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What do you like about hatchbacks? - READ ONLY

217 messages,  Last post on Oct 24, 2003 at 12:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Festiva, Volkswagen GTI, Toyota Celica, Honda Civic, Nissan 240SX, Ford Focus, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 19 of 22

#178 of 217 Hatchback has better visibility than sedan by jsfocus

Jul 25, 2003 (8:52 am)

I leased a 2000 Ford focus ZTS sedan, and had every intention of buying it at lease end. However, upon test-driving the ZX5, I realized how much better the visibility was out the rear window of the hatchback. The difference was truly remarkable. Being 5'2", when looking out the back window of the ZTS, I could see the steering wheel and head of the driver behind me. In the ZX5 hatchback, I could actually see the tires of the car behind me on the road.
 
I gave back my leased ZTS and purchased the ZX5 5-door hatchback. With the greatly increased rear visibility, I feel much more at ease and safer. Changing lanes is a breeze in the ZX5 compared to the ZTS. In addition, the visibility out the right hand side of the car is awesome (because of lots of glass). And, I no longer worry about possibly running some little kid over while I reverse.
 
My mother told me, "Better safe than sorry...give up the sedan with the high back and get the hatchback."

#179 of 217 ZX5 Hatchback is a bumpier ride than ZTS sedan by jsfocus

Jul 25, 2003 (9:04 am)

One thing I loved about my leased 2000 Ford Focus ZTS is that it felt like it was floating on air whenever I drove it. In comparison, my newly purchased 2003 Focus ZX5 hatchback feels quite bumpy. It reacts to all the bumps in the road. I prefer the ZTS ride quality. It seemed like it was driving itself and all I had to do was place one finger on the steering wheel (to show that I was in control...LOL)
 
Why is there such a difference between the ride quality of these two models?
 
Is it because:
 
- the hatchback is 7 inches shorter in length? The height and width are exactly the same. The hatchback is 36 pounds heavier.
 
- am I closer to the ground in the hatchback?
 
- did Ford change the suspension since 2000 models?
 
- is the hatchback being broken in and will become smoother later? My first drive with the hatchback was at 20KM, and my 2000 sedan first drive was after it already had 5000km on it.
 
I am finding that the steering wheel of the hatchback is looser than in the 2000 ZTS. Therefore, the steering seems to pull itself slightly to the left or right as it reacts to the bumps in the road. I'm going to take my car back to the dealership and compare the steering column to the sedan I returned 3 days ago.
 
Well...the biggest plus about the hatchback is the much much better rear visibility and right-hand side visibility, when compared to the sedan ZTS.

#180 of 217 How Much Stuff Can Your Hatchback Hold? by revka

Oct 24, 2003 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)

#181 of 217 Hi Folks- I thought this might make an interesting topic of discussion. by revka

Dec 21, 2001 (9:42 am)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
I've seen some interesting stories about the different kinds of things people have been able to transport in their hatchbacks in many of the discussions here. So I thought this subject might make for an interesting discussion by itself. Anyone game?
 
What's the most stuff, or the largest thing, you've ever transported in your hatchback? Got an interesting story to share? Also, I'm sure many would appreciate knowing what make, model, and year of the hatchback.... Thanks for your participation.
 
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

#182 of 217 my 2000 Civic hatch by rfruth

Dec 21, 2001 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
My 00 Civic HB is great, holds two bicycles, gear & people, its usual task. The fact that it gets over 35 MPG and cost 12 grand brand spanking new is icing on the cake. I kinda feel sorry for people that have spent 30 grand for a land barge (aka SUV) and use it as a grocery getter, but hey they sure look cool (not). rfruth in Houston

#183 of 217 Ford Festiva by mrwhipple311

Dec 22, 2001 (11:28 am)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
I once moved my washer and dryer (separately, of course!) in the back of my Festiva. I folded the rear seat over and it fit nicely, except not being able to close the hatch. Surprised the he!! out of me.

#184 of 217 Oh how I wish I had gotten a picture by elec3

Dec 24, 2001 (1:49 pm)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
I considered myself a demigod of packing after I managed to get the following into the hatch of my 2002 Mazda Protege5 without removing the cargo cover: a midtower computer case, a 17" computer monitor, an Aiwa stereo shelf system consisting of a receiver/CD changer unit, two bookshelf speakers, and a large subwoofer, an inkjet computer printer, a small box containing computer accessories (mouse, keyboard, software, etc.), a smallish plastic toolbox, two pairs of shoes, a pair of rollerblades, and most of my bedding (to protect the electronics).
 
Keep in mind these are all fairly good sized items and that I also have a Bazooka tube-style subwoofer mounted in my hatch area that I had to work around. I fit all this stuff in under the cargo cover so none of it could be seen with the hatch closed (good for security!). This was during a long trip out to school, over 1500 miles, so I only get one shot at hauling my belongings out there and anything I may forget, I live without. The rest of my worldly posessions were stored like so: my clothing in a soft, zippered carrier strapped to the roof rack, a bankers box filled with various items in the back seat, and a few other assorted items like a garbage can and lamp that wouldn't fit in the box or hatch were laid in the back seat. My previous vehicle was a Ford Ranger with a camper shell over the bed and I was frankly amazed that I fit all the same stuff into my Protege5 with room to spare. Still wish I had a picture to prove it...

#185 of 217 does it count if you leave the hatch open? by crazygrrrl

Jan 01, 2002 (11:49 pm)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
I managed to get a treadmill (new in box) into my 2001 Firebird. I couldn't shut the hatch because the box was too big, and I still wonder how the heck those loading guys managed to get the box in the car without scratching the car or the interior.

#186 of 217 treadmills by hpulley4

Jan 02, 2002 (8:14 am)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
I got one new in the box in my '95 Geo Metro, also with the hatch open. It's funny but my Metro has about the same passenger and cargo room as my friends' Camaro Z28 -- his engine is 5.7 times bigger of course

#187 of 217 Hi crazygrrrl- Welcome to this discussion. by revka

Jan 02, 2002 (9:22 am)

Replying to: jsfocus (Jul 25, 2003 9:04 am)
You asked: "does it count if you leave the hatch open?"
 
I'd say it definitely counts! That's one of the great advantages to having a hatchback, imo. Thanks for sharing your story.
 
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

Messages Page 19 of 22

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