I get all my brochures off of company websites. That way they're up to date,and I can avoid the sales pitch you get at the dealership. I've been considering renting a Focus for a day to get a better feel for the car - a 5-minute test drive isn't enough to make a good decision. It'll also depend on who offers the best winter deals. Since on TV tonight every other commercial was a car commercial, I'm guessing they're expecting or experiencing a dropoff in sales. I heard October was real good month with all of the 0% deals.
VW does have an interesting under-20k mix of vehicles. But they can be a little more pricey than some of the other models discussed here.
And like some others here, I also don't like leather, making the Elantra GT less attractive to me.
Last night my dealer called and invited me to come look at a black/grey ZX5 5 - speed. Everything I love about this car is true, and last night only confirmed it. This car is much roomier and more fun to drive than the VW Golf, and less expensive. That shows though, the interior plastic seemed a bit cheap, but hard wearing. It is not as luxurious inside as the Elantra. I think the Elantra is the luxury choice, with big wide leather seats, and more rear seat space. However, nothing in this class drives like the Foucs. Of this I am certain. It feels like a sports car until you step outside and realize you have a real back seat and a ton of cargo room. I got it up 60 on a flat stretch of road, and the pickup was great. I wound it out to about 5000 in each gear to get there, and what a thrill! The engine has a deep throaty grunt that encourages revving. It has more pickup than the 3.8 liter Bonneville I currently drive.
The sport seats are very comfortable. They hold you in tight, so those of stout body may find them a bit close, but I like the grippiness. My girlfriend said the passenger seat felt like it was sinking forward a bit, but she didn't adjust it all. She found it comfortable. We loved the stereo, we put in our favorite blues CD, cranked it up (as the brochure invites) and it sounds much better than any car in the class. You can switch from the radio to CD without losing your place on the disc. Also, It remembes where you left off when you shut the car off.
It has Goodyear Firehawk GTA tires. The sunroof is tilt and slide, and the shift knob is the same black one you get in other Foci except the ZX3. I am going to have to get a ZX3 shift knob, any trades? Basically, I am so happy I ordered one of these, and any doubts I may have had that I would have liked another car (Pro 5 or Elantra) have just been obliterated. There is nothing, nothing in the class that is this much fun.
Those are Firestone Firehawk GTA's and they're AWFUL.
I've had to replace all of my tires and my car has 21,000 miles on it. One of the treads separated on one, a stress bubble on the other, and a little pothole causes the whole car to misalign. (It's the tire's fault, usually)...
In the glove compartment we found a large plastic bag with papers and the owners manual. There was also a CD case with the "Focus" logo emobossed into it. I guess this comes with the car.
I'm so freaking jealous right now. I really am anxious to drive one. Did the one you drove have a 6 disk changer? How easy is it to flip the back seat down? Do you have to remove the headrests as on most cars? Where did they locate the sunroof switch? Is it a rocker switch that has to be held down, or a switch like VW uses where you put it in the position you want and forget it? I guess crazed17 got the same pdf brochure I got, which still doesn't verify if the black interior or the yellow exterior is available. I did notice that at the ford website, only the zx5 lists all the colors. The other models only listed 4 colors!! That can't be right....my other theory is that perhaps the yellow exterior and the black interior is late availability, and ford will change the site when they factory is geared up to supply them. I'm dying to know.....I'm calling somebody at ford tomorrow..... John
It wsa the 6-disk changer. It comes standard on the ZX5. To keep things simple, we only put one CD in for the time. It has automatic volume control (which you can turn on and off) and shuffle play. The sunroof has one rocker switch, which you hold down until it slides back, or hold up to tilt it. It is a reasonable function, like my parents old Maxima, but I remember the one in the VW and was better. However, the roof slides very quickly. The switch is located in a rather odd looking five inch plastic panel, that isn't there without the suroof. Looks like a good spot to put some stickers, or have your kids paint something! The rear seats function very nicely, they are comfy and you sit tall, and there is no headreast, so you just unclick the lower seat and the top part fits right in. It is the smoothest fold down seats I've yet encountered.
The brochure I got lists egg yolk yellow for ZX3 and ZX5 with Black and Grey interior only. It comes with black touches, inlcuding a black leather steering wheel, which is bound to pick up less soil as time goes on than a beige or grey. The brochure says you can get black and grey for all colors on the ZX5 and the parchment with some.
You know, I drove a ZX3 first over the summer, they feel the same. Call around to some dealers and see if they have a ZX3 stick, and maybe a ZX5 auto. This way you can drive right drivetrain, but still see the backseat.
Did you get that brochure from the dealer? I tried calling Ford and the woman I talked with didn't really know alot....I think the info she gave me was off the same, screwed up website....she said that yellow was available, but charcoal interior wasn't available on any ZX5....so who knows.... John
Yes I did get one. It shows all three interiors available on all ZX3/ZX5 models. All colors as well. Some colors not available with some interiors (like grey doesn't come with the beige.) I don't think this is right. My suspicion is that the ZX3 is Black and Grey only, and ZX5 grey and beige only. I think the yellow will be available with the ZX5, I don't know with what interior color. Call Ford again, My aunt would say hound the hell out of them. Some people may be more helpful than others, or if you keep calling the staff will pas it along to thier supervisors that they need to get the story straight. Maybe I'll call too. Keep pushin till its understood...
didn't realize how lucky i was to find a ZX5 about a week and a half ago. it had been delivered to the dealer 24 hours earlier. i happened to be passing a ford dealer and it caught my eye. i didn't even know anything about the cars. i stopped and test drove it, then brought my wife back and bought it that night. red with leather parchment interior and manual tranny. manual much peppier than the auto if you like to drive. it's the most fun car we've had since a '65 pony convertible. everybody loves it and we keep finding reasons to drive it. from some of the postings on this site, i think i got one of the first of these babies that wasn't ordered. to anybody that did order, you'll love it. to anybody whose considering one, definitely try it out before you decide on any other car in its class. i actually like it better than acura rsx and new altima. there's just something about the driving position and road feel that grabs you. if you like to 'feel the road' when you drive, this is the car for you. it's also roomier than anything in its class or even the next up. the 2 liter is fine but not powerful. i don't care about that though 'cause i drive my iroc when i want power. and at $300 over invoice with 0 percent financing, the ZX5 has us smiling in more ways than one.
Thanks for sharing the details. Sounds like you also had a good purchase experience... all around! We look forward to hearing more. Please keep us posted. ;-)
I got the paper brochure, seems to be the same as Mark, by filling out a form on the Ford web site to have it mailed to me. I've used the same method (ordering paper off the web) from a number of companies with good results (useful info, delivered within a week).
Its here, and I sat in it last night. I didn't take it home with me yet. We only worked out the financing and the car will be ready this afternoon. Thankfully it seems a bit better put together than the Black one I was in last week. That one had problems with the power door locks, but all the electrics worked fine on mine. Be aware, the color you choose is visible at times inside the car. They paint in places I never thought they would, so when I lifted up the back seats there was a splotch of bright blue, and also when you open the doors the sills and inside of the fenders are painted. It looks really well done, just make sure you want to "see" your chosen color. I asked about yellow availability, and the dealer had no more info. She said to check out the website, and I explained the problem, and then she pulled out the same cheat sheets I have. Thye were printed in May, and list interior as grey and beige only, and no yellow for the exterior.
Has anyone found anything out about a break in period for this car? I couldn't find anything in the manual. So far I am babying it and shifting below 4000, probably for the first 500 miles, than increase slowly.
i read something somewhere at another focus on-line forum about break in for first 500 miles by using variable rather than constant speed. that's really all it said and that's what i'm doing. dealer should be able to give advise though. congrats on taking delivery. what do you think of the handling and ride? i'd say more like a sports car than an econobox for sure. after we hit 500 miles i'll get more aggressive and start to see what it can really do.
I have 400 miles so far, and it is a ball to drive. Everyone who gets in it says it so "sporty". I have no idea what you would call it, a 4 door hatch that is more sports car, but seats four in comfort. I haven't revved it beyond 4000, (OK once I got it out to 4500) and I can tell the car is itching for more. I throw it into turns whenever possible, and it loves it. We had a lot of rain, especially yesterday, which is good for the area, but not driving! I love the stereo, and the seat, I could drive it for miles without fatigue. This is by far the best car I have ever owned, but its not a long list.
You do get a handy "Focus" embossed CD carrying holder. This has proven eminently useful. I have a set of rear headrests from a 1991 Civic RT4WD if you need them.
It seems that the only time you will get the rear headrests on any Focus is when you buy the side air bags. They started this on the 2001 models, as noted on my ZX3.
My ZX5 has side airbags in the seats, and no rear headrests. I think headrests would definately get in the way of the view out the rear. The rear window is not all that big.
I just got through pricing a 2002 zx3 and a zx5, and a comparably equipped zx5 invoiced at almost $1000 more than the zx3. Other than the fact that the zx5 has 2 more doors, weighs 100 lbs more, has power outside mirrors, and can be had with leather, why is it so much more? Am I missing something?
Yo do get two more doors which I guess require extra stampings, pressings, power do dads and what have you. The ZX5 also has different, nicer cloth on the seats. The graphite fabric has sporty black piping woven in. Also the car comes with a nifty embossed Cd holder. There is your thousand dollars!
Really, after owning one for two weeks, its well worth it. I think it looks much better in the 4 door, and it is a very comfortable car to take 2 couples out in, rather than having to stuff them through the front door.
Congrats on getting your car, sounds like it's a blast to drive. I almost got a new Galant on the 0-0-0 deal, but at the last minute decided against it. Wasn't quite sure if we wanted a car payment that high (ls v6). Anyway, did you all see that Car and Driver named the Focus on it's 10 best list again? In the article it shows a red ZX-5....still haven't seen one here in Tucson yet. Anyway....three years in a row on CD's 10 best.....must be a pretty good car. Maybe I'll call around tomorrow and see if any of the dealers have recieved any ZX5s....I'm really itching to drive one. John
has always been my favorite car magazine. I love reading Peter Egan at R&T, but for info, humor, and great advice C/D can't be beat. I am so happy to have a 10 best winner, I would put a sticker on it for sure! When I was younger, I always encouraged my parents to buy 10 best winners, (88 Integra, 91 Maxima, 94 MX-6) so now I have one of my own. This is the best car I have ever owned, maybe best I have driven, jury still out on that. This is not an economy car, its in disguise, its really a sports car. It begs, literally begs, to be thrown into corners. The steering is the sharpest I've ever encountered. There is no slop, the most minute movement of your hands results in a change in direction, you always know exactly where the wheels are. It eats away miles on the highway without any fatigue. The ride is a little sharper than I expected. Than again, the Saturn was definately comfort over handling. If you like small sporty cars, this is it! Not to mention the radio, the great seats, the cargo room. There are many, many nice touches to this car. The light inside goes on as soon as you unlock the doors, or take the key out of the ignition. The radio can be played for an hour without any key in the ignition...
For more insight, go to www.myzx5.com, this is where I have encountered many other Focus owners, all kinds, and thier absolute praise for this car. By the way, no problems as of yet.
Marc
PS - A Galant???? thats not a small light sporty car...
I know its a big family car, but having no car payment for a year was very attractive....but my wife knows deep down it's not what I want. I hope she never asks me what I really want (WRX maybe??), I think the monthly payment would scare her.....so, I'll wait for now, get her car paid off and go from there....I'm still hopeful that Ford will bring us a yellow ZX5 with black interior. John
My saleslady looked into the question, and said that they paint the cars in waves. She says she will see trucks of all one color roll off at a time. So just wait until you see a yellow 2002.
One thing I like about this than the WRX is that it isn't always tearing at the car in front of it. The Focus is happy to play when you are, but shift below 4000, and takes turns easily, and it moves without complaint. It responds however you like, while I remember the WRX to be always trying to get away from you.
Either way, both 10 best winners, so you can't lose.
Everyone must be out driving their new ZX5s!! A dealer in Tucson called me to tell me she had one, but it was an automatic....I told her to give me a ring when they get a 5sp. Mark, how's your car treating you so far? John
We got our ZX5 approx. 2 weeks ago. It is liquid grey with a five speed, moonroof, and ABS. The car is a blast to drive. The moonroof is worth every penny considering the reasonable cost. We were lucky and got the 0 percent for 36 months. The dealer had a hard time locating a five speed with ABS...seems like it is very hard to find one with the ABS.....in a five speed. No complaints so far except for the cup holders. The car is very fun to drive....we test drove an automatic, but wanted the 5 speed. The 6 disc in-dash is really nice...it has an option that allows you to turn the radio on for one hour without a key....great when you have a teenager who wants to stay in the car and listen to the radio!
We did not think there was any comparison to the auto and 5 speed. The auto shifted fine, but it reminded me of an underpowered 4 cylinder that you had to almost "floor" to get adequate acceleration. The five speed is so much different. You can drive through the gears without much effort. You can accelerate without "mashing down" the accelerator. These 16valves work better at higher rpm's for throttle response. With the five speed, you are just a shift away from that response, or you can "tach" it higher by leaving it in a lower gear. The auto is easy to drive.....but we did not want easier....we wanted something more fun to drive....the ZX5 is a very fun car to drive with the 5 speed. It seems to "beg" to be driven a little harder than necessary. After driving the auto and the 5 speed, I seriously think we would have paid the $800+ just to get the 5 speed! The five speed is obviously faster...but even more important than that....it is obviously much more fun....
Maybe the auto will be in higher demand later, and may demand more money than a five speed...but, we bought the car for the practicality and what we wanted now...not what someone else may want down the road. I think there will always be plenty of people who prefer the 5 speed...especially in this great little car!
This engine revels in being above 4000 rpm. It starts to growl mildly at about 3000 gand encouraging you to get it really wound out. I can't imagine this car without a stick.
Out of the five regulars with ZX5s at myfordfocus.com, 4 of them have stick, and number 5 wanted it but his wife couldn't drive one. Ford may be in error making more of this model with an auto, because look at the crowd that is buying it so far.
I spend more online time at the myfordfocus site these days then here. John the car is great, no trouble as of yet. And yes, it does beg to be driven harder than needed. So comfy for four people as well. The do it all car.
Was this the January issue, where the Sangria Red one was featured as 10 Best, or do they review it again for February. (my copy hasn't arrived yet)
Car and driver has been a huge fan of the Focus, 3 times ten best winner (eligible three times), and every review is favorable. It was a big swaying factor for me, without their recommendation, I would have stayed away from a Ford. By the way Ben, I shopped the Outback. It was a bit expensive for me, and I didn't like the driver postion, pedals to small and close, and no lumbar support. Great car though. My girlfriend has a 95 Impreza with 90000 mi, and it runs like a champ. Maybe our next will be one of these. It is especially dog friendly with the removable plastic mat in the cargo area.
Marc, they have a one page review of the Sangria Red ZX5 in the February issue. I hope you get it soon. Its a good article.
I do like the ZX5 a lot, especially at the price, but by the time I'm ready to buy there should be some slightly used OBS's out there too for about the same price as a new ZX5.
I am a little scared about buying the ZX5 because of the long-term reliability. I had a 1995 Mystique 5 spd with the Zetec. I really liked most of the car, and the Zetec had enough umph for most situations (even with less power than now), but I didn't like some of the rattles or having to replace a blown head gasket at 65,000 miles. I would like to keep my next car for more years than I pay for it, and the long-term reliability scares me. I feel much more confident in the proven reliability of the OBS.
I haven't driven either yet, though, so that may have a great impact on my decision. I don't want to tease myself too much yet. I have to wait until probably early 2003 to buy anything (I'm getting married this summer).
I have an automatic. They had a 5 speed ZX3 at the lot but it was green...yes, green, and didn't have power windows, locks, or keyless entry.
In my gut I really wanted a 5 speed, I love the control it gives you. But I live in a metro area where shifting can become a pain. Even though now I hear that the focus has one of the most calf friendly clutches out there, plus a short throw shifter. So the only ZX5 they had was a auto, and I knew it was the best decision for my situation but I really wish I didn't have to sacrifice the performance.
Can anyone compare the driver's seat of the ZX5 with that of the ZTS or other Focus sedan? 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 a seat that allows 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.
For 2002 the Focus has a 100,000 miles warrenty on the powertrain. There is no question in my mind that the Subaru would be more likely to be reliable. I choose the car that appealed to me emotionally, recognizing that the reliabilty is an adventure. There are many people at the Myfordfocus.com site who have had no trouble with the engine. The Zetec I believe was new when introduced in the Contour/Mystique, but now has been around for several years. Still, you can't beat a Subie for longevity.
The seats in the Focus are different. The Zx3/Zx5 come with "sport" seats, that I find far more comfortable than the "lowback" in the sedans and wagons. I have really broad shoulders, and the sport seats offer much more support, and side bolstering for cornering. The Focus seats are much higher than any other economy car, it is not nearly as on the floor as my old Saturn. Very easier to get in and out of. However, they are not butt hieght, so you will sink in a bit, a strech a bit to get out. Still, it is higher than the Elantra, which I have driven. They are very comfy as well. I can drive for miles without fatique, and my head really rests on the "headrest" providing support and reducing neck strain, a first for any car I've been in. You may want to check out the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe coming real soon. They are tall wagon like vehicles. Smaller than an SUV, but taller and bigger than a ZX5. Also the PT Cruiser has chair Height seats, that was really comfy seats.
That's good to know that the powertrain is covered for 100,000 miles. That makes a big difference. And, you're right that the Zetec has had a few years now to work out the bugs.
I'm a big auto fan, and I tend to be a little fickle as to what I want from month to month. I think I've finally narrowed it down, though. I really like these sport wagons and hatchback/crossover vehicles. The ZX5 and OBS are right on the top of the list.
My fiance thinks I'm crazy for liking hatchbacks. She always asks why I want to drive a car that looks like a Dodge Omni?! She just doesn't get it. A car is an appliance to her. Cars have no soul. How wrong she is...
I believe the ZX5 has the same seats as the sedan and wagon, which are flatter and not as supportive as the ZX3 seats. So the ZX5, sedan or wagon probably would be easier for you to get in and out of because you wouldn't have to "lift" your rear-end out of the seat, you could just "slide" out. I noticed this when I was driving my friend's ZX3 the other day (I drive a ZTS sedan). While I prefer the ZX3's seats for driving. Getting out of I prefer my sedan's seats. So I hope that helps you.
Are the same as the Zx3. I have driven both of them - and seen tham side to side in the parking lot. The difference is the cloth they put over it - ZX5 has this really neat and sporty black piping, Zx3s do not. The shape is the same.
You are so right Ben- Hatchback/Sport Wagon is the Way to go. I have always loved this body style. I really prefer it over a more bland, and far less practical sedan. I think my girlfriend is getting it a bit about cars, she will never be into the way I am. SHe likes what I like, and trusts my judgement completely. She had a a 91 Civic wagon with 4wd before the Impreza (2 door). We both agree we miss that car, the Swiss Army knife of cars. It was hit by a drunk driver while it was parked on a busy Philly street. The good news is she was inside in bed sleeping. That was about 2 years ago. I suspect we will get something like it for her next car. (Outback Sport)
Marc - Did you get the Stability Control and Traction Control? I definately want to get the ABS, but I don't know if its worth spending the extra coin on the other stuff. Have you had any experience with those?
The Zx5 has two ABS options- the basic ABS which is $400, and traction control $1100. Traction Control comes with 4 wheel disc brakes and ABS, whereas the regular ABs has the standard front disc rear drum setup. I went with basic ABS. The articles I read on the Focus, all had this setup and stopped from 70 in 168-172 ft, with "excellent control", which is in Audi/BMW territory, and better than anything in its class. I understand the review in this months Car and Driver, they have Abs with traction control, so compare the numbers. (I don't have it yet!). One person at Myfordfocus.com has a ZX5 with traction control, everyone else seems to have the standard ABS.
I have a stick, so I figure I don't need an elctronic nanny for wheel slippage, I can start in second gear when the weather is bad.
I agree. I'm not used to a computer controlling the car, and I'm not sure I am comfortable with it. I'm much more comfortable with the control of a stick and ABS. Its just one more thing to go wrong down the road too, and costs quite a bit more. Without that, I think it would be pretty easy to get out the door on a new ZX5 for less than $16k, or at least $3k less than a new OBS. $3k is a lot, $60 a month for 5 years.
I can't believe you haven't gotten your C&D yet! I've already recycled mine.
I have a 2002 Jetta that came standard with traction control. It saved my butt a couple times from spinning out. It's an all-speed system like the Focus has. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is getting a car where it's an option. Also, you can turn off the TRAC system on the Focus when you want to, just like on my Jetta.
well the Focus traction control also has the stability control system. I haven't driven a car equiped with a system like that so I have no idea how helpful (or what a hinderance) it might be.
Comments
VW does have an interesting under-20k mix of vehicles. But they can be a little more pricey than some of the other models discussed here.
And like some others here, I also don't like leather, making the Elantra GT less attractive to me.
This car is much roomier and more fun to drive than the VW Golf, and less expensive. That shows though, the interior plastic seemed a bit cheap, but hard wearing. It is not as luxurious inside as the Elantra. I think the Elantra is the luxury choice, with big wide leather seats, and more rear seat space.
However, nothing in this class drives like the Foucs. Of this I am certain. It feels like a sports car until you step outside and realize you have a real back seat and a ton of cargo room. I got it up 60 on a flat stretch of road, and the pickup was great. I wound it out to about 5000 in each gear to get there, and what a thrill! The engine has a deep throaty grunt that encourages revving. It has more pickup than the 3.8 liter Bonneville I currently drive.
The sport seats are very comfortable. They hold you in tight, so those of stout body may find them a bit close, but I like the grippiness. My girlfriend said the passenger seat felt like it was sinking forward a bit, but she didn't adjust it all. She found it comfortable. We loved the stereo, we put in our favorite blues CD, cranked it up (as the brochure invites) and it sounds much better than any car in the class. You can switch from the radio to CD without losing your place on the disc. Also, It remembes where you left off when you shut the car off.
It has Goodyear Firehawk GTA tires. The sunroof is tilt and slide, and the shift knob is the same black one you get in other Foci except the ZX3. I am going to have to get a ZX3 shift knob, any trades?
Basically, I am so happy I ordered one of these, and any doubts I may have had that I would have liked another car (Pro 5 or Elantra) have just been obliterated. There is nothing, nothing in the class that is this much fun.
Marc
I've had to replace all of my tires and my car has 21,000 miles on it.
One of the treads separated on one, a stress bubble on the other, and a little pothole causes the whole car to misalign. (It's the tire's fault, usually)...
Marc
John
The sunroof has one rocker switch, which you hold down until it slides back, or hold up to tilt it. It is a reasonable function, like my parents old Maxima, but I remember the one in the VW and was better. However, the roof slides very quickly. The switch is located in a rather odd looking five inch plastic panel, that isn't there without the suroof. Looks like a good spot to put some stickers, or have your kids paint something!
The rear seats function very nicely, they are comfy and you sit tall, and there is no headreast, so you just unclick the lower seat and the top part fits right in. It is the smoothest fold down seats I've yet encountered.
The brochure I got lists egg yolk yellow for ZX3 and ZX5 with Black and Grey interior only. It comes with black touches, inlcuding a black leather steering wheel, which is bound to pick up less soil as time goes on than a beige or grey.
The brochure says you can get black and grey for all colors on the ZX5 and the parchment with some.
You know, I drove a ZX3 first over the summer, they feel the same. Call around to some dealers and see if they have a ZX3 stick, and maybe a ZX5 auto. This way you can drive right drivetrain, but still see the backseat.
Marc
John
I don't think this is right. My suspicion is that the ZX3 is Black and Grey only, and ZX5 grey and beige only. I think the yellow will be available with the ZX5, I don't know with what interior color. Call Ford again, My aunt would say hound the hell out of them. Some people may be more helpful than others, or if you keep calling the staff will pas it along to thier supervisors that they need to get the story straight. Maybe I'll call too.
Keep pushin till its understood...
Marc
would you say it drives more like a sports car than a four door hatch? It doesn't feel like an economy car does it now?
Marc
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
Be aware, the color you choose is visible at times inside the car. They paint in places I never thought they would, so when I lifted up the back seats there was a splotch of bright blue, and also when you open the doors the sills and inside of the fenders are painted. It looks really well done, just make sure you want to "see" your chosen color.
I asked about yellow availability, and the dealer had no more info. She said to check out the website, and I explained the problem, and then she pulled out the same cheat sheets I have. Thye were printed in May, and list interior as grey and beige only, and no yellow for the exterior.
Marc
Marc
I haven't revved it beyond 4000, (OK once I got it out to 4500) and I can tell the car is itching for more. I throw it into turns whenever possible, and it loves it. We had a lot of rain, especially yesterday, which is good for the area, but not driving! I love the stereo, and the seat, I could drive it for miles without fatigue. This is by far the best car I have ever owned, but its not a long list.
Marc
are there any?
damn those beancounters!
I have a set of rear headrests from a 1991 Civic RT4WD if you need them.
Marc
Marc
The ZX5 also has different, nicer cloth on the seats. The graphite fabric has sporty black piping woven in. Also the car comes with a nifty embossed Cd holder.
There is your thousand dollars!
Really, after owning one for two weeks, its well worth it. I think it looks much better in the 4 door, and it is a very comfortable car to take 2 couples out in, rather than having to stuff them through the front door.
Marc
John
I am so happy to have a 10 best winner, I would put a sticker on it for sure! When I was younger, I always encouraged my parents to buy 10 best winners, (88 Integra, 91 Maxima, 94 MX-6) so now I have one of my own.
This is the best car I have ever owned, maybe best I have driven, jury still out on that. This is not an economy car, its in disguise, its really a sports car. It begs, literally begs, to be thrown into corners. The steering is the sharpest I've ever encountered. There is no slop, the most minute movement of your hands results in a change in direction, you always know exactly where the wheels are. It eats away miles on the highway without any fatigue.
The ride is a little sharper than I expected. Than again, the Saturn was definately comfort over handling. If you like small sporty cars, this is it! Not to mention the radio, the great seats, the cargo room. There are many, many nice touches to this car. The light inside goes on as soon as you unlock the doors, or take the key out of the ignition. The radio can be played for an hour without any key in the ignition...
For more insight, go to www.myzx5.com, this is where I have encountered many other Focus owners, all kinds, and thier absolute praise for this car. By the way, no problems as of yet.
Marc
PS - A Galant???? thats not a small light sporty car...
John
One thing I like about this than the WRX is that it isn't always tearing at the car in front of it. The Focus is happy to play when you are, but shift below 4000, and takes turns easily, and it moves without complaint. It responds however you like, while I remember the WRX to be always trying to get away from you.
Either way, both 10 best winners, so you can't lose.
Marc
John
We did not think there was any comparison to the auto and 5 speed. The auto shifted fine, but it reminded me of an underpowered 4 cylinder that you had to almost "floor" to get adequate acceleration. The five speed is so much different. You can drive through the gears without much effort. You can accelerate without "mashing down" the accelerator. These 16valves work better at higher rpm's for throttle response. With the five speed, you are just a shift away from that response, or you can "tach" it higher by leaving it in a lower gear. The auto is easy to drive.....but we did not want easier....we wanted something more fun to drive....the ZX5 is a very fun car to drive with the 5 speed. It seems to "beg" to be driven a little harder than necessary. After driving the auto and the 5 speed, I seriously think we would have paid the $800+ just to get the 5 speed! The five speed is obviously faster...but even more important than that....it is obviously much more fun....
Maybe the auto will be in higher demand later, and may demand more money than a five speed...but, we bought the car for the practicality and what we wanted now...not what someone else may want down the road. I think there will always be plenty of people who prefer the 5 speed...especially in this great little car!
Out of the five regulars with ZX5s at myfordfocus.com, 4 of them have stick, and number 5 wanted it but his wife couldn't drive one. Ford may be in error making more of this model with an auto, because look at the crowd that is buying it so far.
I spend more online time at the myfordfocus site these days then here.
John the car is great, no trouble as of yet. And yes, it does beg to be driven harder than needed. So comfy for four people as well. The do it all car.
Marc
PS - Hey Brad, I think you are MYfunZx5 right??
MALIBLUMARK......you are right! I agree with everything you said about the ZX5. Myfordfocus is a great site for information too!
(MyfunZX5)
Car and driver has been a huge fan of the Focus, 3 times ten best winner (eligible three times), and every review is favorable. It was a big swaying factor for me, without their recommendation, I would have stayed away from a Ford.
By the way Ben, I shopped the Outback. It was a bit expensive for me, and I didn't like the driver postion, pedals to small and close, and no lumbar support. Great car though. My girlfriend has a 95 Impreza with 90000 mi, and it runs like a champ. Maybe our next will be one of these. It is especially dog friendly with the removable plastic mat in the cargo area.
Marc
Marc
I do like the ZX5 a lot, especially at the price, but by the time I'm ready to buy there should be some slightly used OBS's out there too for about the same price as a new ZX5.
I am a little scared about buying the ZX5 because of the long-term reliability. I had a 1995 Mystique 5 spd with the Zetec. I really liked most of the car, and the Zetec had enough umph for most situations (even with less power than now), but I didn't like some of the rattles or having to replace a blown head gasket at 65,000 miles. I would like to keep my next car for more years than I pay for it, and the long-term reliability scares me. I feel much more confident in the proven reliability of the OBS.
I haven't driven either yet, though, so that may have a great impact on my decision. I don't want to tease myself too much yet. I have to wait until probably early 2003 to buy anything (I'm getting married this summer).
In my gut I really wanted a 5 speed, I love the control it gives you. But I live in a metro area where shifting can become a pain. Even though now I hear that the focus has one of the most calf friendly clutches out there, plus a short throw shifter. So the only ZX5 they had was a auto, and I knew it was the best decision for my situation but I really wish I didn't have to sacrifice the performance.
The seats in the Focus are different. The Zx3/Zx5 come with "sport" seats, that I find far more comfortable than the "lowback" in the sedans and wagons. I have really broad shoulders, and the sport seats offer much more support, and side bolstering for cornering. The Focus seats are much higher than any other economy car, it is not nearly as on the floor as my old Saturn. Very easier to get in and out of. However, they are not butt hieght, so you will sink in a bit, a strech a bit to get out. Still, it is higher than the Elantra, which I have driven. They are very comfy as well. I can drive for miles without fatique, and my head really rests on the "headrest" providing support and reducing neck strain, a first for any car I've been in. You may want to check out the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe coming real soon. They are tall wagon like vehicles. Smaller than an SUV, but taller and bigger than a ZX5. Also the PT Cruiser has chair Height seats, that was really comfy seats.
Marc
I'm a big auto fan, and I tend to be a little fickle as to what I want from month to month. I think I've finally narrowed it down, though. I really like these sport wagons and hatchback/crossover vehicles. The ZX5 and OBS are right on the top of the list.
My fiance thinks I'm crazy for liking hatchbacks. She always asks why I want to drive a car that looks like a Dodge Omni?! She just doesn't get it. A car is an appliance to her. Cars have no soul. How wrong she is...
You are so right Ben- Hatchback/Sport Wagon is the Way to go. I have always loved this body style. I really prefer it over a more bland, and far less practical sedan.
I think my girlfriend is getting it a bit about cars, she will never be into the way I am. SHe likes what I like, and trusts my judgement completely. She had a a 91 Civic wagon with 4wd before the Impreza (2 door). We both agree we miss that car, the Swiss Army knife of cars. It was hit by a drunk driver while it was parked on a busy Philly street. The good news is she was inside in bed sleeping. That was about 2 years ago. I suspect we will get something like it for her next car. (Outback Sport)
Marc
Ben
I went with basic ABS. The articles I read on the Focus, all had this setup and stopped from 70 in 168-172 ft, with "excellent control", which is in Audi/BMW territory, and better than anything in its class.
I understand the review in this months Car and Driver, they have Abs with traction control, so compare the numbers. (I don't have it yet!). One person at Myfordfocus.com has a ZX5 with traction control, everyone else seems to have the standard ABS.
I have a stick, so I figure I don't need an elctronic nanny for wheel slippage, I can start in second gear when the weather is bad.
I can't believe you haven't gotten your C&D yet! I've already recycled mine.