macdaddyslomo

PLEASE READ AND TAKE NOTE OF THE PART THAT SPECIFICALLY SAYS THE MAZDA ENGINE!!

Product Review: 2004 Ford Focus 2.3


Sweet P...ZEV: 2.3-liter Focus brings more driving fun to an already enjoyable lineup

By AUTOWEEK
April 5, 2004

NOT OFTEN DO YOU GET something for
nothing or even almost nothing. Not so the 2004
Ford Focus. We lauded the car when Ford
launched it in the United States for the 2000
model year, and we_ve continued to do so
since. The Focus_ combination of cost, steering
and handling makes it one of our favorite
compact cars this side of factory pocket rockets from Honda, Volkswagen and Ford_s
own SVT division. But since day one, we often wished for a more powerful, smoother
engine option. Neither the 110-hp SPI base engine nor the 130-hp Zetec managed to
keep pace (at least not the pace we wanted) with the car_s fun, rewarding chassis.

Four years after launch, Ford stepped
up to the plate. For a measly $115 (like
we said, almost nothing) more than the
cost of a 2.0-liter Zetec-equipped
Focus, you can specify your car with
Ford_s Duratec version of the 2.3-liter I4
also available in Mazda's 6 and 3, as
well as the revised 2005 Ford Escape.
The Mazda engine(((TAKE NOTE))) produces more
power and torque through variable cam
timing, though. If you reside in one of the
so-called green states (California,
Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont), the Duratec is the only available
engine. Besides producing 15 extra horsepower and an additional 14 lb-ft of torque
(peaking 250 rpm sooner) over the Zetec_s 130-hp, 135-lb-ft engine, the Focus_ 2.3
qualifies the car as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. (The Mazdas and Escape use
non-PZEV-rated engines.) This means the car_s emissions are equal to or less than the
total powerplant emissions produced in order to recharge an electric car. Based on our
track test results and owner input, the Duratec recharges our already strong enthusiasm
for the entire Focus lineup.

_This is an incredibly smooth and powerful four-cylinder that emits a satisfy-ing growl
from the engine bay when you punch it,_ says one owner.

Others agree. Several describe the engine as _a real jewel,_ and one driver was flat-out
surprised by its per-formance. _I expected dull response, but found anything but,_ he
said. _It really jumps out when you boot it, especially over 3000 rpm._

Roddimus Prime

thank you for posting this....

macdaddyslomo

Figured I would dispel any myths or rumors. This one has been pissing me off more than the "ZX3 and Protege ES having the same engine" rumor

Roddimus Prime

now.....how many shooters on the grassy knoll?

delrey

The 3 may not have a Ford engine but the 6 does. The 3.0L in the 6s is Ford's Duratec V6. As C/D called it, "its Yankee cubes massaged by Mazda". Despite the improvements by Mazda to the engine, I probably wouldn't buy it. If I were to buy a 6, which I might in the future, it will be the 6i with 2.3L 4.

Kevin

macdaddyslomo

the 6 has a Ford block..and if you think ford can't even make an engine block, talk to Rod, i think he'll disagree...along with every Mustang enthusiast in the world....The head,intake manifold, etc is all Mazda.

Roddimus Prime

man oh man....that duratec motor is awesome....my 1990 3.0L yamaha duratec made 220hp 240lb/ft...stock..

then my stock block 1976 Turbo pinto runs a t3/t4 turbo at 2.1bar (26psi) constantly. Try doing that on a mazda 2.3L!

Don't discount Ford because they have some ugly cars. Just appreciate the fact they are working WITH mazda to help improve each other. It's a partnership of engineering.

delrey

No, I don't hate Ford cause their cars are ugly. I don't even think that. Every Ford that I have been involved with has been very unreliable. Whether the car was stock or not. Dodge is even worse in my opinion. And GM has lost my buisness now. GM needs to straighten out their customer service and bump up the quality of their cars for me to buy another one. Hence me buying the Protege. Mazda is probably going to be the closest I will ever be associated with Ford. If its just the block, than I might consider it. I just to go and drive one to find out for myself.

Kevin

Mach 1

The ford bottom end used in the mazda is a great engine. There are many Taurases, rangers, etc...running this engine with very high mileage and no problems at all. its a great engine, and Ford can make great engines. GM and Dodge are definately much worse.

rustychops41

My two cents. Some of the best Fords have been the ones that were joint ventures with Mazda. The MX-6/Probe GT, the 1st Gen Protege/2nd Gen Escort, etc. I think Ford buying/owning Mazda is/was a smart move, and only helps Ford in the long run. BTW, isn't Ford gonna do a Mazda 6 platformed family car here soon too? The back-from-the-dead Futura?

Mach 1

Im pretty sure Ford only owns 33% of mazda.

macdaddyslomo

that is correct...that is what it takes to have controlling interest in Mazda....if it took more that is what ford would do..In effect Ford does in fact OWN Mazda, much the same if any stockholder held majority of the shares of a company