What comes to mind when you think of a 2000 Ford Focus SE? Let’s hear it.
At least it came with a normal automatic transmission. That’s something.
Riley said:
At least it came with a normal automatic transmission. That’s something.
The ZX3 or ZX5 with a manual transmission is where it’s at. Honestly, not that far off from my 2014 manual Focus.
@Sterling
I’ve got a 2016 Focus with the 5-speed manual. 150k miles, original clutch, no issues. Teaching my 16-year-old how to drive it now.
Olen said:
@Sterling
I’ve got a 2016 Focus with the 5-speed manual. 150k miles, original clutch, no issues. Teaching my 16-year-old how to drive it now.
Same here, but I’m only at 110k. Not a single problem so far, and it’s been 10 years.
@Sterling
I had a 2000 wagon with an automatic and a 2004 ZX5 manual. The wagon’s transmission blew two months in and took the engine with it. They replaced both. The ZX5 was a dream to drive until electrical issues and a dead clutch ended things in 2009.
@Neve
Taught my oldest how to drive manual on the ZX5. Such a smooth car to drive.
@Neve
How’d you burn out the clutch in just five years?
Sterling said:
@Neve
How’d you burn out the clutch in just five years?
Teaching my kid definitely didn’t help, but it also had almost 185k miles on it.
Sterling said:
@Neve
How’d you burn out the clutch in just five years?
Teaching my kid definitely didn’t help, but it also had almost 185k miles on it.
Ah, makes sense with the mileage and the teaching. I’m at 110k and still on my first clutch.
@Sterling
A ZX5 with the Duratec 2.3, manual transmission, and OEM SVT suspension kit would still make an amazing daily driver.
@Sterling
My Gen 3 was more of a closet than a car most of the time.
High schoolers hotboxing in the parking lot.
Harlan said:
High schoolers hotboxing in the parking lot.
I misread this as ‘homeschoolers hotboxing’… still kinda works though, lol.
Being way more fun than they should be. I had a five-speed with a massive exhaust leak behind the manifold. Took it through fields and pastures at ridiculous speeds, and it never let me down.
Nyx said:
Being way more fun than they should be. I had a five-speed with a massive exhaust leak behind the manifold. Took it through fields and pastures at ridiculous speeds, and it never let me down.
No joke, this is basically my dream beater car. I have a nicer car now, but I want something loud, crappy, and fun to drive. An old Focus is high on my list.
@Aspen
Check out the Honda Fit. It’s got the same vibe but is actually fun to drive.
Nyx said:
Being way more fun than they should be. I had a five-speed with a massive exhaust leak behind the manifold. Took it through fields and pastures at ridiculous speeds, and it never let me down.
Had a ZTS from the same generation with a five-speed and an exhaust leak in the same spot. Miss that car sometimes.
Nyx said:
Being way more fun than they should be. I had a five-speed with a massive exhaust leak behind the manifold. Took it through fields and pastures at ridiculous speeds, and it never let me down.
Top Gear used to call it the ‘affordable fun car’ of the year for a reason.
I drove one for four years, and nothing ever broke. It’s the kind of car that begs you to abuse it. You’re either bored driving it nicely or laughing like an idiot while launching off snowbanks. No in-between.