2008 Ford Focus Unveiled

[wescoent]

I absolutely love it. Incredibly distinctive, like a Mondeo mixed with a 5-Series in 3/4 scale. Interior is kinda rich on the silver plastic, but it's head and shoulders about the last one. For a refresh, this is absolutely fantastic, and will hold things over until C2 gets here.

[Blueblood]

I absolutely love it. Incredibly distinctive, like a Mondeo mixed with a 5-Series in 3/4 scale. Interior is kinda rich on the silver plastic, but it's head and shoulders about the last one. For a refresh, this is absolutely fantastic, and will hold things over until C2 gets here.

 

Haha, C2 will get here when pigs fly...

[silvrsvt]

Haha, C2 will get here when pigs fly...

 

 

Ever have anything postive to say?

 

Anyways, the current game plan seems to merge both North American and European platforms by the middle of next Decade at the lastest, with the first of this starting with the B-cars in 2009 or so.

[Blue II]

Ford will not get it right overnight. Patience is needed if you are a true Ford person. The roller coaster ride will continue for another two years at least. There will be highs and lows and some events in the middle. There has been a good bit of mismanagement and neglect.

 

The constant whiners on here are just that. They have no interest in Ford other than to critisize.

[Blueblood]

Ever have anything postive to say?

 

Anyways, the current game plan seems to merge both North American and European platforms by the middle of next Decade at the lastest, with the first of this starting with the B-cars in 2009 or so.

 

Yes I do, it's just that there's little to be positive about lately, and that's the truth. Better to be truthful than to hold back, as Ford's new CEO would tell ya.. :P

 

I've begged, pleaded, asked, and begged some more for any kind of evidence that C2 is coming here, and all I've gotten is assurances from people who as far as I know are just hoping it comes true. I do have a lot of hope that it will happen with Mullaly running the show, I just have a feeling the bean counters will win out..

[Blueblood]

Ford will not get it right overnight. Patience is needed if you are a true Ford person. The roller coaster ride will continue for another two years at least. There will be highs and lows and some events in the middle. There has been a good bit of mismanagement and neglect.

 

The constant whiners on here are just that. They have no interest in Ford other than to critisize.

 

 

Hey I've been patient with Ford for decades, I've been fiercely loyal, I've owned nothing but Ford's for my entire life, and now my patience is wearing thin. I've seen mistake after bumble after foul-up after poor decision after another, and I've seen a complete abandonment of the most loyal Ford enthusiasts with the canning of anything performance oriented except the Mustang. Hello SVT?? So please don't tell me I have no interest in Ford, I've sold them so many cars over the years I think I have the priviledge of giving my honest criticisms.

[BigBadBflo]

I was very worried about this refresh, but am happy to see all the changes.

 

Like some of my favorite albums, they were so different that I didn't like them at first until I got to listen a few times and "understand them". And there were others that of coarse, that I neverliked. I am curious to see how this design ends up once I see it in person. My only complaint is that th edesign is a little busy.

 

In my opinion, the '05 refresh tried to make it look like the Euro Focus, albeit a very cheap one.

[Michael Reynolds]

What was wrong with the Focus? Crappy interior encased within a :boring: exterior.

 

It looks as if Ford has addressed both in great detail. In doing so it looks nothing like the outgoing car, which some around here swore up and and down it would. Good job there.

 

I'm not really sure I am a fan of the exterior (ditto that with the 500), but I'll make it to Detroit this weekend to see if that holds true. I'm really impressed with the interior uprgrades, the center stack with the information display appears to be very intutitive and easily read. The ambient lighting and Sync are just the icing on the cake.

[NickF1011]

I like the back end a lot. Simple, but elegant. The front looks to be a bit of a mish-mash of designs though, as are those tacky fender vents. I love the ambient lighting inside!

 

In either case, it's certainly an improvement over the outgoing model.

[silvrsvt]

Hey I've been patient with Ford for decades, I've been fiercely loyal, I've owned nothing but Ford's for my entire life, and now my patience is wearing thin.

 

If its that bad, why not move to another brand? Unless Ford is providing your paycheck.

[old_fairmont_wagon]

My take:

 

Interior: Much improved, nice added features, should sell a few cars.

Exterior: Definitely different looking. Could have done without the chrome side vents. Not overly fond of the tail.

Powertrain: Extremely disappointed. While its exactly what I expected, it isn't at all what I think that they should have done.

New Coupe: Not too fond of the design in the area behind the doors between the B and C pillars. It really looks like the sedan with only two doors.

 

Commentary: I think that they did a decent job overall on the visual aspects of the vehicle. The vent's out of place in this segment. The front isn't stellar, but it is better. The tail isn't to my taste, but it is visually interesting. The interior redo was much needed, and while not perfect, it really is at least competitive.

 

What has me the most upset is the continued use of the same exact 2.0L duratec 4 bange from the last model year. The engineering is already done on a VCT version of the same engine, and it is being used in the US in the Mazda3 i. At 150 hp, it is head and shoulders above the segment in HP for the base engine. There's no reason at all that ford couldn't have put that into the new Focus, none. The unit volume cost increase (which can't be more than $100 an engine at the absolute most) in costs would have been easily made up for in the sales differential a class lead would have garnered. It would have required no structural changes to the vehicle, and could be mounted to the same exact transmission. With very minor modifications, if any, (that would have been likely fully funded by not trying to apply that stupid fender vent to the design) the 5AT from the Fusion 4 banger or the Mazda3s, would have been usable as well. Those two changes would have resulted in an engine and tranny combo that was likely almost 10% more efficient, resulting in a nice boost to the MPG figures of the car, which still lag behind the Corolla and Civic.

 

The other philosophical mistake in my opinion is the addition of a coupe version combined with dropping the 2.3L and the rear disc breaks. The Coupe is meant to be a sportier take on the same vehicle. While it does succeed in looking mildly sportier than the Sedan (largely because it has only two doors, not for any other differences), it gives that away by trading away any sporting hardware that it had available. The engineering was already done on the ST, this vehicle isn't any different from that one. Why oh why completely give up on the ST parts when you intro a coupe? Heck, even if standard tranny demand isn't that goodm then find a freaking way to connect an auto to that engine for the less than true enthusiasts. You now have a coupe that is a gutless as the sedan.

 

And while I'm on the topic, they've even further emasulated the performance. Not only did they take away the 2.3L, and drop the rear discs, they lowered the final drive ratio. While this may make for quieter highway cruising and slightly better highway mpg, it won't help city mpg and will make the powertrain feel even weaker off the line. So, lets make it sportier by adding a coupe, and then kill any sporting hardware and settings the vehicle may have had in the first place.

 

All of this was from the enthusiast in me talking. Mainstream auto appliance sales won't notice a thing that I said and will like the new design. I predict a mild increase in sales for the next two model years.

[hoss96racing]

I like it... I still don't care what chassis it is... I would only look at a focus for an economy car to get to work in so I would probably get the 2.0 anyways... and I would do without the side vents... but thats ok.. i'm sure there will be something aftermarket to replace them that looks better coming along...

 

my brothers '02 focus has been getting him back and forth to work fine and this one looks better so it will be on my list...

[igor]

for everyone reviewing the car keep in mind the benchmark - the Civic .. 130hp engine, sedan and coupe.

Ford was said to be aiming for 40mpg for this redo .. we'll see how well they did ..

 

The criticisms here are mostly correct, and I agree ... but this is not intended to compete with Mazda - that would be stupid .. instead it goes after the Civic .. which is really #2 in the segment after the Mazda.

 

I personally wished for a 5speed auto (at least in the top trim), coupled with rear disc breaks.. that would redeem the Focus fully in my eyes.

 

Igor

[Fordowner]

I really like it, as a zx3 owner it almost makes me forgive them for dropping the hatch. The sides look great and the front looks hondaish, but not in a ripoff or bad way. Its says its held gas mileage so suspect that won't improve. But i agree the structure of the car is excellent and not dated, so this substantial redesign should do the trick.

[old_fairmont_wagon]

The new 1.8L I-4 in the civic gets 140 hp. And its attached to a 5AT. That's what the competition gets. We get a 2.0L I-4 that manages a touch over 135 hp and a 4AT.

[RichardJensen]

New Focus gets rain sensing wipers?

[hoss96racing]

ohh .. you can make up that 5hp.. just put in one of those tornado things and a throttle body spacer.... :lol:

 

but i'm sure with less displacement and a 5AT it will win on fuel mileage...

[Watchdevil]

The ambient lighting in the interior has been a dealer installed accessory on the Civic since it was redesigned for 2006. My friend got it for his Civic 4-door when he had it and it looked very nice at night, and it is such that it is tasteful and doesn't seem as much like a tacky ricer add-on.

[Cashman]

Ford will not get it right overnight. Patience is needed if you are a true Ford person. The roller coaster ride will continue for another two years at least. There will be highs and lows and some events in the middle. There has been a good bit of mismanagement and neglect.

The constant whiners on here are just that. They have no interest in Ford other than to critisize.

 

or maybe these are people who actually CARE enough to look at the competition and see that ford is not keeping up, and not just blindly sackriding any crap ford puts out.

 

Not taking any criticism and using it to help is what has put ford in their position now, and will push them over the edge.

[silvrsvt]

or maybe these are people who actually CARE enough to look at the competition and see that ford is not keeping up, and not just blindly sackriding any crap ford puts out.

 

Not taking any criticism and using it to help is what has put ford in their position now, and will push them over the edge.

 

 

There's nothing wrong with criticizing Ford, just bashing them in every thread gets pretty wearing after a while and doesn't change much

[NickF1011]

Oh yeah? Well....Ford sucks. And Toyota's dad could beat up Ford's dad!! Take that!

Edited January 8, 2007 by NickF1011

[timmm55]

I actually like it. It's not the breakout design the original Focus was when introduced. It was "bolder" and edgier.The coupe is pretty slick but more conventional. No it's not the $$$$ 300HP Euro version, but the market here is still quite different for small cars.

 

I notice everyone talks about how high the doors are on the Focus, Interceptor (BTW it's not imitating the 300, just meeting the same crash requirements) etc. It's a sign of the times with current side impact/air bags/side curtains.

[Watchdevil]

or maybe these are people who actually CARE enough to look at the competition and see that ford is not keeping up, and not just blindly sackriding any crap ford puts out.

 

Not taking any criticism and using it to help is what has put ford in their position now, and will push them over the edge.

 

I don't consider myself a whiner. I consider myself someome who has been a lifelong Ford man who cares about what is happening to the company and the lack of truly class leading appealing cars. I often share my criticisms and passions of Ford vehicles in hopes that someone out there will connect and understand what it means to be a Ford enthusiast by recognizing why people like Fords of the past while having the ability to apply relavency and excitement to the present and future so newer Ford can become legends in their own time.

 

I do look at competition and how well they are designed, if they are high quality and pleasingly attractive without being too boring or out of this world ugly. I look at the whole line of VW's and see what they are doing right now with their new generation of models and I am completely blown away with the interior designs, materials, quality and features of those models. They also have their passenger vehicles well thought out, sized and know what customers to target. Certainly they learned from some of the mistakes in parts quality on the last generation models. They realized they had better improve quality to retain market share or they will be out of business in the US soon. What is incredible is despite the low quality ratings of the past generation models, VW vehicles are on top of the list in retaining resale values. While VW is not perfect, it's still a winner in my book and I can see why people would be attracted to the brand.

 

As far as other brands go, the dealerships mostly have a reputation for giving the best service. Honda, Toyota and Saturn come to my mind.

 

My best friend owns a new GTI that just great. Being originally from Michigan, his father worked for Ford. He has traditionally owned Ford products and was loyal for a long time because of where he grew up and where the family's bread on the table came from... He had three Thunderbirds (1977, 1985 & 1992.. he loved them), a Mustang, a couple Escorts and even two late model Cougars. He eventually was swayed into buying a Civic that he liked and he kept it for a few years. When he moved down here to Charlotte, he bought a commuter Aveo which was surprisingly decent quality for the price. He got the new car bug, wanted a bigger car and bought a Saturn Ion. Big mistake. Being used to a Civic, the Ion was rough, buzzy, underpowered, unrefined and consumed fuel. He had it one month and traded it for a 2006 Civic 4-door. That was an okay car for him but after the VW GTI came out he got excited and when out and bought one and he just absolutely loves it.

 

He did look at Fords but did not find anything he liked. He liked the Mustang, esecially the black interior with red seats but criticized the Mustang for having no back seat room and after driving one he said it felt like a bulky old car with clunky old drivetrain. He didn't like the Fusion enough to buy one. He absolutely hated the Focus and said they look and felt like cheap crap. He said he would have absolutely bought a new four seat Thunderbird if they made one. And so would I. We are both in our 40's. We don't need a truck or SUV. We like fine expressions of personal style and comfort that makes us feel good.

 

My earliest childhood memories are Fords that my family owned. The very first car I remember when I was two years old was my dad's blue 1966 Mustang followed by a 1967 lime green one. Two of my aunts had Fords, one a 1967 Galaxie 500 two-door HT and my other aunt had a hand me down 67 Falcon 4door from my Grandmother. I also remember a neighbor with a cool 1967 Thunderbird four door with it's suicide doors, swing away steering wheel and "no headlamps". In 1971, my dad bought an LTD Brougham 4-door. The aunt that owned the Galaxie bought a Mercury Bobcat in 1976 that she still owns and drives today. I learned how to drive a manual transmission in that car. My step-father had a 1976 Capri II when it was new. My mom has owned two Mustang II's and a nice blue 1976 Torino wagon. One of my Grandfathers drove a 1976 Pinto wagon with a V6. My sister drove a mint condition 1985 LTD through college. She really loved that car but a couple years ago it came time to buy something newer. She bought a Camry. Why? Reliability and well thought out design, afforability and contemporary style not to mention that it seemed like an educated choice. She would not have been caught dead in a new Taurus because of it's "stigma".

 

I developed fondness for other vehicles my family owned as well. Both sets of my Grandparents had Cadillacs. I will always remember the big black befinned 1963 model my Grandfather drove like he was the Godfather of the Mafia (he was Sicilian). My mom's mother owned a 1973 VW Type 3 from when it was new and my mother had a couple of Beetles.

 

When I was young I developed a fondness for the Pinto wagon... God knows why but I liked it and it was groovy to me. When I was young I spent a lot of spare time in the school library learning about cars and reading MT, C&D, PM and PS. I also built model cars as a hobby and drew renderings of cars, some actual and some my own designs.

 

Through all of that time developing interest in cars as a hobby, I developed a fondness for certain cars here and there but mostly Fords. Notibly Mustangs, Cougars, Thunderbirds and even Futura coupes. My first car ended up being a 1976 Mustang II Cobra II.

 

Needless to say Fords were always my favorite cars particularly the Mustang. I became fixated on wanting a Mustang, but during the 1980's and early 90's I found new designs of Fords mostly boring. I used to like the Ford EXP and even entertained buying a Mustang of that era but I always wanted the Mustang to look more like a Mustang. Back then I even entertained buying an original 1966 Mustang which were still easily found and afforable. I liked cars with exciting styling that made a statement and it blew me away that you could get a 1982 Camaro which was modern, sleek and Ferrari-like compared to the Mustang then which looked like it should have been a called a Pinto. (In actuality it did capture old Pinto sales with it's 4-cyl stripper base models.)

 

As my second car, I ended up getting a 1983 Camaro. After a couple years I bought a 1978 LTD II 2dr HT and I absolutely loved it. However the IROC-Z bug got to me so I sold the LTD II and traded the Camaro in 1985 for an IROC-Z. In 1989 I bought a Grand Prix, then some time after that a 89 Z28 Convertible. After that Z28, I bought a 1992 Firebird. When 1993 came I almost bought the new generation Firebird, but after hearing that the Mustang was gonna be redesigned I decided to wait.

 

When 1994 rolled around I was happy that the Mustang returned to styling that took cues from the original. I ended up trading a 1992 Firebird for a Mustang convertible and I loved it...

 

In 1997, I had to change a few things in life and had to let the Mustang go... So I bought a used 1985 Thunderbird and fell in love with it. I never appreciated as much it until then and I drove it until it reached 245,000 miles. At some point I had to rest that car and I bought a 1989 Thunderbird and liked that too. Both of those cars reminded me of the LTD II coupe I used to have in one way or another.

 

I drove the 89 Tbird for a couple years and decided to get a 99 Mustang coupe. It was okay for a while but Ford cheapened it up since the 1994 model and I was not as happy with it. Plus I was starting to have a lot of home inprovement projects and needed something to haul things in. So I bought a Ford Escape in 1993 and had it a couple years. I really loved it. Matter of fact when I see a Ford Escape now I have a soft spot for it. I even prefer the original exterior design over the new 08 model.

 

So anyone can understand why I have a soft spot for Fords and why I want Ford to build stylish cars that are appealing to buy. I still believe in Thunderbirds, Cougars and Continentals and that there should always be a place for these nameplates and theme models in FoMoCo's model lineup. I also believe in offering a 4-door RWD V8 powered sports performance sedan. I still believe in coupes as well. I also love Rancheros.

 

Right now I have a particular fetish for certain late 60's & early 70's Ford products. Ford Torinos & Mercury Montego fastbacks, all Cougars, the Australian Falcon XT coupe (and LTD coupe variant), some Thunderbirds up to 1972, the Galaxie XL, and the 1972 LTD Convertible. I still like the 1977-79 Tbirds and Rancheros, along with the Fairmont Futura Coupe. I also like the 1985-86 LTD LX 5.0 Sport.

 

What I would like to see for Ford more than anything in the world is a Focus that is a real competitor for the GTI and Jetta, a Mustang with a better styled interior with the right textures, materials and feel, a Thunderbird of some relavent shape or form (after 50 years Ford should not be without a Thunderbird!), a COMMITMENT to building a RWD V8/V6 sports performance sedan or "four door coupe", styling for the rest of the lineup that is exciting, consistant, unified with chassis and performance dynamics that are world class and not half-assed. The Mustang, Fusion, Milan and MKZ are mostly what Ford is doing right. There is always room for improvement and I will always have contructive criticism for them to present the best.

 

As far as the type car I like to own, I wish to own something iconic like a Mustang or a Thunderbird. It can be a coupe or convertible. I like V8 performance or will accept a capable V6. I like contemporary good looks combined with key historical model DNA cues. I like excellent handling, good steering and ride quality. I also like excellent build quality, surprise and delight features, good interior materials, textures and finishes. I want a car that I feel good to own, feel good to be in and feels good to drive. It's not about making a social or ego statement, but how it feels and looks good to me. It should also be a rolling piece of art, because I am an art lover.

Edited January 8, 2007 by Watchdevil

[NickF1011]

I drove the 89 Tbird for a couple years and decided to get a 99 Mustang coupe. It was okay for a while but Ford cheapened it up since the 1994 model and I was not as happy with it.

 

What exactly did they "cheapen up" between 1994 and 1999 on the Mustang? The interiors are identical (save for the clock pod, cupholders, and seats - the latter two which I consider to be huge improvements over the '94 designs). The engine was more powerful and refined. The transmission was better. They added available traction control. Other than that, it's basically the same car.

[Cashman]

There's nothing wrong with criticizing Ford, just bashing them in every thread gets pretty wearing after a while and doesn't change much

 

 

well it doesn't seem like they have any idea what consumers want, so with the more people on here telling them it might get through someone's head. It's not a matter of bashing ford as much as getting frustrated from seeing our favorite auto manufacturer go down the shitter.