Ford Focus ZX5

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  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    well, when we had taken our zx5 into the dealer for the cd changer replacement, and to get the starter checked - they of course didnt know why in the hell it would do that....not start right off the bat once every maybe 20 starts...I dont know about that whole the car learning itself when it comes to the starter...but, you never know. i DO know, like it says in the owners manual that the car (engine) learns the drivers driving habits for the first few hundred miles....but dont know, as i said, whether the starter applies to that. we never had that problem with our 2000 focus....so i dunno. but, everythings hunky-dorry...have gotten 24 mpg on my last fill up, and as time goes on, it'll improve....more highway driving and whatnot. once the car gets broken in more and more - i only have like 2200 miles on it. still love it! cant walk away from it without turning around to look at it. :)
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    Yeah that is a bit more than mine. It would turn over about 5 times before starting. I thought there was a problem, but it stopped doing it...maybe the winter will bring it back though. I got mine in Nov.
    You are right, the mileage gets better as time goes on. I have 10K on it and just got 32 on a mostly hwy tank, the highest I have seen yet. I still turn around to look at it every time I get out and I've had it 10 months.
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    Okay, what would be your favorit thing about the zx5, just one....and your least favorite?
    Favorite: Its appearance...inside and out. A sedan fit into a zx3.
    Least Favorite: Tie between the loud turn signal and the 6 disc changer. I can insert and eject 5 cds in a regular single changer before the 6 disc changer ejects one. dont get me wrong it is a badass idea, but sometimes when u want to hear something quick - yer outta luck. Or, good luck trying to remember what cd is in there or what number it is.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    favorite - Fun to drive. Car begs to be thrown around and handled like something much smaller and sportier

    least favorite - cheap interior trim. I have three things that are not fitting correctly, plus other stuff which just feels cheap and off colored from the rest of the trim. I wish I could have gotten the Dark charcoal interior, the black trim disguises this a bit more.
  • zx5chixzx5chix Member Posts: 3
    Hello everyone... the zx5 is my VERY FIRST new car!! It is sooooo great... that is except for the stock speakers... In the next couple of day sI am going to put in new speakers.

    I'm hoping that me and my g/f can do it ourselves... I have directions for the front door instalation.

    BUT I dont have any directions for the rear door instalation... and I've been reading online that it is kind of tricky... so, anyone got any helpful hints for the back door speakers??

    Be well in your Focus~ ZX5Chix
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    Hi there,
    I have no idea how to do this. I am pimping, as always, my favorite Focus site, myfordfocus.com. They have a forum specifically for audio, and some very knowledgeable people on the subject. Good luck.
  • zx5chixzx5chix Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the tip... I've been there and still there si no clear directions for the back door pannel... but I decided to pay the bucks for the proper installation! Be well~ ZX5Chix
  • peterowlandpeterowland Member Posts: 3
    I came across this discussion board last night, and read all the posts. Probably a bit late, as I bought a ZX5 in Liquid Gray, 5sp and ABS at the end of July. I guess I like to confirm my purchases after the fact. I would agree with all of the positive opinions about the car, I think it is probably the nicest car that I have driven yet, and I get to drive lots of rental cars with my job from all classes of car.

    My only dislikes are the sound made by the turn signal, and the plastics used for the trim. I prefer the softer feel plastics found in European cars (I am originally from England).

    My other vehicle is a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup, which is great fun due to its pathetically modest handling limits, but the Focus is in a league of its own with the driving experience.
    Sharp responsive and communicative steering, firm but not harsh ride, and gutsy engine. Yes the engine could do with some more power, but it is sweet enough, and so willing to rev.

    I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a compact car with room for 5 (at a pinch) and racy good looks. You all have just confirmed what my research and my gut told me, that the Focus is a fantastic car.

    Pete Rowland
  • nightbird7nightbird7 Member Posts: 8
    I've had mine since end of March and have about 3,200 miles on it. I had a little trouble early on with the cruise control not engaging and the engine stumbling on acceleration between 30-40 miles. The dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong, but cruise has worked since I took it in so think they adjusted it without saying so. They were going to replace the fuel filter, etc for the stumbling, but the problem has also corrected itself so am postponing that. I wish the car got better mileage...generally gets 25 mpg +/- which is at the low end of the 25-34 promised on the sticker. Guess this would improve if I had the work done on the fuel system, and also did more long distance driving (I work at home). But I enjoy driving the car and was glad for the AdvanceTrac when I backed up over a ditch - put that on and it pulled me right out no problem even tho the rear wheels had no contact. I usually drive with that off as it lowers the mileage and also kind of takes the fun out of driving it as it tends to keep things under control a little too much. It's a fun car to drive, but I'm carrying an electrical fire extinguisher for the first time ever in a car after reading some get engine fires, and am concerned about the front suspension collapsing after reading about that causing some accidents. It'd be nice if Ford would identify those problems and recall the cars to be checked so we wouldn't have to worry about unseen dangers like that. I had to laugh when they sent me a coffee cup - wanted to write and say...thanks, but please hold the coffee mugs and concentrate on the real problems with the car.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    and thanks for your notes.


    To peterowland- Glad you're enjoying your new ZX5. We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience.

    To nighbird7- Glad you're also enjoying your ZX5, and sorry to hear about the problems you experienced early on. Sounds like they are still causing you a bit of concern. In addition to the feedback here, you may also want to periodically check in Edmunds' Maintenance Guide to keep track of any Recalls and TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) that might be related to any problems you experience. Good luck.

    Also, if either of you have a chance, please drop by our Ford Focus Owner's Club and say hello in our Meet the Members discussion. Look for a direct link to the Owner's Club area at the top of this page. ;-)


    Revka

    Host

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

  • carluver3742carluver3742 Member Posts: 6
    Oh my god!
    I also bought a Liquid Grey ZX5 at the end of jult too. 5-spd, ABS and moonroof.

    The turn signals are really annoying in their sound, but they do serve a purpose. The loud annoying clicking sound is great when you have music loud and you forgot to turn off you turn signal.

    Yes, European cars usually have higher class interiors than Americans.. The GOLF/JETTAs have great interiors, but they are significantly more expensive. But comparatively with the 2002 Cavalier/ Sunfire, the plastics are nothing to complain about. The SVT Focus is very well done, the interiors does look richer and nicer, (especially the seats). However comparatively the interior of the FOCUS should be improved in quality (like the sun visors).the 2003 cavaliers/sunfires have better interiors, the 2000+ Neons have a more upscale feel (especialy the guages), and the imports, live up to their higher expecations.

    But, in my opinion, these little annoyances can easily be overlooked by a drive of the focus. Its good looks, handeling, forgiving clutch and a shifter with some feel to it make it a great car.
  • peterowlandpeterowland Member Posts: 3
    Still going strong, just come back from a blast down the back roads. Went out for cash, and couldn't help taking advantage of the empty roads, so what should have been a 10 minute drive turned into an hour, but I feel better for it.
    Only have one other glitch, when the car is warm, it is slightly more reluctant to start, is this common?
    One more question, does the driver's seat have adjuastable lumbar support?

    I initially was not too bothered about color, all I needed was 5sp and ABS, but the only one that had both was a liquid gray model. The salesman was driving a Mach1 sedan in liquid gray, so he showed it to me, and I fell in love. I had to have that color. I guess I was lucky. I had been looking for a few weeks, and the only manual trans was in a sedan, so I was going to settle for that, but then there was a delivery to the twin cities, and I got the car of my dreams.

    Every time I get out of the car, I have to look back at it and smile. More often than not I also walk around the car, inspect the paint and grin. My wife would think I am sad, but she thinks about cars the same way I think about refrigerators.

    Will keep y'all updated.

    Pete
  • peterowlandpeterowland Member Posts: 3
    Yes I agree that the interior is at least as good as most of the opposition. I rented a Chevy Cavalier for a weekend a couple of months ago, and if ever a car was built down to a price, then Chevy builds it. The interior has sharp edges, crappy flimsy trim, and a complete lack of equipment. My thoughts about the driving experience are probably not printable here, I hated every thing about it, and I usually try to find something to like in every car I drive, as I am obsessed with cars. I get 4 US car mags, and 1 UK mag, I try to watch speed channel whenever possible (the wifr hates it), but I couldn't find a single redeeming feature in that car, other than I got to give it back on monday morning.

    I am still thrilled with the focus, I get the same feeling looking at it today, as I got at the showroom when I picked it up. Usually the novelty has worn off a bit by now.

    Pete
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    I have had my ZX5 almost a year and am still on Honeymoon. The engine and transmission loosen up with time yielding better shifts, mileage, and rev characteristics. For the money, its hard to find anything more fin to drive. Mine has cheap interior plastic. The car is far behind the VW Golf in this, and ahead of Saturn and Chevy Crapolier. I have to bring mine in to have to pieces refitted....
    I still turn around to look at it when I get out.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    Still very happy with mine. Good little car for the money.
  • zx5chixzx5chix Member Posts: 3
    Did I just read up there (in Nightbird7's post) that you can get better MPG by turning off the advance track?? If yes, is it hard to do?? Does it involve more then pushing a on/off button?? LOL

    be well~
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    well, as i've said before - and this is still holding true - my zx5 is still doin great. for you new guys, i have a silver zx5, have had it since late may, and have about 3000 miles on it. i still love it, and like i've said before, and i'll agree completely with rowland on this....the blinker is my least fav thing in the 2002 model. in my 2000 se focus sedan, the blinker was so quiet, it was one of my fav features, but they had to go and change a good thing. go figure. also, the thing with the interior is this:
    when you compare the focus' interior to the crapilier, or the neon or what have you....thos cars just pale in comparison...like car and driver said in one road test of the focus, they felt like they were sitting in a truly modern car, with the swoops, and the layout of the interior. and i agree. i sit in other cars, even another ford, like the new explorer, and ask "what the hell is this?" "you call this an interior?" Now, in my zx5, the interior is gray, whcih in my 2000 sedan, which was also silver, it was dark charcoal - the perfect interior color for that car. but they had to go and change that too....now you cant get the silver zx5 in dark charcoal, at least not the 2002. dunno about 2003's. oh, and its a shame that the zx5 no longer comes in one model...looks like we lucked out folks, now they offer it in like 3 different trims. we got lucky with the debut 2002's. my car handles great, accelerates well, looks amazing, has fantastic design, has great tires (i love thos firestone firehawks, they handlelike a dream in snow), the gas mileage is great (26mpg is my best so far, but keep in mind it needs time to break in), and all around, its a badass package. for $17,100 - its a helluva deal...now the interior plastics may need a bit of work...but then again the revamp focus is coming out in 2004. we'll see if they adress this. but for someone at the ripe age of 20, this cars perfect, and couldnt see driving something else right now in its price range. havea good one folks
  • nightbird7nightbird7 Member Posts: 8
    Umm. No it doesn't involve more than pushing a button - that button right under the parking brake - which also results in an overly bright yellow light coming on on the dash - and you thought the turn signal was annoying??? (I kindof like the turn signal sound...I was wondering if AdvanceTrac would come on automatically in an emergency if it were turned off - seems it did just that the other day - guess it thought the road was wet enough to override my turning it off (?) Will have to ask a dealer about this, but doubt they know.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    Brought My Focus in to have two pieces of trim looked at because they are broken. I had a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer as a Loaner car. I retract anything I say about the Focus trim, because this ungainly hunk of junk had the same plastic and bits as the Focus!(it looked and felt very similar) it has to be a good 10K more expensive and a lot less fun....

    Meanwhile Focus090, I agree that the car looks best with the dark Charcoal. I wanted that as my interior, but the ZX5 only comes in Grey or Beige. On top of which, CD Silver, Liquid Grey, and Maliblu only came with the grey interior. Getting the Maliblu was more important to me than the more attractive beige, so I went with the grey. Funny though, you look more at the inside than the outside. Maybe I should have ordered Grabber Green/ Beige - but now they have dropped Maliblu for 2003, so I have the only year possible for this color on the ZX5!
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    did the Canadian posters pay for their ZX5?

    I would need a 5spd with A/C and maybe a sunroof adn ABS (if the price is right).

    Also, I'd like to know what problems people have had besides the rattles or panels that needed to be re-alligned: REAL problems - fires, engine issues, etc that I've heard about w/Focuses.

    Thanx,
    Dinu
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    I've had no problems with my ZX5 nor the wife's 2000 ZTS. For a good range of opinions, you might try focaljet.com and go to the message boards.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    I have no engine fires, engine problems, or suspension problems. I have never heard of anyone who has had problems with the car being on fire. That may be overinflated.
    On my favorite Ford Focus website, MyfordFocus.com, the members have had numerous problems with DPFE sensors causing driveability problems, and some wheel bearing failures, as well as leaking front window seals....I have experienced none of these...
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    The more info the better, rite?
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    i was passing the focus sedan plant here near detroit, and was wondering why ford didnt make a lime green colored focus, maybe just in the zx5 or sedan. not that i would buy it, but some people probably would. just like the vw beetle has had a few off the wall colors, same with a couple different pontiacs. and, also, i think that a dark, wine colored focus would look kinda classy as well. with the chrome bits on the zts, and the zx5, and the nice (2002) 6 spoke wheels - it'd look sharp.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    The Focus is available in Grabber Green which is a sort of bright green color. The Focus has had its share of crazy colors, Maliblu Blue, Egg Yolk Yellow, Mach Orange, Autumn Orange, French Blue, and the SVT has a brilliant Sonic Blue. No purples yet though....
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    Don't forget that hideous Jackpot Gold that they don't sell anymore on the Focus. Dropped it either in 2001 or 2002. Was that fake gold color, not the Fort Knox Gold they still sell.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    Oh yeah-
    Liquid grey replaced it for 2002. I have only seen one Focus ever in this color....I don't think anyone at MFF has one....
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    are you talking about the liquid grey color? that you havent seen but one of? if thats the case, where do you live, cuz i have seen a bunch. i would have gotten the liquid grey if i had gotten another sedan, but got the zx5 and stuck with silver. going from a reg. sedan in silver to another silver one would have been, well, dumb. but since the zx5 was different, i got silver in that. but the grey is a pretty nice color...far better than that gold one.
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    No I have seen plenty of these. A nice color. I meant that Jackpot gold color. You won't forget one if you see it...(which is unlikely)
  • moondawgmoondawg Member Posts: 24
    Well,folks,with a lot of soul searching.pulling out my hair,etc.,I have whittled my choices for a new car to three(kinda four)choices.......Ford(s)Focus ZX5,Taurus/Sable(see,I told ya that there was an extra)and a Pontiac Vibe.Different vehicles,I know,but this is where I am at.All vehicles except the Focus,I have test driven.I have sat in all,but still undecided.Any opinions one way or another?
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Feel free to start up a "Focus ZX5 vs. Taurus/Sable Vs. Pontiac Vibe" discussion on the Hatchback's board if you'd like. Good luck with your decision.


    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    You MUST try a Protege ES! If you like driving, it's as good as the Focus in twisties, but more reliable...(a safer choice)

    Dinu
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Please join moondawg in this new discussion: Focus vs.Vibe vs.Taurus/Sable. Thanks for your participation!

     

    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    the pontiac vibe looks likea baby aztec (YUCK)...thats the one reason i strayed away from it when i was looking into getting my new vehicle, that and the high price, which i cant see paying for a pontiac. the vibe's brother, the toyota matrix is far nicer, and has gotten better ratings than the vibe. sable? taurus? yikes.i know they're nicely priced, but theres just that awful rental-car stigma that comes with those two. the zx5, myself being somewhat biased, is a helluva deal...i've had mine since may and love it. best in its class.
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    here, in the us, at least here in michigan, the protege's insurance is pretty sky high when compared to the focus or say even a pt cruiser. thats enough for some people to say no without even sitting in the car. i was all prepared to get a protege5 in may, but once i saw what te insurance was, that car was out of the question. and the protege sedan is just so plain...sorry to say, but a honda has more style. the onlye protege thats nice is the 5, with the rocker panels, and different front air dam. the intereior IS nice, but that and maybe the engine are probably the only 2 real selling points. for the money, theres a lot more out there.
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    took my overdrive off today when i wanted to go from 0-60 just to see if the overdrive really made a difference, an to my surprise it did. i have a auto trans, and although it wasnt a big change it WAS noticeable. plus as i cruised for a bit w/o it on later, my rpm's were higher than when the OD was on. why is that?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    The PRO has:

    styling
    handling
    braking
    interior
    built quality - fit and finish - quality of materials
    MADE IN JAPAN (Hiroshima) sticker on it!

    all in its favour.

    I must admit it is more expensive to ensure, but I'm willing to spend $20/mth CDN more for a kick-@$$ small car.

    Don't get me wrong: I LOVE THE ZX5!!! But can't see myself paying $21.000 CDN for it and having to deal with issues that the Focus is known for. Maybe they fixed it, maybe it was hyped-up, but the PRO never had these issues, so why ask for trouble?

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Yes, it's like a little turbo boost on my Protege too.

    Dinu
  • carluver3742carluver3742 Member Posts: 6
    Anybody get them for their ZX5?
    I shopped around at many tire shops, but none had the size of the ZX5, 210/either 55 or 60(can't remember)/ 16... when i went to my local ford dealer, they didn't have any in stock, but ordered some pirellis for me.. ended up costing $180CDN intalled ( around $110US) per tire. They told me it was a special because they retail for $210CDN each plus $15/tire installation. Am i getting ripped off??

    Dinu - I got my ZX5 for on a lease.. approx 333/month + tax.. 0 down, 0 out the door, 36month lease 0.9% interest, first 3 lease payments paid by ford. Total cost in lease was $14000CDN w/ tax. I negotiated the price down $1000 from 22905 to 21905. Had a $500 Young Drivers Discount. At the time, they offered me a $3000 cash back if i opted not to finance... so i guess the total would have been $18905 + tax... the dealers really don't make much money out of the sale... and its really hard to get a 'deal' on this car $21,000 is with 0% financing, right?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I always buy cars, not lease them. I drive over 35.000kms/yr, so you can see why. I paid $24.100 tax and interest in for a 2001 Protege ES w/auto, spoiler, A/C as options.

    So for $10.000 more I have a car that I own (equity) that I can drive for more than 3 yrs. That's how I think of it. My pymts are $504/mth for 48 mths...

    I'm not saying I'm got a better deal, just comparing.

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    TIRES: Are you in Toronto? Go to Tire Depot!!!

    1-905-882-8473 (Yonge and Steeles)

    Got me a price $200 less than Green and Ross for 4 Yoko Avid T4 in 195/60/R15.

    Call them for a quote.

    Dinu
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    On most cars, when you turn off the OD switch, you are essentially blocking access to 4th gear and the overdrive. Therefore, cruising without it on will force your car to run in 3rd gear, causing your rpms to stay higher. Flooring it from 0-60 with or without the OD on won't make any difference, because the car should still be in 3rd gear by 60mph regardless. Where turning OD off makes a difference is in passing manuevers at highway speeds.
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    cool, thanks man
  • jkidd2jkidd2 Member Posts: 218
    I just picked up my new ZX5 last night....does anyone find the tone of the blinker "click" as annoying as I do?
  • mrolandmroland Member Posts: 129
    I happen to think its cute. I know of many other Focus owners who hate it. They use the same thing on the jaguar X-Type.
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    lol, i have said it from the beginnning, i thought the blinker was loud too. i had a 2000 SE sedan, and the blinker sound was so soft, and so nice. i loved it. that was one of the FIRST things i noticed when test drving the zx5 a while back...but i'm used to it now. love this car
  • zx3dynamozx3dynamo Member Posts: 17
    Sounds like the button on a snapple cap popping ;)

    -Rob
  • focus090focus090 Member Posts: 85
    either that or that annoying guy that keeps clicking the loudest ball point pen you've ever heard in your life, over and over and over and over...................
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    In two years, the Protege will be replaced by the Mazda 3 series car. It will sahre a platform with the next generation 2005 Focus. I wouldn't worry about recalls, the overseas Foci never had them.
  • zizizizi Member Posts: 7
    when i turn the nob to the defrost the air-condition light does not work before the zx-5 i used to have a 2000 focus se and the light for air would come on on full defrost is it a change for the 2002 models thanks in advance
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