Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

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Comments

  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    for anyone intersted, here's the focus awards:
    http://blueovalnews.com/off_the_tire2.htm

    try a search for "focus" in: http://blueovalnews.com/

    it has real real nice articles.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    http://blueovalnews.com/focus_police.htm

    HAH!! only in europe would a cop car look like this!
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    Briand, all the promotional articles and reviews, etc when the Focus was first introduced said that new focus owners would get a "welcome pack" with a G-shock watch, large cupholder adapter that would fit a big gulp, and a dashboard picture frame (a-la the new beetle bud vase)This was always talked about when they discussed the "generation X" market that Ford was supposed to be marketing toward. Before that post today, I never heard of anybody actually getting it. Just some little knicknacks, but I'm sure everyone would like the warm fuzzy feeling of inclusion in the club!
  • mrbeetle1mrbeetle1 Member Posts: 1
    Can someone help me find ground effects for a Ford Focus?

    thanks
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    http://blueovalnews.com/focus_police.htm

    HAH!! only in europe would a cop car look like this!
  • skater4skater4 Member Posts: 35
    Hello. This is the first time I've ever posted anything on any bulletin board, but after reading all the great talk about the ZX3, I felt I had to add my 2 cents. I bought my hatch a month ago, and so far, so good. It's Rainforest Green, and it's beautiful! Have gotten many compliments, and although I seem to have the only hatch in Richmond, other Focus drivers (in sedans) honk and wave when they see me. Are we our own little exclusive club, or what?! Love it! I've been terrified by all the problems I've read about (waiting months for parts, etc.), but I still love my little car. Glad to be part of this site.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    want to know if the focus's 2.0l engine is getting replaced by the 2.3l in 2001?

    check this out:
    http://www.blueovalnews.com/zetec_20_to_die.htm
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    Response 479

    Talk about deja vu. Give me a break. Forget about this recycled e-mail. He is just a big trouble maker.

    Have a good week end!

    NorwayDoug
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    hi skater... rainforest green looks so cool on the zx3! welcome aboard! what color interior did you get? manual or auto? gas mileage? share with us your experiences!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Still wondering about the Tranny Problems and the power steering Pumps. Are these isolated problems or not???
    Is there just one tranny that has a bind between 1st and 2nd, or are there a lot of them? What do the dealers say about it. The same with the steering pump.
    Wondering if there is a pattern with this? We all know that new models go thru there share of problems.

    Pat
  • pberron2pberron2 Member Posts: 1
    This car is just so much fun to drive. Picked it up on Jan. 24. Rainforest Green but saw a malibu Blue that I thought was nice. Decided not to do blue didn't need another blue car. I'm a tall guy, 6-6, have so much room it's unbelievable. Hope it proves to be as reliable as my Taurus and the Escort before I wrecked it.
  • xquxqu Member Posts: 55
    I got my Focus for a month and 7 days and already put more than 3000 miles on it. Just love driving it :o)
  • jtypejtype Member Posts: 1
    I've only put 20 miles on my zx3 so far, but driving in the snow here in michigan, this car seems to have far better grip than my '98 zx2 did. The rear end stayed right in line around slick curves, unlike my zx2s tendency for understear followed by a small "fish tail" in similar conditions.
    Does anyone know if a k&n filter or kit is available for the focus yet? I have a feeling this is gonna be a huge aftermarket car.
  • bjammin2bjammin2 Member Posts: 42
    pcleveland-
    I have the exact same problem with my tranny. It binds between 1st and 2nd. Does yours also make an industrial sounding clatter at low rpms such as getting it into gear? I haven't talked to the dealer about the binding yet, but they say the noise is just the nature of the beast. I don't know what problem you're referring to about the power steering. All these problems are minor for now. I love my zx3. Quick, handles well, fun to drive, gets a lot of attention.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    It's a reference to my power steering pump which died 19 days after I got my ZX3 (600 miles on the odometer). That was 11 days ago and my dealership, like all the others, can't get a replacement part for it. While it's true, NorwayDoug, that the ultimate blame for this situation is Ford Corporate (which was supremely uninterested in this problem when I called them - they merely referred me back to my 'local dealership as they can't do anything about it...') - the problem IS because the factory is in Mexico. The dealerships seem to have no idea how to get parts out of Mexico and Ford Corporate isn't helping them. It was bad enough that something broke after 19 days of owning a new car, but the fact that they can't find a relatively non-exotic part like a power steering pump to fix it is quite depressing. I loved the ZX3 (for the time that I had it in my possession), but if even minor simple repairs are going to be a problem, I'd say that's a reason to reconsider buying a Ford Focus at this time. I *know* they wouldn't have trouble getting a part for, say, a Ford Escort.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    this is interesting. our zx3 came with the type A tranny (no reverse latch spring)... You folks that are having problems ...do you have the latch ring to lift in order to shift to reverse? if so you have the type B tranny ...i refer to page 138 of your owners manual. my salesman has contacted the engineers at ford for me because i thought our car had the wrong transaxle..i am supposed to hear from them monday or tuesday of next week. i will let you know what the engineers have to say. anyway for now ford is producing them with both types of tranny or transaxles. ive seen others on dealers lot that have the type A transaxle just like mine. could it be ford has made a change?
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    ford is producing Foci with both variety of manual tranny... which is more desireable to have? i will let everyone know as soon as i am contacted by ford.
  • espowariespowari Member Posts: 36
    Subject line says it all.

    I'm also contacting my dealer abou the 'welcome package', and if they'll install new speakers for me.
  • dragwaydragway Member Posts: 34
    For you owners. Can you tell me what type of bulb is used in the focus. H4, 9004, or something else? Thanks.
  • dougmckaydougmckay Member Posts: 22
    Seeing as how Edmunds, Carpoint and KBB all list the availability of power windows and cruise control on the ZX3, I assume that these items are now available for order. I'm heading down to the Ford dealership within the next week or so and placing an order for a loaded ZX3.

    The only question remaining is what color? I have a silver Honda now, but I was thinking along the lines of Rainforest Green or Malibu Blue.

    Any other suggestions?
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    TYPE B TRANSAXLE (transaxle is just a fancy name for transmission) = driver need to pull up on a small latch ring , which is located directly under the shifter knob, in order to shift to reverse.

    TYPE A TRANSAXLE = no latch ring under shift knob.

    My owners manual has a diagram of the difference on page 138 for manual transmission.

    All Foci with Ztec Motor are supposed to come with the TYPE B Tranny. But mine didn't and i've seen others that have the Type A Tranny just like mine.
  • nschortnschort Member Posts: 9
    Has anyone actually been able to order the cruise control power windows(convenience group) for the zx3 from Ford
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    Have any of you experienced these two concerns with your Foci? First, the gas/petrol cap is nearly impossible to loosen. It takes all my strength to turn to the left when I need to fill up. Second, I noticed just this morning that one of the brackets securing the muffler, and the muffler itself, is already starting to rust!! Anyone else notice this ??
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    Same here with the rust problem...the bracket holding the muffler in my focus is also rusted.
    Maybe they forgot to put an anit-rust on those area.
    I better check all over under to make sure not a huge part is rusted. Anybody else with this prob.?
  • xquxqu Member Posts: 55
    The muffler, and something around the front break pad rusted too. Those parts rusted from the day I picked up my car!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Was going to Buffalo to look at a couple zx3's but ended up at local dealer who just got two in. One look at those big blue eyes and I had to take her home. Ended up with a automatic, after shifting a ten speed manual all day you get tired of it. Couldn't believe the snap and the handling is something else. Didn't get it at invoice, but got it at a good discount off MSRP. Malibu blue, doesn't quite attract the attention a red one would which is good as far as I concerned. I think speed cops have a eye for red.
    Will keep forum posted on any problems. Whats the teflon coating they wanted to sell me?
    Pat
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    Pat,
    The teflon coating is a gimmick to pad their wallets. It's the same old story only new materials.
    Now I understand why Saturn is so popular. No games like that. No invoice vs. MSRP nonsense, no dickering with your trade in value. They show you the blue book value and that's it.
    Congrats on your purchase and good luck with it.
  • ragtop99ragtop99 Member Posts: 33
    Nissan made the NX-2000 in the early 90's. It had a 2.0 liter 4 that produced 140 HP@6400 RPM. The cars 0-60 time was 6.9 and 1/4 mile was 15.6. This car weighed 2650 lbs. The car was very fast and handling was exceptional. The ZX-3 has 10 less horsepower but it's peak comes in at 5500 rpm making it much more accessable. I don't know what the ZX-3 weighs but considering all this I see no reason why the ZX-3 wouldn't be capable of 6.9 sec. To boot, the NX2000 cost about $16,000 in 1991. One advantage it did have over the ZX-3, T-Top roof. Ford has done a good job to come out with a fully loaded car for under $15,000 with these kind of numbers.

    I wouldn't worry about muffler brackets showing rust. Any non-coated steel part exposed to the elements will rust. The only way to prevent this would be to exchange the brackets and bolts with stainless steel components. If you plan on doing your own exhaust work this could be a real time and knuckle saver. I've replaced many exhaust components over the years and the brackets and bolts are always very rusted and difficult to remove. Remember, this is an $11,000 car. Check out the price difference between steel and stainless steel bolts at your local hardware store. There is a significant price difference.
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    I was wondering if calling the better business bureau will get Ford more motivated to get the parts to fix our broken Foci? I don't want to just sit around and wait for Ford to do something while my car rots away at the body shop. I am writing a letter to Ford customer service to complain. Any one have any insight?
  • jeffyjcjeffyjc Member Posts: 14
    This site has a few cool pics on the new focus enjoy

    http://www.kumu.com/FOCUS_ZX3_IN_x.html
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    The rust you all are talking about (muffler brackets) is normal. The same thing happens on '99 and newer Mercury Cougars. The same problem was brought up in the Cougar thread and many owners in there said that the rust is normal and actually makes the metal stronger. At least thats what they said. I'm no expert, so.......

    I believe some rust was also notices around the brake area on the Cougars. No big deal!!!!
  • espowariespowari Member Posts: 36
    So from what I'm reading, ALL ZX3's should have the latch, thus indicating the type B Transaxle (this is because all zx3's have the ztech engine...)

    Right?!
  • sherribayarsherribayar Member Posts: 1
    I bought the Focus zx3 yesterday , and have had no problems.(Except with the dealer where it came from ,because they didnt have the second key ,or manual.) Is there anyone who bought one that is NOT having complaints ,or problems?Forst Green is the one I choose and it looks sharp.
  • strychstrych Member Posts: 4
    Hey y'all ! first time posting here, ive been reading this post for awhile with envy since i cant afford my own zx3 and decided to post today.

    I've been wondering what some canadian zx3 owners have paid total price with which options and colors...just interested in knowing what you guys got.....i'm from quebec.....but besides the point, any canadian feedback would be nice to hear about.....thanks
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    sherribayar,
    I've had no problems at all, knock on plastic. There will always be a problem somewhere when thousands of cars are sold. After all they are very complex machines. The problem with this type of forum is you only hear about the one's with problems. (Over and over again). Stuff happens. I feel sorry for the person it happens to but the fact is not every machine will be 100% defect free. It's impossible. If everyone who is very happy with their ZX3 writes in, it will swamp the forum.
    Make sure you get the second key/manual from the dealer at his expense. They are not cheap.
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    i had thesame experience...i got my car without the second key,manual and the remotes. it took a little pushing. well i wrote to ford customer service via e-maiL.....well the dealer called me bak to offer a reprogramming of another key
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    No problems so far with my ZX3, sangría red, 5-speed, AC, remote entry. Of course, I have only 500 miles on it up to now. Weather has been so bad here since I got the car (last Dec. 30) that my travel has been pretty much limited to work and home.

    danderson
    Cleveland, OH
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    No problems so far with my ZX3, sangría red, 5-speed, AC, remote entry. Of course, I have only 500 miles on it up to now. Weather has been so bad here since I got the car (last Dec. 30) that my travel has been pretty much limited to work and home.

    danderson
    Cleveland, OH
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    No problems so far with my ZX3, sangría red, 5-speed, AC, remote entry. Of course, I have only 500 miles on it up to now. Weather has been so bad here since I got the car (last Dec. 30) that my travel has been pretty much limited to work and home.

    danderson
    Cleveland, OH
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    Sorry about the multiple entries. I have no idea why it happened.

    danderson
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    I have had no problems with my Focus. I have a Sangria Red, Grey Interior (Wanted Charcoal) ABS, Side Airbags, Remote Entry, AIR. It is a tight and fun drive.

    I do notice the stiffness from 1st to 2nd on the cold mornings. Shifting must be performed slow. This is undesirable, but minor since it goes away when the car is warm.

    I have a dented front fender (as you all know) and I guess I will live with it until the part comes.

    Question:
    If I had the sedan (Made in USA) and had a dented fender...Would the fender come from the USA or Mexico? The front end of the sedan and ZX-3 is the same. Then.....Why wouldn't I be able to get a USA made front fender for my ZX-3? Do all Focus parts come from Mexico?

    NorwayDoug
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    I just received a message from the Ford Dealership and they have told me that there is a national back order on my part (a fender). They have no idea when the part will come.

    So...drive safely out there. There are no body panels (I assume it is not just fenders) for the ZX-3!!

    NorwayDoug
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I have had no mechanical problems with my ZX3 so far at over 1200 miles in nearly four weeks. I did notice the rust on the bracket as well, but wrote it off as ultimately unimportant. I was getting my ZX3 washed this weekend, and a Sangria Red ZX3 was behind me in line. We saw each other and waved and drooled over each other's cute little cars - it was an amazing moment!
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    The Focus is selling better than epected. VW is haveing the smae problem with Jettas in getting parts.
  • skater4skater4 Member Posts: 35
    Hope this doesn't post twice. I lost my other posting. Anyway, I was thanking projectzx3 for the welcome. My Focus has done really well in all this snow/ice, although I wish I didn't have to break it in this way! I got the grey interior, 5-speed, A/C, ABS. A manual transmission will get you through the snow every time. People always seem to be amazed that I'm a girl who drives a stick. Is it really that strange? I have the last laugh, though, as my Focus cruises by all the other saps who are stuck! Haven't had any problems so far, other than not getting a whole lot of mileage out of a tank of gas. Will this improve, or was I just misled about the gas mileage?
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    Hi skater, you are so lucky. I'm only an hour from you and have seen only 1 zx3, fleetingly. I called dealers all around you and couldn't find a single one that had a 5-spd with ABS. Only a couple automatics, which they tried to talk me into! Carorder couldn't find one like that either, I had to order! See you on the streets one day though!
  • danny1234danny1234 Member Posts: 21
    Wow, I saw another zx3 on the road for the first time - after having my twilight hatchling for a month.

    This one was silver and looked quite good.. The black mouldings on the side of the car seemed to make it look a bit 80's ish.

    Took it to the dealership for its first service.. the buggers charged me $43 for an oil change and tire rotation.. What a rip-off. I will be looking at other places to get an oil change from now on.

    So far no mechanical problems or anything bad.. The car is smoother than it was when new, and handles beautifully through the snow. It needs some deliberate shifting to 2nd gear when cold, but this seems to go away after the car warms up.

    I have a complaint about the wipers.. if the washer is used, the wipers collect some water and slowly dribble it onto the windshield.. it's annoying to see a streak of water after the wipers are parked.


    Good luck to the unfortunate ones that are waiting for parts. hope everyone else is enjoying their ZX3's safely.
  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    I also noticed rust under my car. I'm glad i'm not the only one. I got 28 miles per gallon on my last fillup. But my gas light came on with the needle near E and when i filled up my tank, i got 10 gallons. There's no way i could have 3.2 more gallons in there. Anybody noticed this?
    By the way, anybody from NJ around here?
  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    On how many miles should we get our first oil change? I thought tire rotation should be done on every 5-6K miles. So does that mean Danny1234 got his first oil change at 5-6k miles since you said that was your first service. Or did you get your rotation at 3K miles?
  • danny1234danny1234 Member Posts: 21
    cefurod, you are right ..I got my 1st oil change at 5000 miles. The tires were also rotated at the same time.

    Since most of the driving was on the highway (over 95%), I figured that an oil change at 3000 miles was not necessary, and that I would follow the book's maintainance schedule, with the first recommended service point at 5000 miles.

    Depending on your driving, Ford recommends a 5000/3000 mile oil change. A 3000 mie interval is recommended for severe conditions, such as stop & go driving, heavy idling and use of A/C or driving in dusty conditions.

    Changing the oil more frequenly than recommended is a waste, and harmful to the environment.
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