Opinions on Ford Focus?

[GettinHeadStuds]

Do you own one?

Do you like it?

What model?

Any/all feedback appreciated.


P.S. I'm not selling the pcar, just need a more efficient commuter. Considering the hybrid Ford Escape also, Prius' are a 6 month wait.

[84porsche]

Don't own one, don't like it but that is primarily because it is to practical.

On the other hand, it can also be a tuner car. I would stick with the family, get a VW. You'll be more thankful. Get a Golf/GTI and if you get bored, add a few performance parts to it.

[84porsche]

By the way, nice new name. You should have kept your counter though. It shows your forum age.

[GettinHeadStuds]

I'll probably lease it, keep it stock, smoke cigs inside it (trash it). Not looking to tune or spend any money on it. Just looking for soemthing to get me here to there that is reliabile. Hmmmm, I'll check out the Golfs....1.8T weak...VR6 now we're talking...

New name? Yup... GrindingGears reached 911 posts, so I retired it.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

If you squint and look at the nameplate on the rear, it looks like "Ford feces".

[blogic]

not really into the focus....as 84 said...maybe a GTI would be nice?

are you looking within a price range or just a commuter car?

[ronin]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
If you squint and look at the nameplate on the rear, it looks like "Ford feces".

have you noticed that electric shavers are starting to look like modern cars?

[VaSteve]

My mom has one. It works OK for what it is, but feels a little flimsy in some places - notably the seats.

[Adam]

You guys get the US-built Focus. Here in Australia, we get the German-built model.

I had a 3-dr Zetec for a little while (through work) and it was a great little car. 5-speed, plenty of punch (for an econobox) and handled superbly.

I actually miss it a little bit...

[Britwrench]

Don't forget on lease cars that you WILL be charged for repairing excessive wear and tear.

[BGCarrera32]

Considering its been recalled like 9 times since it hit the market...

[joeclarke]

I have three - a wagon (unbelievable utility, comfort and driveability at this price), a three-door and a five-door.

The wagon is a daily driver. The teenagers get the other two.

We first encountered these little gems is europe, as soon as they appeared here we started to stock up. The wagon is closing on 60K - with no rattles, squeaks or driveability issues. I've messed with it a bit (throttle body, chip, intake, euro body mods, etc).

Go only with Zetec, avoid automatics at all costs and you have one great car for very little cash. Without a doubt the best value I have ever owned in four wheels.

You've gotta Porsche to impress the neighbors with - why spend big coin on some other status symbol?

[GettinHeadStuds]

Thanks for the feedback gents.

Originally posted by joeclarke
Go only with Zetec, avoid automatics at all costs

I hope to test drive a couple of them this weekend, but why aviod an automatic? Under powered? Is the zetec just an engine upgrade? the three doors all come with a 2.0L right?

[You've gotta Porsche to impress the neighbors with - why spend big coin on some other status symbol?

I wish my porsche was impressive.

[joeclarke]

Yeah - these things come with two engine configs an SPI and the Zetec. But I think most versions above the base model have the super dependable Zetec. The 2005's will have the duratech in place of the Zetec. I shouldn't really mouth off about the SPI (split port injected) - I don't own one. The difference between the SPI and Zetec isn't huge (15-20 hp?), but the Zetec is just more fun.

As to the automatics - they just suck too much of the spirit out of a car like the focus AFAIC, but again that's just a personal perspective. All of mine are manuals, and that was partly to force the kids to start with a manual tranny. But Focuses with manual trannys seem hard to come by whenever I go looking - so I guess most people disagree with me.

If you do pickup a Zetec Focus slap a "focussport" throttle body on it. They install in about 30 minutes and greatly improve the drive quality.

focussport site

BTW - These things have been on the Car & Driver " Top Ten list for about 90 years in a row now. Plus there's a ton of aftermarket stuff out there - even a Jackson Racing SC kit!

I sound like I work for the company for gosh sake!

Really, I don't.

[GettinHeadStuds]

Joe, thanks for the information...

Cheers!

[techweenie]

I've seen a 'set up' Focus ZX3 do pretty well at the track...

[GettinHeadStuds]

Originally posted by techweenie
I've seen a 'set up' Focus ZX3 do pretty well at the track...

That kind of what sparked my interest in them...actually the WRC (world rally championship) Focus did...i figure Ford has spent a lot of research dollars behind this car....

[vash]

if i had to get a beater new car. i cant believe i am even going to type this. i would get a corolla S. i bet that sucker would go forever.

but if i could buy one, without a doubt i would get a diesel VW. pull up to a big ol truck stop, and fill the car up in about 12 seconds. haha. but i admit, i bet it is gutless.

[JTO]

Cliff,
The TDI VWs are pretty peppy. My '99 Jetta though was a POS. It stranded my family once, 70 miles from the nearest dealer. I had it in the shop 6 times for glow plugs, a starter solenoid, MAF, etc, all in the space of four months. Nice car, when it was running.
Troy

[GettinHeadStuds]

I just drove a 2004 Focus 5 door 2.3 liter. Not a porsche but felt pretty tight. It met and slightly exceeded my expectations. I'm going to have to drive some other cars and make an honest comparison.

Thanks for the feedback dudes