Ok, I'm officially DONE!!! No More Focus For Me!!

[twintornados]

I gotta say to all the Focus haters out there......if you are so insistent to get a C1 chassis car...for the love of GOD....go get a Mazda3

[mettech]

That was my question, did you guys actually drive one and check out the new features. I considered tradeing in my Fusion for one. Check it out before you pass judgement. I love my fusion but the Focus is built here and I like the ambient lighting and the SYNC system plus their reporting 35 MPG!

 

Glad to hear that you are thinking of buying a U.S.A made car.

 

U.S.A. workers make the best products..... and it helps our economy....

[chevys]

I dont see what the big deal is. I kinda like the coupe. I view the focus as an econobox type transportation that is cheap, reliable, and easy on gas. You can screw it up and get away with it as long as its cheap, realiable and again easy on gas. You cant screw up the mustang and get by with it. I saw a 08 coupe for under 12K and I thought that was a good deal. Anybody here own an 08?

[bigjerries]

i think the focus looks cool...its looks better than it did before..and ask for the performance..who cares!! your buying a focus not a mustang.. plus i think its cheesy racing little cars

[630land]

Well, Ford sold 14,000 for Feb 2008, double digit increase in sales, so looks like they got it right, and enough to hold over till the C346 comes in 2010.

 

Also, on FocalJet the whiners say the 2005 "doesnt look like a Focus". As if the 2000 styling should never change? As if the C1 in EUR still looks the same as 2000? The c1 focus is ugly, and has Jetta headlights as another whiner said. It makes the old 500 look like a classic car. So, get over the old 2000 car and the C1.

 

But doesnt matter since Ford is selling more new Focuses anyway.

Edited March 18, 2008 by 630land

[Noah Harbinger]

Also, on FocalJet the whiners say the 2005 "doesnt look like a Focus". As if the 2000 styling should never change?

 

As if the 2000 styling looked like a Ford anyway?

[630land]

Someone in Focal Jet complained that the 2005-07, "looked like a Jetta". Well, if people really look at the C1, it's even less Focus and more Jetta and 1980 Chevy Citation. So, again, the C1 styling would have bombed, since it also looks like the 2005 Five Hundred!

[Blueblood]

Someone in Focal Jet complained that the 2005-07, "looked like a Jetta". Well, if people really look at the C1, it's even less Focus and more Jetta and 1980 Chevy Citation. So, again, the C1 styling would have bombed, since it also looks like the 2005 Five Hundred!

 

Just shut up, you don't know what the hell you're blabbering about as usual..

[Blueblood]

As if the 2000 styling looked like a Ford anyway?

 

It didn't? Ever hear of "New Edge"?

[Roadrunner]

Don't complain untill you drive one as you will see the new Focus is far supieor to the previous model. Features , interior ,quietness ,ride and handling ,fuel effiency and so much more .Styling is way improved over last years. Some people just cannot accept change. Believe me this new Focus is no comparison to the old car.

 

I've driven both and was unimpressed with the 2008 interior and especially the room around the front seat. Not much improvement there.

 

You're right that interior noise levels are much quieter in the new Focus, though.

 

Also, they improved the central armrest size. AND they've put in electric seating, although it only was two directions. Fusion has three or four directions, so I can lean it back.

Edited April 27, 2008 by Roadrunner

[Roadrunner]

The wife and I love our new Focus. So much in fact that we went and ordered another for me to have as a daily driver. The gas mileage is so much better than my Mustang!

 

Rock on!

Edited April 27, 2008 by Roadrunner

[Noah Harbinger]

It didn't? Ever hear of "New Edge"?

 

You mean the theme which covered a whole 2 cars in North America over its 10 year existence?

[twintornados]

Oh, and the #1 reason Mazda can bring the C1? It is made in Japan with non union labor!

 

Japanese auto workers are unionized.

 

It didn't? Ever hear of "New Edge"?

 

"New Edge" was the styling direction in Europe before "Kinetic Design" took over, over there.....

[Watchdevil]

Notice this thread has posters with few post counts. People like this always show up to defend anything negative as if they were planted by Ford to spin and manage damage control.

[johnjyi]

Notice this thread has posters with few post counts. People like this always show up to defend anything negative as if they were planted by Ford to spin and manage damage control.

 

Huh?

 

I hope you don't mean me with such a low count. I just post as applicable and as how I see things. :stats:

 

Tell you what, though. If I worked for Ford, I've missed out on employee pricing on a lot of my cars.

[FEH2009]

630 is one of the Ford apologists..

 

Ford really screwed this car up, we can only hope the next arrives soon, and they don't screw that one up either..

Someone must like it....sales are up significantly and getting good reviews on design and performance.....keep up it Ford - you seem to have a winner!!!

 

PS - this would be a good candidate for a hybrid it they could ever get to a point to be able to meet public demand for hybrids in general.

[Noah Harbinger]

Huh?

 

I hope you don't mean me with such a low count. I just post as applicable and as how I see things. :stats:

 

Tell you what, though. If I worked for Ford, I've missed out on employee pricing on a lot of my cars.

 

Maybe he means me! I've loved the looks of the new focus from day 1.

[oldracer]

OK, here's my $.02 worth:

 

I hate FWD as it just doesn't drive as well as a RWD, no debate there, raced 911's for 17 yrs and have had all manner of muslecars and sports cars too.

 

I bought my 2005 Focus ST in Feb 2006, today it has 47,500 miles on it from driving 100/miles a day to work.

 

I have not had any issues since the A/C compressor seal had to replaced at delivery, probably from sitting for 5 mos before I bought it.

 

It was purchased for $16, 186 after a $2,500 rebate and X-Plan as a throwaway commuter car and has won me over in that capacity

in a way I never thought it would.

 

It is, of course, a 2.3L Duratec, 5 spd manual, with 6 disc, power windows, locks, mirrors cruise, traction control, heated seats, moonroof, 4 wheel discs, SVT shocks with stock Focus springs were part of the factory package. It has Leather & suede like seats, rears fold down, and it also has the Sony Audiophile system.

 

To all that I added; Mobil 1, upper tie bar, Steeda CAI, and a SCT premium fuel performance tune, and BFG G-Sport tires and window tint.

 

I drove a new 2008 SES that I was thinking may be a better piece for my commute....hated the way it drives and looks, and the gadgets were cool, but I am more a performance dynamics kind of guy.......NO SALE.

 

Then I went and drove a Jetta 2.5 and a GLI.....completely different level of vehicle. The Rabbit & Jetta 2.5 are both competitive with the Focus SES loaded version on price but way ahead on driving, handling, features etc.

The GLI is what I would buy and may yet......but a quick cost/benefit analysis tells me what I need to do is run ST to 100K miles and then buy something else............I purchased a warranty thru the Credit union that is $0 Ded and covers everything mechanical...so far again, haven't needed to use it...

 

I drove a Mazdaspeed 3 and thought why couldn't Ford have offered this in a Focus??? Dumb asses was my assessment....turbo motor is awesome, in fact the whole car is great.

 

So no 2.3, no sale, I gert 26-29 running 65-80, so I'm happy. The new ones are reporting in at more like 30ish hwy from what my Ford buddy is hearing.....

 

I bought my wife a 2007 C230 with the AMG Sport pkg last April, 13.6" front drilled rotors, 11.5 rear.....this is a 2.5L V6 with 201 hp, it gets 22 city and 30-32 hwy at 80-90.....handles better than any of our Mustangs and is toy loaded....for approx 32K new...can't beat it.

7 spd A/T makes the diffewrence for performance & mileage I'm sure.

 

I would buy another one except, I don't like the 2008 redesign...so we are replacing it with a 335i in a year or so...even better!!!!

 

I would buy a Fusion over anything except a Mustang at this point.......

[Watchdevil]

Someone must like it....sales are up significantly and getting good reviews on design and performance.....keep up it Ford - you seem to have a winner!!!

 

PS - this would be a good candidate for a hybrid it they could ever get to a point to be able to meet public demand for hybrids in general.

 

People bought Pintos in 1974 not because they were pretty.. Because they were good on gas during the gas crisis... Throw in Sync and you got a sale simply because no competition offers it...

[twintornados]

OK, here's my $.02 worth:

 

I hate FWD as it just doesn't drive as well as a RWD, no debate there, raced 911's for 17 yrs and have had all manner of muslecars and sports cars too.

 

I bought my 2005 Focus ST in Feb 2006, today it has 47,500 miles on it from driving 100/miles a day to work.

 

I have not had any issues since the A/C compressor seal had to replaced at delivery, probably from sitting for 5 mos before I bought it.

 

It was purchased for $16, 186 after a $2,500 rebate and X-Plan as a throwaway commuter car and has won me over in that capacity

in a way I never thought it would.

 

It is, of course, a 2.3L Duratec, 5 spd manual, with 6 disc, power windows, locks, mirrors cruise, traction control, heated seats, moonroof, 4 wheel discs, SVT shocks with stock Focus springs were part of the factory package. It has Leather & suede like seats, rears fold down, and it also has the Sony Audiophile system.

 

To all that I added; Mobil 1, upper tie bar, Steeda CAI, and a SCT premium fuel performance tune, and BFG G-Sport tires and window tint.

 

I drove a new 2008 SES that I was thinking may be a better piece for my commute....hated the way it drives and looks, and the gadgets were cool, but I am more a performance dynamics kind of guy.......NO SALE.

 

Then I went and drove a Jetta 2.5 and a GLI.....completely different level of vehicle. The Rabbit & Jetta 2.5 are both competitive with the Focus SES loaded version on price but way ahead on driving, handling, features etc.

The GLI is what I would buy and may yet......but a quick cost/benefit analysis tells me what I need to do is run ST to 100K miles and then buy something else............I purchased a warranty thru the Credit union that is $0 Ded and covers everything mechanical...so far again, haven't needed to use it...

 

I drove a Mazdaspeed 3 and thought why couldn't Ford have offered this in a Focus??? Dumb asses was my assessment....turbo motor is awesome, in fact the whole car is great.

 

So no 2.3, no sale, I gert 26-29 running 65-80, so I'm happy. The new ones are reporting in at more like 30ish hwy from what my Ford buddy is hearing.....

 

I bought my wife a 2007 C230 with the AMG Sport pkg last April, 13.6" front drilled rotors, 11.5 rear.....this is a 2.5L V6 with 201 hp, it gets 22 city and 30-32 hwy at 80-90.....handles better than any of our Mustangs and is toy loaded....for approx 32K new...can't beat it.

7 spd A/T makes the diffewrence for performance & mileage I'm sure.

 

I would buy another one except, I don't like the 2008 redesign...so we are replacing it with a 335i in a year or so...even better!!!!

 

I would buy a Fusion over anything except a Mustang at this point.......

Have you looked at a Mazda3?

[oldracer]

Yes I have.

 

The only Mazda that rings my bell for this task is a Mazdaspeed3....but its 6 speed only....

That is the reason it comes in 2nd to the GTI/GLI is the lack of a performance oriented A/T.

 

My legs are bad due to Neuropathy and my back is gotten worsae in the last yr.....so I will have to go A/T

next time.

 

The regular Mazda 3 just isn't a feasible switch from my ST at this point, Focuses just don't have great resale or trade-in

value.

The best trade I have been offered in the last 2 months is around $8-$9K, for that it will sit out front as a 3rd or 4th car

because I think it would be stupid to write a check to cover negative equity for a car I actually like enough to drive for

another year or 2.....

 

I rarely drive it on weekends and we usually drive the Mercedes for long trips or vacations due to the enjoyment and

comfort/handling combo, plus it is a 7 spd A/T. 5 days a week of shifting is quite enough for me at this point.

 

The DSG in the GTI/GLI is the best transmission I have ever driven period.

 

It shifts faster than a Ferrari A/T (8/1000's of second vs 400/1000) and with the 2.0 Turbo it gets 32-34 actual mpg hwy, and 24 mpg city

according to 3-4 owner's I have talked too....and they love the car. At $30ish loaded, its a great package.

Its got paddles or just a Sport setting that holds to redline......all I need.

 

I am getting older and starting to like cars like our Mercedes way more than I used too, my wife loves the C63 and boy that's a nice

little car, pricey, but so is a Shelby or Z06 as a toy........later on maybe. (Z06 is now my 1st choice due to my GM discount from Cuz...)

 

If we go to 1 vehicle someday, it will have to be the LTZ Suburban, can't beat the versatility and features and it drives wellk and tows good.

If I buy one for Florida, we will get the Dk Blue, as my 07 is White.

With the 6.0 it gets 13-15 city and 18-20 hwy, same as my 4.0 Ranger used to get.....I can live with that as the business uses it as a writeoff anyway.

 

I still like my ST and it looks like it will run to 100K easy with no issues.....I'm changing from Mobil 1 to Royal Purple synthetic shortly as an

experiment to see if I notice any differences...

[FLLMTR]

My boss just bought a Focus for his daughter. He is a long time Toyota owner and had his mind set on a Matrix or a Honda Civic. Then he drove on a road trip with me in the 06' Mountaineer. Although the transmission on this vehicle sucks balls, the build quality is excellent.

 

It was enough to convince him to test drive the Focus. He loved it enough to buy it. What sold him on it? Everything. The price, build quality, and 6 airbags.

 

The Focus is the best value on the road without compromise.

[twintornados]

Yes I have.

 

The only Mazda that rings my bell for this task is a Mazdaspeed3....but its 6 speed only....

That is the reason it comes in 2nd to the GTI/GLI is the lack of a performance oriented A/T.

 

My legs are bad due to Neuropathy and my back is gotten worsae in the last yr.....so I will have to go A/T

next time.

 

The regular Mazda 3 just isn't a feasible switch from my ST at this point, Focuses just don't have great resale or trade-in

value.

The best trade I have been offered in the last 2 months is around $8-$9K, for that it will sit out front as a 3rd or 4th car

because I think it would be stupid to write a check to cover negative equity for a car I actually like enough to drive for

another year or 2.....

 

I rarely drive it on weekends and we usually drive the Mercedes for long trips or vacations due to the enjoyment and

comfort/handling combo, plus it is a 7 spd A/T. 5 days a week of shifting is quite enough for me at this point.

 

The DSG in the GTI/GLI is the best transmission I have ever driven period.

 

It shifts faster than a Ferrari A/T (8/1000's of second vs 400/1000) and with the 2.0 Turbo it gets 32-34 actual mpg hwy, and 24 mpg city

according to 3-4 owner's I have talked too....and they love the car. At $30ish loaded, its a great package.

Its got paddles or just a Sport setting that holds to redline......all I need.

 

I am getting older and starting to like cars like our Mercedes way more than I used too, my wife loves the C63 and boy that's a nice

little car, pricey, but so is a Shelby or Z06 as a toy........later on maybe. (Z06 is now my 1st choice due to my GM discount from Cuz...)

 

If we go to 1 vehicle someday, it will have to be the LTZ Suburban, can't beat the versatility and features and it drives wellk and tows good.

If I buy one for Florida, we will get the Dk Blue, as my 07 is White.

With the 6.0 it gets 13-15 city and 18-20 hwy, same as my 4.0 Ranger used to get.....I can live with that as the business uses it as a writeoff anyway.

 

I still like my ST and it looks like it will run to 100K easy with no issues.....I'm changing from Mobil 1 to Royal Purple synthetic shortly as an

experiment to see if I notice any differences...

Seeing as you have the ability...have you likewise checked out a Volvo S40?

[oldracer]

Yeah, but I'm not much of a Volvo person.....I'd do a Mazda 6 way before the Volvo....

 

I'm pretty settled after re-driving everything Sat that the GLI is my best all around choice, I feel I'm getting an expensive car for a MEDIUM PRICE.. I still want a 335i, but realistically 306 hp in a commuter car, plus heavy miles is such a waste.........maybe I should retire.....

 

BUT: In spite of my leg & back problems, I am in no big hurry to get rid of my ST, it compares well with everything out there for the most part...it has more room than our C230 in the backseat.....

 

I drive an A/T car from the house when I can't walk, so I think I will just keep procrastinating until the 09's come out.....

 

Tiguan is at the dealer, gonna look at one of them too.....

[MadManMoon]

Newbie here, and new Focus owner...

 

Just bought a 2008 Focus S sedan as a daily commuter, as premium has jumped from $2.60/gal to $4.00/gal since I bought my GT500. Had my eyes on the coupe, but the wife convinced me that I'll want the sedan once we have kids. I test drove the sedan I ended up buying (Vista Blue, 5-speed, only option was the spare tire!), and fell in love after 30 seconds. Shifter is a breeze, seating is comfortable, cabin is whisper-quiet, and it even comes with an MP3 CD player and aux jack standard (granted, I'd rather have Sync, but for $14K before rebates, I wasn't about to complain!). Interior fit and finish is better than my old 2003 Corolla - and that was the first Toyota built to LEXUS fit-and-finish standards!

 

On my first tank of gas, after a week-plus of 40-mile round-trip stop-and-go commuting (and shifting at low RPMs whenever possible), I got 36mpg. Now THAT I can live with!

 

After rebates, ended up paying just over $11K for the car. Definitely worth it. I'm not a Ford shill, in fact, I was a die-hard Toyota supporter, until the Shelby GT500 roped me back into the Blue Oval camp. My grandmother-in-law has a 2002 Escort SE, and that car is an amazing hunk of junk - loud, rough engine, mushy seats, terrible handling. Just seeing where Ford has come in the last 6 years gives me great hope for the future.