Vehicle: 2002 Ford Focus ZX5 stick with sunroof but no ControlTrac/ABS package

Performance: The Focus feels more than adequate with its Zetec 2.0 that has 130hp and 135 lb/ft of torque. It feels responsive at bottom end while the top-end doesn’t feel too shabby either. Going 100 km/h @ 2600 rpm is quite a surprise considered this engine is not any sorts of V6 or V8. The stick shift has nice gearing. The overall shifting is smooth and direct, clutch is progressive with proper “feel” without being too light. However, with Focus’s chassis. 30 more hp wouldn’t amess.

Handling: Focus’s most impressive aspect has to be its driving dynamics. There are plenty of feel through the thick leather-steering rim. The steering feels clean, crisp, precise and direct. The steering has proper weight. Just enough lightness for parking speed and weighty enough for high-speed driving. Suspension absorbs road surface relatively well. While the ride is typical European firm, it doesn’t sacifice the comfort. There’s right amount of understeer when pushed into corners but all controlled in a very linear fashion. Body rolls don’t feel significant considered the somewhat high driving position.

Brakes: The pedal has excellent feel. With ControlTrac, Focus is the first car in its class that has stability control.

Interior: The Focus ZX5 has basically every features you can imagine. Power door locks, mirrors and windows are all standard features. The radio and climate control knobs all placed on positions that a very ergonomically friendly. 3 large knobs for climate control and 2 large knobs for stereo volume/channel search. All the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Cruise control placed on the steering for easy access. All the switchgears have a high-quality feel although the aluminum trim looks a bit too shiny.

However, there’s a pet peeve in terms of adjusting the front seat height. Ford uses rotary instead of “push/pull” like other car manufacturers. That’s very annoying as you have to roll up and down using right hand while adjusting the height. Other than that, the driving position is easily found. The back seat space is on par with its competitors.

Conclusion: The Focus ZX5 is indeed a great little package. It looks nice, handles exceptionally well and its also got a spacious interior. That raised an interesting question considered its attractive price. Its direct rival, Mazda Protege5, is an equally great package, at the same price. What a tough choice.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5
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Performance: 3/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/built quality: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5