Im in the process of researching a 02-05 Focus (Sedan) for my kid, and need some guidance from experienced Focus owners. Im very excited to take on this customization project with my daughter. I'm reliving my teenage years .
I'd like to hear a few recommendations regarding buying 02-05 (SE, ZX4, SES, etc) and what model is best price/performace and most reliable? What would you do differently if you were to buy another Focus?
I want add an aftermarket suspension/intake/exhaust, and would love to hear comments on various manufacturers, there seem to be quite a few with a varying difference in price range.
I appreciate all your responses, it will save me a ton of research, and unforseen mistakes! Thx.
Last edited on Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 06:29 am by ReconNoSense
There are basically 2 cars to consider. The ZETEC and the PZEV. The ZETEC are earlier models, (I have one of these, an '02). IME there are more modifications available for these cars than there are the newer '04 and up models. The difference between the two cars is mostly the engine. The PZEV, although I've never driven one, is said to be smoother, has more power & torque, while getting the same mileage. A new body style came out beginning in '05, and it's generally considered by Focus afficianados to be less attractive than the earlier models.
The '02 - 04 cars have a dizzying array of body kits available, as well as tons of engine mods. Some of the most popular bolt ons are intakes, exhaust, underdrive pulleys, cam gears, throttle bodies, motor mounts, short shifters. wheels, etc. Then you can proceed to cams, heads, headers, turbos, superchargers, etc.
There are many suspension mods for both cars. The one I like the best is the Ford Focus SVT suspension. The SVT was a special model Focus, that's no longer being built. The suspension lowers the car a bit, and improves what is already great handling, without adversly affecting ride. Eibach & others also have full suspension kits as well as coil overs.
You'll have fun. IMO, the ZETECs are a little sleepy & constricted in their stock form. They just need to be woken up. Just a few bolt-ons like an intake, underdrive pulleys & a cat-back exhaust will really surprise you.
The Focus is a terrific handling car, even without suspension mods. Frankly, it's a lousy drag race car, although that doesn't mean it's hopelessly slow. It does best when used as a "momentum" car on tight tracks. There's tons of room in it, & it makes a great, comfy, daily driver. If you get a 5 spd, expect around 30-32 mpg.
Strong points of the car are running gear, esp. the transmission (5spd), which is very stout.
Weak points are various electronic sensors, which don't cost a lot, but may drive you nutz! I haven't had any problem with these in 50K, but many other posters have.
My car is an '02 ZETEC hatchback.. Important mods include: headers, cat back exhaust, Ford Racing stage II clutch, short shifter, intake, underdrive pulley, motor mounts, throttle body, and some porting & polishing done by a local speed shop. and wheels. I have done some very minor cosmetic mods as well. I've done very well by this car. It's a blast to drive, & I can always count on 32 mpg. On a trip 2 weeks ago, I averaged 35.5 mpg. That's virtually 100% freeway driving for 600+ miles. At the local drag strips, the car has been running high 15s.
Hope this answers some of your questions. Please come back, post more, ask more questions. This is a smallish, but very knowledgable & friendly group of people on this board.
Last edited on Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 02:26 pm by Mr. Versatile
____________________ If you can't read this, you're illiterate.
Mr. V has pretty much covered all the angles. I myself share the same feelings about the new stlye (05-06) I'm just not as impressed with the cosmetic changes, now as far as under the hood goes I think there has been some improvments. Any questions you have can be answered. I could go into what mods are the best for you money but lets see what motor you get first. If you want to look at a good site for parts check out http://www.newedgeperformance.com
If I was to do over my purchast and make it a sedan I would get an 04 ZTS modle with the 2.3L PZEV(Duratec) engine. The only year (besides the 05 ST) that put a 2.3L in the sedan. Dasicle if you like the older look than the 04 ZTS if you like the newer look the 05 ST.
Up to 04 the Sedans were labeld as such:
no labeling = SPI engine (SOHC) and should be avoided IMO do to lack of power
LX = SPI engine and manual everything
SE = SPI or Zetec engine and can have power options or not. Kind of a custom thing here were ford or the buyer added certian packages while leaaving some off. An SE can be equiped like a LX or like a ZTS.
ZTS = Zetec engine and power everything, chrom hatch strip and rear deck lid wing.
In 05 the badging is a bit more simple. All sedans are ZX4's. The trim line changed from LX SE ZTS to S SE SES ST. All have the same engine and drive train (differant with auto or 5 speed of course) except the ST model. The ST is the top of the line Sedan (the hatches and wagons only go up to SES). The ST has a 2.3L Duratec(PZEV or non-PZEV) and a 5 speed transmission only. THe ST is also decked out with all the bels and whistles.
The Zetec or Duratec motor should suit you fine in the 2.0L version (Duratec has like 5-HP and 5-Torque more than the Zetec). The Duratec's respont better to bolt on mods than the Zetec. Both can stand to gain more power but the design of the Duratec, looking from a performance building side, is just a better platform to start with. but there is a huge aftermarket for the Zetec and as well with the Duratec. also FYI the 2.3L Duratec was first installed into the Ranger in 00 or 01 and slight modifications were made for Focus application. Both motors (Zetec & Duratec) have about the same amount of history although the Zetec was is in the Escort starting around 98 (I think???)
Well, looks like there's loads of info here, but I'd like to add, from experience:
I owned a 2k2 ZX3 (hatch) w/ the 2.0 Zetec and I loved it. Sadly, she was thrown into a guardrail and taken from me at a young age.
I now have a 2k3 ZX3 2.3 Duratec PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions) - this is the car for me! It may have a larger sized engine, but this car has some reduction in weight with the all aluminum block engine. It typically comes with the 100k mile Power Train warranty and is transferable to the new owner...just be certain that you ask for that to be done if avail.
The retail average to purchase my car in excellent condition would be in the $10k range, but I'd talk them down lower, depending on the mileage no more than $8k.
I highly recommend you check out Edmunds.com as well for insight into the pricing and other options.
My 2k3 PZEV is loaded - pwr windows, locks, moonroof & came with the Audiophile system (which was what went into the SVT models) They also come with an optional mp3 player and an excellent stock sound system.
I prefer the hatches myself due to the extra space - I've managed to haul a lot with my hatches and love them. A sedan has a higher safety rating in a rearend crashowever...and as you are a dad, I'm sure that's something that is tops on your list.
As I have now been in two focus wrecks where the cars were totalled and I walked away untouched, I would definitely say that these are VERY safe cars. My cars include the side impact airbags as well as both in front. My 2k3 has ABS - which I personally don't care for because I grew up in RWD muscle cars and like the control I have without the ABS, but it's a good thing to have.
Also, as noted, there are a ton of mods avail. for the Pre 2005 models and now the market is getting more for the newer models, but Pre-2005 would be my way to go for a nice used car. with the 2.3, you can throw just a couple of bolt ons and get quite a noticeable improvement in speed and response.
Hope to hear back fromyou when you buy - we'd love to have another member!
best of luck!
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
Sorry to be off topic, but what intake are you running now, Mr. V?
The Zetec cars (the 00-04 ZTS) have far more potential for modification than the newer models with the Duratec or PZEV engines. I'm currently building my 2nd Focus street racer, an '01 ZX3 (hatchback). I also own an '06 ZX3 and an '06 ZX4 (well, OK, the ZX4 is my wife's). And previously owned another '01 ZX3 (ProjectFocusFast) which was my little street racer. Ran 15.9 with just an intake and exhaust, and a gutted interior
Like Mr. V said, they're not the fastest things on the road but they are a hell of a lot of fun to drive. I wouldn't have bought more of them if I didn't love them! The newer ones feel sluggish down low, but have a strong midrange.
One thing to look for is a manual. That autotragic slopbox isn't going to get you anywhere in a hurry. I can't even get my wife's ZX4 to do a decent burnout! Plus, the auto's are a lot weaker and prone to problems.
____________________ Project FocusFast
'06 ZX3- Intake, exhaust, mount
'01 ZX3- Salvaged, SOLD
'01 ZX3- Repo'd several years ago
'80 RX7 SA- Where the f*** did THAT come from?
ProjectFocusFast wrote: One thing to look for is a manual. That autotragic slopbox isn't going to get you anywhere in a hurry. I can't even get my wife's ZX4 to do a decent burnout! Plus, the auto's are a lot weaker and prone to problems. They call them "granny tranies" for a reason
I managed to get a chirp after extensive brake-torquing
High-RPM clutch drop FTW.
____________________ Project FocusFast
'06 ZX3- Intake, exhaust, mount
'01 ZX3- Salvaged, SOLD
'01 ZX3- Repo'd several years ago
'80 RX7 SA- Where the f*** did THAT come from?
Thx for the replies, they have been very informative. It will take me about a month before I settle in on a purchase. I will be sure to get back to the fourm once I've made a decision.
Speaking of burnouts....Here is my favorite..."on the way to the tire store!"
Well you deffinitly picked the right car to research....not only is it a good price...but its also safe and reliable on gas to.
Ive owned a total of two focuses, My first one a lady born in 1929 ran a stop sign and totaled my car...i paid 14,500 for...let alone i dont rember what happend...but i walked away without a scratch a only two things i rember...sliding all the way across the road into the grass and the airbag hitting me in the face. The estimate damage at the scene was 10,000...they where close...the insurance company totaled it at 13,000. The worst part to me was realizing how much damage happend after i went to visit my car. The front end was done...i cant figure out how to describe it. It was just screwed basically. Everything in front end had to be replaced...the driver door wouldnt shut and you has to force it open...the windshield was cracked on the drver side in several pieces.
Yet when the check came in the mail...i was so pleasesd with the reliability of it. I went out 2 days later and purchased another focus...let alon my dad gave me 282 dollars but still the fact stands...Im pleased with Ford and their production...and im sticking to them. I use to want a Mitsibishi but not anymore.
My original reason for getting a focus is just to Put Hondas in their place.
But little did i know i was going to become a Ford Fan.
You picked a Hell of a car to look into.
Everyday im inpressed with my baby...and i wouldnt trade it for the world.
anyway, duratec all the way. it responds really well to all kinds of bolt ons and it's lighter. the engine bay setup makes more sense. i think it's just a better design. my 2.3 has more power and gets better gas milage than the ztec even with the mods i put on it. i think it's the best place to start.
____________________ 04 ZY ZX3/2.3L PZEV/K&N Typhoon CAI/FS race exaust/SVT suspension/black 18" L8 rims/FS front stress bar/steeda STS/black projector LED headlights (HID)/black alteza taillights/smoked side markers/euro upper front grille/euro LED 3rd brake lights/
i have a 05 zx4 sedan,,,i love this car,,its awsome,,,ive done a whole list of mods to it,,aint touched the engine due to warrenty but im about to start on that next,,,it comes with a duratec engine made by mazda,,,but of course ford owns them so,,,anyways the duratec is the best engine so far in these cars besides the svt engine,,,but they cost alot and the duratec is in all new models and some of the older models,,,03 i believe they started useing them as an option,but now there in all models,,, but to me and in my opnion i say the newer models with the duratec are the best buy and ive gotten 65k on my focus and never had an engine problem at all YET,,,i did install a CAI on it and a 65mm focus central TB,,,but no other engine mods,,i think the 65mm TB was ok but not worth the money,,,it did pick up some pep from the standard model TB.....i have all kinda custom mods and if u want u can write me and i will explain more,,thanks
put a 65mm TB on that 06 and u will notice some throttle difference on take off,,,,i promise u that,,,,then im pretty sure u will think different about the duratec
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