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There is now a board on Edmunds devoted to the new Mazda; just type in the keyword Mazda and select the right user board.
I just read some information on autonews that about 10 (!) different Ford models are going to be based on the current Mazda 6 platform, with 65% of the content, in terms of value, being interchangeable with the Mazda 6. However, one of the reasons given for Ford going this route was the adaptability of the Mazda 6 platform to lengthening/shortening, widening/narrowing. In otherwords, using the same "platform" isn't going to be the same as the days when a Dodge Neon/Plymouth Neon, Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunfire were just mildly re-skinned versions of each other.
I remember Honda had a perhaps similar concept in the previous generation Accord - the platform was designed to it could be used in Europe (narrower) and America (wider) due to "cones" that would allow the wheels to be pushed further out...I never heard any negatives about it, although the concept sounded dubious at the time.
I think, but am not sure, that the 2.0 Zetec is a kissing cousin to the 2.0 liter in the Mazda Protege. There are a lot of details that are different, however, just like the new Focus PZEV is supposed to be quite different from the Mazda 6 engine (kind of a dumbed down version - no variable valve timing, for one).
It is kind of interesting that the bean-counters, on the one hand, are getting some uniformity of product to keep development costs down (and share manufacturing costs), but the engineers are able to "tune up/tune down" and otherwise tweak and customize the base engines to suit the market place. I was of course worried that the PZEV might be "dumbed down" to the point it wasn't any better than the 2.0 Zetec, but this just isn't the case - as I have said, it is immensely fun to drive, very strong and responsive, and I suspect it is carrying around a lot less weight, vehicle to vehicle, that the Mazda 6.
Nevertheless, I drove close to 80 for much of 300 miles on Intersates 83 and 81 from Baltimore, MD to Ithaca, NY yesterday, I got 32.5 mpg out the PZEV. AC was on for about half the time on this drive which includes many ups and downs. On a flatter highway with no AC at 65 mph it would no doubt do better yet.
3000 rpms in 5th puts you at 80 mph in my car.
This is a very smooth and quiet engine. I did some more passing on roads at Yosemite and it willingly revs up to 6,800 rpm (I didn't intend it, just happened to glance down at the tachometer before my upshift); I would feel guilty except the engine pulls so willingly and strongly throughout its power band. On the other hand, the engine's got great roll-on power so I can leave it in 5th for normal freeway passing (from 60 to 80 for example), unlike the 2000 model which seemed to call for a downshift if you were below 70.
Since I owned other cars in between the 2000 ZX3 and this 2003 ZX3, I can't recall exactly how the 2000 ZX3 felt in terms of handling, but I thought it felt better than the current model. In 2000, I was coming off a long ownership of a Civic '93 CX model, and so of course the 2000 ZX3 with its much better executed suspension felt like a BMW in comparison, not to mention the Zetec vs. a fuel economy optimized Civic engine. When I had ZX3 problems I "downgraded" (in terms of engine power, roominess, quite, and handling) to a 2001 Golf.
Since buying the Golf, though, I put Tokico shocks on it, which roughened the ride but improved the handling.
So now,I think, the 2003 ZX3 feels a little "soft" or "wallow-y", especially at high speeds. On the other hand it swerves really well at highway speeds (to avoid stuff spilled on the highway) so maybe I am just not used to a car that can deliver a cushy ride while also handling well. Maybe the suspension is exactly the same as on the 2000, only my standards have changed.
I do notice that the upholstery is now an attractive cloth finish (like you see on the new Neons and entry level "baby" Benz hatchback) instead of velour (which used to rub off on my jeans), and only the driver's seat bottom moves up and down, not the whole seat like on the 2000 model. The 2003 still turns precisely and has a death grip on the road. It just seems "cushier" in the ride instead of "sporty hard."
Anyway, not a single problem so far or hint of a problem or defect. Yay! I always like the Focus best, now Ford is building them right....
Oh wait, yeah, there is one thing - the gas cap has a different tether set up, it is just a plastic loop, thin and cheap, that goes around a groove in the gas cap, and it either binds or twists off. After re-affixing it one time, I just decided to leave it off and let it dangle - and hope I don't leave my now tetherless gas cap behind somewhere.
Can't find a replacement oil filter anywhere, one dealer couldn't even find it in his computer. Even running searches for Mazda6 filters doesn't help...I'll have to buy a couple at some dealer who stocks them, then see if my local oil change shop can deal with a drop in element.
The air filter seems to have a "wear indicator" which seems odd- some gizmo near the filter box which runs down as the filter is used. Don't know what it's for....we all got by for years without such things. Maybe it's required for the PZEV certification?
Highway cruising is a real pleasure in this car and to me it feels very secure on the highway at 70-80. Passing power at 65-70 mph in 5th is really impressive, as you say. The only handling characteristic that surprised me a bit is the tendency of the rear end to hop after encountering a pothole or bump at speed. This is undoubtedly a result of the up-front weight distribution of this car. At no time does it feel as if the car is out of control and I don't think it is dangerous, but still, every time it happens it makes me go "oh my."
I am still not entirely used to the first two gears of this car. I am a long-time manual transmisson driver, but always up till now, in light trucks. In these, if the wheels were moving at all, say, after going over a speed bump, the appropriate gear to be in was second. This is not so in the Focus. I suppose lower gears are optimized for torque in these trucks, so first and second are like 0.5 and 1.5 relative to 1st and 2nd gears in the Focus. In the Focus the engine will lug a bit in 2nd if speed isn't over 5 mph. I also still lack confidence with releasing the clutch in first gear after a stop, and have killed the engine a few times. It is much less forgiving than the first gear in any light truck I've driven, but perhaps this would be true for any small 5-speed car. A little too much gas and front wheels will hop and you lurch forward, too little and you kill the engine. Release the clutch too slowly and the engine races before the gears engage. No doubt practice will make perfect, but I'm surprised that after several days of driving it I still get a bit nervous when the light turns green.
As to prior driving experience, if you have driven the Protege and like the ZX3 better, well according to most magazine articles of the past couple of years the Protege is the small sedan to beat. A friend has a 2002 and I have driven it, and the engine is neat, but the car feels a little small on the interior and the suspension is definitely "jiggly."
I was tempted to wait for the major redesign coming up in a year and a half on the Focus, but who knows if that means starting from ground zero all over again on the defects issue. I think the basic design of the ZX3 is already tops in its class (as acknowledged in Europe) and the only concern I ever had was quality, which seems to have finally arrived.
The Protege I drove was probably a 2000 model. I have heard the good reports about the newer Proteges, too.
Still enjoying getting to know my Focus and dreading the first parking lot ding or scratch in the twilight blue paint.
Hmm. Maybe I should race for pink slips with unsuspecting ZX3 owners who haven't heard of this engine either. That would be funny. Or maybe I should offer to sell my car to a street racer, claiming I've heavily modified it to take a Mazda6 engine....
The Service Manager at Hayward did do some quick detective work and told me the 2.3 liter Ranger (similar engine)comes with a spin on, not drop in, oil filter...
HOUSTON, TX, May. 10 -/E-Wire/-- After extensive engine and fleet testing with
a major automobile manufacturer, Conoco (NYSE:COCA, NYSE:COCB) has added SAE 5W-20
motor oil to its Hydroclear® product line for retail sales. Conoco was the first in
North America to develop the low-viscosity SAE 5W-20 for low emission engines, and
first to supply the new motor oil to an automotive OEM for factory and service fill.
Conoco's SAE 5W-20 surpasses both API SL and ILSAC GF-3 standards. ASTM engine tests
confirm that the new motor oil significantly reduces fuel consumption resulting in
reduced carbon dioxide emissions while providing superior engine protection. This
allows vehicle manufacturers to appreciably improve their Corporate Average Fuel
Economy (CAFE).
Conoco scientists developed SAE 5W-20 motor oil from proprietary premium base stocks
and Conoco's Hydroclear® lubricant technology. ``This new motor oil is much more
than
a lower viscosity grade of an existing product. It's a totally new kind of passenger
car motor oil, and Conoco was the first company to develop it,'' said David Turner,
Conoco's product manager for automotive lubricants.
``It's been on the market as a factory-fill motor oil and private-label brands for
more than a year. Now it's available as Conoco Hydroclear® Super All Season Motor
Oil
through a network of lubricant distributors and the 5,000 Conoco retail outlets in
North America,'' Turner said.
______ Since Mobil Exxon made the Honda private label 5-20 oil, and Ford is the only other player (Mazda being a subspecies of Ford, and Acura a subpecies of Honda), it looks like Conoco was the initial manufacturer, at least, of Motorcraft 5-20. What's Hydroclear?
Advanced Technology. Proven Performance HYDROCLEAR® Lubricants from Conoco are a full line of high performance products formulated from pure hydrocracked base oils with the finest additives.
Hydrocracking chemically removes all contaminants and unstable hydrocarbons from the crude oil, producing an extremely stable base oil so free of impurities that it's water-clear.
Conoco HYDROCLEAR® oils and fluids provide synthetic-like performance at non-synthetic prices. It doubles your oil drain intervals, lowers your equipment wear, reduces your maintenance costs and extends your equipment life.
All HYDROCLEAR® products come with a 100% Conoco Performance Guarantee. Plus, we provide Maintenance Excellence services to help you get the most out of our products.
__________Does that mean it's free of paraffin, and flows better at cold temperatures? It sounds like Conoco tried to make the 5-20 a good oil. What's hydrocracking - I heard that Syntec from Castrol is "hydrocracked" while Mobil 1 is a "true synthetic."
Engine oils are being introduced into the market place which utilize Group II or Hydrocracked base stocks. The manufacturing process for these base oils removes contaminants, such as sulfur, nitrogen, iron, and other materials normally found in conventional solvent-refined base oils.
Advantages of hydrocracking technology may include longer lubricant life, fewer deposits, less maintenance, increased uptime and, under certain conditions, extended drains. Some factors which may affect lubricant life are high oil temperatures, presence of water or dirt in an oil, entrained air, loss of additive performance and contamination from combustion byproducts.
Products formulated with Group II or Hydrocracked base oils have shown advanced performance in the areas of oil oxidation, thermal degradation, and stability. However, it is important to remember that dirt from the environment, unburned fuel, and other contaminants will play a key role when extended oil drain intervals.
___________Ok, so here is my question: Why is there a "Super Premium Semi Synthetic" version of Motorcraft 5-20 IF, as I read above, Hydrocracked oils are functionally very similar to synthetic oils? Did Ford switch suppliers? Which is better, Hydroclear from Conoco of a "semi" synthetic?
"Second, there are differences between the present ILSAC GF-2 standard
(GF stands for gasoline fueled) and the soon to be commercialized GF-3
standard. The performance of a GF-3 oil will be significantly improved
over a GF-2 oil. When Motorcraft released it's SAE 5W-20 formulation we
wanted it to perform at the GF-3 level; but the GF-3 spec had not been
finalized, so we 'guesstimated' what GF-3 would look like. In so doing
we doubled the length of the standard dynamometer Sequence IIIE test
(which duplicates high temperature trailer towing) which increases wear
protection and reduces oil thickening. While GF-3 also improves on the
standard GF-2 Sequence IIIE test, it went nowhere near as far as Ford
did. This provides Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 with a significant increase over
'standard' GF-3 oils, which most SAE 5W-30 oils will meet."
In other words, Motorcraft 5-20 (and presumably any other oil satisfying the Ford WSS etc. spec) significantly exceeds the current SL and GF-3 specs; even though it was formulated even before the recent upgrade from SJ to SL oils.
I guess I'll just go to the Ford dealer for oil changes. How boring.
PZEV 148hp @ 5500
152 lb-ft tq @4500
SVT 170hp @ 7000
145 @ 5500
0-60mph
ZTEC 8.7-9.5 sec.
SVT 7.2-8.0 sec.
So what will the PZEV do 0-60 in? It is my understanding that acceration is largly baed on the amount of torque. The 2.3 has more torque than the SVT and is available at a lower rpm. Now somehow horsepower comes into play as well. So, my question is how close will acceleration numbers match up to that of the SVT. My guess would be somewhere in between the SVT and the ZETEC. Maybe 0-60 in around 8 sec? I wish someone would do a review of this new motor.
The Key to the PZEV standard is the 10/100,000 warranty on all emissions equipment, including the air induction system.
The oil filter shouldn't be a cardrige type but normal US type used on the ranger 2.3. so guys check that out.
what else?
Redline is 6500.
the 2.3 is lighter than the ZETEC by 40 lbs.
I can't believe ppl still buying the newer model after he/she had many problems with the older model and hoping all the problems are fixed. Anyway, it's your money, your decision. I'm through with Ford for sure. BTW, I have a '00 Focus ZX3 with 53K miles.
Am I hoping that all the problems are fixed?
I do know that they are fixed indeed.
I do know the reasons for the troublesome Focus launch and what FoMoCo was doing to fix that.
The PZEV ZX3 is a tremendous value.
I don't know how you can argue with this simple fact.
Yes, the Focus holds very little in resale value as of today, because of perception of low quality projected from the 2000-2001 models on the whole model name.
But if you're planning on keeping the car for more than 6 years, I don't think that it's gonna be much of a problem.
And yes, it's our money.
Therefore the most of us doing a lot of research before considering any car and especially any Ford, after being burned by the 2000 Focus model.
BTW, what's gonna be you next car?
I bet it's gonna be a Honda.
But wait a minute the redesigned Civic has had lots of problems in its firs year of production too.
At least the Focus is not as ugly and boring.
It's been a while since I posted.
I survived the winter w/o going to snow tires. My 2000 ZX3 auto has about 45,000 miles w/o anything to report except for the still squeaky brakes in back on first few applications on a wet day. I thought by now I'd need brake work on the front based on other drivers' experiences, but the last check up at the dealership showed I still had more life left in them.
Because the trade-in value now is below $5000, I figure I will ride this one for some time to come. I must have gotten one of the good 2000 models, and I'm still within the extended warranty. My only repairs outside of the recalls have been two plugs for one tire. I do keep up the maintenance and I don't drive it hard unless in a tight spot, which happens sometimes around the Washington DC beltway. On weekends, I take it out to the western Maryland mountains and it runs with traffic easily.
All it needs right now is a good wash and wax. I wish they'd had 4 doors when I bought it, but when the time comes, I think it will be another Focus - ZX5 next time. That may be awhile.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=14037
It's very impressive. Now I know why this engine in this car is so hot.
Also, I have gotten used to the ride on the ZX3 againm which I initially thought was too soft. When I went back to my Civic last week, the ride in the Civic felt harsh and nasty in comparison to the supple ride of the ZX3, the handling (steering response etc.)in the Civic not as good as the ZX3. I especially appreciate the ZX3 in Yosemite on rough roads. It doesn't knock my fillings out everytime the car hits a bump.
It's funny that people in the "know" now ignore the Focus and ZX3 in favor of imports, due to the widely reported early problems with the Focus (which I experienced first hand with 2000 and 2001 model ZX3's, one stick and one auto), and will probably overlook this important new engine and the radical improvements in quality control. This car has had fewer defects, in the first three weeks/ 1700 miles, than any of my recent cars - and I've been through quite a few cars in the past few years (thanks to insanely low new car prices and a shift in lifestyle from urban bus rider to long distance commuter and weekend trip taker).
This is my favorite car. It may be humble but its fast and efficient. Let me emphasize FAST.
http://home.att.net/~biker16/PZEV4.jpg
This is a global engine In europe they use a cartridge, over here they can use a can.
pic of European version
http://home.att.net/%7Ebiker16/Mvnr12o3.jpg
The market won't bear a $1,300 premium for this engine. Something is wrong with the information you are getting. Just check other dealers. Maybe the dealer whose website you checked is including a "dealer markup" in its web prices.
Edmunds has not updated to include pricing for the PZEV variation yet, but if you go to their New Cars, Ford, Focus, stats information, and type in the zip codes above, they usually pop up a dealer referral page, which gives you another way to navigate to a dealer web page.
Finally, use Yahoo or BigBook or a similar telephone directory service to search the "yellow pages" for Ford Dealers, then Google their names for their web pages.
Caveat: some dealer websites are useless, some give you live inventory with Manufacturer Sticker replicas. Your mileage may vary!
I saw my first billboard for the PZEV while driving home - on 880 North, right before 238 - it used to have the 2003 Expedition, now it has a Focus on it with New! Improved! 145 Horsepower & Green Too! Or something like that (together with the usual "buy more fordddds" subliminal message I am sure they bury in there).
both show the same price, and both show the 2.0L as the standard motor on the forddirect.com Web site. Am I missing something?
Both 13,310 for a ZX3 standard without options, still not sure where the $1300 is being added in to the price.
-B
The only problem I have is that the 2.3 won't be offered in PA until MY2004. By that time my partner discount may no longer be valid.
What to do, what to do?
Having the filter in place really does work, because now I can't see any dust floating around in the car when sunlight streams through the windows.... the difference is impressive.
If you decide to go through with this yourself, here is what I learned: if you do it yourself, have a second person hold down (with his/her hands) over top of the two little "circles" on the cowl. Those circles show you where the pins/clips are located. Having them hold down firmly while you lift up on the inner lip (gently) will probably keep them from breaking off or becoming dislodged. If you have the dealer do it, physically show the service advisor that the cowl is firmly attached when you drop off the car and tell him/her that you want it back the same way. Otherwise, they may tell you that the car was that way when you brought it in.
It's really not that noticeable when the pins/clips are missing, but I would rather have them there in the interest of keeping everything the way it came from the factory. It would probably keep more water from going between the windshield & cowl, especially while the car isn't moving. Under the cowl is a "channel" or "water collector" that routes water away from the filter. My car did not come with any type of sealant or caulking in this area, although other posts mention this.
Good luck... just be careful. And please let me know of any source where I can buy those little hardware pieces.... thanks!
I also live in mass and bought a PZEV ZX3 premium for 11.2K (no other options). The difference in price was around $105 then (about 3 weeks ago). This was confirmed at carsdirect.com at the time, but today when I went to carsdirect.com the difference was indeed $1303! I suspect this is due in part to demand since the car is quicker and quieter, but also to encourage sales of the many 2.0 left on mass lots (Madden had many 2.0 ZX3s for example but zero 2.3 ones). BTW I get the same $1303 if I enter a New York or CA zipcode at carsdirect. If I were shopping now I would try to drive a hard bargain, based on this information, after all the cost of inventory older than 3 weeks should be ~1200 less. Good luck.
If you are in one of the green states (CA,MA,NY) this is good way to find the newer PZEV cars in stock that do not carry the $1300 (formally $105) premium Ford has recently added for the PZEV.
I bought a ZX5 PZEV in upstate NY about three weeks ago. At that time I noticed that the invoice price for the PZEV was about $100 above the invoice I calculated using Consumer Reports' pricing information (availalbe at their web site for $12.00) I figured this into my bargaining price when I bought the car (ZX5 comfort, 5-speed, +ABS). I paid $13,200 for the car which according to my figures meant a 6% (fair) profit for the dealer. Last week, however, I noted the very low advertised prices of a high-volume dealer (Simmon-Rockwell, Hornell, NY) that sell their cars for a fixed price that reflects all rebates as well as dealer incentives, holdbacks, etc. These prices are really low and must reflect a new increased dealer holdback. These prices were in effect on May 6. I can't say whether they've changed since.
I copied these figures from their web page, a/5 = 5-speed, first price is MSRP, second price is their retail price.
2003 Focus ZX3 3dr. cpe.black, pwind, cruise, tilt, moonroof, cd, plocks, a/5 $16,405, $11,429
2003 Focus ZTS 4dr. black, 2.3pzev, pwind, centennial pkg, leather, spoiler, fog lamps, cruise, cd a/5 $17,195, $12,166
2003 Focus ZX5 4dr. Hatchback, gray, 6cd, pwind, plocks, fog lamps, a/5, $17,330, $12,325
2003 Focus ZX5 4dr. Hatchback, grabber green, 6cd, pwind, plocks, fog lamps, a/5, $17,330, $12,320
2003 Focus ZX5 Hatchback, twilight blue, 2.3pzev, roof, abs, 16"alloy rims, pwind, cd, pmirrors, fog lamps
a/5, $17,705, $12,620
2003 Focus ZX5 Hatchback, silver, 2.3pzev, roof, abs, 16"alloy rims, pwind, cd, pmirrors, fog lamps, a/5, $17,705,$12,620
I was kind of bummed to learn that I could have had my exact car plus a moonroof for $580 less than I paid for mine without a moonroof. Ah well. So it goes. These prices represent exceptional bargains, IMHO. I am loving my new ZX5 PZEV, btw. Refined power, great handling, excellent fit and finish and no problems have surfaced in my first 1500 miles.
I also forgot to mention that the car I bought had 16" alloys as well as ABS as options in addition to what you get with the "Comfort" package on the ZX5.
The advertised prices above are below the wholesale value of the cars using Consumer Reports' figures as of early last week. Go figure.
"I'd get the PZEV. Which is $1300 more than the 2.0, at least on that auto buying website. I'm quite disappointed"
But the PZEVs in stock at mass dealers only carry around a $100-125 premium, and I looked at many of them.
I'm really beginning to see the ZX3's here in the Chicagoland area. I think people are realizing how superior this car is to its competition.
22,000 and running like a charm.
Nice little car.
-B
Sticker on car was $16575. I paid $11200(I think) lol you'd think I'd know. There were some other rebates and discounts involved including $676 off for the mileage and an additional $750 rebate for me being in the Air Force Reserve. I got the extended warranty which was $525 which extends the bumper to bumper to 5/100k. Usually I'll skip the extended warranty but since I put almost 100 miles a day on the car I though it was worth it. Heck my military rebate pretty much took care of it anyways.
Some observations so far..the car is fun as hell to drive! Zips around nicely and takes corners great..looks very cool and lots of space. I love the driving position. Addtional options were Power Moonroof and ABS.
I am coming from a 2000 Maxima so there are some things that aren't, lets say quite as "refined" as the Max. It is noiser for sure but not so much that it is an issue. Heck the Nissan 3.0VQ is one of the best engines ever made so not really a fair comparison. Some of the interior features seem really cheaply made but once again no problem. Just about any car in this price range is going to have these sort of issues.
I didn't get the PZEV. Living about 10 minutes from the MA border I probably could have checked them out but the Zertec is fine with me.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase because A)My monthly gas bill should go down quite a bit My car insurance already has dropped C) I'm finally driving a stick again! D) I got 3.69% financing and cut almost 100 dollars off of what I was paying for the Maxima.
One thing I was hoping someone could answer for me.....Underneath the car below the engine I noticed that it was wide ope....no plastic cover or anything..everything appears to be exposed to any debris, deep snow etc. My Maxima and some other cars I checked out in parking lot have a black plastic shield that seems to cover some of the lower half of the engine.
I
Is this right for the ZX3 to have nothing there?
Can't wait to get out and go for a ride