Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    Our Zx3 has got to be more reliable than the old Escort.
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    Gee, I guess I got the one of the few good ZX3s after reading recent posts. Unless a few more people out there want to add their names to the list. I have a feeling alot of us who got the good cars have left this board because of the constant bashing of the car by members with bad experiences. The rest left just because it's been more fun to drive to be out driving than sitting at home in front of a computer during the good weather. That's been my experience, anyway.

    Just to add: I guess I've been lucky over the years and only have owned a few what I would call lemons. Unfortunately, those I've had were before lemon laws even existed. On the list were a Chevy and a Ford. But I've had a Monte Carlo that went well over 200,000 miles w/o an engine rebuild (rust finally finished it off, not the mechanicals), and an old Ford Falcon that quit after eleven years and something like 150,000 miles. I plan on keeping this ZX3 and maintaining it like I did my other cars. I figure with the extended warranty (which I may need but no problems after 20,000 miles... that's still young compared with alot of my 60's and 70's cars) I'll get as much out of this car as I possibly can.

    Charlie
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    now almost 6 months and 2,700 miles later and doing just fine. The low miles is due to having others cars. It just too boring to drive the same thing everyday. Not one problem.
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    Sangría red ZX3 owned since Dec.99. Now at 16,000 miles and no problems whatsoever.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    But I have a Focus ZTS (sedan) and it's been fun. I've had a few minor warranty items, but it's still a blast to drive. aprrox 21,000 miles
  • smushgirlsmushgirl Member Posts: 2
    I just bought my ZX3 last night, very happy with its zippy-ness and handling but I have a question: When I accelerate (at any speed) there is a soft whirring noise, only when I am depressing the gas pedal, like something winding up. Is this normal? Am I being overly sensitive? Does the car just need to be broken in (hopefully not literally)?
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    its call the tractor noise around here and I have it too but only at low speeds in 1 and 2nd gear under 20mph. Dont want to let Ford look and mess it with cause they will most likely make it worse.
  • kebbatkebbat Member Posts: 41
    I'm a happy ZX3 owner - 5 months, 7,500 miles and no real issues .... unless you count 2 different people hitting my car while it was parked ....

    my brakes just began to emit this horrible squeal this week - only for the first couple of stops and then it goes away.

    Other than that I am still loving my car! I guess the real test comes this winter. My last car drove like it had skates instead of wheels. Here's hoping for the best!
  • smushgirlsmushgirl Member Posts: 2
    But it's so quiet... can't hear it really during the day or with any kind of radio playing. Maybe a very very small tractor?
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Ford issued Special Service Message # 15102 regarding the problem. The fix is a new clutch disk.
    Supposedly there's a fix for surging/hesitation problem too - PCM "computer" reflashing.
    TSB 01-16-3.
  • tompilottompilot Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 ZX3. Love the car. Does anyone make front mudguards for the ZX3? Most places only list mudguards for the sedans/wagons. The dealer told me Ford doesn't make them for the front.
    Thanks!
  • docteddocted Member Posts: 3
    I have probably owned about 30 cars in my lifetime (I'm 68) and I rate my
    2000 Focus as my third favorite car based on FUN TO DRIVE. The top
    two were a Saab 900 and a Porshe 911. (The Saab was a blast but was
    always in repair shop). The fourth would be a Mercedes 450SL, a car I
    owned longer than any other. I have also owned Mercedes sedan, Lexus and
    a '96 Jag sedan. All great cars but not FUN.
    So far, the Focus has been trouble free except for need of a new belt
    tensioner. The original tires are poor in rain and expect to change them soon.
    Docted.
  • tgrcubtgrcub Member Posts: 22
    I've noticed that on mornings when it's chilly up here in NH and there's condensation on car, that the brakes tend to squeak a bit... is this how the brake problem starts? I hope not, as my car has *knocking on warranty* been a trooper so far...
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    The brakes squeak in those conditions, but lessen when they dry out. A few stops and the squeak is barely noticeable. The brakes themselves work fine.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    yes, that is a damm fact about the zx3. That svt should be one hell of a ride. How do you think they will fix the torque steer on the much power in the svt? Hey docted, what do you do for a living to have all them cars? I know how to make bin laden surrender. Threaten to take all their women shopping at Victoria's Secret.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I find it interesting that some of you made allusions to the fact that your previous Escort was poorly made, etc. I had a Tracer , which is basically the same vehicle, for 10 years and 80,.000 miles and the only problem I ever had was that the A/C crapped out at 72,000 miles due to a leak. Other than that I didn't have any problems, never left me stranded, got 36 miles to the gallon and didn't rust (on a white car! And, I live in a snowy climate)
    So far, at 5,500 miles my Z is doing just fine. Mileage is 25-31(wish hwy miles were better) and only occassionally do I hear a squeek from the brakes. It's the rear brakes and only just as the car comes to a rest. I use EBC pads on the discs and they don't make any noise nor do they produce any black dust.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    now down to 17 to 20 combination hwy/st.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Had this weird problem of the throttle surging while I'm trying to park the ZX3. Going back and forth between reverse, drive and then park. Had to stomp on the brake at same time and think it screwed up my Transmission as it will not drive now.
    Making all kinds of noise when I try to drive it. Managed to nurse it home but it is one sick baby.
    Anyone ever hear of such a thing?
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    wassup fellow zx3'ers... it's been a long time since i've posted here...almost a year I think... anyways, still to this day I have only had one repair to my Z (MAF sensor one week off the lot)... asides from that, she drives like a champ! I think she liked the move to Tampa as much as I did... but, since i've last posted, some of you may remember me talkin about redoing my system... well, i finally did it... Kenwood MP3 playing head unit, cerwin vega 6x8's replacing the stocks, and dual 10" fusion subs... all amped of course... Tinted the windows... and my new wheels are scheduled to arrive today... Primax 618 wheels 17x7 custom drilled to fit my focus with Falken 205x40x17 tires... planned future mods include the Wings West Avenger kit, borla exhaust, Ice-Man or FocusSport.com intake.... and so on... if only i had the $ all at once.. our little cars are a project car owners dream! anyways, glad to hear so many of you are still happy with your toys as I am...

    until next time (hopefully sooner than last)
    Kevin (njzx3 in tampa)
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I'm thinking of purchasing aftermarket wheels for my z. Is there anything special I should look for or should know when making my purchase? TIA
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    cobie... I just found a set that I liked... unfortunately, they didnt make em for the Z so they had to be custom made which cost an extra $65 per wheel, but will be worth it... also, you want to try to keep the wheel around the same size so all yer gagues work the same... with mine going from 195x60x15 to 205x40x17 and my speedometer will actually be a few MPH faster than the car is moving
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    Isnt that a pretty painful ride? When my tires goes out, I am going from 50 series to 60. I rather have a quiet smooth ride over perforamance
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    it's really not that bad, in fact, i like it better than the old stock ride... I'm living in tampa, FL now, and the roads are all in fairly good condition, but moreso they are long and flat... the ride is actually comparable to that of the old tires when i was back in NJ (meatier tires on crappier roads)... only difference they are a lot grippier... i can definately say I like the new feel better... feels sportier, but yes, the ride can get jarring at times (i.e. potholes etc...)
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    I bought a ford focus lately and I let the dealer to install the alarm in it. However, when I press the pinic button, it only active the horn and it does active the alarm when I open the door after I activate the alarm. Is this normal or the dealer try to trick me for it?
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    I mean it does not active the alarm when I open the door after I activate the alarm
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    the panic button isnt an alarm... it sounds to me like you got hosed by the dealer... the panic button is just that... a panic button... it just makes the horn beep until you press it a second time... I think it's supposed to be soome sort of "passive" protection where if someone shady is hangin around yer car and you hit the button it's supposed to scare em off... You may want to ask the dealer about this so-called alarm they told you that they put in... sounds to me like the emporers golden robe struck back.... things like this is why ford service SOOKS so badly! I love my little focus, but i'll be damned if I ever take it in for servicing at a dealership again after my first and only encounter w/ them.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    the Passive anti-theft system is part of the chip in the key that allows the engine to start. Without the chip, no starty. For example, you can have a copy of your key made without buying one of the special keys with the chip inside. It will open the doors, but won't start the engine. Keeps people from "hot wiring" your car. People seemed to get confused with it and the panic button feature and think it's a tradition alarm system, which it's not. But you can get that kind of alarm system installed by the dealer, for a small charge ;-)
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Well, it seems my ZX3 automatic transmission blew out after 15000 miles. Hoping to have it back by Friday. Am yelling and screaming for help with rental.
    Why does Ford do that? It is so bad for customer relations, first the product dies and then they try to screw you for backup transportation, while I'm still making payments on the new car. Here I was waiting to trade in for the ZX5 or SVT but will have strong second thoughts about that.
    Speaking of which, any reliable facts about the ZX5 out there?
    Esp. the horsepower. I understand it is still 130??
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    sorry to hear about your trans. i havent posted here in the past few
    months, although i have kept up on the discussions. ive probably said
    all i had to say about the focus. it had been a love it or hate it ordeal.
    in the end , i dumped it and glad that i finally parted ways. it wasnt worth the aggravation anymore. however, it still has many fine
    anemities at its given price point and im happy for those here who
    continue to have a pleasant ownership experience with their zx3.
    after all the recalls and other inconveniences it was time to let her go.
    i hope you find a speedy resolution to your current situation.
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    I talk to the dealer yesterday and they found out that they forgot intall the alarm for me. Son of the ....
    I just got it install today and they did not apologize for that.
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    I talk to the dealer yesterday and they found out that they forgot intall the alarm for me. Son of the ....
    I just got it install today and they did not even apologize for that.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    ... what did you replace the Focus with?
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    Man... thats ford service for ya... how can a dealership FORGET to install something thats been paid for! thats too much... anyways, glad everything worked out for ya...

    on another note... I just ordered my next batch of aftermarket:

    Ice-Man Intake
    Borla Cat Back Exhaust
    Progress Springs (1.8" drop)
    and Clear sidemarkers

    i'll get around to posting pics of all of it once i get it all put together.

    Does anyone know if there is a rear brake conversion kit yet? would like Disc brakes all around.
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    My word! have you all seen the upcoming civic hatch? im sure everyone that used to say our babies were ugly will find a new found love for em after seeing this thing... The Civic Si Hatchback makes the Pontiac Aztec look like a hotrod!
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    Now, I am at 3200 miles 6 months and its getting better. Shifts are a joy and the engine is just fine with enought power for hills and freeways merges. No complaints at all.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    Why do people paint every Ford Dealer service with the same brush?? From reading this board for a bit, I've come to the conclusion that a lot of problems people have with cars can be traced to the way the dealership and it's service department works. The salesman lies about the delivery date to make the sale and it's Ford's fault. The dealer "forgets" to instal the alarm, and it's "well what do you expect from Ford Service".

    I've bought and had cars serviced at truly horrible dealerships over the years. Had a Toyota in the 80's that went through 4 dealership's service departments and all of them screwed me. I've gone in to buy cars and tried to deal with salesmen that I wouldn't trust to sell me a newspaper (might be yesterday's).

    I say what I've said before...if we don't shop and get car's serviced at dealerships that aren't interested in giving us what we pay for, then don't deal with them. Drive farther, shop around , or do what ever you have to do to take your business elsewhere. When you find a good dealer, buy your cars from him and send your friends in too. Make it very obvious to the sleAzes in the business that WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    Dont get me wrong... I love FORD, I have just never had a good experience with ANY dealerships ANYWHERE... that includes Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Honda... you name it, it was a bad experience... This was also at dealerships in multiple states (NY,NJ,CT,PA) all reasonable drives when I was lookin for the car I wanted... After I decided I wanted the Z, I wound up buyin it off a guy who was chill and got me a great price, but then I pay 1500 extra for extended warranty, my MAF dies a week later and they refused to give me a loner! Yes, you are right... it is the sales and service team that sucked, but that team was wearing a FORD nametag. Again, I love my car, it's barely given me any grief to the point that i try to get everyone i know shoppin for a car to test drive one..... but back to the service note, i have been in FL for about a year now, and I wont go to a dealership here... if you know of a reputable one where they'll treat a 22 year old guy like a customer and not like a stupid kid, I'd be absolutely stoked! but fact of the matter is that young kids at car dealerships are not taken seriously. Anyways... those are my thoughts on the subject.
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    Ordered the Xenon Full-Facia ground effects kit today!
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    The Detroit News is reporting that the 2002 Ford Focus will come with a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. I'm assuming it will still be 36K/3 year bumper to bumper.


    Here's the link


    http://www.detnews.com/2001/autos/0110/12/c01-316926.htm

  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    Very few people will drive 100K before the 5 years is up. So it doesn't quite match Hyundais 10year/100k warranty. But I wonder how much of a risk this is to Ford. Powertrain coverage is usually loaded with exclusions. What about the b to b warranty? Still at 3/36? That's still a problem. What about transferring the warranty to second owners? It would have been better if they had offered say, 4yr/50k b to b warranty with no extra coverage on the powertrain. Still, it's better than everything stopping at 3/36.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    After a week in the shop I was told the car is ready to be picked up. I raised holy hell on the phone with Ford and he called the dealer who in turn called me to say my rent a car would only charge me $60.00 for the week loaner. I'm satisfied. Still looking to move away from the car even though I'll miss it. Just do not trust it any more. Drove the Focus sedan all week and what a difference. The ZX3 is much better built, heavier doors and hatch and much roomier. Not to mention more giddiup.
    The first thing I noticed with the tyranny was it was really revving when I was parking it in the city, you know, little foot pats forward, then reverse, then forward...acted up twice, both times the music was blasting, wondering if that had anything to do with it?
    Beast man, what did you get?
    I'm looking at the Subaru Forrester, most likely 2001 if I can get a deal.
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    Guys, thanks for all the help for the alarm thing. Now I have one more question. The dealer install an Audiovox alarm for me instead an original Ford alarm system. Does anyone have the same alarm or Ford use Audiovox alarm as their manufacture alarm for all Focus? Also can you guys deactived your alarm by using the key to unlock the door? Mine can arm it by using the key to lock the door but cannot dis-arm it by the key. Anyone have any ideas?
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Got the car back and runs smoothly except it seems much noisier when I hit small bumps. Instead of the thunk sound it usually makes, now it is a clunk sound if that makes any sense.
    Doing my homework looking for newer models with excellent reliability history. Don't care what it looks like or how fast from 0-60. As long as I don't hinder traffic. Too bad as I was really looking forward to the ZX5. Or SVT.
    Total cost was $1581.00!
    All picked up by Ford.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    If you look at the Audiovox and the Ford alarm side by side, you will find that they are the exact same unit with the exception that the Ford alarm has a Ford logo on it. My dealer said that the Audiovox is cheaper and works as well.

    The only way I know to disarm the alarm is to use the fob.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    One of the reasons I got a Focus was it isn't in the most stolen list. I park my car outdoors and if I did that with a Civic or Accord would be nervous too much. From what I know only the f150 truck is on the hot list.
  • njzx3njzx3 Member Posts: 170
    You are right about the focus not being stolen too much... I actually have fairly low insurance because i drive a focus, but none the same, an alarm is the next thing on my to-do list mainly because of all the aftermarket work i've done. I think alarms nowadays are more for peace-of-mind anyways. They'll ward off the petty sterio thief who's gonna hit ya with a slim-jim and a screwdriver which is really all us foci owners have to worry about. I highly doubt a professional car thief is going to want a zx3.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    IMHO an alarm does little or no prevention of theft unless it notifies the owner the vehicle is being broken into such as alarms that activate a pager. All it will do is wake up the neighboors. Novice thieves and professional thieves use alarms as selection tool to identify cars worth breaking into. Generally by the time anyone responds to an alarm your deck, amplifier, speaker enclosure, and etc. are gone whether it is a amateur with a brick thru the window or a pro with tools.
    As far as theft it all depends on the return the parts will bring, and if the Focus continues in popularity it very well may become the target of chop shops.
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    I had a 93 escort which had been stolen couple months ago. That is the reason why I bought the focus. No matter you got a Honda or Ford, if a thieft can make the profit of it, they will try to steal it. They will even steal your licence plate, if they need it. (It happened to my escort and I live in NY too) I think my escort may worth a thousand dollars for parts, but if they want money, they will take it. No matter it is a civic or escort. I know the alarm can only scare some novice thieves but not professional.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I had the clutch master cylinder and clutch pedal return spring replaced free of charge as part of a goodwill service campaign at about 7K miles. Now, at 14K miles, the replacement return spring snapped :( Rather than waste time dealing with the service department, I bought TWO new springs from the parts dept. and installed one of them with some difficulty - it is a tight area to work in, and requires some dexterity and an inspection mirror. The spare spring is in the glovebox, and I figure I'll be doing this job again as Ford just keeps supplying the same spring as a replacement. "Job 1" strikes again.
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