2002 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2002 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $12,470 -$17,930
- Invoice: $11,752 -$16,776
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Our road test for the 2002 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2002 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
The 110- and 130-hp engines provide only adequate power for highway merging or climbing long grades, even with manual transmission. With manual transmission, test ZX5 did 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec, ZTS in 9.4. Haven't yet tested an SVT with its 170-hp engine. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap, but is not a big detriment in everyday use.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Extended-use test ZTS with manual transmission averaged 26.5 mpg over 12,037 mi. Manual-transmission ZX5 averaged 25.1 mpg with slightly more city driving. With automatic transmission, a ZTS averaged 23.2, an SE wagon 24.1, and a ZX3 24.4.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
All versions have a firm suspension and a flat highway ride. Bumps register with a thump, as in many European cars, but their impact seldom disturbs the cabin. Models with 14-inch wheels ride softest.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Impressive for a small car. Linear, communicative steering, well-controlled body lean, good grip. Braking with ABS is stable and fairly swift. Designed to prevent sideways skids by selectively applying any brake automatically, the antiskid system is a boon to safety and somewhat rare in this class. We recommend it, but while the option does include useful ABS and traction control, it costs $1625, a hefty tab on an "economy" car.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Noticeable wind rush around front side windows. Ragged engine note at high rpm. Fifteen-inch tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Controls are conspicuous and smooth-working, air ducts prominent, and air conditioner operates in all vent modes. Some testers annoyed that driver seat not aligned squarely with steering wheel. Cabin materials and workmanship generally good, though some test cars suffered poor-fitting interior panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Occupants sit comfortably upright on chairlike cushions, and get outstanding head room. Stirrup-type exterior door handles and large door frames assist entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.2 |
Good head room and more leg clearance than in most subcompacts. Two-dr models have difficult rear-seat entry exit. It's easier on sedans and wagons, though their rear doors should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 3.3 |
All body types, wagon in particular, have generous cargo holds with low liftovers. ZX5 hatchback design is versatile and eminently sensible. Sedan's trunklid uses strut-type hinges that don't intrude into the luggage area. Standard split folding rear seatbacks are a nice feature, and wagons and hatchbacks have corresponding split seat cushions. But sedans have a one-piece rear-seat cushion, so folding either seatback section requires the entire cushion to be flopped forward. That limits passenger-carrying ability.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 4.7 |
Though not as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, Focus offers generous subcompact passenger and cargo room. It's fun to drive, too, despite timid (non SVT) engines. Prices are competitive, though our test ZX5 stickered for just over $18,000. As Focus sales show signs of decline, the 2002 addition of the ZX5 hatchback and SVT performance model demonstrate Ford's attempt to broaden the line's appeal.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZX5, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 59 | 59 | 53 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Compact Cars
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