2002 Ford Focus Review
2002 Ford Focus Review
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Used Focus for sale
Appraise This CarFord Focus model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Thoughtful ergonomics, large interior, smooth ride, sharp steering, impressive selection of body configurations and features.
Cons
- Seats aren't comfortable for everyone, polarizing styling.
What’s new
Four new Focus models debut for 2002: the ZX5 five-door hatchback, the well-equipped ZTW wagon, the sport-tuned SVT hatchback and the Mach Audio ZTS. No matter what Focus you pick in 2002, a power moonroof can now be ordered. The high-end ZTS Sedan loses its standard ABS and crummy fake wood dash trim while gaining a rear spoiler. An in-dash six-disc CD changer is standard on ZX5, ZTS and ZTW but optional on all other Foci except the LX Sedan.
Edmunds says
The 2002 Ford Focus is a wonderful small car that's fun to drive, frugal with fuel and offered in such a wide variety of configurations it would be hard not to find one that suits your needs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$161/mo for Focus ZX3
Focus ZX3
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
"Smart design and spirited driving" were the guiding forces behind the development of the Focus. Targeted to be the volume leader in Ford sales worldwide, the Focus is a highly evolved compact car with "New Edge" styling, a roomy interior and excellent road manners.
Ford offers the Focus in four body styles: a three-door ZX3 hatchback, a new five-door ZX5 hatchback, a sedan and a wagon. The sedan can be ordered in one of three trim levels, starting with the base LX model and going up to the mid-level SE and highline ZTS trim. Wagons are available in SE or new-for-2002 ZTW trim. For the three door hatchback, a new Mach Audio ZTS version is available, which features a 460-watt audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a silver-faced instrument cluster and special interior trim pieces. The Mach Audio ZTS also comes with a chrome-tipped exhaust, six-spoke, machined-aluminum wheels, xenon headlamps (a first for the Focus) and MACH Audio badging to distinguish it as a limited edition. It will be available in CD Silver, Liquid Grey and a MACH Audio-exclusive Mandarin Copper.
For safety, the Focus utilizes standard driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors, and optional side airbags. A three-point safety belt for the center rear seat is standard, as are child safety seat anchor points and automatic locking retractor rear outboard seatbelts. NHTSA crash test scores are very good for a small car.
The base drivetrain for LX models is a 2.0-liter 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. This same drivetrain is standard in SE sedans, but ZTS sedans, along with wagons and hatchbacks, get a more powerful 130-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. A four-speed automatic is optional. Both engines provide adequate power, though the higher-output motor is the clear choice for enthusiasts.
Still not enough? Then maybe you should consider the SVT Focus. Based on the ZX3, this hot hatch puts out 170 horsepower and is equipped with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. The SVT Focus also comes with 17-inch wheels, oversized four-wheel disc brakes and a tuned suspension keep it glued to the road. Special equipment that comes standard on the SVT Focus includes a power seat height adjuster, side airbags, heated outside mirrors, fatter front seat side bolsters for improved lateral support, rear head restraints in all positions, titanium-faced electro-luminescent gauges with 160-mph speedo and added oil temp and pressure gauges.
Regardless of trim, the Focus offers a smooth ride quality and above-average handling ability. The four-wheel fully independent suspension allows for noticeable body roll while cornering, but the Focus stays planted and inspires confidence. The steering system is surprisingly quick, fluid and responsive, always providing plenty of feedback from the road surface.
Ford is serious about retaining its share of the worldwide subcompact market. The Focus reflects not only the company's dedication to this goal, but also its ability to make solid, practical transportation for the 21st century.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Focus.
5 star(47%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(2%)
312 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
2002 Ford Focus ZX5
CarMan, 04/10/2010
2002 Ford Focus ZX5 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I have owned several cars in my life and drive more than the average. My Focus had its first repair at 112,000 miles needing a sensor replaced. Other than tires, and brakes, and oil changes this car has been an amazing one and I would not hesitate to buy another. Gas mileage is also incredible, tires are inexpensive, and the seats are more comfortable than in my Jag.
4.25 out of 5 stars
one of the best cars i've owned
ford_351, 08/09/2012
2002 Ford Focus SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
When I was 16 my parents gave me a 2002 Focus Wagon SE they had since brand new at 154k miles. Me being dumb at the time and still in Highschool, I beat the living hell out of it on the back roads like nobody would believe and it just kept going and going. Timing belt finally went and then the motor was toast. That's the only major problem with these cars if you have the 2.0 DOHC engine, … you HAVE to replace the timing belt every 70k miles.
4 1/2 years later I'm a mechanic and happend to come across another 02 Focus again for a price I couldn't pass up. With 192k miles this car runs / drives so smooth and quiet I couldn't believe it. Just replaced the timing belt today for peace of mind.
5 out of 5 stars
Great car! Very practical and fun to drive.
John McIlnay, 12/17/2016
2002 Ford Focus ZTW 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Early Ford Focus wagons (2002-2004) are hidden gems. There are well-made, fun to drive, get good gas mileage, and have a huge caring capacity, especially when the backseats are folded down. I've owned mine for seven years and over 100,000 miles. I record every fill up and over that time I've averaged 27 miles per gallon. That includes mostly city driving and also Illinois winter … conditions. On road trips I've gotten 30 MPG. I've had almost 20 cars and the Focus wagon, all things considered, has been the best.
4.5 out of 5 stars
6 Year owner and active forum member
nosstang, 12/24/2012
2002 Ford Focus SVT 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
This was my first car at 16 and I still own it today. As you can imagine a 16 year old with a modified SVT focus tends to think he is Ken Block... So my focus has had alot of abuse and I feel my review has some merit for a daily driven and hooned focus
The car has never left me stranded but requires some timely maintenance.
Common repairs for this car other then wear and tear. … Thermostat housing, The car would IDLE at 2k when first started. Had ford re flash the ECU with a updated control map and fixed the problem (common and known problem)
My odd issues. Ignition Coil would cut off #4 cylinder. Thus replaced with aftermarket MSD.
Wheel Bearing, cracked control arm. Engine mounts wear
2002 Focus Highlights
Wagon
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $163/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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