Ford Focus Sedan

seminole_kev

if it's a consistant process that happens everytime, why not trust the car? It's not light it's Knight Rider and randomly locking you out for it's ammusement. It's a repeatable action. If the process bothers you, just have the dealer disable it for free.

fdthird

Unless the car has some kind of a spook problem, I think that perhaps something was done to lock the car.

I've noticed that hitting the individual lock button on the door also actuates the power locks.

I have to agree with seminole...if you don't like it have it disabled.

majorthomecho

What age are the children? I guess they weren't old enough to unlock the doors from the inside.

seminole_kev

I just made a "Knight Rider" TV show reference. Man I'm getting old...

lngtonge18

I wouldn't have a problem with the auto lock feature as long as it locks when its supposed to. I'm just saying that in this instance, something must have gone wrong with the auto lock feature. How you were describing the auto lock function could not explain what happened to this car. My guess is, her children are probably in baby seats and thus couldn't have locked the doors from inside. Besides, I think most cars that have the central lock feature (locks all doors when one lock is manually locked) only works on the front doors, where I highly doubt the kids were. Definitely an anomaly, but strange nonetheless. Didn't someone in here have a problem with the radio turning itself on after leaving the car? Sounds to me like strange electrical things can happen.

dtownfb

I loved that show!!!!!1

That's is strange that the car locked itself with the keys inthe ignition..whether it was on or not. I would definitely get that disabled if I were you.

agaffin

That happened a year or so ago to my wife, daughter and a Camry. The solution: Go into the supermarket and call me to come down with an extra key (yes, fortunately, I was home).

benjaminh

I own a black 2000 zts that I bought in Nov. of 99. In general, aside from the recalls, I love the car. Part of my love, I admit, is because I got a great deal. I had a Ford credit card, and its successor, the Driver's Edge visa, plus a college grad rebate, which gave me $4877 off of the 15800 list price with side air bags. I also negotiated over the internet another 500 off, and I financed the rest with Ford at 5.9 over 4 years. I told my wife that I was going to by an LX 5 speed with the weak engine, but the only 5 speed on the lot was the ZTS (lucky me), and because she could tell I really wanted it caved in. I love the handling and transmission, the engine's peppy, and I get about 23-26 mpg in town, and 33-37 on the highway.

Reading many of the posts here, however, I've become a little worried about what might hit me down the road. I plan to keep the car as long as it runs, or at least 10 years (if it will let me). I'm wondering if in the last year of the warrantly if I should get anything checked out. For instance, my brakes have always squeaked a bit, but is there anything to be done about that?

tiredofmanual

And make sure that the fuel pump is in tip-top condition. A few people over at focaljet.com have had some problems with theirs.

Despite all the recalls, the Focus looks to be pretty well built and mine (2000 SE) still feels just as solid as when I picked it up. The engine and transmission have been around for a long time and should will last for a long time.

blerner2

All,

As I wait for my Focus on order, I have been wondering about the rear seat dimensions and the ability to fit a child seat in the rear seat center position.

Does anyone have any experience fitting a standard, forward facing child seat in the center position of the rear seat (ie. is there enough space/width between the center seat belt & latch to fit the seat in.

I know the Focus is a little on the narrow side and I just want to make sure that it will accommodate a center position.

Thanks for the feedback.

benjaminh

We got our standard child seat in the center of the back seat, but it's difficult for anyone to sit next to the child because it's quite crowded. When our second child arrived we had to move the car seats to the sides, because you can't fit two car seats right next to each other in the focus, or at least we couldn't. I'm glad the car has the new side impact protection standard...

Btw, what focus did you order?

blerner2

Benjaminh,

Thanks for the info. about the child seat. We only have 1 child, so I don't have to worry about space constraints.

See post #597 for the details of my order.

tboner1965

Picking up a rental (Intrepid I think) at Dulles International. The car is running and I just throw my stuff in the back seat. I slam the door and they all lock.

So I go to the rental counter and tell them that the car just locked it's own doors when I shut the rear door. Probably just a switch or something, so could they please unlock the car.

Fortunatly, they had a spare set of keys since this was the cars "home" location. So I must remember not to slam the doors with the engine running.

Probably a faulty switch on the door and the vibration tripped the switch. This is more likely in my case.

Again, FWIW.

TB

bcohen

Hello everybody. I've enjoyed reading your posts. I wonder what everyone thinks about the new ZX5. I've always liked the ZX3, but I just don't feel "hip" enough for it (even though I'm only 26). I think the ZX5 looks like a great addition. I hope it sells well here.

seminole_kev

I drive a 2000 ZTS but I originally wanted the 5-door hatch (which had been available since late 98' in Europe. Thanks Ford!) Glad to see it's here. It might very well be my next car as the ZTS is really the wifes.

bcohen

I was thinking that the more appropriate forum would have been the hatchbacks, but I'm glad to see there was a response. I haven't been able to find much out about the ZX5 (reviews-wise). Edmunds is usually good about the first drive stuff, but I haven't seen anything yet. Has anybody else?

blerner2

All,

Just FYI in case there is anyone out there considering special ordering a focus.

I ordered my Focus on December 9th (ZTS). I was contacted by my dealership on December 17th with a VIN number and a Build date of Jan. 7th.

Keep in mind that the Wayne Plant in Michigan is shut down for 2 weeks over the holidays.

One would assume from the above timing that a car could now be ordered and delivered in a little over 1 month.

Always better to order and get what you want than to settle for something off the dealer's lot.

randyrhodes

Congrats on your purchase. Is Ford offering the ZTS with the rear spoiler now? I bought a 4dr SE with the sport and comfort group because it reminded me alot of my old 1987 Escort GT. You will really like the Focus.

Enjoy the new ride
73
Randy

focus2000zts

I've been reading postings to this board for about 6 months and am waiting for my 2000 Focus ZTS sedan to fall apart. Well, after 17,000 miles, its still running perfect. Only three recalls. I also read about other makes and models. After that, I would not own any car or truck for that matter. Remember, its the people that complain about the rain, that mostly post in here. Its only a small minority, so take it all with a grain of salt as with the same of CR.

randyrhodes

If you lock out the power window switch for passengers in the 4dr, does the front passenger window get locked out as well? That is not the case on mine, the rear windows will lock out but not the front passanger. Thought I would ask before I bug the dealer.5600 miles and going strong.

Best 73
Randy

marvinbos

Hi. My first time here.
Purchased the 2000 SE Wagon in Dec of 99. Last month my wife mentioned that occasionally, the car won't start - won't even turn over. The lights come on, but nothing else. A few minutes later, no problem. We've had it in twice, the first time the dealer essentially berated her for using keys cut by a Ford dealer that were not factory. Faulty keys he said - yeah right. Happened again recently for a few days in a row. Took it in again, dealer has now ordered something called a 'transceiver' for the ignition. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I've looked at all the online sources I can think of and am drawing a blank.
Thanks much.

randyt2

I have a sedan and I tried it a few moments ago - it operates in the same manner.

seminole_kev

same here if I remember correctly. Think it's only for the back seat windows, like the child proof door lock switch.

class3

Hi there everybody. The last time I was here, I posted a message on my Wife's Focas, and the wheel bearings. Since then, we have 34K miles on the car. My wife bought it new in NH in November 99. Since that time, we have had 4 NEW tires at 21K miles replaced, due to bad wheel bearings,a set of front and rear wheel bearings. We've had a new transmission replaced at 29K.. since we've had this thing, I've tried EVERYTHING including a LONG FILE at Customer Care. The dealer is not responding and KNOWS the car is a problem. We have had the car in to the dealer about every 4 to 6K miles. The problems never seem to stop. NOW, at 34K miles, I took the car into the dealer and the dealer told me the car is "unsafe" due to brake pads AND ROTORS BEING NO GOOD! They want to charge me 315.00 to fix it. I took the car home, pulled the wheels off, and Low and behold, the ROTORS were good! the pad might be word, but the dealer wanted to rip us off with the other extras. I called the dealer with my findings, and they told me I was NOT a Technician, and the Tech they have is "top notch" and I should bring it back in so they can re-check it I'm going in Saturday morning, and watch them make a fool of themselves. I also learned that Rotors from a 99 Escort ZX3 will fit the car. This was learned from my local Autozone guy. He also told me that FORD used many different parts from Escorts and Contours to make the early 2000 Focas. Soooooooo, after 9 recalls, and ANOTHER FULL SET OF BEARINGS NEEDED. I think I can say I've been the whole route with this car, not to mention that I'm going PUBLIC with all of this. If any of you wish to get on the wagon with me, start to call your local TV Radio stations. Enough is enough, and we, as the buying public need to stand up to big business

randyrhodes

Thanks for the replys. I wish you all a safe and happy New Year.
73
Randy

randyrhodes

Has anyone had their headlights flutter at idle? It is not a big deal, but I'm wondering if the alternator may not be up to spec.2001 Focus SE 4dr. Sport/Comfort group, Auto trans. Idles around 700 rpm.

73
Randy

scorpiogt

I love the Focus as far as performance and design are concerned. It handles beautifully, like a more expensive sedan. But the disconcerting aspect regarding the car is that it has a horrendous reliability record. Consumer Reports puts it at the bottom of the list for reliability but at the top of the list for performance (it has the highest rating in this category putting it in company with luxury cars). They regrettably do not recommend the Focus. I have driven the car as a well equipped rental and can say that I was impressed.

ehaase

There is no excuse for Ford's errors in the past, but Automotive News (automotivenews.com) had an article recently explaining how Ford is working very hard to improve the quality of the Focus. If CAFE standards increase, the Focus will become even more importatnt to Ford.

6_speed

I don't follow this thread but yesterday I read something concerning Ford Focus in the San Francisco Chronicle (see 1/4/2002 - Tom & Ray Click&ClackTalk Cars section).

A guy wrote to the column to seek advice on his Focus. Anyway, here are parts of the article and I quote -

"I have a new (eight-week-old) Ford Focus with 1,630 miles on it. My 17-year-old son was driving it (alone) at about 35mph, and he decelerated quickly because he though he missed his turn. He is adamant that he didn't hit anything, and I examined the car with a fine-tooth comb and found not a mark on it. However, both the driver and passenger airbags deployed! ... Is it possible that the airbags deployed without him hitting anything?"

Ray (one of the columnists) replied and again I quote -

"In order for the air bags to deploy as designed, the car would have to hit something while going at least 15 or 20 mph. And if it hit something at that speed, you certainly wouldn't need a fine-tooth comb to see the damage. ..."

Tom (the other columnist) added and I quote -

"You should report this incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ..."

Just thought I pass this on...

Hope this is just an isolated incident. Good luck.

tomcat630

The Focus is no "Pinto" in quality, and they have a longer powertrain warranty this year. Have to see what CR says this year with the first year bugs worked out.

yooper53

I was watching this yesterday. They stated the SVT? Focus will come with 170 hp. The 2.5L Duratec is (was) 170 hp. It was the sweetest V6 I ever owned. Don't suppose that's the 170 hp engine they were referring to. Anyone know which engine they're referring to?

tboner1965

nope, they are tuning a Zetec 4cyl for the 170 HP.

TB

george00

Has anybody experience with the Focus leather seats? Are they better than the standard cloth? I have arthritis and am interested in the Focus (and the Echo, RAV, and CR-V) because of the high seating - I need to replace my 2000 5-sp Elantra with an automatic car with seats that allow the driver to sit up straight and get in and out of the car without climbing up or down (a shame, for the Elantra has been flawless for 2+ years and 17k+ miles). Any other thoughts about Focus comfort would also be appreciated. Thanks.

ehaase

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10597

edmund2460

Toyota, it is said, designs platforms they know will be solid and reliable, quality is designed in to their products The results of market share gains through the years have shown the wisdom of this approach. I wish Detroit would learn. Ford, for example, and I speak from considerable experience, apparently wants to sell each of you just one car. They will never learn.

randyrhodes

Hi George,

I have the cloth seats in my Focus. I am 6'2" and have a bad back (operation 10/12/01). Prior to the Focus, I had a '98 Escort that was very uncomfortable. the Focus is so nice to ride in. The seat has a crank up hight adjustment, and with it up all the way I still have 3 inches of headroom. I love my Focus.

Good luck with whatever you buy,
73
Randy

tiredofmanual

Not only do I love being able to adjust the seat height, but I really like the tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Most people who ask about the car are amazed that I can not only move the wheel up and down but in and out. I've found the perfect position for me - which would not have been possible without the telescoping function of the wheel.

tomcat630

Yes, we all know about the recalls on 2000's, what about this year?

I have a feeling that Ford has learned now, with the company losing money in a record market.

randyrhodes

I don't see the big deal about recalls. I think it is a good thing and am sure only helps out the future models. I walked down the street on Sunday to the dealer where I bought my 2001 Focus. The only difference I saw was a different pattern in the cloth seat and they finally put a spoiler and fog lights on the ZTS model. I too love the tilt/tele on the wheel, I only have 6000 miles on it now and I think I have found my "comfort zone". My only complaint about the seat is, you sink into it after 10 or 15 minutes of driving and have to re-adjust everything.

73
Randy

vadp

My lights do the same thing for 2-3 seconds after I step on the brakes, turn on the air etc. Sounds like a voltage regulator issue.

teo

Or the alternator.

randyrhodes

I am taking my Focus to the shop tomorrow morning for it's oil change and will have them check it out. I will advise you all on the outcome.

73
Randy

benjaminh

I have a 2000 Focus ZTS, which has had squeaky brakes pretty much since I bought it. I kept meaning to mention it when I brought it in for all of those recalls, but somehow it slipped my mind. When I brought it in for the 15,000 mile service today (basically an oil/filter change and an inspection) I asked them to look into it, and they replaced the rear brake pads for free under the warranty. They seem fine now, so if any of you are suffering from this problem you might want to get it fixed by your local Ford dealer.

tiredofmanual

is not a smart move:

Check this out.

mdaffron

Or can't you realize that while Ford does own a controlling interest in Mazda, Ford still manufactures some vehicles while Mazda manufactures others?

I happen to own a 2000 Mazda Protege ES. On the sticker, it noted that the car was assembled IN JAPAN from 98 percent Japanese parts. The engine and other major components are MAZDA parts.

The Mazda Tribute, on the other hand, is manufactured with USA-built FORD parts. Like the Mazda B2300 pickup I traded in on the Protege -- it has Mazda's name on it, but it was built right here in the good old US of A using Ford parts.

Can't you understand the difference here?

Regarding your last point -- as to why Ford "consistently outsells Mazda" -- hmmm, Ford outsells Jaguar and BMW combined; does that make Ford better? Ford outsells Honda, does that make Ford better?

Here's some wakeup news for you, in numbers you may be able to understand: Autonews.com just came out with the year-end sales North America sales figures for all makes, and here's the Ford vs. Mazda comparo for 2000 vs. 1999:

Ford's sales were DOWN 0.9 percent for the year and DOWN 8.3 percent (boo hoo) this December compared with last December.

Mazda's sales were UP 4.8 percent for the year and UP 15.9 percent (wow) this December compared with last December.

One last jab atcha -- Car and Driver magazine did a comparison of 13 2000 MY small cars last summer. The Protege came out Number 1, and I believe the Focus came in third. I won't get into the Protege's No. 1 ratings in Consumer Reports or Consumer's Digest right now, I guess.

So stop flaming Mazda because their volume is lower. Fact is, Mazda is still manufacturing cars, engines and other parts in Hiroshima (yes, Hiroshima, Japan) for both Mazda and Ford in North America. Also, Ford is manufacturing parts for some Mazda vehicles, such as the Tribute, B-series pickup, and 626. But the Protege is still all Mazda (98 percent of it is; the remaining 2 percent is seat covers and a few plastic interior parts).

And as a former Ford-built product owner who had endless troubles with his Ford-built pickup, I am very thankful to have a 100-percent trouble-free Mazda Protege that is now 8 months old and has 12,300 miles on it and not one recall. And I dread the day (2003 MY, I hear) that Ford takes the Protege and builds it on the Focus platform!

Meade

safetyguy2

I've heard there are some Ford TSB's concerning engine stalling, which is caused by the fuel pump (FDM) getting clogged with some kind of fuel tank contamination or "debris" Does anyone know what this contamination is and where it comes from? Is the tank deteriorating from the inside? Will tank flushing take care of the problem permanently?

Has anyone had this problem and had it fixed by the dealer?

autotech1955

We've done a couple in our shop about a month ago, and neither have come back. We saw some gunk on the FDM sock, but have no idea what it was. Does anyone know if these FDM's are available in the aftermarket yet?

blerner2

All,

I picked up my 2002 Ford Focus ZTS today (Black, Med. Parchment Leather, ABS, 6 CD Changer, Auto).

I ordered it on Dec. 9th, it was built on 1/10 and was delivered today 1/26.

I am very impressed with the vehicle so far (60 miles). I'm coming from a VW Passat.

I went over the car very carefully before taking delivery and saw no evidence of any mismatched/misaligned parts as others have found.

tomcat630

Less than 2 months for order to delivery? Pretty good compared to early 2000, some waited 3 months!

tiredofmanual