Ford Focus ZX3

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  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    On my in to work this morning I came off the off ramp from I-95 and pulled up alongside a Focus Sedan and Wagon. There was the three of us rolling down the road together side by side. Must have been quite a sight.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    were here but were all not there.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Come on guys -- what gives, don't hear any comments on this yet. Didn't somebody else have this problem.

    zx3,
    Think I would get this to a certified z doctor at a good dealership right away. You don't want to be driving down the highway at high speeds and have something in the front suspension come apart!
    I saw one of those new Ford Sport Treks with the mini-bed in a parking lot the other day with one front wheel turning left and the other turning right. Good thing he wasn't going down the road when it happened.

    Don't miss around with this type of problem. We could be talking about you in past tense.

    Pat
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I live near Gessner and Clay Rd., but my ZX3 lives with my fiancee in Garden Oaks - maybe someday we'll get it all together :) Dub Miller Ford out in Rosenberg (where I bought it) has my car for service, as I have had nothing but bad luck with the dealers in town. A white ZX3 is a rare sight, and was my second color choice after silver. Enjoy your Z!
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    to PClvnd2......
    Thanks for the heads-up.
    It looks like after 5000 miles of beoootiful flawless performance, my Z will now make its first-ever visit, to the "Z Doctor" at local Ford dlrshp. (Errr, btw ... will he demand "Where's yer Blue Cross Master Medical card?").
    But either way, I'll get right on it.
    Thanks again.
    ZX3
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    To PClvlnd2:
    Thanks, for the heads-up.
    After 5000mi. of beeootiful flawless performance (even my superb VW-GTI was not this flawless) my little Z will now make its first-ever medical visit to "Z Doctor" at local Ford dlrshp.
    (Errr, will he demand "Where's yer Blue Cross Master Medical card?").
    But either way, I'll get right on it.
    Thanks again.
    ZX3
  • chicagodriverchicagodriver Member Posts: 21
    So how is everyone around here hanging on? Surprisingly my car is handling very well in the snow. I've noticed a slight difference in engine noise but I'm assuming its do to the extremely cold weather we're having. I'm just over 2500 miles and haven't noticed anything wrong with the car. The gas mileage isn't great but thats no biggie. Still happy I choose this car over any others. Just a warning to those around here we're getting 3-4 more inches of snow tomorrow so do what you must to get your car ready.
  • ezavaletaezavaleta Member Posts: 25
    To Silver Bullet and Zxntex3,

    I also live in Houston, near Spring-Cypress Rd and Hgwy 249. I've actually bought 2 ZX3s (both rainforest green) - one was for my sister.

    Haven't been on this site for a while - all the posts on recalls reminded me. Am about to take mine in to Planet Ford - hope their service dept is better than their sales dept. Can't complain too much, bought mine for $11,000 flat with A/C & floor mats as only options.

    The car is unmatched in the fun-to-drive/value equation. It's quite practical as well - have been able to fit two car seats and luggage for a weekend. My wife used to hate driving manual tranny cars until this one.
  • 2karla2karla Member Posts: 1
    I'm hoping to order the roof rack that comes with the Kona edition ZX3 (we bought ours before it came out). The dealers I've talked to aren't sure what exactly I need to order. Any advice about pricing and part numbers?
    Hopefully I can get this in time for an x-mas gift.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    2karla,
    Thought I saw one on e-bay a while back. Saw one somewhere.
    Pat
  • mmp2000mmp2000 Member Posts: 6
    When I had the recall work done for the fuel injector, the letter stated I could get a rental/loaner car from the dealership (at Ford Corp's expense). So why aren't they offering that for the 2 new recalls? I'm bringing mine in Thursday for the work. I'm fed up with all of it (some of you might remember that my fuel pump went 19 days after I bought the car last January which couldn't be fixed for almost 3 weeks - no parts). Still, I love the way it looks and drives, I zip down the highway with lots of power to spare - but these downtimes are killing me. It's my first new car in my LIFE and I didn't expect to be spending so much time in the waiting room of the service department: far more time this year alone than I spent at the dealer with my 11 year old Toyota for the entire NINE years that I owned *it*. m.p.
  • mmp2000mmp2000 Member Posts: 6
    Found the Matchbox Ford Focus hatchback - #84, in burnt orange only: 99 cents. Got one for my husband who has a Sangria Red so the color is "close" - he put it on his computer monitor at work. It doesn't have the little forward antenna so it doesn't look quite right but it's close enough. Maybe I can paint one silver to match my hatchback... m.p.
  • rlr207rlr207 Member Posts: 11
    ZX3-I have heard the same suspension noise in my ZX3! (415) The service people think I am crazy and have said that it is normal :-( I am glad I am not the only one...but does that mean it is normal? The mystery continues.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You have to figure the reason for not offering loaner cars has to be purely economics -- with all of the recall issues Ford has faced recently, they'd go broke supplying loaners to every Focus, Escape, Explorer, etc. owner with a recall. It is sobering to surf the NHTSA site and look at the service bulletins and recall notices for competing brands - Ford has its hands full.

    Now that my car has had 4 recalls since taking delivery last February, I'm starting to look at this whole experience as an opportunity to learn a lesson. I knew I was taking a chance with this car, but the overall design and execution was so appealing that I was swayed. Now that I see the downside, I won't be shopping at the Ford store again. Live and learn. BTW - we get the car back tomorrow after almost 5 days in the shop taking care of recalls 2 through 4, plus a water leak from the A/C (which the dealer says is normal, as the evap case seam does not appear to be leaking). Never mind the window gasket that occasionally pops up on the driver's door, or the clunks from the rear suspension... hey, its a Ford, remember?
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    Hi mmp2000,

    You can also find the matchbox zx3 in malibu blue, but it comes in the 5 pack Euro Sports series #96730. The blue one has the rear tail lights painted in red, and it comes with fancier wheels. When you buy the set, you get a jaguar, porsche, and an audi too. I didn't open the box, so I didn't recognize the 5th car...

    Charlie
  • etvcevetvcev Member Posts: 1
    I'm thinking about buying a 2001 Focus ZX3. Any comments?
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    I'm bringing my Z to Ford next week, see what they say. I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry.
    zx3
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    Based on my own experience, I've found the Z to be almost flawless. In 6 mos., this will be my first visit to z doctor.
    I recommend the car. Good luck.
    zx3
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    the "clunk", sure its normal.so is a potential wheel coming off. a j-
    crack in the windshield, a broken clutch pedal return spring,warped
    rotors, squeaky brakes , a faulty injector sensor, tractor-sounding
    trans, leaks in the passenger side floor. sure,its normal.get with the program.quality is job1.have you driven a ford lately? or is it in the shop for a recall? now thats normal!
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    zx3- good to hear from you again. its been awhile. ihave been trying
    to limit my disgust with the recalls but its getting old. ive been over,
    under,sideways and down on the z ownership experience.its either love it or loathe it. i have praised it and dammed it. ive been on the brink of a trade only to realize that its still a fun ride. how long will the ride
    last?i will enjoy it for the moment im here and so be it.yes,i as well
    have the clunking sound. also, if you demand a rental,they will event-
    ually oblige.they will be reluctant to do so initiallybut you have to ask
    them if they value your busiuness. forget the service mgr.ask to see the g.m.
  • mmp2000mmp2000 Member Posts: 6
    After the engine on my '84 Ford Escort blew a head gasket at about 84,000 miles (plus countless other 'minor' things that went wrong), I vowed I would never buy a Ford again. But when I saw the Focus hatchling I fell in love. I knew I was taking a risk too but...it was Car of the Year in Europe - how bad could it be? Live and learn - I still love my Focus, warts and all, but I really never will buy another Ford. m.p.
    p.s. it was my power steering fluid pump that went, not my fuel pump as I stated erroneously in my previous post.
  • mmp2000mmp2000 Member Posts: 6
    Ok, I was looking at the interior covering of the A pillar, the plastic stuff...um...how are they going to replace this without chopping everything up? I'm bringing mine in tomorrow - it better not look like ratpoop when they're done with it! m.p.
  • sunnyzsunnyz Member Posts: 22
    Took my z in for the pillar recall and got a loaner with no problems. They gave me the focus sedan and I hated it! ( When I returned it, I told the salesman it was a good thing I didn't test drive a sedan first cause I never would have gotten a focus) It was a lot noisier, cheap fabric, the doors made a racket when you shut them and generally the ride was horrible. The gas mileage was bad, only 18 miles to the gallon, and I used a total tank today to do shopping. I sure hope my z doesn't drive like that at only 12,000 miles.

    I see no difference in the pillar they took out and the one they put in, so what was the big deal about this I wonder? I actually now have to take it back because the one they put in does not fit correctly. There is already a warp on the drivers side around the front window frame and the seat belt does not pull out properly, you realy have to tug hard and it does not retract back when you release the belt. Has anyone else had this problem with new pillar? Aside from this, I still love my car and very much appreciated it after the sedan!
  • sunnyzsunnyz Member Posts: 22
    It only took about a hour to replace the pillar, but make sure you check the seat belts as I stated earlier. I didn't think to check early and I picked up my car after the garage was closed. Again, I see no difference in the material. I'm mystified.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    What happened---All new styling, just like the ZX3!
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    With the new look I thought we might have a Focus Club, but nothing there yet :<(
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    pat,not so fast,it may be recalled. seriously,nice job edmunds!
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Its like getting a nice new car :) Since some of the posts disappeared, I thought I'd repeat one for those who missed it - think twice before you get the A-pillar recall. Several people have had their seatbelts messed up by this work (the retracters get jammed), and my dealer broke both of my B-pillar trim pieces and clips, and has to order new parts to fix what they screwed up. The new A-pillar pieces looks virtually the same as the old ones, but mine don't fit as well as the originals. Unless you are super paranoid about safety, leave your original A-pillar trim alone. Just my $0.02.
  • mmp2000mmp2000 Member Posts: 6
    My previous post on my A pillar replacement disappeared. Briefly, the new trim seems to fit well - I haven't found any problem areas. The seatbelts didn't retract afterwards, even though I made the service guy aware of the potential problem BEFORE they did the work. It took about 6 of them afterwards to fix the seatbelt. Otherwise, all went well. I'm still not sure under what circumstances your head would/could make contact with this area, but whatever...it's done...until the next recall notice. m.p.
  • calico1calico1 Member Posts: 52
    It is nice to catch up with all of you! I take the calicomobile in for the next recall on Tuesday -- still very happy with her overall. Nearly 10,000 miles now! Haven't seen the malibu blue matchbox, but I will be looking for one definitely. To catch all of you up with my car, I, too, have the AC condensation leak on my feet when I turn the car off, but no big deal -- the whole point is that it is hot outside when using the AC, so some cold water on the feet isn't the worst that could happen. I've gotten used to the defroster's quirks, and have no more problem with that. One thing that doesn't thrill me is the performance in the snow. I think I'll invest in some more snow-friendly tires and see what happens. Happy Holidays, everyone!
    Calico1 (who, contrary to popular belief, hasn't driven her ZX3 off the face of the earth!)
  • shov6shov6 Member Posts: 177
    Hello, folks! In about 18 hours I will take delivery of my 2001 ZX3. Black, 5spd, Power/Premium, moonroof, ABS. I can't wait! I am ditching my '92 Taurus SHO for this little bugger, and while I will miss the "power trip" that comes with 220hp I will (hopefully) NOT miss the creaking, groaning, unreliability, and the stigma of driving an "old man's" car when I am not quite ready to think that 32 is "old". :)

    After reading through this forum I am concerned about the upcoming snowy season... I obviously will have the 16" wheels and I live in waaaayyyy upstate NY where the snow falls fast and furious... But I simply wasn't willing to drop 1200 smackeroos on the stability/traction control. I don't want to lay out for a set of snows, either, so I wonder exactly how BAD these stockers are in the white stuff. Any recent experiences anyone would like to share with me?

    I will post more as my own experience with my blunt-nosed bomber builds up. Happy motoring everyone!

    SHOV6 (well, not anymore! LOL!!)
  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    To mmp2000, The Focus was European car of the year. The Renault Alliance was car of the year here in the early '80s. I rest my case.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    2001 - zx3 selected as one of top 10 best.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I also live in waaay upstate ny and have the 16' wheels on my zx. We've only had one snowfall so far this season and even tho it was only 4 inches the 16' firestones did just fine. Where are you in ny? I'm in plattsburgh.
  • edm9edm9 Member Posts: 16
    1) Has anyone created an online club?
    2) Has anyone found a decent ZX3 website. (besides focus-sport.com)
    3) Can someone direct me to ZX3 pics online. I'm looking for a pic a 2001 cloud 9 white. I don't have access to a digital camera or scanner.
  • paulsiupaulsiu Member Posts: 28
    Hi Folks:

    Remember the problem I have with the fuel gauge where the gauge would fall to empty after the tank was filled. I took it to the Ford dealer and they told me there was a service bulletin on it, so now my entire instrument cluster has to be replaced.

    They also said I needed to do the A-pillar recall. I asked about the clutch recall, but they said it was not a recall, but a service bulletin. Basically, if I feel the clutch softening, I should turn it in for repair. Apparently, the symptom should show up in the first 5,000 miles. My ZX3 is up to 10,500 miles.

    I asked if there were any additional recalls, but the dealer said they don't have a full list.

    I also asked about the manual transmission fluid change interval because it's not in the manual (the manual list automatic transmission fluid change at 30,000 miles).The dealer said Ford is apparently revising their maintenance schedule, but they haven't received it yet. As a result, they don't know what the maintenance schedule is. I guess I'll stick with 30,000 for the manual transmission fluid, too.

    I wonder why Ford is having problems with schedules. The Focus has been out in Europe for 2 years, so the car isn't exactly new.

    Paul
  • shov6shov6 Member Posts: 177
    Well if you are in PlattsVegas, then you are the man to talk to about snow... I, too, live in the City on the Lake. :)

    Only five hours left until I get my car... It's being driven here from Syracuse since Plattsburgh Ford only had slushboxes on the lot (and I do mean ALL the Focuses, not just the ZX3's). I never test drove a stick, so I sure hope that Automobile Magazine and Car and Driver weren't pulling my leg when they said the shifter and clutch were smooth and accurate. Guess I will find out in about five hours, eh?

    YEEEAAAHHH, BABY!!

    SHOV6
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Hi. Please let us know how you feel about the clutch. I'm used to the little Japanese imports and have found the clutch on the Z to be very notchy at times going into second gear. Good luck with your new toy.
  • jimmyfocuszx3jimmyfocuszx3 Member Posts: 65
    Hello all, I finally figured out how to post on the new format.... I know, I know, I am a num-num. Anyway, I had to go BACK to the dealership a third time for this stupid A-Pillar recall. I went back a second time to fix the drivers side seat belt. Guess what? They didn't check the passenger side and I was dumb for thinking they would. So I went back and told them that A.] They would fix my seat belt now. B.] They would order me new B-Pillar covers because they were discolored and cracked along the top edge from when they pulled it out for the recall. I also told them that it would be covered under warranty. Surprisingly enough they agreed to it.
    Other than that, having a blast with this car. It simply rocks.... When it works, which is about 99% of the time. Cannot wait for the SVT or Cosworth or DE or whatever they call it to come out here. Even if it is ONLY 170hp.

    Jimmy!
  • kham_mekham_me Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 ZX3 automatic, but I'm getting fuel ecomomy consistently under 20 mpg since I got the car. It's been driven about 4000 miles now. The normal specs says 25/31 mpg. Anyone have similar problem? Anyone know what the problem might be, and if I should be taking this into the service center to look at?
  • catmomcatmom Member Posts: 42
    Could someone clarify how to correctly use I, D2, and D1 when the roads are slick. I find the car handles better when in D2, but worry that I will screw up the transmission. Is there a maximum and minimum speed? Can I shift to a lower gear when slowing down? What is the correct way to use the different gears? Thanks alot.
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    The Title above, says it all.
    And best wishes for Merry Christmas.
    zx3
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    call 1-800-392-3673, have your vin no.handy./ m-f 8am-11pm / sat.9am-6pm est
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    audiolizard, who has posted here previously has a very good site,related to all things focus.ive visited it but i dont recall the url.perhaps someone here can post it.
  • smecesmece Member Posts: 6
    my zx3 will arrive in 2-3 weeks and i'm wondering what exactly "SecuriLock passive anti-theft system" is, what it does and how it works? Is that a good protection or should I also install a car alarm?
    Or something else?
    Thanks.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Catmom,
    Tryed to post this three times with no luck. Will try once more.

    Not sure how the tranny is set up. If in 2, does it start in 1 and upshift into 2, or does it start in 2 and stay there? The higher the gear, the less torque to the wheels, the less chance of wheel spin. Therefore, starting in 2 would be good when on snow or ice. But once under motion shift into next higher gear. Don't worry about overrevving her in 2 while driving around town. 2nd is good all the way to 60 mph, but that is OVERKILL and a waste of gas, not to mention the extra revolutions on the motor.

    Hope this helped and wasn't to confusing.

    Pat
  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    Why does it seem that fun to drive and practical cars,(hatchback Focus and Golf) seem to be trouble-prone, while the cars that last forever (Civic, Corolla) are becoming less exciting, if they ever were exciting in the first place. It's too bad Honda doesn't make the Focus.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I've often thought a Focus built by Lexus and made from parts sourced from high quality suppliers, yet still priced reasonably, might be the perfect car for me. Honda just axed their hatchback, but will likely bring it back to the US soon - unfortunately, Honda seems determined to remove all of the personality and excitement from their mainstream cars, and save it for single-purpose rockets like the S2000.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    Glad you got your zx okay. Hope you like it as well as I like mine. I didn't buy mine from cumberland ([non-permissible content removed] plattsburgh) Ford as they wouldn't meet my price requirements/goals. As well, they didn't have any w/ sunroofs . So I went to Riley ford in Chazy where my price was met and the service is excellent. At cumberland ford I felt as if they were doing me a favor and not the other way around. Keep us posted and brace yourself for another snow fall tonight.
    What colour zx did you get and w/ what options?
  • paulsiupaulsiu Member Posts: 28
    There was someone at work from our UK branch. I was talking to him about cars in general. His feeling is that typical American cars seem to have a very large engine but have crappy handling because they have very soft suspension. He thinks it's because American roads are larger and less curvy. Focuses are considered more of a European car than American since it came out first in Europe and has European car handling. In addition, the Focus is not considered to be a small car in Europe. There are many cars which are smaller.

    His friend actually owns a Focus, but it a 5-door hatchback with a diesel engine. The Focus is considered to be a fairly reliable car in the UK, and apparently there hasn’t been the amount of recall as there have been in the US.

    Also surprising was comments on Opels, which are highly praised in the US press (even though few in the US actually own one). He said they were not popular in the UK and considered them to be tin-cans on wheels.

    Paul
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