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Last post on Nov 21, 2010 at 11:56 PM
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Ford Focus, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon
#101 of 136 Re: Zetec? thats so 2004.
by slinkzx3
Mar 22, 2007 (3:46 pm)
ONLY two cam profiles. last time i checked, only v-tecs had more than one profile, including cars equiped with variable valve timing. variable timing is great but it does nothing for duration or lift.
about the duratecs. are they any good? by good i mean zippy, fast sports-compact. the zx3 was supposed to be good, but it was hardly any different from the other granny foci. its really unfortunate that they're getting rid of the hatch-backs. the focus was actually getting relatively popular in the tuner arena for its good handling. ford could really invade that segment if it had a real 'zetec' motor. the japanese cater to tuners, and now there are almost more riced-up civics than suped-up mustangs in the typical high school parking lot.
ford needs to have something to compete with them.
#102 of 136 Re: Zetec? thats so 2004. [slinkzx3]
by focusowner2
Mar 22, 2007 (7:24 pm)
You can't cater to everyone. If you cater to the "I've got chrome tips so my car is faster" crowd then you get no respect from those who by the car for what it is: a reliable inexpensive form of transportation, about $.22/mile to drive plus insurance.
#103 of 136 Zippy with the 5 speed.
by mschmal
Mar 23, 2007 (6:50 am)
130 hp 130 lbft. Pretty good stats for a car in that weight range. Its very zippy with the man trans, less so with the anchient 4 speed auto.
I'm only 35 and in my memory, cars have gone from 3 speeds to 7 speed auto trans. Ain't tech great?
Incidently, those who want a really sporty compact should check out the Mazda3. Its pretty much everything thats gout about the Focus turned up a notch.
Mark
Mar 24, 2007 (10:38 am)
Honestly, I felt the Focus ST had a sportier "feel" than the Mazda3. The ST felt quicker, more responsive, torquier, and is 270 lbs lighter. The Mazda3 was more refined, but that took some of the fun out for me.
#105 of 136 Re: Zetec? thats so 2004. [focusowner2]
by slinkzx3
Apr 01, 2007 (8:32 am)
The "I've got chrome tips so my car is faster" crowd is not the same as the tuner crowd. Tuners are gearheads who mess with smaller engines. "I've got chrome tips so my car is faster" people are people who don't know any thing about cars and "reliable inexpensive form of transportation" people are just setting themselves up for an expensive mid-life crisis.
#106 of 136 The PC term for "gearhead"
by mschmal
Apr 01, 2007 (10:52 am)
Petrosexual
Also known as "performance enthusiasts"
Apr 05, 2007 (12:53 pm)
nice. i guess 'gearhead' is outdated now then.
"performance enthusiasts" just doesn't ring though.
May 02, 2007 (3:50 am)
I bought a new 2.0 ses wagon in Aug.05 (in Florida) It is the first new car I have ever owned. As of May '07 It has clocked up 38,000 miles. I am plagued by bad starting (since around 30,000) and it has always returned poor m.p.g. (around 23) I have no engine light on! When I took it into a ford dealership in Monterey ca they did'nt want to know! I have changed the gas filter, plugs. and it is no better.
Of course! now it is out of warranty. My wife is urging me to trade it in for a Toyota. This car has left a sour taste in my mouth and I will never buy another Ford again. I wake up each morning wondering if it is going to start. I have sent off for a obd2 scanner 'just to see if I have any codes that will help me address the problem, and will write back with the results in three weeks time as of May 1st 07
Martinturner
#109 of 136 Re: Dissapointed owner [martinturner]
by comp386
May 02, 2007 (8:24 am)
This may be a dumb question but have you checked your tire pressure. Recommended pressure is 35 PSI. My fuel economy dropped about 10% when my pressure dropped to 25. I thought that was okay until the maintenance group told me that recommended was 35.
I've had a problem with my 05's starter, but only once and never really resurfaced. The Focus has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty so I'd recommend that you take it back to the dealer and demand it get fixed. Sounds like you have a pretty lousy dealer.
#110 of 136 Re: Dissapointed owner [martinturner]
by explorerx4
May 02, 2007 (6:06 pm)
i am guessing you have an automatic transmission. what are the epa estimates? what is your typical type of driving? do you run the ac/defroster often?