2004 Ford Focus ZX3 review from North America
"Engine Runs great, but the rear end is junk"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear stabilizer bar comes from the factory set wrong.
General comments?
The zx3 handles and runs great for the first 10k to 15k.
After about 15k the rear end starts to feel loose.
Ford has a 'silent' recall on it as they say 'some' of the zx3's are set wrong.
The dealership did make sure to tell me to rotate my tires every six thousand miles, which is a great idea if you own a tire dealership, It ruined 4 tires instead of just 2.
I checked my vin with Ford itself and nothing came up as there being any problems or listed recalls.
I am now past the 3/36k warranty and into the worthless 100k drive train warranty.
Neither Ford or the dealership I purchased the car from did anything to notify me, I had to go in there angry and complaining before they gave me the "oh yeah now I remember" crap.
I have gone through 3 sets of rear tires on this car now and have had it. If this is how Ford backs their products I am washing my hands of them.
If you own one and are noticing the rear tires slanting out at the bottom, tilting like an A frame house in other words, take it back in now and demand they fix it.
The tires will start to look like someone twisted them and then the handling goes to pot.
Recommended reviews
| Sporty and roomy at a great price! |
|
| I would not recommend buying a focus! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2004 |
| Year of manufacture | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 51000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Daytona |
| Date of Entry | 20th April, 2005 |