Focus ZX5 vs. Pontiac Vibe vs. Taurus/Sable
Well,Folks.I've been narrowing my choices for a new car purchase.So,I need imput from all of you out here,who can "steer" me into which direction to go.......experiences,etc.
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Dinu
Vibe is the smallest, has 0% financing. ZX5 is a little bigger, more sporty hard handling. Focus wagon is even bigger, and less sporty suspension.
Taurus/sable is in no way sporty at all!! And it is the biggest inside by far.
i don't think Ford has 0% on these models.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
To moondawg- I think it would help if people here knew what trim levels you were considering. You'd mentioned in another discussion you were looking at the Focus ZX5; let me know if you'd like me edit that into the title here. Taurus/Sable wagon or sedan? The more information people have, the more feedback they can offer....
In addition to the feedback here, you may also want to plug these vehicles into Edmunds' Side-by-side Vehicle Comparison. For future reference, look for this tool in the Helpful Links on the left side of the page. Good luck.
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
revka....if you need to hone this topic down,feel free......Thanks,moondawg
I purchased a Focus ZX3 and it is great for my and my wifes needs and the ZX5 would be great when we add to our family. There is great room upfront, even for big guys like myself, it is adjustable to fit my wife, the cargo room is plentiful for camping and shopping. The only thing that I would add to my car would be the 2 extra doors.
My father was a salesman for Ford for 12 years and demoed many Tarui over the years. I had the occasion to drive them while I worked at the Ford dealer and when he would demo one and they were great. I rented a Taurus in July of 2001 and was left even more impressed with the power and the comfort. Plus the prices are nice.
Have you thought about a Saturn L Series, they offer great standard features (even though GM dumped the ABS and traction control for 2003, but there may be some 2002s still out there)
al
I wouldn't trade it for a bland Toyota, or noisy Mazda in a heartbeat though. The car gets my blood pumping, and any corner I tackle leaves a huge smile on my face. You can't beat the 19 cubic feet of cargo room, and 30 mpg HWY figures. Not only that, it is very distinctive. I see rarely see another ZX3 or ZX5 around, and the unique love it or leave styling jumps right out at you. Mine looks gret after a year. It actually reflects its European heritage well. Just like any old Euro car, its got tons of character and is a great drive, but you'll probably have to put up with less than stellar build quality.
It is also bigger inside if you have a ZX3, about the same if you have a ZX5. The only Focus with significantly more room is the station wagon.
OTOH, it probably is a bit bland, although I like the looks, it has less pep than your Focus, and certainly the Mazda is LOUD! :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I think the Matrix looks like a blockier but less controversial version of the ZX5. I like the way mine looks better. The Vibe/Matrix came out after I needed a car, but had I bought one, I would not have been able to afford the more expensive model with the larger engine and 16 inch wheels. For the same price as my Focus, I would have ended up with a slower Matrix with the awful dog dish hubcaps. My coworkers Matrix with the XRS package looks much better. SO for the price, the ZX5 has excellent value. It also has more headaches than a Japanese car, sadly....
All Matrix have the 16" rims though, even with the dog dishes. For mine, I had to have alloys...
I know there have been some recalls for your ZX5, but has it been a problem with breakdowns, or just with going back to the dealer? Or was it a different headache of which you spoke?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Mine has been fine by the way.
If you have a 2001 model year you have had had 3 recalls
If you have a 2002 (like mine) you have had zero, except for a very, very small one.
If you have a model year 2000 BMW X5 you have had 11 recalls. Which is more known to be unreliable, the Focus or the X5?
Anyway, mine has had very minor issues. Interior trim that is misaligned or broke, and a possible steering problem. No car is perfect, thousands of parts to put together. I have not had anything happen with my Focus that will lead me to believe it won't start, will catch fire, or leave me on the side of the highway. Overall I am exceptionally pleased.
The biggest problem I can tell from the Ford Focus Forum I participate in is dealer service. Ford has a long way to go with customer service. Any problem a car has is better served by the way the dealer handles it, and I have heard many stories of the dealers not fixing, returning the car with more dents and dings, and one girl had her Focus lost and then it was in an accident at the dealers hands...