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Comments
What do all these have in common?
They are all very cheap to insure. Only the Kia Rio is cheaper!
What do all these have in common?
They are all very cheap to insure.
Only the Kia Rio is cheaper!
Will be going to the Philly International Auto Show this week. My first. Lots of new car debuts including the Lamborghini Murcielago ( V-12 power, 0-60 in 3.5 sec), Mercedes SL, Infiniti G35, and the re styled Ford Expedition.
Over 700 vehicles from 40 manufacturers.
I'll try to take pics.
Read all about it;
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/06/business/yourmoney/06CRED.html?todaysheadlines=&pagewanted=print
I was thinking about ZX3 or Golf 1.5 years ago (july 2000) and did not buy either of these cars.
I did not get Golf because at that time one could not have 5-door with 1.8T engine (damn, now one cannot have it again, they produced 5-door 1.8T for less than a year and now this model is discontinued).
I did not buy ZX3, because it's stock 5-spoke 15' wheels looked ugly as hell, and because front end was a total disaster comparing to european model. For those of you who think that your Focus front fascia always looked this way, go on european web-sites and check how this car should look like. Because of american laws, insurance companies and Ford's cheap solutions for american market this car now has european headlights and ugliest blinkers under the grille instead of having them in the bumper. Ugh... Sorry. Btw, european version also has side blinkers in the fenders just between the wheel arch and front door, american Focus has them on the bumper sides.
In 2001 american Focus got better with new cool 16-inch wheels. But still, it was ugly duckling.
So, I was quite excited when I saw 2002' Focus for european market, it looked like Ford decided finally to unify this model on both continents totally. Take a look at this article and on the front headlight cluster: 2002 european Focus. Now the question is: what Ford is going to do with american Focus? Can one have it with euro-headlighs in 2002? If yes, I will definetely buy ZX3 or even ZX5 this year. If not, Honda of America will get another happy client.
---
Since you mentioned the VW, it is worthwhile to point out that for YEARS they had different (read: larger) bumpers for US-spec cars as compared to the worldwide models... Trust me, I had one. While on one hand I yearned for the nicer look of the euro car, I was quite happy to have those heavier-duty bumpers when I was rear-ended (twice) and backed into in the front (once).
What is NOT said in that site, or is at least not clear, is whether the new light cluster they show is ONLY for the "available" (read: extra cost, probably a LARGE extra cost) xenon headlamps. I'd be very interested to know if they plan on offering this new light cluster (without the inevitably expensive xenon lamps) in future US-model Focii. I would also welcome the side marker lights, this was an addition I made to my old Jetta (very simple to do as the holes were already in the sheetmetal and were blanked off with a badge).
Obviously, the bumpers aren't going to shrink... Though I suppose it is possible that they are going to move the lights out of the grill if the new lamp cluster is integrated into the car. Personally it is the REAR bumper of the US-spec Focus that browns me off the most, at least as compared to the Euro-spec car. MUCH larger and not nearly as attractive. I am not at all bothered by the front bumper, and in any case, the total of changes hardly amounts to making the car an "ugly duckling" by comparison, IMHO.
Incidentally, if the only thing that is bugging you out about the Focus is the bumpers and the headlights, you could always buy a car and make your own changes to it. Expensive but doable. There's even an aftermarket conversion kit made by Hella that will replace the entire thing with a pair of projector lamps on each side. Of course, it's not cheap at something in the neighborhood of $600...!!!!
I will look forward with some interest to what facelift(s) they perpetrate on us in the coming model years, as I will be car shopping again at the end of calendar year 2003. Dunno if I will get another Focus, it depends upon how much I have to spend. I got the Focus this time because it was the most and best car I could get for $15k (and the deal sealed in no small part as a result of Car and Driver's Top Ten ranking), but what I really want, and have wanted since 1983, is a GTI... Thus I affectionately refer to my car as my "Ford GTI".
I love it even if it ain't a VW. It certainly has been more reliable than my old Jetta...
-SHOV6
2001 Ford GTI; Black, 5spd, most options. 13k and not a single problem to report.
What I WON'T do is go out and buy them, drill holes in my bodywork, and wire them up. Not quite as cut-and-dried a procedure as it was in the old VW's.
Pay attention, Ford! Your customers are talking!
-SHOV6
Kinda-sorta wishing I had that integrated subwoofer they are now offering, too....
The new (Feb. 2002) Car and Driver has a road test of the ZX-5, and surprisingly, the maximum cornering value they came up with is .77G. I mention this only because their earlier test of a ZX-3 with what appears to be the same wheel/tire kit achieved .81G. This newer number is only slightly more mystifying than the fact that their earlier-still test of the ZX-3 with the standard 15" wheels and narrower contact patch ALSO achieved .81G.
Go figure.
a) the car mags just pull numbers out of their behind .
or
b) the difference between drivers, cars, atmospheric difference etc.... vary to much to get a definitive number.
1- Some car mags do in fact pull numbers out of their behinds, like the otherwise wonderful "Automobile", which doesn't track test cars and simply uses the manufacturer's numbers.
2- Other mainstream mags actually track test, notably Car and Driver, Road and Track, and Motor Trend. The last of these has a habit of "speed shifting", so they sometimes get better numbers than the others, and in any case they seem to be aimed more at the lowest common denominator of the American Public. I pretty much stopped reading them after I got out of high school... Got tired of the "gee whiz, every car is great, especially if it has a lot of pointless body cladding and can burn up the quarter mile"-type road tests.
3- The variances of weather and such are usually allowed for when numbers are printed, as indicated in the data panel in a given road test. However some cars will do better than others given different conditions, and certainly different testing facilities will have surfaces of different grip characteristics... A classic example is an old road test done by C&D of the Buick Grand National, done on a below-freezing day (there is actually snow in the background in the photo taken at a drag strip). That test showed the Regal banging in a 4.9sec 0-60 run, far better than the car was capable of pulling off in "normal" conditions (turbocharged cars being notably faster in cold conditions than warm).
4- Production tolerances being what they are, different cars will usually post different numbers, most obvious in acceleration times. Different handling numbers (G's, slalom times, braking) will of course be dependent upon the condition of the tires, as well as the aforementioned different facilities and weather.
5- Some manufactuers are known for supplying "ringers" to the auto press, though the testers are usually able to sniff these out, and in some cases mention in the text of their tests that the car(s) seem suspiciously fast for rated HP, gearing, weight, etc.
6- Ergo... All INDIVIDUAL track test numbers need to be taken with a rather large grain of salt. Comparing various numbers from different magazines and different tests and coming up with an average is probably the way to go here.
Having said all that, a .04G difference is rather larger than I would expect, even given all of the variables in question. If one were to come up with "windows of significance" (kind of like margin of error for population polling), that's a big difference. I'd say that .02-.03G would be a significant difference, .4sec or so is a significant difference in 0-60 times, maybe .5sec for the 1/4mile... I could go on, but these are all just my opinion anyway.
-SHOV6
2001 ZX-3 that FEELS like it pulls over .80G
c) big-ol-butt in the drivers seat.
By the way, I think they're done burning you in effigy over in the "Civic Sedan" topic....
Also, I've read a rumor where the current Zetec engine will be replaced by another 2.0 liter similar to the 2.3 planned for the Escape (and now in the Ranger pick-up) that will get better gas mileage. Has anyone heard anything like this - maybe for '03?
I don't own a Focus, just looking, but it sure makes me think. Sat in a ZX3 Premium last week, nice seats and fabric. The only minor negative was the position of the headrest. It seemed a little too forward and not adjustable rearward. The tilt/telescope steering wheel feature combined with the height-adjustable seat is a big selling point for me. The raised seats in the rear are also nice for kids.
(Note: Edmunds shows the mileage ratings for the ZX3 as 28/36, but that is incorrect. I think that is for the lower horsepower engine.)
By the way, the 28mpg was a straight drive on a freeway going about 65mph.
Needless to say the fuel economy has been very disappointing. my other car, a Mercedes 190E, gets about 25 on the highway. Really not much different.
Over the first 10,000 miles, the average was 26.6mpg (yes I did keep track over the entire period). Best individual tank was, as I recall, 32mpg (all highway, and in hilly terrain no less, at 65-70mph). Lowest was... I don't remember, as the spreadsheet I made of this information (yes, I am that much of a loser LOL) was lost about 16hrs after I made it when my hard drive took the big dirt nap... But I seem to recall my WORST tank was around 20-22mpg, which was ALL city driving in the winter. Think long warmups, stop-and-go, never more than 5miles at a time, and relatively agressive driving.
Just my personal experience.
Then again, I just did a 1300-mile trip in a 2001 Buick Park Avenue (not the supercharged model), and it averaged exactly 30mpg over the trip, including a mileage-killing 90-minute traffic jam (read: sitting totally stopped with the engine running) on the NJ Turnpike and 5 hours driving at about 35mph average in North and South Carolina's recent snowstorm. Boy was THAT ever fun. Thank God for traction control and ABS brakes!
-SHOV6
2001 ZX-3, 5spd
Any input would be appreciated.
-SHOV6
I was told by them that it usually costs 25-30 bucks for a replacement but, of course, they didn't charge me. Afterall, I just gave them 15K!
(SHOV6: FYI, I bought it at Riley ford and have been very satisfied w/ how I've been treated)
Ford does seem to be making continual improvements to the Focus. Of course, they should and must, but I still appreciate it. As a side thought, if you have long-term faith in Ford Motor Company, it could be a good time to buy a few shares of stock. It's at a multi-year low just above 15.
I've two questions for you and I'd appreciate any feedback you can lend.
1. About how many feet ahead(providing clear conditions) do the focus headlights light up the roadway?
2. I'd like to improve the amount (and distance) of lighting on my x3. Can I just switch to another type of bulb (what ones are recommended and what should I avoid) or must I add aftermarket lighting to achieve my objectives?
TIA
Based on my flipping thru this site it looks like there is a nice bunch of people who own or observe the ZX3. Interesting reading!
I would imagine that someone out there either has, or is in the process of, coming up with a version of the Focus taillamp cluster with amber lights, though I have nothing to back this up. I know that there is an "Altezza" light setup, but IMHO it looks pretty retarded (just like it does on practically every other car that has adopted this look). I, for one, don't mind the taillamps the way they are... But surely you're not the only one who likes the amber lights, so maybe there's an enterprizing individual out there who will figure out a way to get the overseas lamps and put a backup light in it.
The SVT looks like a really nice piece. Automobile and Car and Driver have gushed over it, as has Road and track to a lesser extent. It will take the already excellent ZX-3 and do the two things I would do to it if I had the inclination... Do something about the body roll, which is just SLIGHTLY more than I like, and add some power. If I were about to buy one I just might spring for the SVT, but a loaded one will run about 20 grand... A little rich for my blood right now.
But not in two years, when I will go car shopping again. If I don't get the SVT then, it will be because I found a clean 96-97 M3 for about the same 20 large. My buddy picked up a '95 that looked brand-spanking new for 16k, and after spending an afternoon driving it, I am in LOVE. Next time... There may be an M3 in my driveway.
Good luck with that SVT! Well, if you do in fact get it, that is!
-SHOV6
2001 ZX-3 5spd
Be prepared to do some wiring modifications.
Visit www.teamfocaljet.com for more details.
Go to -->Forums-->Exteriour modifications-->2002 Headlights.
For the euro taillights wiring instructions use the search option in the "exterior modifications forum". In the "search words" window type "the real euro taillights".
SHOV6, Good luck on the M3! When did they switch from the 3.0L to the 3.2L?
I checked again with 800-FORD-SVT yesterday and was told production of the SVT Focus may begin in March with deliveries starting around a month later. If I decide to carry through on my threat to get one (sure wish they offerred a larger variety of both exterior and interior color options) that's where I may pursue the "amber tail light" thing. My local dealer (Downey California) has e-mailed me that he would sell an SVT Focus at 2% over invoice. If I decide to pursue aquiring an SVT I need to get over there, give them a down payment, and get that "2%" on paper! The only option I would get is the sun roof, and oddly enough, a cassette player instead of the standard CD as I have a bunch of old cassettes I still enjoy listening to. I know one can play CDs thru the car stereo via a remote player plugged into the cassette but know of no way to play a cassette when all you have is a CD player. Can anyone enlighten me on this?
Happy New Year everyone! I'll be checking in from time to time. Better get to work now. First I have to check the SVT Focus board though as I see they have a new post.
So what this really means is that the '95 my friend just bought, which has me drooling just thinking about it, would be better still with the extra torque that comes from the 3.2 (hp stayed the same).
On a related note (watch out, going back on-topic again!), the new Automobile Magazine put both the "regular" Focus and the SVT Focus on its' All-Stars list, as I mentioned on the SVT forum... They actually treat them as different cars! And here's the connection to the rest of the post... I don't have the issue in front of me, but the SVT, as I recall, was compared favorably to M3 (another All-Star, again). Don't quote me on that, though.
-SHOV6
Wanting TWO All-Stars in my driveway!!
1- The "check engine" light was on
2- The fuel gauge read empty and its' light was on, too... Even though I had filled up the night before, and no, I didn't leave the key in the ignition when I fueled it.
After restarting, the fuel gauge works normally but the "check engine" is still lit, as it has been for two days.
Car runs fine, but I don't want to have to stare at that light, so off to the dealer it will go. I'll have them perform whatever recall(s) are pending and change the oil, too.
Time to join the club, the "My Focus had to be serviced" club, that is!
-SHOV6
2001 ZX-3 5spd
BTW, the SVT looks like a hella sweet package. Too bad I'm not in the market now.
Thanx to vadp I checked out bat.inc.net and found the amber tail light assemblies for the ZX3. Sixty five bucks for each lens (I assume you get the "guts" to the unit too and not just the dual colored plastic) isn't bad. Of course, if you want to retain the backup lights you have to get a new bumper which starts making this a "bigger" project. What concerned me the most though was that it sounded like you will lose the 5 mph bumper capability by using the "euro" bumper. I wonder what an insurance company would say if you were rear ended at a less than catastrophic rate and found out you didn't have the original 5 mph bumpers that came on the car? Something to ponder when I can't sleep. I am curious though. Thanx again for the reference vadp.
Out of topic (briefly) shov6, when the M3 went to the side airbags, were they in the doors or in the seats? Mercedes used to (and maybe still does) put their side airbags in the doors. Most others seemed to put them in the seats. I've driven both a 1.9L and 2.5L (or was it 2.8?) and they were very nice, though I think my ZX3 would give the 1.9 a run in a straight line.
As for the airbags, I have no idea... I was under the impression that they were in the A-pillar, but that could be wrong. I am more concerned about getting the bigger engine, though I am sure I would be quite happy with the 3.0.
-SHOV6
-SHOV6
P.S.- If any of the above made any sense, it's purely accidental.
-SHOV6
There's another one!
the two i've narrowed down to are:
ice-man, by ford motor sports (www.modernperformance.com/ford/focusice.htm)
and
focus sport cool-flo air intake (www.focussport.com/airintake.htm)
Both of these seem like simple applications but which one is the better one. I don't know.
Any opinions? TIA
reviewed back issues of sports compact car and read differing results. some articles say no diff in h.p., etc. , other articles mention a several h.p. increase. So, who knows. I'd be interested in reading other research if anyone knows where it's available.