Saw a 2007

[630land]

I saw a Focus with a new bright blue color at an Enterprise outlet near me. Is it maybe a 2007? They started job 1 in early May so they would be trickling in.

 

Looks like the 2008 will be out by spring next year [2007 CY]. Hey better than nothing!

[ruteger]

Looks like the 2008 will be out by spring next year [2007 CY]. Hey better than nothing!

I wouldn't bet on it. At the rate Ford is going, the old C170 might be around for another couple of years while they keep plugging away at a replacement (that will be about five years behind whatever Toyota and Honda has on the market at the time).

 

But, hey, they'll be able to keep sales up by offering a new grill and some great new colors (while decontenting the car some more).

 

I wonder what they'll take out next? They made the tachometer and center armrest extra cost options on the 2005 ZX3 (when they were originally standard equipment) and got rid of the speedy 2.3L PZEV that used to be a $100 option on all 2004 models.

 

Here's an idea - how about making the rear seat an extra cost item. That'll boost sales...

[630land]

Well, I didnt say it would be a new platform, just 'new'. It is a mystery still waht will be changed. So far just seen spy pics of 3 bar grille, and supposedly that the C170 will get some C1 parts. Who knows?

 

If they don't at least give it new sheet metal, its a dead duck.

[swenson88]

Well, I didnt say it would be a new platform, just 'new'. It is a mystery still waht will be changed. So far just seen spy pics of 3 bar grille, and supposedly that the C170 will get some C1 parts. Who knows?

 

If they don't at least give it new sheet metal, its a dead duck.

 

 

The stupid thing is the Focus doesn't need any new platform or chassis or powertrain, it just needs a new exterior and interior. Why hasn't Ford figured this out? The Focus has been universally praised for its driving dynamics, just throw new sheetmetal on it, update the interior, and VOILA! New car just like the imports do every five years.

[Jazzhead]

Unfortunately, the last refresh is a dud. Trying to be baby brother to the Five Hundred, Focus fanatics complain the avant garde look of the original interior was changed to one looking more suited to a, well, big sedan. Meanwhile, the Five Hundred's grill lacks presence and makes people think of an overgrown Focus.

 

Two cars with excellent dynamics undermined by a couple of unfortunate mistakes in the styling department. Thankfully, they ought to be easily correctable.

 

But Swensen's absolutely right - the platform of the U.S. Focus is excellent. It has amazing handling. I'd buy another without hesitation. Personally, I'd leave the basic look of the ZX3 and ZX5 alone; they look better still than their EuroFocus counterparts, and work on swooping up that boring sedan model.

Edited June 17, 2006 by Jazzhead

[cjeffers17]

I wouldn't bet on it. At the rate Ford is going, the old C170 might be around for another couple of years while they keep plugging away at a replacement (that will be about five years behind whatever Toyota and Honda has on the market at the time).

 

But, hey, they'll be able to keep sales up by offering a new grill and some great new colors (while decontenting the car some more).

 

I wonder what they'll take out next? They made the tachometer and center armrest extra cost options on the 2005 ZX3 (when they were originally standard equipment) and got rid of the speedy 2.3L PZEV that used to be a $100 option on all 2004 models.

 

Here's an idea - how about making the rear seat an extra cost item. That'll boost sales...

 

You are making fun of a Focus and you drive a Prius? That has to be one of the most unsafe cars on the road besides the Echo. Don't turn a corner to fast. It may roll. Cost cutting...there's noting to eliminate in a Prius. I hope you don't work for Ford and drive a Toyota.

 

Have a nice day.

[630land]

The "speedy motors" are now not desirable with high gas prices. Looks like the HP race is over, for now.

Edited June 20, 2006 by 630land

[swenson88]

The "speedy motors" are now not desirable with high gas prices. Looks like the HP race is over, for now.

 

I think the key is to offer the best of both worlds: a nice fairly hi-po 2.3-2.5L I4 w/ 170-200hp and a smaller 1.5-1.8L I4 w/ low hp but high mpg. Why offer a 2.0 and a 2.3 that don't differ that much in mpg?

[igor]

I think the key is to offer the best of both worlds: a nice fairly hi-po 2.3-2.5L I4 w/ 170-200hp and a smaller 1.5-1.8L I4 w/ low hp but high mpg. Why offer a 2.0 and a 2.3 that don't differ that much in mpg?

the 2.0 is rated for 27/37mpg for 07... that is good enough IMO...

 

but the D20 and D23 are both very conservative engines.. there is a lot of tech Ford can use on them and is not using: VVT, DI etc.. if ned be, I am sure the D20 is capable of at least 150hp and 42mpg hwy.

 

Igor

[630land]

Checked the 2007 Focus overview, and the color I saw was the new "Aqua Blue". The new Leather interior lokks nice too.

 

Just need to see what the 'revised' model for 2008 will consist? "C170 Version 2.0" ?

[ruteger]

You are making fun of a Focus and you drive a Prius? That has to be one of the most unsafe cars on the road besides the Echo. Don't turn a corner to fast. It may roll. Cost cutting...there's noting to eliminate in a Prius. I hope you don't work for Ford and drive a Toyota.

 

Have a nice day.

Former vehicles I've owned were an '01 Cobra convertible and an '03 BMW 330Ci. The Prius doesn't handle as well as the BMW but it's about the same as the Cobra. The handling is largely a result of the OEM tires which are designed singularly for fuel mileage. Changing the Prius' OEM tires improves the handling considerably. Have you ever driven one? If not, consider it before commenting on how it corners.

 

I'm also comfortable with the quality of the Prius. I've looked at Focus ZX3s and several new ones on dealer lots had rear hatches that wouldn't latch properly. These were 'brand new' cars. I've never run across a Toyota (even an old one) with a door/hatch that didn't close properly.

 

Additionally, Toyota is able to retain/increase sales/market share by doing a 'real' model change every 3-5 years, not just a grill/dash change and new colors. Maybe if Ford did the same with the Focus every 3-5 years with quality comparable to a Toyota, I might buy one. Until then, I'll pass.

 

The C170 Focus was 'okay' when it was introduced, but that was over eight years ago. This really wouldn't be that bad but when Ford decontents an eight year old car by making previously standard equipment optional, it deserves to be made fun of.

 

Have a nice day.

[ruteger]

How was your fuel economy effected by the change of tires?

I haven't changed them yet. However, anecdotal evidence is that it will be lowered an average of maybe 1 mpg. Currently, I'm getting 44 mpg, city or highway, with a 'normal' (for me) aggressive driving style. It's supposed to be possible to get the EPA mileage numbers (60 city, 51 hwy), but it takes a definite adjustment in driving style (i.e., 'slow'), never going over 55 mph. I'll take the hit in mpg when the time comes.

 

Most Prius owners switch from the OEM Goodyear Integritys to Goodyear Comfortreads or Michelin HydroEdges when the Integritys wear out. Again, heresay is that the Comfortreads improve the ride more, while the HydroEdges are better at improving the handling. Supposedly, either one is a vast improvement over the OEM tires.

 

I'll probably go with the Comfortreads when the time comes.

Edited July 4, 2006 by ruteger

[cjeffers17]

Former vehicles I've owned were an '01 Cobra convertible and an '03 BMW 330Ci. The Prius doesn't handle as well as the BMW but it's about the same as the Cobra. The handling is largely a result of the OEM tires which are designed singularly for fuel mileage. Changing the Prius' OEM tires improves the handling considerably. Have you ever driven one? If not, consider it before commenting on how it corners.

 

I'm also comfortable with the quality of the Prius. I've looked at Focus ZX3s and several new ones on dealer lots had rear hatches that wouldn't latch properly. These were 'brand new' cars. I've never run across a Toyota (even an old one) with a door/hatch that didn't close properly.

 

Additionally, Toyota is able to retain/increase sales/market share by doing a 'real' model change every 3-5 years, not just a grill/dash change and new colors. Maybe if Ford did the same with the Focus every 3-5 years with quality comparable to a Toyota, I might buy one. Until then, I'll pass.

 

The C170 Focus was 'okay' when it was introduced, but that was over eight years ago. This really wouldn't be that bad but when Ford decontents an eight year old car by making previously standard equipment optional, it deserves to be made fun of.

 

Have a nice day.

 

I have driven one, that is why I made the comment.

 

And the Camry has really changed......Still have the exhaust pipe hanging 3 feet under the car....

[ruteger]

And the Camry has really changed...

Compared to Ford's model change cycle, yes, it has. Since being introduced in 1982, the Camry has underwent five major redesigns and upgrades in model years 1987, 1992 (1990 in Japan), 1997, 2002 and most recently in 2007. Since 1999 (the year the C170 was introduced), the Camry has undergone not one, but two major redesigns, whereas the C170 has undergone zero major redesigns (changing the grill and dash in 2005 is not a major redesign).

 

Still have the exhaust pipe hanging 3 feet under the car....

Whatever are you talking about?

 

FWIW, the C170 Focus peaked in the latter part of 2004 when it was possible to get the 2.3L PZEV engine for an additional $100. With the now-standard $2500 rebate, that car was a well-equipped, nice, speedy little bargain econobox. Now it's just another mediocre domestic car whose primary sales are to rental fleets.

[cjeffers17]

Compared to Ford's model change cycle, yes, it has. Since being introduced in 1982, the Camry has underwent five major redesigns and upgrades in model years 1987, 1992 (1990 in Japan), 1997, 2002 and most recently in 2007. Since 1999 (the year the C170 was introduced), the Camry has undergone not one, but two major redesigns, whereas the C170 has undergone zero major redesigns (changing the grill and dash in 2005 is not a major redesign).

 

Whatever are you talking about?

 

FWIW, the C170 Focus peaked in the latter part of 2004 when it was possible to get the 2.3L PZEV engine for an additional $100. With the now-standard $2500 rebate, that car was a well-equipped, nice, speedy little bargain econobox. Now it's just another mediocre domestic car whose primary sales are to rental fleets.

 

 

Have a look below the Camry (or ES 300) when you are behind it. All joking aside, I can't belive they have not changed this. It looks like they forgot to design the car with an exhaust pipe.

[swenson88]

Have a look below the Camry (or ES 300) when you are behind it. All joking aside, I can't belive they have not changed this. It looks like they forgot to design the car with an exhaust pipe.

 

I thought I had heard somewhere that they finally re-routed the exhaust with the 2007 Camry, but I could be wrong. I know what you're talking about, but I guess if it had been a problem it would have come up somewhere. The low point of the exhaust seems to be in line with the rear tires, so going over things like speed bumps, etc shouldn't ever cause the exhaust to touch the ground. It does look really stupid, though.

[03Ltd.Windstar]

Well i'll agree with the exhaust issues on toyota's and lexus's...I had an unfortunate experience with my aunts es300 (2000) when going over a speed bump to get to school one morning. Try getting the edge of the muffler hooked on the speed bump and ripping (and snapping) all the clamps to the exhaust sytem right out from underneath the car. Of course, this being two days after they redid the damn bumps...so it wouldn't have happened otherwise....oh yes, my aunt still hasn't forgiven me for it....two years in october that was!

[BGK]

Many cars on the market have the annoying engineering feature of putting the exhaust UNDER the rear suspension. For some reason auto manufacturers are finding it difficult to design it the other way around. Hopefully they will figure it out soon!

And lets hope Ford figures out how to bring us the same Foci they drive in Europe!

[NickF1011]

Many cars on the market have the annoying engineering feature of putting the exhaust UNDER the rear suspension. For some reason auto manufacturers are finding it difficult to design it the other way around. Hopefully they will figure it out soon!

And lets hope Ford figures out how to bring us the same Foci they drive in Europe!

 

It's pretty difficult to design an over-the-axle exhaust system when using an independent rear. The space typically used to route exhaust over the axle is needed for suspension travel in many cases. Even the 99-04 Cobras had under-the-axle exhaust for this reason.

 

It's not really much of an issue if you ask me, unless you're inclined to taking your Focus offroad. :shrug:

[fllcobra]

The stupid thing is the Focus doesn't need any new platform or chassis or powertrain, it just needs a new exterior and interior. Why hasn't Ford figured this out? The Focus has been universally praised for its driving dynamics, just throw new sheetmetal on it, update the interior, and VOILA! New car just like the imports do every five years.

 

Exactly!

[Roadrunner]

It's pretty difficult to design an over-the-axle exhaust system when using an independent rear. The space typically used to route exhaust over the axle is needed for suspension travel in many cases. Even the 99-04 Cobras had under-the-axle exhaust for this reason.

 

It's not really much of an issue if you ask me, unless you're inclined to taking your Focus offroad. :shrug:

 

The Focus can handle off-road situations -- just not very fast. I was halfway impressed, honestly.

 

// Somehow ended up taking a rental Focus up into mountain access roads in Oregon

[SilverSN95]

It's pretty difficult to design an over-the-axle exhaust system when using an independent rear. The space typically used to route exhaust over the axle is needed for suspension travel in many cases. Even the 99-04 Cobras had under-the-axle exhaust for this reason.

 

It's not really much of an issue if you ask me, unless you're inclined to taking your Focus offroad. :shrug:

 

 

Can't be that hard.... my 95 escort GT has the exhaust routed above the independent rear suspension. Maybe it's a manufacturing limitation. EG. if the rear suspension is already mounted on the car when the exhaust is mounted it makes more sense to route it under the suspension.

[NickF1011]

Can't be that hard.... my 95 escort GT has the exhaust routed above the independent rear suspension. Maybe it's a manufacturing limitation. EG. if the rear suspension is already mounted on the car when the exhaust is mounted it makes more sense to route it under the suspension.

 

Or it could be the design of the floorpan. Maybe there's just not as much room to "tuck it in" compared to your Escort. Automakers seem inclined to stretch out interior floor and trunk space as much as possible these days, which may lead to such an issue.

 

Oh well...I still don't see it as a big deal. As long as the sheet metal riding above the exhaust looks better than the current Focus!!!

[Noah Harbinger]

I thought I had heard somewhere that they finally re-routed the exhaust with the 2007 Camry, but I could be wrong. I know what you're talking about, but I guess if it had been a problem it would have come up somewhere. The low point of the exhaust seems to be in line with the rear tires, so going over things like speed bumps, etc shouldn't ever cause the exhaust to touch the ground. It does look really stupid, though.

 

My roommate, with his 2005 camry, has a rather perverse habit of taking the vehicle off-road

 

Nothing too spectacular, but still, the exhaust is always scraping on things. I swear one of these days the muffler's gonna scrape off. He'll still take it in and claim a warranty repair, though -- and knowing him he'll probably get away with it.