2002 Ford Focus Review
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By John Matras

Overview

Ford 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. It has earned awards from several magazines. And it is the only car to have earned European Car of the Year and the North American Car of the Year awards.

Its New Edge styling has helped the Focus stand out from the crowd whether in hatchback, sedan or wagon format.

Two new models have debuted for 2002, the Focus ZX5 and the Focus SVT.

Model Lineup

Ford Focus comes in four body styles: three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon. All ride on the same 103-inch wheelbase.

Three 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available: a 110-horsepower single overhead-cam; a 130-horsepower double overhead-cam Zetec; and a 170-horsepower high-performance SVT version of the twin-cam engine tuned by Ford's Special Vehicle Team.

For most models, there's a choice of five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission. 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. A four-speed automatic is standard, with a five-speed manual optional.

New for 2002 is the ZX5 ($15,730) five-door hatchback. It's a cross between a four-door wagon and a coupe, with four doors and a tapered rear roofline leading to a rear hatch. 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.