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

[gunnut69]

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?

bought an 08 coupe,se model,$12200 aplan and rebates. getting 36 mpg highway,enough power and much nicer that last year(i had an 07 and an 06)has 6 airbags,tire pressure monitoring,power windows and locks etc. very nice car. dont know what all the complaints are about,really. haters wanna hate i guess. if these guys love the vw so much maybe go talk about it on a vw board?????

[focus08]

bought an 08 coupe,se model,$12200 aplan and rebates. getting 36 mpg highway,enough power and much nicer that last year(i had an 07 and an 06)has 6 airbags,tire pressure monitoring,power windows and locks etc. very nice car. dont know what all the complaints are about,really. haters wanna hate i guess. if these guys love the vw so much maybe go talk about it on a vw board?????

 

Another new '08 owner here, bought an SE coupe 5/09 with a/t, /abs, and the spare tire. Wife and I love it, very quiet, smooth, and solid feeling. We don't feel like we're driving an "economy car" at all! Sticker was $16,990, w/all rebates we got $4k off, including $1k as our other car is a Chevy. It replaced a '99 Escort SE that blew the engine after 9 good years and many HARD miles. The Focus cost $1k more than the Escort did back in '99 and there's NO Comparison, this is light years beyond the Escort. If I had the money, I'd buy another Focus

tomorrow, we LOVE this car!

[ruteger]

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.

 

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.

This highlights the main issue I have with the new Focus (and Ford, in general). In 2004, towards the end of the model year, it was possible to buy any Focus with the 2.3L PZEV engine for an additional $100. That's right, a measily extra $100 got you a 2.3L in any Focus, including the strippo ZX3. Additionally, every ZX3 came standard with a tachometer and a center armrest. The $2500 rebate was going on, too, so for very little coin, one could get a well-equipped, inexpensive, zippy (yet economical) small car. It was a true bargain and if I could have found one in the right color (sonic blue), I would have bought it.

 

Then the 2005 'freshened' model showed up. The tach and center armrest became extra-cost options, the 2.3L engine became available only in the top-of-the-line ST, the hotrod SVT was discontinued, the price went up, and the Focus became as lame an any other nondescript small car.

[630land]

Well for one lost sale of original poster, Ford gained many more sales:

 

"Ford's redesigned Focus posted record May sales of 32,579, up 53 percent versus a year ago; retail sales to individual customers more than doubled (up 105 percent)."

[suv_guy_19]

Well for one lost sale of original poster, Ford gained many more sales:

 

"Ford's redesigned Focus posted record May sales of 32,579, up 53 percent versus a year ago; retail sales to individual customers more than doubled (up 105 percent)."

 

 

Yeah, the Europhiles and Internet experts really got it wrong this time. Couldn't be doing better really because they can't make anymore.

[630land]

More proof that simply 'bringing over Euro cars' doesnt work. Saturn's Astra is a flop, and VW is planning to "Americanize" their cars to increase sales.

[Blueblood]

More proof that simply 'bringing over Euro cars' doesnt work. Saturn's Astra is a flop, and VW is planning to "Americanize" their cars to increase sales.

 

And what will you trolls say when the Euro Fiesta gets here in 2010? And the Euro Focus a year after that?

 

Maybe then you'll go buy a Toyota so can continue driving ugly in-cohesive bland mobiles around..

[suv_guy_19]

And what will you trolls say when the Euro Fiesta gets here in 2010? And the Euro Focus a year after that?

 

Maybe then you'll go buy a Toyota so can continue driving ugly in-cohesive bland mobiles around..

 

Focus will be global, not Euro. Fiesta will be Euro, and I hope that goes over as well as you guys think it will.

Edited June 5, 2008 by suv_guy_19

[WaylonJennings]

For some reason, I think it's funny when someone complains about power in a Focus. It's peppy enough for what it is, a commuter vehicle that is comfortable for long distances. At least it isn't at 3cyl Geo Metro. If you're so dead set on the 2.3L, get a Fusion before they switch to the 2.5L.

 

As for the fake chrome grille, find me a car with real chrome these days, I'd like it see it.

 

The ride is better, the milage is better, the interior is much more appealing and is priced to move.

 

My only problem with it, is that the backseat is like a cop car, you can barely get your feet in the thing. But thats why they make the Fusion; more room, more pep, more trunk, more standard features, more money. But thats life.

[PREMiERdrum]

Actually, there is no such thing as "real chrome," right?

The chrome on cars before chromed plastic became popular was was chromed pot metal.

Plastic might crack in an accident, but look at how easily the old chromed pot metal rusted.

[NickF1011]

Actually, there is no such thing as "real chrome," right?

The chrome on cars before chromed plastic became popular was was chromed pot metal.

Plastic might crack in an accident, but look at how easily the old chromed pot metal rusted.

 

Well, the chrome itself didn't rust. It would be the metal under the chrome finish that rusted, leaving pits in the chrome finish. Of course nothing used is solid chromium, as it is not a very strong metal and it would cost a fortune to use anyway. Chrome plating is usually a combination of several different metals anyway. Copper, nickel, and chromium I believe is the most common combination.

[630land]

Well, the near 250K sold this past MY sure made up for the one lost sale in the 1st post! And 09 should be even bigger. So, take that, grumpies

Edited August 2, 2008 by 630land

[ruteger]

Well, the near 250K sold this past MY sure made up for the one lost sale in the 1st post! And 09 should be even bigger. So, take that, grumpies

Impressive. Only 36,166 less than the number sold in 2000. And gas wasn't even $4/gal back then...

[grimesdr]

I've driven the 08 Coupe. My 04 Hatch back handles better and is quicker. Yes the new Focus is quieter, has the Synk, and has arguably better seats. However, you can wrap a bag of shit with a red bow and it still won't be a Christmas present.

 

You cannot distract people away from a bad design by adding toys to it! Hey smsfordman if you work for Ford you should be ashamed of yourself for sticking up for this piece of crap!

 

You have neutered the Focus! The new focus has more body roll, slower acceleration, and less responsive steering than the last generation. Why would you ass clowns put the 2.0 Duratec in instead of the 2.3? And answer me this, why can MAZDA the company that we OWN bring a C1 chassis vehicle to the US for a reasonable price when WE cannot? The Mazda 3 is a significantly better car than the Focus and is light years ahead in respect to styling.

 

Face it, there is a good portion of the Focus buying public that will just refuse to buy them now. If I was going to pay $16K for a car I would go to a VW Dealership and and get a Manual Transmission VW Rabbit. At least that will have 170 HP, Four wheel disk brakes, traction control, 6 Airbags, and a great handling!

 

Whoever designed the new Focus has either been Neutered or is an alternate lifestyler. In either case someone with some balls please kick the crap out of whoever it is that designed the new Focus and design the next one! Personally the new focus makes me want to take a crap on it's hood.

 

 

Right on man you are light years ahead of these bloggers who think the new focus is great. Its a pc of $hit compared to a Honda Civic, oh and when you spend $18k for a higher end focus and about the same for the Mazda ,Honda. Guess which one will drop in resale vale very quick!!

[grimesdr]

When someone says the current Focus design sucks, don't say they are Ford haters. A lot of these people have a long history with Ford cars, and are only saying that the people who design and managing the new products should be taken out and wipped.

 

Ford is still around because the cars they are making elsewhere in the world are selling. Its the ones built here that are not selling very well.

 

Here are a few Focus Cars from the UK. Now if you had these I do not think you could keep them on the lots. But Ford as does GM & Chrysler needs to get their heads of of their A$$ and build what sells and people want. There is nothing wrong with having a common design that is sold worldwide and instead of an American version.

Edited August 5, 2008 by grimesdr

[johnjyi]

You know the saying, "To each, his own."

 

I actually happen to like the design of the new Focus. Granted, I would like to have seen it a bit slimmer (not as tall w/ high rear end). However, this seems to be the way all new cars are headed. I agree, the 2.3L engine would be even better but can't get it so why bother griping? You mention that other cars are similarly priced. When I priced out a Mazda 3 equipped comparably with the Focus I have, it would have put me into $23K. I have driven the Mazda 3 and really don't see any difference between the two. For that, I would buy a Mustang. Oh, wait a minute, I did buy one of those...actually two if you count my 2003 Mustang GT (it cost be a bit more than $23K, though). As far as the Honda Civic, I just won't buy anymore Japanese cars. For no other reason, my wife's 1997 Toyota Corolla has been just too boring. I'm only keeping it around for my daughter to learn to drive. She actually likes the Focus, too. Also, I can't stand the instrument panel on the Civic -- BIZARRE. No, it has nothing to do with the digital dash. My 1987 Z-24 had one that I actually liked.

 

I would not say you are a Ford hater just because YOU don't like the design. At the same time, though, please be considerate to the fact that others actually do like it.

 

As far as the European Focus goes, though, they simply don't offer it here. When the global design comes in a few years, that will be different. Until then, though, we deal with what's available and happen to like the new Focus.

 

BTW, the local dealers seem to sell the Focus rather easily.

Edited August 5, 2008 by exrub

[630land]

The 'enthusiasts' demand the C1, but it looks like a shrunken Five Hundred, the supposedly 'bland car' and all.

 

The c170 isnt all that 'dated' since it was way ahead of its time in 2000.

 

Anyway, the ones who said 'Focus name should die since I dont like the new one and it wont sell' were wrong. By the time the C346 is here, the whiners wont have any reason to complain.

[NickF1011]

By the time the C346 is here, the whiners wont have any reason to complain.

 

That never stopped them before.

[YT90SC]

I just bought an 08 Vista Blue on black SE. It rides better and quieter than the previous car AND has ben averaging 34.2 mpg. It quietly, confidently, comfortably and economically gets my wife from point A to point B. Isn't that what this class of car is supposed to do? It isn't as snappy as a 2.3, but she doesn't care. It has all the features that she wants and needs for an hour long commute through the city. Add to that it is FAR better looking than the ugly @$$ 05-07 car, so we bought one. Excellent car.

[630land]

New Focus blows, all right, blows all the 'poor sales' predictions into the water. And many satisfied customers with no major quality problems. Also, the wagon buyers were moslty fleets like Com Ed, or Orkin, so the Estate car from Eur would be in the same situation. AMerica doesnt sit and sip cafe all day like French and obsess over car handling quirks, so not many REAL car buyers would have cared if C1 came in 05.

[amtrakking]

New Focus blows, all right, blows all the 'poor sales' predictions into the water. And many satisfied customers with no major quality problems. Also, the wagon buyers were moslty fleets like Com Ed, or Orkin, so the Estate car from Eur would be in the same situation. AMerica doesnt sit and sip cafe all day like French and obsess over car handling quirks, so not many REAL car buyers would have cared if C1 came in 05.

 

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

[theDuff]

That never stopped them before.

Yeah, then they'll complain that the car moved up a class and can't touch one for less than $20K.

[Noah Harbinger]

This highlights the main issue I have with the new Focus (and Ford, in general). In 2004, towards the end of the model year, it was possible to buy any Focus with the 2.3L PZEV engine for an additional $100. That's right, a measily extra $100 got you a 2.3L in any Focus, including the strippo ZX3. Additionally, every ZX3 came standard with a tachometer and a center armrest. The $2500 rebate was going on, too, so for very little coin, one could get a well-equipped, inexpensive, zippy (yet economical) small car. It was a true bargain and if I could have found one in the right color (sonic blue), I would have bought it.

 

Then the 2005 'freshened' model showed up. The tach and center armrest became extra-cost options, the 2.3L engine became available only in the top-of-the-line ST, the hotrod SVT was discontinued, the price went up, and the Focus became as lame an any other nondescript small car.

 

Well I'm sure you're glad the Focus now has Tach and armwrest/center console standard on every model. And the 2.0 only falls 4HP short of the "high performance" 2.3L. And you don't even have to pay extra for it!

[scuzzi]

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.

I bought a 2005 Focus. I've had a crap load of problems with it, both with the car and the dealership that sold it to me. I used to work at Ford and because of that I ended up buying my Focus. I'm not impressed at all with it or how the dealership was (with warranty problems etc). Because of this bad experience I'm not likely at all to even bother with taking it for a test drive. I agree with the original title of this post... that's it for me.

Problems:

1) electrical (warranty)

2) heating (warranty)

3) tires (warranty but told I had to buy new ones which cost quite a bit)

4) moulding (how it was made)

5) antenna snapped off

 

It just keeps adding up... no more for me

[nardvark]

I bought a 2005 Focus. I've had a crap load of problems with it, both with the car and the dealership that sold it to me. I used to work at Ford and because of that I ended up buying my Focus. I'm not impressed at all with it or how the dealership was (with warranty problems etc). Because of this bad experience I'm not likely at all to even bother with taking it for a test drive. I agree with the original title of this post... that's it for me.

Problems:

1) electrical (warranty)

2) heating (warranty)

3) tires (warranty but told I had to buy new ones which cost quite a bit)

4) moulding (how it was made)

5) antenna snapped off

 

It just keeps adding up... no more for me

 

Sorry you had problems, but you did buy a car in the first year of a redesign. It doesn't matter which manufacturer you're talking about, there is always roughly a 3X higher incidence of warranty repairs in the first year of a redesign.

 

Our '06 had a couple of hiccups that were repaired under warranty. The fuel filler neck was bad, and threw the CEL. Also, the rear brakes developed a squeal, which took a couple of warranty repair trips to fix for good.

 

All in all, this has been on par with my family's experience with pretty much every car we've owned. A couple things get fixed under warranty, and nothing else so far.