Ford Focus Sedan

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  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    But it seems some of the crashes are caused by the front suspension falling out, so that could be a problem.
  • novoqnovoq Member Posts: 26
    special edition Focus SVT in Spring


    http://media.ford.com/events/2002_SEMA.cfm

  • rbentonrbenton Member Posts: 30
    Ford really screwed up the quality control and bulid quality of 2000-2001 model Focuses. It is ashame that this has happened, because in terms of overall design and performance; the Focus is essentially in a class of itself. Really, it is the right car for America. Refined, space and fuel efficent. Compeared to the junky Neon, that makes a Kia look good and the archaic and sleazy Cavalier and the outdated Saturn, the Focus is first class small car. It even stands up to the small car gods: Civic and Corolla. Unfortantely Ford passed the buck QC on the Focus launch to save a few cents. Penny wise, pound foolish. The reasons why, they felt so pressured to cut costs to maintain profits. Ford's business model is screw up. They can not seem to sell cars at prices that support full QC, instead cut corners to sell at a lower price, but with a inferior product. The edvidence is 11 federal recalls in 3 years, sounds just like the fiascos Called the 1980 GM X-Car and Aspen/Volare. All three of them have compiled Consumer Reports Reliability ratings of much worse than average. Everyday the Focus seems to follow the fate of the Chevy Citation. Widely popular at first and declining in sales once the public finds out how shoddy it is. The current $3000 rebate and 5yr/100K warranty sounds like the Citation II of 1984. Once a car develops a stigma of trouble, it seldom if ever loses it. So the Focus name in America is becoming ever tarnished beyond repair. It is missed opportunity for Ford to develop good reputation with generation X and younger. It is ironic that the European Focus is the total opposite well bulit and reliable. Really this is the latest blunder of Ford living up to image of Found On the Road Dead. No wonder their stock price is absmally low.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Just because Ford sells alot of a certain model doesn't mean it's reliable. It trails the top selling small car by tens of thousands of units and then you have to consider a large percentage of Focus models sold are done so to rental fleets.

    And you are right .. almost all new models are bound to have a recall or two. But ELEVEN??? the car has only been sold for going on 3 years. With the abundance of choices available in the compact sedan class why settle for a car that has more obvious faults than some of the competition.
  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    Regardless the recall notices and the burning oil smells that my Focus has, I still love the car. :)
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    "The Focus really is the Pinto of the 90s...

    90's!!!! It almost 2003! The 90's ended almost three years ago!!!!

    The Focus was only on the market for 3 months of the overdone "90's"! Pintos didn't have recalls as much as it fell apart, and Ford didn't do anything about the problems, in good old days.

    Chrysler has tons of minivan recalls and they are still #1 in that segment. Why no "burn DCX down"?
  • novoqnovoq Member Posts: 26
    Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has named the Ford Focus ZX3 “Best in Class” among cars priced under $16,000 in its December 2002 Special Auto Issue.


    http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13661

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Best in class at what? Adding up recalls?
  • ucgraducgrad Member Posts: 2
    Regarding the post that asked if you can take your car in to check for recall problems even though you haven't received a recall notice, one person suggested to have them check your VIN to see if it is part of the recall. That doesn't always work. I had my car checked and it didn't fall under any of the recalls listed based on the VIN. However, in March I was driving on the fwy and my right rear wheel fell off. I was lucky that I was able to slow down and get into the emergency lane before the wheel failed completely. It could have been much worse.

    Obviously my car should have been included in the recall for the rear wheel bearings failures. I had 37000 miles on the car, and although the dealer said it wasn't covered under warranty (warranty exp at 36000), I called FORD manufacturer and they called the dealer and had the repairs comp'ed for me. I had to have the wheel bearings and spindle replaced.

    If you suspect your car may be having a problem, but its not listed under a recall, I would insist they inspect your car regardless. If they won't I'd report them to the appropriate agencies.
  • class3class3 Member Posts: 14
    I have 50K on my wife's 200ZTS and the wheel bearings have been replaced 3 times already since new....I'm still hrearing noises from the rear and Ford and the dealer still won't take the car back as a lemon...not tomention a bad tranny at 27K and a multitude of other problems....I've lost faith in the system as well as both Ford and the dealer. Any suggestions?
  • ucgraducgrad Member Posts: 2
    I would go to your states web site and search for "lemon law". Find out what rights you have as a consumer and excersize all of them.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Power - yes and no.
    Fuel efficiency - no.
    Front and rear legroom - yes.
    Headroom - double yes.
    Cargo space - yep!
    Price - with $2,500 rebate - yeessss!!!
    Resale value - noooooooooooooo!(see recalls).
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    "Best in class at what? Adding up recalls?"

    Hmm, there are NO 2002 and 2003 Focus recalls, so why the fuss? It's one of those, "let's never forgive domestic makers, yet let's buy all the Hyundais and VW's we can, who cares if they had crap, too".

    I can see in 2009 there will still be "remember the 2000-01 Focus recalls?", but the current quality problems M-B and VW are having will be forgiven. Don't beleive it? Read www.autoextremist.com and JD Power, CR.

    "...With the latest J.D. Power survey naming five brands that slipped in quality rankings (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar) and a Consumer Reports magazine survey listing only the BMW 5-Series as having average reliability - ..."
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    But the Focus' recalls have been very high in number, and very serious ones as well. In addition, the 00 and 01 models seem to suffer poor reliability.

    I only know one person who has one, someone I used to work with. She had trouble with her brakes, her ignition key got stuck in it, and she had problems with one other thing (don't remember what it was). To the car's credit, it did have 40K miles on it when she got it. But still...
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    You never buy the first version of it, you wait for the bugs to get worked out of it first. Just some wise advice from a friend of mine at Microsoft ;)

    -Rob
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    Could not disagree more!

    2001 SE Sport and almost 2 years and 20,000 miles later it is still a great little car.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Yes, the recalls are seriuos, but if the car and its design flaws are fixed, why worry that the problems will resurface on new ones? Espcecially if they offer a longer warranty?

    People seem to feel it's OK to "take a chance" on a Kia with a long warranty.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    The main issue for me would be the inconvenience of being back and forth from the dealer and the fact that it seems there is a new recall every couple of months. It's a shame that these recalls have ruined what is otherwise a good car.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    "New recall every couple of months"

    Where are the recalls of 2002-2003 models that appear every couple of months listed?
  • focuserrorfocuserror Member Posts: 34
    This is an update on my Focus with the burning oil smell. It has had the fuel pump replaced a couple of months ago due to stalling in traffic. About 3-4 weeks ago it started making a rattling noise on a cold start for about 1/4 mile or so in the front under the engine. I took it into the dealer and they could not reproduce it, so I waited a couple days and took it back to the dealer. They called me today and let me know that they found "transmission fluid leaking" and were waiting for "parts".

    What next? When I have to drive out of town I rent a car from Enterprise for peace of mind. The lemon laws do not favor the consumer. This car still doesn't qualify for the lemon law.

    2001 ZX3 - 28000 very gentle miles on a top ten selling vehicle and this is the reward I get for purchasing such a great car!

    Maybe the burning oil smell will be fixed with this "repair". Soon, I will have a new vehicle from Ford - there won't be any original parts left on my Focus.
  • bobk14bobk14 Member Posts: 17
    I love my 2001 Focus LX Sedan;but, what is there about the Focus that limits tire and brake pad life to under 20,000 miles or less? My prior Toyotas and Mazdas gave me at least 30,000 miles on tires and front brakes. Does the European made Focus have the same limitations? Why can't Ford correct these faults?
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    No, the Euro Focus doesn't have the same "limitations".

    In the USA FoMoCo used to install the cheapest brake components it could find. I don't know about the '02 and '03 models.

    The solution: BatInc is running a fantastic deal.(click on the special deals button).

    2 rotors and a set of pads for $98.

    The pads are Mintex - long lasting and not as "dusty" as the stock ones.


    http://www.batinc.net/focus.htm

  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    My 2001 Premium LX Infared baby is about due for an oil change. The "burning oil smell" that I've been troubled with continues, and seems to get worse between oil changes. I'm planning on taking the car to a different dealership for the change this time. I'll point out the smell and see if they might be able to find it's source.

    Wish me luck!
  • focuserrorfocuserror Member Posts: 34
    Have the dealer check the transmission for fluid leaks. That seems to have been the source of the smell.

    Now, if only they could fix the crunching noises when the steering wheel turns in either direction......and the screaming brake noises....and the groaning suspension.....and the seat belts that do not retract.......

    Good luck
  • bobk14bobk14 Member Posts: 17
    I RECENTLY HAD MY FRONT BRAKES REPLACED. PADS WITH NEW ROTORS WAS$240.00 iS THIS A FAIR PRICE? DO THE ROTORS HAVE TO BE REPLACED EACH TIME THE PADS ARE?
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    There is a company in Toronto (RPM Labs I believe) that can import Brembo rotors from Europe and ship them to the USA for around US$100 total for a set. They are made to the Euro Focus spec, which means they are a direct replacement for the front brakes on the US Focus.

    It is well known by now that the brakes on the Focus tend to wear out quickly (mine had plenty of life on them when I sold at 24,000 miles though). I just don't understand why people replace them with the factory parts that will last just as long as the originals when higher quality parts are available for pretty close to the same price!
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    I've never had a brake job done, so I don't know what it costs. However, I don't think $240 for new pads and rotors plus labor is a rip-off. Depending on where you live, labor can be $70 or more an hour!
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    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
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You might do better by getting snow tires rather than chains. Also, you should check your owner's manual. Some new cars' alloy wheels can be damaged by cable chains, and they are not recommended. I would go with the snow tires if I were you.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Those Brembo rotors are $80 a pair plus shipping.


    http://www.rpmlabs.com/


    I still believe that the best place to get the quality brake components for cheap would be BatInc. Their deal is simply unbeatable.


    http://www.batinc.net/focus.htm

  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    That brake deal you posted looks very good. I have heard of EBC, but don't know much about them. A quick Google search show that they have a pretty good reputation for quality and performance.

    One need look no further than Porsche and other supercars to see what Brembo offers in terms of performance.

    One thing is for sure - either of these two deals is head and shoulders above the OEM replacement stuff you would get at the local dealership, and pretty darn competitive price-wise!
  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    Will changing the brakes from Ford parts to other makers parts void the warrenty?

    Will the Ford dealership install these other parts?

    Thanks!
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    No, it wouldn't void the warranty.
    Yes, they will install.
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    It doesn't void the warranty - if your brakes were covered under warranty (well, after 12,000 miles) your brake job would be free, wouldn't it?

    Just be up front and honest when dealing with them. Just because they can't legally void your warranty doesn't mean they can't make it a hassle to get warranty work done later on. It never ceases to amaze me that people have such bad relationships with their service departments. I had tons of aftermarket parts on my Focus and never had problems - I was always honest about what I had done to the car and warranty work always got done with no hassle!

    If you want the dealership to do your brake job, tell them you will bring your own parts [that meet OEM specs] ahead of time. Or you could possibly save yourself some money by taking your car to a reputable independant shop that will install your brakes. Brakes are not difficult to replace and this will not void your warranty either.
  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    Thank you :)
  • barter104barter104 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 ZTS Focus and it leaks. I mean it really leaks ... every time it rains, water pours in and pools in the passenger side front floor. Four attempts to fix it. Anyone else have this problem?
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    Got a 2002 ZX3 made in August, no leaks here but it can grab the moisture from the floor mats and fog up the vehicle pretty easy if you don't keep tabs on it.

    -Z
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    A common problem.
    Check your local lemon law and get your car replaced or refunded.
  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    Focuserror:

    Today I took my car in for it's 15,000 mile scheduled maintenance and complained about the "hot burning oil smell" that I've had troubles with since I bought the car.

    After the car had been serviced, (oil changed, etc), the service agent advised me that there is a TSB (or something?) on late motel Escorts as well as the 2000-2001 models of Focus. Something to do with a sealant on the motor burning.

    Parts had to be ordered, was told that the fix will take a few hours. Seems the sealant has to be replaced... and perhaps a gasket or two.

    I hope this helps with your troubles. :)
    See ya 'round,
    Bob
  • focuserrorfocuserror Member Posts: 34
    This is really interesting and I will look into this further.

    I recently had "sealant" replaced in the transmission because transmission fluid was found leaking. I haven't had any burning oil smell since the repair - yet.

    Thank you for the information. Ford should be doing more detective work on these vehicles.
  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    If we keep 'em busy, Ford is bound to perfect the Focus!

    I'll let ya know what happens when the "parts" come in the the repair is finished. :)

    In the meantime, if you like to get in touch with me personally, my email is Panya39793@aol.com
    See ya!
    Bob
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Well, look at the quality rankings for 2002's, no recalls and much higher scores.
  • bobk14bobk14 Member Posts: 17
    I am searching for a comprehensive 5 year extended warranty for my 2001 fOCUS. WARRANTY DIRECT OFFERS A BUMPER-TO-BUMPER 5-YR., 75000 MILE WARRANTY (FROM THE DATE THE MFRS. WARRANTY ENDS) for about $1250.00. Does anyone know of this company, or any other extended warranty of proven reliability? All responses are appreciated.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Search by "extended auto warranty" on any search engine, a wealth of companies will be returned.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    why vocus would send you to search engines (which cannot tell you anything about actual customer experiences) when there is a tremendous amount of information right here in the Town Hall.

    Check out our Finance, Warranty & Insurance board - just click on that link to get there.

    Anything you ever wanted to know about extended warranties has either already been discussed or is underway at this moment.

    Good luck!

    :)
  • smonk59smonk59 Member Posts: 13
    I've had lots of cars, had a 2001 echo that i traded in for my now 98 explorer.

    I just want something more practical that is cheaper and with better gas mileage and insurance rates.

    and a warranty

    i've heard a lot of bad things about the focus, but didnt' ford fix a lot for 2002/2003??

    any help would be appreciated, thanks
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    The Ford’s new Mazda designed I-4 engine family, which will power the new partial-zero emissions (PZEV) Ford Focus,(more hp and better gas mileage) will be introduced in California this January. I don't know about the rest of the states.
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    Will be sold only in Green states - meaning California and a handful of northeast states. You get the 2.3 duratec (found in the Ranger and Mazda6) with a few modifications to make it meet PZEV requirements. The most significant modification is a fuel vapor recovery system that will allow zero vapors to escape and that the entire emmisions system is warranted to beyond 100,000 miles.


    I believe PZEV is SULEV + vapor recovery system + longer emmisions warranty.


    The PZEV Focus is going to have more HP and probably better performance, but mileage should be pretty similar if not slightly higher.


    More info

  • reallybobreallybob Member Posts: 29
    Hi Liz,

    I got my Focus fixed today, hopefully. :)

    On the receipt it states:
    "Customer says that there is a burning odor in the car, also sees soot under hood on the hood separator. SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 14846 applies for burning odor from oil seepage at cylinder head exhaust manifold bolts. Performed above repair, OK now."

    Seems I had this leak repaired last February...

    I remember you saying that your car no longer has the odor since having the leak fixed at the tranny. If it returns this bulletin may work in your favor.

    See ya 'round,
    Bob
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    Starting in January, the only engine offered in CA, NY, and MA will be the PZEV version of the 2.3L Duratec (now seen in the Mazda 6 and Ford Ranger). You will not be able to buy a Focus in those states without it, and you will not be able to buy a Focus outside those states with it. Mileage has not been determined, but HP and TQ have been released: 148 HP and 152 Lb-ft! And if anyone cares, the PZEV Focus also gets a 14.5 gallon fuel tank. Actually, that is a significant upgrade - I always thought the 13ish gallon tank was too small.

    Since the duratec is cheaper to produce than the zetec, I figure Ford will be phasing the zetec out as soon as it has the manufacturing capacity to do so. I've heard 2004. Anyone hear anything else?
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