FordBuyer Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 In my view, cutting Focus models for 2008 is nothing more than shortsighted cost cutting. With sky high fuel prices every summer, it makes no sense to me for Ford to offer a myriad of models in its pickup line and a dearth of models in its fuel sipping line. Presentlly, Ford offers 4 Focus models and for 2008 only two. No hatchbacks and no wagon. Maybe you can make an argument for cutting 3 door hatchback and even wagon, but no way can you make business case for cutting 5 door hatchback. Does Ford's product managers notice Dodge Caliber sales. It seems to me quite a few customers like 5 door hatchback models as Dodge cannot make them fast enough. Some people like that nice, wide entry for bulky items and rear ledge for putting on sports equipment. I would imagine there are a few customers out there who want multi functional vehicle that gets 30+ mpg and at affordable price point. So in the end Ford cuts its model lineup in half and after initial sales uptick ends up with less market share. Short term gain and long term loss. Same goes for Fusion if Ford does not increase its model lines. What about a 5 door hatchback for Fusion along with 2 door model? Give the thrifty shoppers who don't want a $35,000 and 22 mpg a broader selection to choose from. With more stringent fuel mileage standards certainly coming, Ford needs to get on the ball and broaden its fuel sipping line soon. The clock is ticking. IMO, at NAIAS this coming January, Ford needs to have more new models there than anyone elso. And I mean surprise new models like new Fusion and Focus models along with new B segment vehicle. We already expect to see new F-150 and MKS. How about some surprise new models that show Ford has been doing its homework instead of sitting on its hands watching world pass it by. Currently drive 2002 Taurus SES Sport, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 I agree 100%, dont know why they are giving up on the hatches, unless some old timers at Ford who still think of them as 'cheap 80's cars' decided to cut them. It will bite em back, but at least there is still a coupe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehaase Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 The Focus wagon was a very nifty vehicle that might have sold with a little bit of marketing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzhead Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 (edited) The redesign of the sedan has promise, but cutting the hatch is a mistake. I'm a ZX3 driver, and I love the efficiency and utility of the vehicle, and the fact that it handles like a slot car. For a family starting out, a hatch is the cheap new car than can double as a modest hauler. My first new car many moons ago was an early eighties Escort, and the hatch style was part of the reason why. I'll also miss the ZX3's iconic looks. I believe it's a classic, and the best looking American small car ever. All Ford needed to do was change the front clip and the rest of the ZX3 could have stayed the same, a timeless minicar in the best beetle-y manner. I'd have certainly bought another. It sure would be neat to special order one of the last ones, in electric blue with leather, sunroof, street appearance package and SVT rims. . . . sigh Edited May 23, 2007 by Jazzhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted May 23, 2007 Author Share Posted May 23, 2007 The Focus wagon was a very nifty vehicle that might have sold with a little bit of marketing. I agree. A few years ago Ford offered a premium Focus wagon with slot wheels, leather seating, and a few other features and then dropped it. It was pretty sharp and I still notice quite a few on Metro Detroit streets. Last few years Ford has done little with Wagon other than make it. They could have spiced up the wagon a little like before and advertised it, especially in summer with spiking gas prices. You get nice wagon with lots of cargo room and great fuel mileage. You could tell Ford was up to its usual abandoment game last couple years and then claim it didn't sell, so we drop it. Ford also used to do special edition models of Focus like Sony Focus and Kona Focus. To its credit though, it does look like Ford is trying to add a little excitment to new 2008 Focus with some new features like ambient lighting and Sync. Hopefully Ford will add some new Focus models by spring like ST model and something else to keep sales going until European Focus arrives. With high gas prices, Ford needs to keep its Focus line fresh and exciting. I am leaning towards buying new Taurus, but if new Focus is nice and offers some nice features maybe I will bite the bullet and drive a 4 cylinder car again. Kind of tired of spiking fuel prices every summer that get worse every year. Something appealing about 34 mpg and maybe more. Currently drive 2002 Taurus SES Sport, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 In a "secret" meeting between top Ford Management and some top auto journalist, Mulally was told the same thing. He is listening. How quickly the other models can be added, who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
focalxplosion Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 In a "secret" meeting between top Ford Management and some top auto journalist, Mulally was told the same thing. He is listening. How quickly the other models can be added, who knows. Do you have a source for that. This is the first I had heard of this news. It would be interesting, but I doubt Ford will make the investment. The '08 focus looks more and more like a stop-gap to get to 2011 global focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblood Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 I feel the same way, I love my 02 ZX3, it's like a mini-SUV, I was doing a welding job a couple years ago and I had to cart my welder around with me, it would never have fit in the sedan, once you fold the rear seats down you can get a lot of big stuff in there. 4 rims with tires fits no problem, I also fit my huge air compressor and my welder back there at the same time. and I can take it out on windy mountain roads and keep up with just about anything the handling and brakes are so good (not stock though!).. I can't wait to see what our C2 hatch is like.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaydez Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 maybe some bonehead at Ford thinks that people in the market for a ZX5 will purchase an Edge instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inteller Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 maybe some bonehead at Ford thinks that people in the market for a ZX5 will purchase an Edge instead. no, they will go purchase a Kia. See Ford management is making sure Kia and Hyundai are able to compete with good cars, since that's what they will all be driving when Ford closes its doors in 2010. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSVT Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 The wagon has always had great sales in Canada, but unfortunately not enough Americans understood how economical AND roomy it was, and of course the American market decides on what Ford NA will produce. Looks like the wife won't be getting rid of her '04 ZTW for a long time. Smart move Ford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inteller Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 The wagon has always had great sales in Canada, but unfortunately not enough Americans understood how economical AND roomy it was, and of course the American market decides on what Ford NA will produce. Looks like the wife won't be getting rid of her '04 ZTW for a long time. Smart move Ford. the wagon was marked for death a long time ago anyways because they didn't share much with the other models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted June 23, 2007 Author Share Posted June 23, 2007 the wagon was marked for death a long time ago anyways because they didn't share much with the other models. You sure have that right. Last couple years the writing was on the wall for the hatches and wagon. I still say Ford needs small sport wagon as it will have something GM doesn't with its Cobalt. With new CAFE rules coming, it would be great if Ford did offer small sport wagon that gets upper 30's mpg on highway and has lots of room. Ford needs to quit following the crowd and find its own way. Subaru has done alright offering small wagons. Maybe an AWD Focus sport wagon would find an audience. Currently drive 2002 Taurus Sport SES, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman100 Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 My wife and I have been looking for a Focus wagon, and there is not a single one left in this area of the state. One Ford dealer has 42 2007 Focus in stock, but not a single wagon. It is that way at every other dealer as well. We will have to go either used, or buy a different brand. Simple as that - Ford has lost a sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardmayo Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 (edited) Dropping the hatch was a definite mistake in my book. I've always liked them, and it seems even more poorly timed now that Americans are starting to see the usefulness of smaller hatchbacks. I drive an ZX3 with the 2.3L PZEV, and it's a great car. We're looking for a 4 door to replace it now that the family has grown. I would have considered the ZX5 (kicking myself for not buying the 4 door when I bought the ZX3!) if it still existed. We're now looking at the 2008 Mazda5. Lots of utility, nicely equipped for about 20K, but much more van-ish than I would like. Edited August 2, 2007 by richardmayo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wixommm Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 The Focus wagon was a very nifty vehicle that might have sold with a little bit of marketing. I was very annoyed that they dropped the wagon. I have one with over 110k miles on it and nothing has gone wrong on it, drives great, handles groceries, golf clubs and it has good get up and go. I would of bought another. I am hoping it will out last the escort I had up til 300k miles. The only reason I purchsed the wagon was at the time the other models were made in Mexico and well I dont drive foreign not even Ford foriegn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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