First introduced back in 1999 as a 2000-year model, the compact Focus hatchback might have been a disaster early on for Ford Motor Company in the import dominated segment of the market, but quality and affordability soon touched the hearts of first-time buyers everywhere.
The success of the Focus proves domestics can play the game just as smartly as the imports, including the strategy of infusing aftermarket hotrodability into the package.
For 2001, the Focus ZX3 continues to be tossable, agile, handsome, and spirited--a driver-friendly platform that is pocketbook cheap and loaded with thrills. Add on a few dealer installed options like four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels and the new AdvanceTrac system and you've got the makings of an all-around run-about that holds its own against higher-priced entries.
After logging literally thousands of miles on a ZX3, I'm still just as big of fan as I was the first day behind its wheel. Any arguments that the 2.0-liter could still use more power is quickly off-set by the creature comforts found within its cavernous interior--a cutting-edge styling that embodies the best of Europe's small-cars. Ford's Control Blade multi-link independent rear suspension and responsive rack-and-pinion steering enhance its handling.
There's no denying Ford Motor Company did its homework, and the results have put the Focus near the top of its class. --Larry Saavedra
Ford's Focus ZX3 is a driver's car, something that can't usually be said of cars in this price range. It's quick and competent, yet inexpensive and practical. It feels light on its feet, with lively response from highly assisted steering. Its suspension and brakes goad the enthusiast to push it hard into the corners, while Ford's Zetec engine delivers surprisingly strong torque for good acceleration performance.
One of the best features of the Focus is its low price. The ZX3 hatchback retails for $13,410 when delivered with air conditioning. Add ABS ($400) and side airbags ($350) and you're just above $14,000. Power windows and locks and keyless entry are now available for $740. A ZX3 loaded with all of the above, plus 16-inch alloys, is $15,200. You can add Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability program for another $1,225.
While price is good, another feature is practicality. Fold the rear seats down and you can haul loads of stuff--18.5 cubic feet of stuff--according to Ford's measure.
But no ride is great unless it performs. Ford's head product guy, Richard Parry-Jones, grew up racing through the hills of Wales, and graduated into rally cars. He likes to drive, and this car shows the influence he had on its development. The 2.0-liter twin-cam engine is smooth and quiet, but stand on it and it responds quickly. At 2,550 lbs, it's lighter than many compacts, and its powerband spreads torque across a wide spectrum. The rack-and-pinion steering is quick and handling is reasonably sharp with the 16-inch tires.
Other cars offer more performance, but they also add more expense. Take some of the money saved on a Focus, add some tuner hardware and you've got a hot car without the burning monthly payments. --Mitch McCullough
I got a great laugh as engineering editor Coleman and his techno-geek squad ran off at some ghastly, early-morning hour, to a racetrack halfway around the world, hoping to run cars like the Ford Focus through a gauntlet of tests.
I don't really care what this handsome hatch can do in the quarter mile. Skidpad and slalom runs hold as much significance as yesterday's lunch. I'm more interested in how much fun it is to drive, how many people it can hold, how much gear it can store and how cool it looks.
Given these parameters, the Ford Focus rules. Nevermind the fact that it's the least expensive car on SCC's annual list--the car behaves like one of Europe's finest thoroughbreds, blending kick-ass handling with handsome looks and damn near perfect ergonomics. It's obvious the Focus was designed by people who love to drive.
I've been a fan of Ford's European progeny since owning a V6 Capri, a Mekur and a six-month lease of an Escort Cosworth--so if I appear opinionated, that's why. Jumping behind the wheel of the Focus was like meeting an old friend. The controls are intuitively arranged and the seats are wonderfully supportive. Whoever developed the shift linkage should be knighted--the damn thing rocks, featuring a perfect weight and good throws. Visibility is another fine characteristic of the Focus--no funky blind spots or difficult angles--just lots of glass with a clear view.
Putting four real humans in a Focus is entirely possible, although from the outside, it appears impossible--I'd say it was magic, but after spending the better part of a day carting my wife's genetically challenged cousins around, it was more like hell. Why did it have to be so damn big back there?
The Focus proved to be a fine handling car, although its choice of rubber was dreadful (Eagle RS-As--affectionately called "screaming eagles"). Despite the nasty tires, the Focus rewards spirited driving with excellent feedback--there's a sensation of "connection" with the road usually reserved for cars that cost twice as much.
The Zetec engine stands apart from the others on this list. It's a stump-puller, that's not happy when wrung out, but I like it all the same. The Focus is one of the few cars that could actually use another 100 hp--used wisely--the chassis is that good.
Should Ford find an extra set of Focus keys lying around, throw them my way. I'd visit those chaps at Cosworth, build a giant-killer and use the extra money to pay for all the speeding tickets.--Les Bidrawn