ford launched a new product that wasn't flawed. I've heard that the new Thunderbird launch is being held up due to unexpected quality problems... same old story.

Ford needs to stop expecting customers to beta test their products, and they need to aggressively weed out some of the bottom feeder dealers they have - these stores are helping to further ruin Ford's reputation.

nd4spd1

I went in to test drive a ZX3. I took my child who sits in a hi-back booster/safety seat. Had a problem installing seat. The belt is tightened but the bottom of the child seat can be moved side to side. I put my weight on it and tightened seat belt, as I have in an Impala, Blazer and Accord with no problems. It appears the back seat of the ZX3 is reclined too far. I called Fords customer service line, neither she or supervisor had a clue or tip. They mentioned checking other dealerships because mine didn't know either. Three other dealershipslater and still no luck! Please help! I don't want to miss owning a Focus. Thanks..

boston14

rebates and selling cars for thousands under invoice. I have been away for a while, got lost in the motorcycle world, especially trying to steal a sportbike off ebay, addicting stuff that ebay. I got mine for way under invoice and that is the number 1 reason I have a zx3. If anyone wants a rush get a 2001 Kawasaki zrx1200r that has 113hp and rocks.

fgaydos

I am interested in selling my Focus watch that was mailed to me when I purchased the car.
First $20.00 takes It!
I think I can send a scan if you are interested.
It is mostly black with grey/clear highlights.
Not bad looking.
I already have three watches so really do not use this.
In original box, never used.

iltr

We have a 2001 ZX3 with the 16 inch wheel package and 50 series tires. Can't find the correct pressure on the drivers door frame as stated in the owners manual. Currently running 30 PSI. What is the correct factory recommended pressure?

silver_bullet

The tire pressures should be listed on the doorjamb - possibly on the passenger's side? The 195/60-15's fitted to the 2000 ZX3 we own are inflated to 32/32. That is probably a good starting place for you.

focusmatt2

I love my ZX3, and would like to report that the shaking problem I have had since the car started was just fixed. Not by the dealership, by me. I got rid of the roofrack, and I've noticed that my 0-60 is half a second faster, the high-speed noise is quieter and the steering column shake is reduced significantly. YAY!

However, my brakes are terrible. I am at 14,700 miles, and I am taking my ZX3 in for 15K service on Monday. They shudder very noticeably and squeak loudly. To me that sounds like warped rotors. So I ask you guys, what do you think they're going to make me pay for? I personally know from experience that warped rotors are rarely the customer's fault. I don't feel I should have to pay for them this early on, and when i talked to the svc advisor, he said he would imagine they'd be taken care of. I'm just worried.

My engine light came on once, too. Nothing out of the ordinary was happening, so I just ignored it (after having checked the engine).

My fuel economy is pathetic. I went on a trip recently to Dallas, paralleling with my mother because we had separate destinations after the wedding in Dallas. My mother's 2000 model Toyota Land Cruiser with the Iforce V8 got 23.3 mpg according to her trip computer. According to my calculations I got only 22.5 mpg. It was ALL highway traffic, no bumper-to-bumper, between 65 and 85 mph, over 3 and a half hours of driving with the A/C on. THAT, my friends, is pathetic. There has to be something wrong mechanically.

boston14

mine is a stick , mix of city and hwy around 21 to 23 mpg.

rwgreenberg

My 2001 stick has about 6000 miles on it. I get about 32 highway (not all highway but most) and about 24 suburban (I'd say the suburb I'm in is more like most people's city, Levittown, NY). But...to get these figures I have to drive extremely conservatively. That is upshift at about 2600 RPM. No fast takeoffs, etc. I can't help but feel that many of the extreme differences that we ZX3ers have reported in mileage is due to the vast difference in the way each of us drive these cute little machines. To put these numbers in perspective, for me, I have to compare them to my '89 Dodge Colt with its 1500cc engine. The Colt gets 35 suburban and 43 highway when driven in this conservative way.

biker16

THe focus is fitted wiht ISOFIX child saftey seat anchors. So with the proper Child seat the seat belts are unnesssesary and the seat is far more secure bolting to the backseat, than straping it down with seatbelts.

fdanna

I have the 16 wheels and you are correct that the pressure is NOT listed on the driver's side but it IS on the passenger side...keep in mind that this is the COLD tire pressure so if you drive the car and then check the pressure you're getting an inflated reading. Measure the tires cold and then you'll know how much you need to add. I might be wrong, but I thought it said 34psi.

fdanna

Hey did anyone see the S2 package on the ZX3?? It's nothing really to write home about...the euro interior fabric is nice and the 6 disc in-dash CD is cool..but what I *REALLY* like is the spoiler!!! It fits with the lines of the car and isn't obnoxious (I don't think so anyway).I wouldn't mind getting my paws on one.

silver_bullet

I may be jinxing myself, but the water leak from our A/C evaporator case appears to be fixed. We still get a slight water dribble from the condensation on the surface of the plastic case, but in our climate (Houston - 98 degrees with matching humidity) this happens in almost every car. One way to minimize it is to run the A/C with the recirc function engaged, since this keeps more moisture-laden air from entering the cabin. I changed the oil & filter, and gave the car a good bath this weekend, waxed it, and treated the leather on the steering wheel with Lexol. At least it will look good the next time we have to take it in for service :-)

kebbat

and I wasn't even in it! It was legally parked and my friend's neighbor gunned the car in reverse and broke off the drivers side mirror and scrapped the paint off of the door and above the wheel and it looks awful. I've been fanatical about keeping my Z clean and in perfect condition (I haven't even had it for 4 months)and now I've got the mirror duct taped to the door ....

why can't people be more careful?!?!?!

sorry for the above rant - I realize that I am lucky that no one was injured and that there wasn't more damage, but I am *REALLY* bulls***.

focustech

I work at a large Syracuse NY Ford dealership. I will say that based on all of the concerns voiced here, and seeing for myself, the Focus has a way to go. Most all of the issues with these cars we see on a daily basis.........brakes.......wheel bearings......stalling. Unfortunately, sometimes the solution to the problem is only as far away as the tech makes it. As you all know by now, there are good bad and ugly techs. My workmanship speaks for itself and all of my repeat customers as well as dealership personnel can attest. If any local Focus owners are experiencing concerns, I can be reached at braus3@yahoo.com. These cars have great potential.......possibly a turbocharged version in the wings making somewhere in the neighborhood of 230 hp. I will be happy to assist in any way that I can.

rasboriqua

I purchase my ZX3 on 8/3/2001
I've put 800 miles on it already, driving it to the Grand Canyon and back ( Phoenix,AZ)
So far two complaints, I notice at higher elevations she seems to struggle a bit, the A/C takes awhile to cool the interior. Then again, this is hot as hell Phoenix.

All in all, I'm satisfy with it so far.