amtrakking

+2! Dirty !

Still NO FOCUS COUPE on Ford's website, yet I saw a banner tonight online featuring both the sedan AND coupe. Visited the cars.com website and I see that dealers do have the '09's on the lots; one dealer in particular has four. C'mon Ford, what gives? What seems a small detail in the eyes of corporate brass means much to Joe and Cindy Q. Public on Main Street in Anywhere, USA. Add the information already for Christ's sake.

Thx for the feedback, Bleed Blue! I kinda wish the Fiesta was arriving much sooner than expected. It looks like a winner, and I like the versatility that comes with having a hatch. Saw a '09 Focus SEL in black recently in the parking lot at Walgreens. BEAUTIFUL! It got lots of looks from people passing it. In some way, I wish Ford wouldn't discontinue the current sedan once the next generation Focus arrives. I don't think every car around has to have the 'Euro' look or resemble a Japanese nameplate.

WTF??!?? Why can't Ford just get it right THE FIRST TIME? What a pain in the a** this is. Now you have to wait until Christmas to get BASIC features on a new car? Ford gets a huge :slap: !!

You tell 'em, 630land! :happy feet:

Yes, I was able to get back in time to test drive one in SE trim before the dealer closed. Wanted to drive the SES or SEL, but the few he had were marked 'sold'. Still, the feedback I got from the car was positive. Keep in mind that I have an '05 Corolla, and in comparing the two...there is none. The Focus was engaging from the very beginning. The sound of the engine igniting was music to my ears; total rush to listen to. On suburban sidestreets, the car pulled nicely and the suspension was rock solid & supple. During one sharp curve, it reminded me of my current car and that was somewhat disappointing. Still, the turn in was crisp and offered considerably more feedback than my Toyo. With the stabilizer bars front and back on the SES/SEL, I anticipate it would be exactly as I'd hoped. As soon as the dealer receives more cars, I've asked him to call me so I can arrange for a second drive. ^_^

Sounds like ick-city to me! No worries though. A little sweat equity and she'll be shining like the diamond she is soon enough. How did you enjoy the long drive overall, bottleneck aside? Did she glide across the open expanses of highway nicely? Gas mileage was definitely good; even 30 MPG during the backup was good IMO, all things considered. I'm assuming the traffic tie-up was owing to construction. Proof positive that Chicago has three seasons: Winter; Summer; and construction! On a related note: any idea when Ford's going to update the website to include the '09 Focus? Was wondering out of curiosity when production of the coupe would begin, too. I also saw an SEL in the new Sangria Red color here in town on Sunday! The color is amazing on the car with the chrome highlights. The local dealer does keep his Focus supply on the lot very long; they seem to disappear as quickly as they arrive.

She reads this forum with as much regularity as I do now! :lol: She wanted to know if your wife was getting a Focus as well? I also showed her exrub's car ('Minnie') and you probably can figure out the rest: "That's just darling! And they named it Minnie--oh so cute!" She really needs to get out more. Six weeks for your car to arrive, right? Each time I look at it, it makes me smile. You really made a nice choice. I think all I'd add would be splash guards. Maryland's a bit of a driving stretch, lol! It's a pity however that both you and nickz couldn't at least get a token of appreciation from Ford just for egging me on with the Focus. You have my undying gratitude for whatever it's worth. This has been the most enthusiastic automotive forum I've ever had the privilege of joining; thank you all. Me thinks Obama would approve! Good one, Snoopyto! I've seen one SEL in the new Sangria Red color and it was a real looker. Reminded me of a smooth glass of Merlot...now that's tasty! Ford deserves kudos. As for my wife and bigger vehicles, she's never really been much of an SUV gal, but has always loved minivans (and we have no children save for the dog). Once, all she talked about was a Chrysler van.... Uh, no sweetheart, we'll not have any of that here!

As with any hobby, the cost may be high but the pleasure received is priceless! Way to go! Thanks for the additional input on the Focus as it's much appreciated. I think I'd be lost without SYNC, too. It has to be the best ipod integration system out there IMHO. Thanks blazerdude. I don't really compare the FIT with the Focus given one's a sub-compact and has an appeal all it's own. Matching the Civic against the Focus, now there's a comparison, lol! I had plans to get a Civic when trading in the Corolla; then I began researching the Focus after seeing a couple here in town. To read that a co-worker of yours has one with over 150k miles--and has had no major issues--is reassuring. Thx for sharing the word. Hey buddy! The plan was to hit the dealership(s) this Saturday (8/23) for a test drive. Not 100% certain that's gonna happen tomorrow though, as we're house hunting too and that's taking up a lot of free time (you're talking to one worn-out puppy). We've a tentative appointment to view another house bright and early tomorrow; if I can swing it however, we'll get the test drive in after we come back to town. :D

Hello exrub, how goes it? Haven't seen you around of late. Anyways, thanks for the comment and, yes, do keep those fingers crossed. A prayer wouldn't hurt either; don't want her changing her mind on me! Say, how's Minnie by the way? Much appreciated chiefstang. She said she saw a shade of blue last year on a Focus and liked it very much. I went to the YouTube website and showed her a video featuring a sedan in the Vista Blue color thinking it might have been it; it was. I agree about the match with the ambient lighting color. I think the hard part (convincing) is over; time for a test drive. We'll visit a dealer this coming Saturday. I'M STOKED! Will provide updates as time progresses; thanks for the welcome.

nickz, I've got a good one for you. My wife came in from work moments ago and wanted to look at the photos of your car that she missed last night. Pulled up your posting. She 'oohed' and 'ahhed' as expected. She thought the interior view at night was 'really cute' (her words). I'd hoped she'd show increased interest in the Focus so we could eliminate any possibility of another Toyota/Honda/anything Japanese in the driveway. She wanted the Honda Fit big time because it reminds her of a shrunken minivan/station wagon. 'Oh so cute!' seems to apply to every car she likes. After looking at everything and sensing she's clearly impressed, she asks, "Well, can't I get the wagon version?" I explained that they didn't make them any more. She's bummed. "Well, what about a hatchback? Can I get the hatch version of Nick's car? This is just too cute for words!" I looked at her and said they no longer made it, either. Now she's really disturbed. "Can we look at a Ford minivan then? For me, I mean. You get what you want." You've never heard so many in your life when I sheepishly told her it was dead as well. So she takes another look at your car pics...and says, "Well, I think a nice blue one would be okay...." There IS a God! :hyper: :bandance:

SYNC: Check. Rear sway bar: Double check! Thx for the feedback; handling and the fun-to-drive factor are at the top of my list of 'wants'.

I see the second-gen Honda Fit more as a streamlined pod than clown car. I like the versatility of it, but to each his own. I'd be trading in a 2005 Corolla plus my wife's '98 Cavalier (the latter being more of a giveaway), and I'd want either an SES or SEL (nickz just purchased the top-of-the-line trim and it's incredible)...hoping this will prove a good thing for all parties involved. As for 'buying American', I'm in agreement each time I read another depressing story about job cuts or plant closings in the U.S. automotive industry. I've played with the Japanese and their products for a long time, and I think its time to come home, now more than ever.

Thx nickz; this was most helpful.