2002
Ford Focus reviews and buying guide.
2002
Ford Focus resources:
2002 Ford Focus review
continued...
Package
Efficiency
All
Focus models employ efficient design and package engineering
to maximize interior room for passengers and cargo.
For example, in a clever packaging solution, the hydraulic
hatch hinges do not impinge on interior storage space.
The high roofline increases front and rear headroom,
while the long wheelbase offers greater interior volume
and contributes to the Focus’ smooth ride.
The
driver’s seat has a manual height-adjustment for comfort
and visibility. Rear-seat air ducts provide heating
and cooling to improve rear passenger comfort.
The
60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks offer flexibility
for carrying passengers and cargo – including long items
such as skis. The "flip-up" seat function provides a
flat load floor when needed.
The
sedan trunk can hold two normal suitcases, while the
wagon offers more storage capacity than some two-door
SUVs.
Powertrains
A
2.0-liter SOHC inline four-cylinder is standard on Focus
LX and SE models, producing 110 horsepower and 125 foot-pounds
of torque. This engine is matched with an IB5 5-speed
manual transaxle that uses synthetic lubricant to help
ensure durability and smooth shifting in cold weather.
The
2.0-liter DOHC Zetec inline four-cylinder engine is
standard on Focus ZX3, ZTS and wagon models, and optional
on the Focus SE sedan. It delivers 130 horsepower and
135 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is matched with
the MTX75 5-speed manual transaxle, which is designed
with low-friction needle-roller bearings and uses low-viscosity
mineral oil to help improve fuel economy and performance.
A
4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive
transaxle is available on all models.
Ride
and Handling
Focus
is engineered to provide a smooth ride, nimble handling
and responsive steering, due in part to its Control
Blade multi-link independent rear suspension. The space-efficient
design of this suspension has the side benefit of contributing
to interior space.
Trailing
arms offer precise longitudinal control to help resist
braking torque and reduce rear-end lift under braking,
while allowing enough compliance to absorb sharp-edged
road irregularities. Control arms precisely control
lateral movement, contributing to accurate steering.
Precise, predictable steering also results from reducing
friction and compliance throughout the rack-and-pinion
steering system.
The
zero-offset MacPherson strut front suspension helps
to reduce body lean during cornering. Focus also boasts
a stiff unibody structure with rigid mounting points
for the suspension. This contributes to its lightweight
design and offers outstanding impact performance.
Focus
engineers used advanced tools to stop noise, vibration
and harshness from reaching occupants. For example,
computer simulation programs helped to identify sources
of powertrain noise that could then be eliminated or
insulated.
Safety
and Security
Ford
Focus offers second-generation driver and front passenger
air bags and safety belts with pretensioners and energy
management retractors. Head and chest side-impact air
bags are optional. All models feature LATCH (lower anchors
and tethers for children) in outboard rear seat positions.
The
optional AdvanceTrac™ integrated vehicle dynamics system
is available on all models. It uses electronic sensors
and computerized control of the vehicle’s brakes to
help maintain stability in extreme driving situations.
"Safety
Cell" body construction provides crash-management protection
in the event of a collision. Specific body structure
areas are designed to absorb and spread impact forces.
Door
intrusion beams made of high-tensile steel alloy provide
protection in side impacts. Foam bolsters in the toe
board area and steering column, and knee bolsters under
the instrumental panel, help reduce the chance of foot,
ankle and lower-leg injuries in a frontal collision.
A
glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle provides a
means of escape in case anyone is locked in the trunk.
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