SPI or Zetec?

I hear all of these problems with people and their Foci, but half the time, I'm not sure WHICH Foci they're talking about? Im assuming that its the Zetec, because I'm guessing its a newer engine (Im not really sure because I havent been a Ford owner that long) and all of the bugs have'nt been worked out. I'm an SPI owner (with about 61,000 miles) and I've had no MAJOR mechanical problem as of yet. Then again, it's probably all the driver himself (when you take a 130 horsepower four-banger and treat it like a 800 horsepower Monte Carlo). Now I'm definetly NOT one of those a**holes who drive 45 in the fastlane, and I might add a few things to my ride to boost the horses a little...but I KNOW that this little car made for personal conveyance--NOT RACING--is not meant to be pushed to the point of mechanical breakdown. But anyway, if you would, tell me which Focus you have, how you drive, and what kind (if any) mechanical problems you're having, or have had with it. By the way, be honest. Thanks!

The Zetec is definitely not a new engine...it's been replaced by the Duratec, and I think the SPI may be a little older.
I drive my car pretty hard once it's warmed up, but a lot of the time (mainly during the week) my commute is barely long enough to get the car warmed up, in which case I take it pretty easy. The only real problem I've had with mine is a stumble and occasional stall at idle, but that had to do mainly with the EGR system, and crappy electronics more then any abuse.

I have a 2002 Svt (Zetec) and i make it a point to go triple digit speeds at least once a day. I have had no major mechanical problems with my car (75000 miles), but did have my starter fail and replaced.

I have a Zetec and have had no major mechanical problems and i run my engine real hard especially through twisties where there is alot of acceleration, shifting, and braking..... Im sorry to say im abusive to my car but shes taken it and still going

Zetec for reliability and performance. not just stock but if you plan to build it up.

The focus Zetec and contour Zetec are basically the same, and I've beat the shit out of mine for 140K, and its never left me stranded and has never broke down.

i got the new duratec. i try to drive "normally" but every once and a while when there are no people on the freeway i tend to hit the speed limiter. All most every Friday and Saturday night i tend to hit the rev limiter while next to a civic if you know what i mean. I only have 25k miles but havant had any major problems. Its a good car to go to work then later take it out for some fun.

I hit the speed governor once a day atleast and that Zetec is still kicking..... I also just took off the resonator off the stock air box and it gave the engine and much nicer low tone when accellerating...... thought id share that info

That's what I'm talking about. It's people who say shit like "i make it a point to go triple digit speeds at least once a day", "Im sorry to say im abusive to my car but shes taken it", or "I hit the speed governor once a day" that just fucking piss me off. It's people like that who bitch and moan when their worn out Focus just mysteriously "breaks down", then have the nerve to post bullshit like "Focus quit at 60,000 miles, POS car!". If you insist on driving triple digits everyday or redlining constantly, do not be surprised when your 130hp "monster" bites the dust at such a low mileage. Serves you fucking right. If you really feel the need to drive like an asshole, or even worse, one of those bastard-children more commonly known as "ricers", here's a tip...get a 1994 or earlier Civic or anything small, cheap, and imported, slap a bunch of Nos stickers on it, and drive the hell out of that. At least other "ricers" will think that you're cool. Otherwise, leave the Foci to people that know how to take car of an automobile. They know that their investment will have to last them until they've at least paid off their loan.

That's what I'm talking about. It's people who say shit like "i make it a point to go triple digit speeds at least once a day", "Im sorry to say im abusive to my car but shes taken it", or "I hit the speed governor once a day" that just fucking piss me off. It's people like that who bitch and moan when their worn out Focus just mysteriously "breaks down", then have the nerve to post bullshit like "Focus quit at 60,000 miles, POS car!". If you insist on driving triple digits everyday or redlining constantly, do not be surprised when your 130hp "monster" bites the dust at such a low mileage. Serves you fucking right. If you really feel the need to drive like an asshole, or even worse, one of those bastard-children more commonly known as "ricers", here's a tip...get a 1994 or earlier Civic or anything small, cheap, and imported, slap a bunch of Nos stickers on it, and drive the hell out of that. At least other "ricers" will think that you're cool. Otherwise, leave the Foci to people that know how to take car of an automobile. They know that their investment will have to last them until they've at least paid off their loan.

Don't know about you guys but this ass seems pretty ignorant to me. Hey Dazada; how fast you drive your isn't going to be the key factor of it breaking down, but regular maintainance and pushing your car when it isn't warmed-up that causes most malfunctions. Now i would appreciate it if you took your narrow minded views to the kkk or nazi home page or something, and let us chat back and forth like civilized people.
(P.S. I am a tech in a ford dealiership, ASE certified only in electronics though)

For me, well I run a 130 stock HP 2.0L Zetec in my '01 Focus SE Wagon and truthfully, I push it hard just like my Z06 and Hemi QC. I drive it very fast and run Royal Purple 10-30 and a K & N air filter. Just bought a set of Michelin Pilots for it too. It did give me some bugs initially when new but the dealer took care of them. And I love this car and don't consider it to be a POS. But I know it's a cheap car and it feels and drives like a cheap car. But no complaints here. Not interested in turning it into a Lingenfelter wannabe either, just maintain it and upgrade as components wear out. :p

well i have the 01 focy (4dr) with the SPI and i litterally beat the living shit out of it, shut it off at 108 on the highway atleast twice a week. burn the shit out of the tires when it wet, race around everywhere and other than the factory recall on the fuel pump, and maybe a few other little things, no prob...
01 focus SPI
intake
exhaust
bangin system LOL