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Ford Focus hatchback
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european focus. I didn't drive the American version yet so I don't how much ford "killed it" before it get in America. For some reason ford always kills its european products, good example, mondeo(contour here) and escort. Anybody that had a chance to drive a escort XR3 there
I have heard many Taurus nightmares (transmissions breaking down) and since I am considering a Focus...I am concerned I too will be stuck with an unreliable Ford.
I have the impression that the American Focus is fairly true to the Euro Focus. Steering and suspension modifications and of course 5 mph bumpers are the major differences.
Ford of Europe does use better plastics and materials than Ford of USA. However in Norway, a Ford Focus is 30,000 USD. While a ZX-3 is about half in USA. So I will go for the cheaper plastics and save 15K.
I think the 3 door Golf GL is a less risk, but it is about 3 K more and perhaps no more reliable than a Focus ZX-3.
NorwayDoug
The hatchback market is small, but we will see if the ZX3 will break the ice.
The hatchback market is probably much bigger than we think because there are loads of folks out there who want the practicality of a hatch combined with style and power. Hence the hopeful excitement about the Focus and the lamenting the fact that the 5-door model is not coming to the US.
I only pointed out the CRX piece because it was raised by the owners themselves. Why doesn't Honda provide something comparable as a replacement?
BTW, post #207 is hidden above because the long url is skewing the page. Just click on hidden to read.
carlady/host
carlady/host
I did not realize that the engine was a turbo-diesel until after I went to put fuel in it. The engine was very responsive but I don't think that they will bring it over here.
The car was well finished and I liked the styling. I would buy it here over the Honda because of the upright seating position and roomyness.
They either love them or hate them, no middle ground.
Overall, they do not appeal to the masses...
http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.rp?kbb&&11&cc00focus
Well, somewhat shorter...
I agree with the concern of a new car platform, possible short life runs, remember the Probe and Fiesta? The concern of the local of assembly, by the way, how can you be certain that your car comes from Wayne (State?) and not mexico? And does a European Focus...European Car of the Year, equate with the product offered here in the United States.
Whew!
By the way, an interesting artical in the Oct. 24,1999 Sunday New York Times Automoile section about the Ford Ka...with brief mentions about the Focus and Echo.(The Fiat Multipla was also highlighted)
Another Ford Euro offering, a two door hatch,and absolutely no mention of it here on the Edmunds home page. Hmmmm
Q. What is the difference between a hatchback and a sedan?
A. A hatchback has its trunk hinge above the rear window, and a sedan has its trunk hinge below the rear window.
ie: you can make a hatchback that looks just like a sedan, but can still swallow a couch.
In light of this it is a wonder hatchbacks are not more popular. I guess too many people have trunk envy! ;^)
I believe a lot of people believe that their chance of injury in a 'rear-end' car accident is reduced in a sedan because the crunch space is larger due to the trunk.
This makes sense to me. The Focus ZX-3 is 12 inches shorter which translates the rear bumper is 12 inches closer to the passenger section in the hatchback.
However, 12 inches shorter gives 12 inches more space on the road! That foot could save your life!
Oh....you can find out where your car is made by simply reading the sticker located inside driver's door sill. It could also be on the List Price Documentation located on the window of a new car at the Dealers.
If you are truly concerned on its origin of manufacture.....then I would really make sure before you buy.
I am not certain if the ZX-3 is made in Mexico or in Wayne. I have the impression that all sedans are made in Wayne and all ZX-3s are made in Mexico. Does anyone know the definitive answer?
When does the Focus ZX-3 is released for sale? Early November or late November?
NorwayDoug
The ZX-3 is assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico and SHOULD be available in early November.
One of the best cars I ever owned was an 88 Mazda GTX which had a 16v turbo and full time 4-wheel drive. Went like the hammers of hell and stuck like flypaper. Carried an incredible amount of cargo. Mazda only built it in 88 & 89 and then it was discontinued as too expensive ($13,500 in 88). Since Ford and Mazda have been close, I was hoping to see something similar come from Ford. The ZX3 might start them thinking in this direction, and I can't wait to drive it!
My Hatchback resume
80 Rabbit - fun to drive but very poor quality - engine, electrical, shifter, brakes, water leaks - is VW any better now?
88 Honda CRX Si - fast and fun. best looking bought used and had serious engine problems. Not typical for a Honda.
92 Madza 323 - the best mechanically. Not great handling but exceptionally well made. Daughter drives with 130,000 miles and still drives, shifts, feels like new Looks are uninspiring
92 Nissan NX1600 Very nice The T-Tops make it extra fun. Of course, the NX 2000 is even better. Minor mechanical problems. Looks - OK but no CRX.
Son drives and loves.
I've done pretty good...2 kids driving 5 speed hatchbacks. ZX-3 will look big next to the Miata.
That was an awesome car! I really liked that car, but of course, at the time, I couldn't afford it. It was like a watered-down-rally car. Really sporty and stylish. I am sure they only sold 1000 of them, but it was great!
Thank you wmichgrad for your information. I hope that I will be able to buy a ZX-3 in December. My only concern is the lack of tilt/telescope steering wheel which may affect my driving comfort. Otherwise I think I'll buy the Se Sedan with the sports package.
NorwayDoug
I found these threads last night and just couldn't stop reading! Some great info here.
I'm considering the purchase of a Focus ZX3, but I don't like the fact that tilt/cruise are unavailable. The ZX3 is my first choice, but I'm considering a sedan because of the added options.
I stopped by the local dealership, which is notorious for over-pricing new and used vehicles in the community I live in -- dominated by retirees.
I was planning to purchase out of town, I didn't figure the sales manager would make a good offer, but decided to stop anyway so I could check out the Focus (only had a sedan).
The sales manager offered me a ZX3 at $500 over invoice, said he would order whatever I wanted at invoice price plus $500. The cost, including delivery came out to $13,600 -- this includes a/c, remote entry/locks, anti-lock brakes, floor mats, and $10 for gas. Of course, he would have to order it, telling me that he would get it much quicker if he had a name attached to the order rather than just a stock delivery.
This seems like a pretty fair price, any thoughts from all of you? Is there a dealer incentive that I don't know about making his deal sweeter than I realize?
Also, there was a $75 fee that I'm curious about, it's listed as "FDAF Assessment". Anyone know what that is? Should pay it or try to get him to delete it?
Once again, great threads on this page, enjoy reading them.
Below are a couple of paragraphs that I cut & pasted from an article on a web site (the article is talking about the quality of cars produced at the Hermosillo, Mexico plant).
To read the full article, visit http://www.epn.org/prospect/15/15shai.html.
[[Begin cut & paste]]
Auto Assembly.
The results are equally impressive for auto assembly. The most sophisticated plant is
Ford Motor Company's $500 million assembly and stamping plant in Hermosillo. About 2,000 hourly
workers, more than 120 robots, and dozens of computerized systems produce up to 165,000 cars a year, all for export north. Three years after the plant went on line, according to company data, the Mercury Tracer it produced had the second-highest quality rating for small cars sold in the U.S. market, outdistancing even Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.
In 1990, the plant switched over to assembling the more complex Ford Escort. By the end of 1992,
according to J.D. Powers, the Mexican-assembled Escort had a higher quality rating than cars
assembled in five of eight Japanese-owned factories in the United States and was virtually tied for fifth place out of 46 assembly plants in North America. In fact, quality in the Mexican plant was 8 percent higher than in a U.S. plant building the same car. The Mexican plant needed about 15 percent more workers per vehicle than the U.S. plant, but that is low considering the Mexican plant uses less automation and therefore has lower capital costs.
[[End cut & paste]]
I think I'd rather have a car made in Mexico.
Re: Dealer Fees
500 dollars over invoice doesn't sound outrageous, but you could do better. I would meet him half way. The Focus is a domestic automobile and they will sell over 200,000 of these cars in a year at least and it will soon be a common site. Regarding the 75 dollars fees. I would ask for an explanation for it. If it is a 'fee' of some sort I believe you shouldn't have to pay for it. Assume nothing........just ask and if you get an unsatifactory answer, stay calm and make it an issue of the entire purchase. Or go to another dealer and see what kind of deal you can get there. Stay professional and stand your ground. You have total control. And it is definitely a business transaction and it is very important that you will be satisfied when you sign on the dotted line.
It is a good idea to read the car buying advice accessed on the HomePage.
Be patient and get a better deal. Good Luck!
NorwayDoug
He opened the program showing some new automotive offerings this year and the first was the Focus, spoke quite highly of it. The evenings special quest was an Automotive Analyst. He did not speak glowingly of the future of the Big Three's stocks, but he did describe the Focus as a potential "Knockout" with projected global sales of one million in 2000.
By the way Leftybabs, thanks for the info on the 60/40 rear seats!
Yup, I saw "Louie" and the Focus looked terrific in that metallic dark blue. I also noticed that the door closed with a solid thunk. If the quality of construction is competitive I think it WILL be a knockout. I, for one, am hoping Ford really nails this one. If they do this Honda fan will likely...oh, man, I never thought I'd say this...shell out my hard-earned dough for a FORD!
Has anyone driven a ZX-3 or has seen one. November 1 is its debut?
Regards,
NorwayDoug
In my area, the suburbs of Philly, no ZX3's are available yet, but I called a dealer and they said sometime in November. I saw a silver ZTS sedan today and thought it looked sweet. However, as someone mentioned, it didn't have fog lights, which surprised me. 'Waiting to drive the hatch for now.
By the way, this has been a great sight. Good luck, everyone!
I'm hoping that my little brother mixed up the date and that he meant 11/13. Aaargh! Now I have to wait all night to find out if this is in fact true or not. I'll let you know what I'm told.
Incidentally, it's a Twilight Blue ZX3 with AC, ABS, and side airbags as the only options.
Yours is nearly exactly what I want - how much did you pay, ballister?
I know looks are subjective...BUT...Am I the only one who thinks the Hatchback is butt-ugly??
Now, I don't think A Civic Hatchback is a thing of beauty...Far from it!
But.....Well, to each his/her own!
To ertzog, I'm paying $13,300.
Of course, all of this is only my opinion. I also think my '90 CRX looks incredibly cool, but a family member once told me it looks like half a car, as if the back had been chopped off(!). To each his or her own - just be true to yourself and buy what you really like, I say.
Grand Rapids, MI
Seems hard to believe unless that's on the real base model. Cruise isn't available on Civic hatchbacks either. This wouldn't bother me a bit as I rarely use mine.
Where is the "Cyclops" brake light located on the hatch?
Thanks in advance.
NorwayDoug