- sedan 136,499
- 5,995 overpriced
- Barton, MD
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 136,499 gasoline manual
2002 ford focus review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. New zx5 adds more practicality to the fun. introductionford focus is the world's best-selling car. It's also one of the most enjoyable compacts in its price range. It's fun, it's practical. the focus has won safety kudos from the federal government. The svt engine, however, comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. sedans are the most popular of the focus models. The sedan is available in three trim levels: entry-level lx 12,845), an upgraded se 14,350), and the 130-horsepower zts 15,355). three-door hatchback models are available in zx3 trim or the high-performance svt model. The zx3 12,470) is a sport compact, and comes with all the requisite hardware: the 130-horsepower twin-cam engine, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and fog lights. Its wild styling makes the hatchback look sportier and even more distinctive than the sedan. Power windows, mirrors and locks, and keyless entry are now available 740), along with optional cruise control. wagons are available in se and ztw trim. Se 16,640) se comes standard with the 130-horsepower dohc zetec engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. New for 2002 is the ztw wagon 17,735), billed as an enthusiast's sport wagon; ztw comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, and a six-disc in-dash cd changer. Zx5 comes standard with the 130-horsepower zetec engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, six-disc in-dash cd changer and much more. also new for 2002 is the focus svt 17,505). Based on the three-door zx3, it has been modified by ford's special vehicle team (svt) to produce 170 horsepower. Svt boasts a getrag six-speed manual transmission, svt-tuned suspension, special trim including a rear spoiler, and more. Only about 7500 will be made, all for north america. ford's advancetrac 1225) vehicle dynamics system is on the option list for all focus models. Described below, advancetrac includes rear disc brakes and traction control, but requires ordering the optional anti-lock brakes 400). other optional safety equipment includes side-impact air bags 350). Cruise control is also an option. walkaroundford's new edge styling features tidy creases that define intersecting arcs. large pie-section headlamps give the front end a distinctive appearance. Several models have fog lamps in the grille opening below the front bumper. There's a similar, but smaller opening above the bumper that houses the turn signals. Both are outlined by arcs. The front and rear fenders are highlighted with geometric curves creased into the sheetmetal. the roofline is highly arched, particularly noticeable when parked next to another car. The roofline is truncated just aft of the rear axle line. Wedge-shaped tail lamps set in the c-pillars enliven an otherwise plain rear end of the zx3 and zx5. Ford claims the tail lamps are more noticeable in that location and reduce repair costs in minor accidents. However, the sedan and wagon have conventionally placed tail lamps, so we'll accept the unique shape and location as distinctive and effective styling. lower bodyside pvc coating provides protection from stone dings on all models, and the underbody gets pvc coating as well. Clearcoat paint is standard across the board. zx3 and lx have black rather than body-color bodyside protective molding, but this is offset on the zx3 by black rocker panels. The door handles on all models are black as well. The door handles on black cars blends in, but black also masks the distinctive lines of the focus that are accentuated by the brighter colors. interiorthe focus is designed from the inside out for maximum interior space within the confines of a compact body. Elevated seating height provides more comfortable legroom. the front seats are cushy comfy, well bolstered for side support. The seats have an exceptionally high hip point, 20 inches above the ground. The advantages of this seating include a better view down the road, plus more effective leg room front and rear, and it takes advantage of the high roofline with headroom for the long and tall. It also makes entry and exit easier. The manual height adjustment on the zx3 allows almost everyone to find a comfortable position behind the wheel and an easy arm's length away from the manual shifter. ford's new edge styling extends to the interior. The dash is a collection of arcs, the instrument panel covered by an asymmetrically curved and sharply creased bezel. The fuel gauge has a small arrow pointing to the right, denoting on which side the filler is located, appreciated by those of us who drive a number of cars, have bad memories or both. a 7000-rpm tachometer flanks a 140-mph speedometer in the zx5. Both instruments are round and easily readable, clearly marked with white numerals on black, though the tach has no redline. the center dash panel is formed by an arc that sweeps upward across the dash to the right side of the car and an inverted parabola. In the zx5, zts, and ztw it's finished in brushed aluminum instead of black. The radio fits into the top of this area and includes a six-disc cd player, but no cassette player. Snuggled into the top left is a 12-volt power outlet and trinket tray where the cigarette lighter and ash tray formerly were. Circular ventilation controls, less frequently accessed, fit below the radio and are styled in the new edge theme, with buttons styled to fit the room available. the trunk release, on the left end of the dash, is triangular as well, shaped to fit into the intersection of the arcs outlining the instrument panel. with its asymmetrical design, the interior looks both informal and rich at the same time. Control knobs all have distinctive shapes for easy identification. Rotary controls are rubberized for pleasing soft-touch operation. The steering wheel on the zx5 is leather-covered and satisfying to touch. Even the plastics used on the dash and door panels have a finger-friendly soft-touch feel. Once there, rear-seat riders have lots of legroom, thanks to widely spaced runners under the front seats, plus adult-sized head and shoulder room. Fold the back seat of the zx3 or zx5 and there's 18. 5 cubic feet of cargo space (yes, for either) and a big door for access. The versatility of the hatchback design is lost on many americans, who prefer the more formal sedan profile with its conventional trunk. But hatchbacks are making a comeback in america, and the design is hugely popular among europeans for its practicality. focus wagons offer the largest cargo capacity in their class. Fold the rear seats down and there's 55. 8 cubic feet of cargo capacity or 37. 5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. driving impressionbehind the wheel, the ford focus is an enjoyable car. The 130-horsepower engine answers a heavy foot with surprisingly rapid acceleration, a benefit of a lightweight car with well-developed torque characteristics. Fully 80 percent of the engine's maximum torque is available from idle to 6000 rpm; peak torque of 135 foot-pounds comes at 4500 rpm. Making the zx3 even more satisfying to drive is ford's excellent control of noise, vibration and harshness in this engine. In the zx3, we noted that the clutch take-up is good and easy to modulate. Shifting into first gear reveals a rubbery feel to the linkage of the long-shafted shifter. Left in drive, it operates like a conventional american automatic. That is to say it's as dependable as sunrise, but not as exciting. It does have an overdrive-off button, plus d2 and d1 slots, but it lacks the sporty feel and effect of the manual gearbox. Also, fuel economy drops from an epa-rated 33 mpg on the highway with the manual to 31 mpg with the automatic. still, the zx5 doesn't act like an economy car. Anti-lock Brakes✔ Tachometer✔ Power Windows✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Player✔ CD Changer✔ Alloy Wheels
5,995 Barton, MDBarton, MD at autoshopper.com