Ford Focus ZX3

drivinisfun

Go and try a MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S with the Sport Plus suspension to see what a REAL hot hatch with German genes handles like in the twisties.

Focus...13th? 14th recall? Oh yeah...

magnetophone

But the MINI cooper S is almost impossible to live with on city streets, and the regular Cooper is slower. Both are in a smaller B-segment category.

focuserror

In addition to the recalls repaired on my 2001 ZX3, I have had the fuel pump replaced for stalling in traffic. The dealer initially told me that they could not reproduce the problem and to bring the vehicle back with less than 1/4 tank of gas in it. I loudly told them in front of many other customers that the car would not leave the dealership until the fuel pump was replaced because I did not want to be killed when my car stalled in traffic.

It is in the shop today for rattling noises in the engine/transmission area. The first time I took it in, the dealer could not reproduce the problem. I took it back a couple of days later and they called today to tell me that transmission fluid is leaking under the car. How nice of them to actually take a look.

Kiplinger is not looking at the reliability of a vehicle at all in their data. They are not taking into account the price of renting a car to drive every other week while my "best in class" is in the shop while I hope and pray that Ford will fix it. For the price of all the rentals - I could have purchased a much more expensive vehicle with quality and reliability.

revka

Sorry to hear about your vehicle (Tercel) problem. We have a few auto techs that hang out on our Maintenance & Repair board that could probably offer you some feedback about the oxygen sensor. Not to mention, we don't want to take this discussion off topic; off topic messages are subject to deletion in our topic-oriented discussions.

If you don't get a response in our Maintenance & Repair Auto101 discussion (a good place to start), you can start up new discussion on that board. Hope this is helpful. Good luck. And now back the subject of the Ford Focus ZX3.

Revka

Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

vadp

The Focus is the best handling and riding car in its group, price range, class - pick one. I'm not speaking for myself. Just about every auto mag out there came to that exact conclusion.

Drivinisfun mentioned the Mini: Speaking of apples and oranges!!! It's a completely different animal. You must be kidding comparing the Focus to the Mini!!!!!!

Comparing the Elantra to the Focus. The 2000-2001 (North American build ONLY) Focus lacks in the quality department big time - no argument there.
But its design, interior space(as in the wagon model), handling, ride characteristics are clearly superior. Again, I'm not talking about the reliability, quality etc. The most of the mags compare the cars by their driveablity qualities - not the long term dependability statistics. And if you believe that your Elantra will outhandle the POS Focus - you're entitled to your opinion.

The Focus is still a class benchmark. The Protege5 is the only compact that posseses better handling abilities but it also costs more.
At least 1,5-2K more. Especially with the recent 2,500 Focus rebate. Basically the Progege5 equals in price to the Focus SVT which is clearly superior to anything in its price range. At least it was until now. The competition is preparing an answer in the form of a 2003 turbocharged Mazdaspeed Protege and the Neon SRT-4.

Regarding the recalls. You make it sound like all the Foci across the line are affected by those. Only the cars built in 1999 and in the beginning of 2000 were affected by all 11 of them. My car was build in the middle of 2000 and was affected by only 3 recalls - the wiper motor was inspected, the B-pillar cover replaced and the back seat mounting bracket replaced also.
The 2002 model has no recalls as far as I know.

Am I defending the Focus quality record? Hell, NO!!! FoMoCo deserves all the scrutiny it gets from the media and the Government for its Focus launch fiasco.
It just seems that quite a few of you are still bitching about all those rosy reveiws and rewards the Focus got and still getting in the automotive press.
Is the Focus a great design? <<YES>>!!!
Does it ride and handle like no other ECONOMY car? <<YES>>!
Is it a high quality, long lasting vehicle? <<YES>> - in EUROPE where the European version was given the best in class quality award, even beating the Japanese makes for the first time.
<<NO>> - in N.A. where the management decided to skip on the usual new model launching routine.
They had a winner on their hands and managed to turn it into a public relations disaster. Good job Ford

clayman1000

Vadp,
My Zx3 bottomed out on almost every modest road hole, this after the front strut was replaced.
My ignition switch needed to be replaced right before I traded it in. The straw that broke...

Point is, my Elantra GT compares very favorabley to the ZX3. I drive the same roads to work and it is a very different trip. It rained all weekend here and I never felt the car lose it's grip. I could not say the same in my Zx3.

It's no accident the Elantra is Edmunds Editors Most wanted Sedan less than $15,000. The GT is that much better with the sport suspension.

The ZX3 is a fun car but I feel after driving both the GT is a much better car. Much more bang for the buck. More power, more room, more style (subjective), more reliability, more comfort, certainly more trade-in value.

Ford can't give them away.

I will give FORD credit, they stood behind the Focus but I spent too many hours in the waiting room and/or paid too much for rental cars.

I sincerely hope they work things out and it becomes reliable like the Escort was. Good luck.

vadp

I see your point.
I'm sure your ZX3 bottomed out because of:
1. Defective struts
2. Ford "softened" down the original European settings to accomodate the American tastes to begin with.

My struts were replaced shortly after the 20K mark. They were clearly defective (making noise). The new ones seem to be holding up well. I put 30K on them. The ride quality is very good.
The struts or their quality seem to be an extremely weak point (again not from the original design point of view).
I truly wish that Ford would import the Euro- build Focus and charge a thousand or two extra for the privilige of owning an extremely well designed AND build vehicle.
Unfortunately it will never happen. And a lot of the current Focus owners will never go back to the Blue Oval dealerships because of their N.A. Focus ownership experience.
The Focus model identity has become a huge liability in America. The recall saga will be dragging down the Focus name for years, no matter how good the new redesigned model is. The public perception is extremely negative and it won't be easy to turn things around.
I think FoMoCo should change the name of the redesigned Focus to something else. And launch it the right way. And go an extra mile to improve the new model quality standings.
It's not that Ford is unable to build a quality car. The late Escort and the current European Focus are the proof.

hauschild

Just turned 13000 miles on me 2002. No problems, as expected. Another JOB 1 success!!!

clayman1000

If you get Consumers Reports you will notice a pattern with FORD products. In half of the cars and trucks the first year marks are mostly black, not good, and slowly over the years change to red, good, until they have all the bugs worked out.
That says a lot about the company.

vadp

Well.
Let start with the dots.
The Japanese companies used to release their new models in their home market first, so they could work all the bugs out. And only then bring the car to the US.
When they started to build their cars in America they continued to delay the new model releases. They also used to import, until recently, the majority of their powertrain components from Japan, like engines and transmissions where they were in production for some time.
Now fast forward to 1998.
Ford launched the Focus in Europe. That was a very important event. FoMoCo tried its best and as far as I know it went quit smoothly.
I paid a close attention to the story and decided that Ford will follow the Japanese model and reuse a lot of the european components in the N.A. Focus. Well, I was wrong.
I forgot about UAW and how jealous it is in regards of the imported auto product. I still can't believe that FoMoCo skipped on the launching routine even though the majority of the components were sourced from N.A. and the suppliers had no chance to perfect its production processes.
Plus don't forget about the draconian cost cutting measures when Ford adopted a policy (unlike Honda and Toyota) of dramatic price cuts on all the parts without any consideration for the needs of the suppliers. What quality can you expect from a pissed off supplier that can't make any profit?
Returning to the Japanese. The '01 Honda Civic N.A. launch. It's been launched almost simultaneously around the world for the very first time. Of course Honda is not Ford. They did their home work.
But still. Look at the new Civic record. A couple of recalls, a bunch of TSB's. And a growing group of disillusioned owners who were buying the Civics for years, got used to their bullet-proof reputation and now suddenly realized that their new vehicle ownership experience is not what it used to be.
On the other hand I'm sure the '03 Civic will get back to its usual quality ratings.
And the '03 Focus won't be very far behind.

cgsangel

My ZX3 dec 2000 still running fine. After two November trips totaling about 1600 miles, my little car was a fun ride with no mishaps. 70-80 mph, 30mpg.

I take it in for its 40,000 mile checkup tomorrow. Still with the original brake pads, unlike some others who have reported premature wear.

I'm a little disappointed in the depreciation but I don't plan on trading it in. I have another three plus years on my extended warranty, if anything should happen. So far, so good...

Does anyone have a recommendation on winter tires for this car? I'm considering an all-weather tire or snow tire when the weather gets bad.

Charlie
Autumn Orange 2000 Auto

cgsangel

I meant to say Dec 1999 build date. It's a model year 2000. They dropped the autumn orange color the next model year.

Charlie

cobie

cgsangel, I just mounted g/year ultra grip ice tires on my stock wheels (I have aftermarket wheels for summer) in 205/55/16 and they seem just fine. Not driven in sno yet, just rain. The tires, of course, are noiser than all season or summer tires but not as noisy as sno tires i've had in the past. Will report back when i have more miles on 'em.

clayman1000

"And the '03 Focus won't be very far behind."

I hope you are right.

Believe me, I did my homework with this car. 'Car of the year' in Europe and USA and it looks great. I thought it was bullet proof. However, I noticed 'car of the Year' awards have nothing to do with reality or reliability.

I do urge you to test drive the Elantra GT, just to experience all the standard features, quiet ride and acceleration. I love the smell of leather in the morning.:>)
Hyundai wants to compete with the Japanese cars and make it a hard choice for the consumer. They are heading in the right direction. After all, you cannot offer a ten year warranty and expect to stay in business if the quality is not there.
Plus, they are going to build a plant in Tenn. soon. They are here for the long haul.

Now, what to do with my FOCUS stainless steel, insulated coffee cup? :>) EBAY?

vadp

I agree, Hyundai is clearly on the right track.
BTW they're building a plant in Alabama, not TN.
Regarding the coffee cup.
Word is going around about some type of a recall on them. Something about hot or cold beverages causing it to burst into flames.
I suggest you send it to me. I never got one.

norwaydoug

Please note Hyundai had a plant in Quebec, but they left after a few years. I hope the new plant sticks around. Hyundai has gone a long way in quality/performance/desirability

Foci are interesting (not in a good way). In 2000 and 2001, some are bad and stay bad, while others remain solid and stay that way (we'll see). I believe it has to do with components. Some were built of parts of supplers that are all good, while other Foci were built with 1/2 good suppliers and others were built with all poor quality parts and the owners are pissed!

I am refering to parts such as brakes, shocks. Have you noticed the 5 spd foci in 2002 are sourced from Germany? Ford has reduced and or improved their components of the 2002/2003 faci and no doubt these cars are more consistent in quality.

I have a 2001 auto box zx3 and I am lucky to say was made of all good parts.....it has 30,000 mi ... no probs. I had a 2K that was a painful experience.

I am totally supportive of VADP notes

NorwayDoug

clayman1000

Good luck folks, I'm off to stay on the Hyundai pages.

zx3dynamo

I've got a 2002 Focus ZX3 with the stock tires on right now. Does anyone know how well this car handles in compact snow and ice conditions? I'm wondering if I need to buy winter tires for it. I will definitely be buying cable chains. Thanks for your time!

-Rob

planetred

Rob,
Firestone Firehawk GTA 02 205/50/16 work well in the snow...to my surprise.

Steven

dzigit

man, i suprised to say the leas about all these complaints about focus. i mean maybe they applie mainly to the 2000, 2001 models. i have a 2002 zx3 and i, never though i would say this, am happy about owning a ford. its just a great car. i have fun driving it. it does have couple of cheap parts in it, it could use a little improvements but which car could't. also it would be nice if the engine put out a little more umph. but coming back to the subject. i can't say enough to defend that thing. it drives well, handles great, looks modern and alive, and is one of the cheapest hatchbacks out there. i got mine with all the options for 15000. show me a civic that will sell for that. anyway thats the way i see things after driving 10000 miles in that car. btw does anyone think that having a car that was a show room model means that its better built?

muffin_man

You can get Civic Si's for about $15 grand right now.

hauschild

Yeah, an SI that's probably 4 years old. Be serious. You can't even get the cheapest Civic model for 15 k.

muffin_man

I promise you, there are 2002 Civic Si's (NEW) for 15k out there. Read through the Civic Si/SiR forums. I bought my 2002 Si for $15,980, and that was 2 months ago.

revka

let's continue the subject of the Civic Si in our ongoing Honda Civic Si / Sir or Best Hot Hatch discussions.

Also, feel free to also up a new "Ford Focus ZX3 vs.Honda Civic Si" discussion on this board if you'd like.

And now back to the subject of the Ford Focus ZX3. Thanks!

Revka

Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

magnetophone

Why are they selling for so low?

revka

A couple posts have been deleted. Please refer to my last post #2278.

Let's please continue the subject of the Civic Si vs. the Ford Focus hatchback in this new discussion: Ford Focus vs. Honda Civic Si.

And now, back to the subject of the Ford Focus ZX3. Thanks!

Vadp- Thanks for the input! ;-)

Revka

Host

Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

cgsangel

Reported 40,000 mi checkup on Nov. 20th. No brake pad or rotor replacement needed. Only maintenance. 2000 ZX3 auto

One more 800 mile drive over the Thanksgiving weekend... avg. 32.7 mpg., better than my previous 31 mpg. Not bad considering speeds averaged 65-75mph.

Now all I need are some snow tires for my trips north.

rwgreenberg

Hi. I have a 2001 ZX3. Any suggestions as to a great wiper blade replacement brand that works well, lasts long, and is real easy to install?

Thanks

micweb

Anco from Walmart are cheap and very good, if you want premium you can get Bosch from Autozone and some other auto supply shops. Bosch has a few grades, I don't think their ultrapremiums are worth it.

Walmart will install for free. Go when they aren't busy.

cobie

recently, if mounted goodyear ultra ice grip (205/55/16) and have noticed a big difference in handling -- definately not as sharp as before w/ oem tires. I also noticed and expected an increase in road noise from these tires. Have others experienced the same decrease in handling sharpness?

cobie

just bought and installed led tail light bulbs. Much brighter than oem bulbs however, due to low voltage resistance when using turn signals they flash WAY too fast. The old solution was to insall a higher resistance flasher, however, foci don't have this. I guess the system is all electronic. Anyone know a way around this problem? TIA

theparallax

I bought some LEDs for the rear tails on my Pro, and returned them because of the same problem. I was reading the back of that particular package, and it said you had to buy an additional capacitator or something to that effect for the electrical system if they blinked too fast. Worth a shot to look for these...

joe249

Can you buy a Focus w/at?

ryster

Hi!

Yes, the Focus has an available four-speed automatic transmission. The only model of the Focus that does not have an available automatic is the Focus SVT.

Later!

loolala

I would like to share with you my 2.5 years with my ZX3. I got my car in June 2000 when it had only 11 miles. Today, it just passed 43,000 miles and running more efficient than ever. I&#146;ve had good mileage since day one. Around 28mpg initially and it quickly went up to more than 30 mpg, and it has remained around 31 to 32 mpg. Besides about 5 recalls it got and a couple of fixes under warranty, it has been virtually maintenance free.

The operating cost of this car based on my expenses for the 2.5 years of ownership.

Depreciation $6000 (I paid $12000 for the car), Gas $2150 (Base on the 43000 miles it has right now after 2.5 years, I got almost 17200 miles per year. Using 30 mpg and $1.5 per gallon on gas), Maintenance $220 (My mechanic is very cheap! I pay $21 including tax for each oil change. Total 8 of them so far, and I spent a bit more on tire rotations and fixing a tire once, also recently bought replacement windshield wipers), Insurance $2000 (The current rate I have is $550/year for liability only, and I got full coverage for the first 6 months), Registration in California $250 (I think it&#146;s $86 for this year)

Depreciation 6000

Gas 2150

Maintenance 220

Insurance 2000

Registration 250

Total $10620 with 43000 miles

Cost per mile is just less than 25 cents!

revka

and thanks for your 43k update. Glad to hear your ZX3 has been maintenance free, and is serving you well. I'm sure other ZX3 owners passing through here will appreciate your detailed report. Happy motoring!

Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

thel

They all seem to run about $9500-$10000 on the local lots for a 2000 and even some 2001's. Could I get into one for less than $8000 this time of the year?

The local Ford dealer has a 2000 poo-stinky brown ZX3 with a Koni roof rack and all the goodies except a moon-roof and they want just under $10,000. If I could get this for under $8,000 it might make a good 2nd car to my Miata for hauling around my 2-year old and my tennis coaching stuff.

Thanks for any input.

shov6

Just thought I would check in after a very, very long absence with an update.

My 2001 5spd ZX-3 now has 26k miles on it in a hair over two years. Recently had the tires rotated and another oil change, and aside from the other oil changes since Dec. 2000, here are my total maintenance costs:

$0.00

Not bad, eh? And absolutely everything still works as well as the day the car rolled off the lot. Well, I DO need new wipers, and I have the dreaded pulsating brake pedal, so the car WILL have to go into the shop for the latter (and to take care of the recalls, which unsurprisingly have caused me no headaches).

Good news: Mileage has been on a gradual upward trend. Just finished a 1400mi round trip from northern Indiana to NYC and back, and on the highway legs I was getting... Ta da!!... 35.4mpg. This was with the cruise set at a constant 71-72mph, but do keep in mind that this wasn't flat ground. The trip on I-80 across northern Ohio, PA and NJ has some very hilly sections (especially PA and the Delaware Water Gap area), and I believe I might have pulled out another 1mpg or so had it been billiard table flat the whole way.

Anyway, still very happy witht the car, though I will probably not buy another as I now have more money to spend than I did two years ago. I needed inexpensive, reliable transportation that I could drive for about two or three years, and I got exactly what I asked for. I have no hesitation in recommending this car to absolutely anyone. Heck, even my mom loves it and wants to buy it offa me when it's time to move on.

Oh... Merry Christmas, everyone.

-SHOV6

revka

and thanks for the update. It's always nice to hear good new in these discussions.... Happy motoring!

Revka

Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

2k2civic

check out the grill.... hehehe
yep...this civic is faster than a FOCUS!!
ohhhhh...FOCUS SUXS! hehehe!

http://www.sportsnimports.com/rotm/0103/front.jpg

pic courtesy: Sportsnimports.com

magnetophone

Obviously you've never heard of a Focus RS, which has beaten the fast tuned Civics in Europe many times over.

focuserror

Yup, the Focus RS may be mighty fast - but how far can it go before it breaks down?

vadp

In Europe the Ford Focus has received a quality award from TUV, German Quality Survey agency-the most strict in business, for being the MOST reliable car. hehehe....

focuserror

"Ford Fights to Fix Tarnished Focus"
http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0210/13/a01-611243.htm
thanks detroit news - for revealing the truth

European reliability "standards" are not utilized in the U.S.

Are you affiliated with Ford Motor Company?

vadp

go out and educate yourself.
The Focus RS is a strictly European model.
It has nothing to do with UAW and the N.A. launching problems.
If you wanna make a joke, at least make sure that it's relevant.
And again, the Euro Focus got the HIGHEST quality ratings in its group.
If you have problems with your Focus then I feel sorry for you and understand your bitterness.
And I'm not affiliated with Ford in any form and shape.

revka

because of language that's not allowed at Town Hall. Please be aware that any kind of profanity, even masked profanity, is not allowed at Town Hall. For the sake of continuity, another post that was in direct response to this post was also deleted.

To those concerned - Unfortunately, we (hosts) do not have the ability/authority, to edit the messages here; our only option is to delete. Please check your email. We invite you to edit your message, and post it back into this discussion. Thanks!

Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

xqu

This board was one of my favorite forums back in 99-00 when I bought my 00 ZX3, I'd like to give a quick feedback of my three years ownership experience. It cost me $12600 with A/C, PD, remote entry and 6 disks CD changer, (PW & CC weren&#146;t options back then and I&#146;m still regretting for not getting them).

Anyways, I have 50K miles on it now, the problems I had was:
5 recalls;
Noisy front shock (took me three trips to the dealer to get it fixed);
AC went out once due to Freon leaking, recharged Freon fixed under warranty;
One headlight seal broken, fixed under warranty;
Noisy breaks, it was on and off but most of the time it is fine, so I never done any break jobs, surprisingly they last a long time, I got 1/3 left for the front break pad after 50K miles, tires are in good shape too;

Regular maintenances I&#146;ve done:
Changed oil every 3-4K miles; rotate tires every 6K;
30K service at dealer which cost me close to $300, what a waste!! You can DIY for $30-40 for parts;
Changed wiper blades, the OEM blades make tons of noisy;

Accident:
I got &#147;sandwiched&#148; last year at very low speed, replaced front/rear bumper, hood etc; $1100 front damage and $600 rear damage;

To sum it all up, it&#146;s been a relatively reliable car for me (lucky me I guess), comfortable ride for a cheap price, average 30mpg for 50% city/50% highway driving, not bad. Btw, mine is 5spd. The biggest disappointment is the depreciation, my ZX3 doesn&#146;t worth... if I&#146;m trading it in now (for $5500 maybe? Comparing to a 00 Civic DX HB for the same price back in Nov, 99, you&#146;d get $3000 more on the trade today), also what&#146;s up with all those recalls? I never got a free loaner for those recalls and warranty repairs. Also the engine noise is a little too loud; the Civic definitely has a better engine. If you want an inexpensive and comfort ride, this car is fine. But I won&#146;t consider a FORD no more because of the depreciation and the poor dealership experience. Keep in mind this is my first NEW car and there were so many choices out there, I chose Ford but they disappointed me. I have to go with a Japanese car or German car next time.

Cheers,

fdthird

Trust me pal, you'll find a lot of Japanese delaers that are no better than your Ford experience!

magnetophone

My ignition switch failed last week. Set me back $300 with towing. The car has 43,000 miles on it. Also, the shocks are very noisy and the LCD where the mileage is went out.

micweb

You're recall and repair experiences are exactly why I trade in my ZX3 on a Golf. Ford paid for your recalls and repairs, but I live by myself and have an 80 mile commute - I didn't want to have to spend so much time at the dealer.

I will say that the ZX3 I had was far superior to the Golf in pickup, handling, and freeway noise. If only Ford had gotten the quality control issues resolved....