2002 FORD Focus Z ZX5
Finally! The best model of the Focus line makes it to the US. The 5 door hatchback has been the most popular model in Europe for years. And Ford was always afraid to sell it in the US. Because of that strange idea they have that Americans don't like hatchbacks.

The success of the 3 door ZX3 proved them wrong.
I have had the pleasure to sample this new model, after seeing it in Europe at dealerships.

My first impression was that some of the interior trims and plastics are not of the same grade as the cars sold in Europe. It is there, almost a midsize car, and can be quite costly. But here it is marketed as a compact, and has to be very affordable.

But the difference is not as much as it was between the European Mondeo and the US Contour.

The US interior, although similar, was made of much cheaper plastics.

H Here is a picture of the European Focus Ghia, with more wood and chrome door handles.

Here is what we've been missing: tons of space in a small package. Is that so wrong?

Even without folding the back seat, there is quite a lot of room for all kind of stuff.

And it drives very nice. One of my favorite thing about the Focus is the ride. It is very smooth, even in the ZX3 which has a shorter wheel base.

The Focus feels very solid on the road, and is always very smooth, which makes it feel like a much larger, and more substantial car.

I never got that feeling driving a Civic or a Corolla.
Although not as luxurious as the European model, the ZX5 cabin is very nice, and still looks more modern than its competition.

You can even get leather in the 5 door, just like in the sedan. But you get the brushed aluminum finish of the ZX3, and NOT the ugly fake wood from the sedan.

AND! You can choose an interior other than grey/black. You can get a tan interior unavailable in the ZX3.

The only engine is the 2 liter from the ZX3. While not very powerful, it'll take care of most situations. But it tends to get noisy if you push it, even just a little. Cruising on the freeway though, was very quiet.

No matter what, this is not a sporty car. But it has a very nice steering and brakes.

I noticed on the car that I was driving, that the transmission would not downshift quickly. Which can be annoying when you want to pass.
Here it is again. More space than some "midsize" SUVs.

And it starts at $15 645. And it's loaded with sunroof, leather and ABS for about $2000 more. It already comes with power everything and a 6 disc in dash CD changer.

But there are rumors of a larger (2.3 liter) engine, and a new front end next year.

And Ford has had some really bad quality problems lately, including first year Focuses. So, check out owners forums on the net, and prices at places like Carsdirect before you buy.

The quality of the one I drove was very good, the car was tight with no rattles.
The Focus ZX5 should be on you shopping list if you consider any compact car. It drives great, is very roomy, good looking, and quite fun to drive.

But the long term quality might not be as high as the japanese competition. That competition includes:

- Mazda Protégé 5 door hatchback. With ugly "side skirts" and pretty noisy engine.

_ Honda Civic SI. Only 3 doors. No automatic and a high revving engine (useless around town). But good looking and very high quality.

_ 2003 Toyota Matrix. We'll have to wait for that one. But looks promising.

_ 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Made by Toyota. Same as Matrix.

_ Chrysler PT Cruiser. The ultimate. Great looking, well built, quiet. Not that expensive , and, it seems, no more delay to get one.

Find out more HERE

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