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Ford Focus ZX3

2882 messages,  Last post on Jan 19, 2013 at 12:59 PM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback

Messages Page 260 of 289

#2586 of 2882 orange julius by snakerbill

Dec 23, 2003 (2:35 pm)

According to what I have heard about the 2005 Focus, only the fourdoor sedan will be available with the 2.3 engine. This sounds nuts, but that seems to be what Ford is doing for 2005. My advice is to get the 2004 hback ZX3 with ABS in the premium car. I got automatic also, and I am glad I did not get the stick as the new engine gives plenty of performance with auto, and it is much more convenient to drive in traffic. This car lists for l7100 but can be bought for under l5000 loaded with power everything, auto, and ABS. I sure like mine and I would not be interested in going back to the 2.0 engined car after having this super little car. It has been flawless for 8300 miles, and just seems to get better every time I drive it. Good stuff. Also get the Blaupunkt MP3=CD radio. It is the best radio Ford offers in the Focus as standard equipment. Do not get the 6 disc player. Old stuff.

#2587 of 2882 Don't Believe Early Press Releases... by micweb

Dec 23, 2003 (3:44 pm)

Ford will respond to public opinion at least where there is a long enough lead time to do so. Unless they have a production line problem with the 2.3 (can't make enough) it should be more widely available.
 
On the other hand it is entirely possible the only reason the green states got the 2.3, is to meet fleet emissions requirements, and the only reason the 2.3 goes national 2004 ONLY is because they haven't had time to come out with the 2.0 Duratec (as opposed to ZETEC). But, why didn't they roll out the 2.0 PZEV first?
 
Surely they can't be "taking back" the greatest thing to every happen to the Focus line? It can't be gas mileage - the 2.3 PZEV beats the 2.0 Zetec....

#2588 of 2882 micweb by snakerbill

Dec 24, 2003 (12:11 pm)

It does seem idiotic that Ford would make the 2.3 available in the Hback and others, for a period of only 4 or 5 months. (The 05's are to be out in April or May) What must they be thinking? You are right, the 2.3 is the best thing to ever happen to the Focus, and I cannot understand why Ford would think anything else. Is it possible for a corporation to have a nervous breakdown???

#2589 of 2882 Vadp, Silver Bullet by zx3beast

Dec 26, 2003 (5:19 am)

Happpy Holidays gentlemen! Glad to hear you are still
around.I echo your sentiments regarding the hatchling.
Although i have sworn off any purchase of a Ford product,
i am still intrigued by this vehicle.I guess it is the price/
performance factor. Has the quality improved dramatically
overall? I also was an owner of a 1999 build year which was
a 2000.It was most definitely a fun to drive experience,
soured by the recalls. I am gald to hear that others have
had a positive experience and wish you continued good
luck with your purchase.

#2591 of 2882 Re: The gang's all here by zx3beast

Dec 27, 2003 (7:52 am)

Silver Bullet, good to hear your back.! I am still lol at the
Job 1 quality is still a myth.
The spouse has her eye on that upcoming Mustang.
You are right, it will be hard to resist. Can you believe
4 years has passed so quickly ? It is cool to see a lot of
the old gang revisiting here to post. I actually had forgotten about the SVT Contour. It still amazes me how Ford dropped the ball on the Focus launch. Incredible design
and engineering coupled with a very weak parts supply.
I stiil can't believe that something as simple as a clutch return spring end breaking. How cheap is that? The reason i say that is because i have driven 30 years without that happening. Sure, anything could go with a vehicle but this was a clear indicator to me that smelled of bad things to
come. Unfortunately, that was case and i gave up the beast.
It is a shame because there are good qualities about the
vehicle that they got right. If only that myth you had mentioned actually becomes a reality. Maybe i will change my mind.

#2592 of 2882 Excerpt from 12-28-03 NY Times Kudo by micweb

Dec 28, 2003 (10:17 am)

NY Times, in their "Fast, Furious, Rebates" article named the PZEV Focus as one of the best of year:
 
"FORD FOCUS PZEV: The Focus's initial promise was undone by quality and mechanical glitches. With those problems presumably behind it, the Focus family is again one of Ford's bright lights; the high-performance Focus SVT is one of the best cars ever to wear the blue oval. This year, Ford earned some green stripes by offering partial-zero-emission versions of the Focus nationwide, proof that environmentally friendlier cars can also be peppy and economical, at a cost barely higher than much more polluting versions."

#2593 of 2882 driving in snow by breister

Jan 03, 2004 (10:09 am)

A few weeks ago we had a real big snowstorm while I was on the Interstate. The windshield froze up and no amount of heat and defrosting would clear it. The windshieldwipers had at least 1 inch of ice on it. Over a distance of 17 miles I stopped 3 times to clean the windshield and wipers and then got off the road at the next exit to stay in a motel.
The dealer suggested to use recycled air and that would clear the windows (in addition to defrogging ,heat, etc).
Yesterday it started snowing - not much - but enough to have the windshield frieze up again. The problem with recycled air is that you can only use that setting when the airflow is NOT directed to the windshield. I was ready to pass out with all the heat, could hardly see anything. On the passenger's site the view is slightly better but if I can't drive this car when it's snowing I am a shut-in in winter.. (Live in Maine).
The windshieldwipers are really bad - this a a new car - and are not clearing the windows at all. Anyone else had this problem?
 I have called the dealer and I think they will put in better wipers but it's a shame that they started out with poor quality.

#2594 of 2882 2005 ST at LA Autoshow by micweb

Jan 03, 2004 (3:53 pm)

The lines on the 2005 Focii don't look that different. This is a "Honda style" appearance upgrade. Ditto on interior.
 
Rumor has it the 2.3's will be much scarcer than in 2004, so for once it may be better "not" to wait. (I am in that dilemma considering a wagon.)

#2595 of 2882 2001 ZX3.... No Problems by snaptab

Jan 04, 2004 (9:04 pm)

Been hearing great things about the 2.3 engine, lots of good, usable info on this board! My 2001 ZX3 continues to just roll along. It's now out of warranty and will need tires soon but no problems what so ever. Even with all the new vehicles introduced into the marketplace in the past 3 years, I think the ZX3 remains the leader of the pack. Can't beat the value! Happy New Year to all.

Messages Page 260 of 289

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