2008 Ford Focus Unveiled

[Cashman]

mind you i've never owned an import and am not planning on it as long as there are still some american companies around, but here's the new accord concept that just debuted, this looks 500x better than the focus (i can't believe i actually said that...)

 

[NickF1011]

mind you i've never owned an import and am not planning on it as long as there are still some american companies around, but here's the new accord concept that just debuted, this looks 500x better than the focus (i can't believe i actually said that...)

 

 

Aside from the mini-Ridgeline grille and half-assed lower intake detailing I would agree. Looks pretty sharp.

[LincolnFan]

Looks like a bastard child of an Acura and a CLS.

[03 LS]

Look at the direction they are going:

 

2.3 I4 dropped, auto trans gear ration decreased, hatchback dropped, 2 dr coupe added...

 

This Focus will be the holdover for BOTH B and C new cars. Yes, this Foci won't make any C car enthusiastics happy, but does Ford have any that kind buyer left? (Since they dropped svt foci) Low price and better fuel economy, still fun to drive, a pretty good holdover until the C2 and B car come. No?

[NickF1011]

Look at the direction they are going:

 

2.3 I4 dropped, auto trans gear ration decreased, hatchback dropped, 2 dr coupe added...

 

This Focus will be the holdover for BOTH B and C new cars. Yes, this Foci won't make any C car enthusiastics happy, but does Ford have any that kind buyer left? (Since they dropped svt foci) Low price and better fuel economy, still fun to drive, a pretty good holdover until the C2 and B car come. No?

 

It will act as a holdover yes, but holdover until when? How long it is taking Ford to prepare its B-cars is inexcusable. Where are the production-ready prototypes at THIS year's NAIAS?

[kyle]

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

 

you mean "criticize"....come on if you are going to call someone a naysayer you at least have to spell it right!!

 

just kidding by the way....i knew it was spelled wrong just had to make sure i at least spelled it right:))

[kyle]

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.

 

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.

 

come on you are a whiner and you are so unhappy go buy something else...ford does not need you!! I am really kidding because you have more right to call ford out then probably most people on this board. it is customer's like you that are increasingly not finding their needs met by ford and leaving the brand....not the guy who has always driven a honda or toyota or bmw.

 

my 2 cents on the focus is they changed the look of that car substantially and it will at least get noticed on the street. not certain if i like it...kind of like the civic exterior...not my personal style...but I am not in the youth market anyways...like what they did with the interior...seems like they are trying to put some content back into the vehicle...could of used a 5 speed auto.....but like the idea of getting something close to 40mpg

[Edstock]

"but here's the new accord concept that just debuted, this looks 500x better than the focus"

 

And the point is?

 

Consider what the 2 cars sell for. The Accord coupe is a near-luxo category, and looks great, but it's a concept, and the Focus is a budget production vehicle..

 

The Focus is an interim vehicle with a 24 month life-span.

[focus05]

Other than the headlights, that's a pretty good job overall. If the noise has been reduced and rigidity increased a little as they indicated, this could be one nice driving vehicle, better than anything in its class save the Mazda3, which it should be on par with. This vehicle's drivetrain lacks very little compared to the C1 now. The C1 was an evolution on the original C170 and this a very positive evolution on the C170 as well.

 

Sync is huge. Probably the most sophisticated mobility program out there and available on a car that costs less than $20k. That's impressive.

 

The negatives: the headlights - what were they thinking. I mean, it's not enough to keep me from considering it, but I don't like them. The side profile looks like a 3-series, which is good. The rear looks quite elegant. The interior is unbelievable. I didn't think Ford had it in them to create that interior. But those headlights. If they were squared off just a little and the foglights reduced slightly, I don't think this car would be receiving as much criticism as it is.

 

More negatives: No 5-speed auto. There is no excuse for this or the Escape not to have 5-speed autos. Ford screwed up big here. Huge. They had an opportunity to look more competitive and upscale, but they blew it.

 

More negatives: No hatches... they will be missed, although I have comments at the bottom that might explain why. My ZX5 will be traded in next year, and I was hoping for another ZX5. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm left with the sedan.

 

Thoughts: Rear drums - These aren't bad brakes and they typically last longer and cost less than discs. If stopping distances are competitive, why get four wheel disc? I know some will disagree, but it's the truth.

 

Thoughts: No 2.3L - If the 2.0 has truly gained a little power as suggested, I expect it to be closer to the Mazda3's range at like 140-145 or so. With that much horsepower and the 2.3 only rated at 151 right now, who needs it? What Ford DOES need, however, is a 2.0LT with about 200hp to compete with the Civic SI. They can do it, but I don't know if they will have the guts, which is sad.

 

Thoughts: No hatches. Now, I could be wrong on this, but here is my gut feeling. If Ford doesn't surprise us with a ZX3 or ZX5 between now and September, it is because they are bring their first B-car, the all-new Fiesta, here to the U.S. in early 2008. The new B platform will arrive in Europe this fall, which means if they've done their homework, they will have it here 6-9 months later. I say expect test mules starting this spring and a launch announcement by the time the Focus launches.

 

Overall, this is a great redesign, and it will defenitely get me to consider the Focus next time around. What it lacks (5-speed, hatchbacks and a decent front-end) it makes up for in (apparent) sophistication and features. I'm excited for it. If I buy one in early 2008, that will take me through until the C2s get here in 2010.

[pcsario]

pcsario, I'm getting really tired of warning you. Can the personal insults, or else.

Edited January 9, 2007 by RichardJensen

[Watchdevil]

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.

 

One of the ways the 99 Mustang was cheapened up was thinner parts molds and less materials wherever they could cut it. I remember the sunvisors on the 1994 model were substantial while the ones on the 99 were thin and floppy. The tops of the rear seat that did not fold but stayed stationary with the rear package shelf were ill fitting along with the package shelf. It was loose and rattly because they used fewer fasteners than before. They actually had places where fastners used to be assembled in the cars but they no longer used them. Also, the outside mirrors were changed to a thinner black pebble finish. But I do remember the base seat cloth in the 1999 was what I called chintz burlap. Not only was it unattractive and cheap looking but it started wearing really badly and coming apart at the seams. The cloth material would easily get snags as well. The carpeting was horrible as it would curl itself down from the footwells and not lay flat in some areas.

 

I always though there was something wrong with the ride quality that I could not put my finger on. The 99 rode much rougher than my 1994 convertible which was decent riding. The 99 literally would wear me out and beat me up. I have had RWD coupes before and none of them rode this badly. I also discovered that there was no rear sway bar. The engine also had spark knock issues on hot days. I was glad to get rid of this car.

[pcsario]

come on you are a whiner and you are so unhappy go buy something else...ford does not need you!! I am really kidding because you have more right to call ford out then probably most people on this board. it is customer's like you that are increasingly not finding their needs met by ford and leaving the brand....not the guy who has always driven a honda or toyota or bmw.

LOL...no kidding.

 

(Looks at avatar)

 

SEEMS A COUPLE OF CUSTOMERS TOOK THEIR ADVICE AND LEFT.

 

See I can relate to watchdevil's post, it's very similar to my feelings on the GTI and Ford interiors in general. I can't believe people take the much deserved criticisms towards Ford as some kind of personal attack or e-war to fight.

 

People have to realize that in this industry, you've to "wait" half a decade or more for another try, and that the customers don't give a shit about Ford's intentions (picture a salesman saying: "Yes sir, but you have to understand Bill Ford was trying to be smart blah blah blah... have pity and buy it").

 

Fact is, we've the right to be annoyed because all we got in the end was the bastard child of a Focus and a Sebring. How many times have we been told to "wait" as an excuse to Bill Ford's idiocy? So yeah, after about the fourth of fifth time, we got tired of waiting. You guys gave the Cobalt hell for being a POS (which -I agree- it is), yet are treating this equally-as-mediocre-improvement like it was some kind of 300C.

 

Think about the fact that if it wasn't for Mullaly and Fields, we would've had to wait 5 YEARS (minimum, possibly more) for a real improvement in packaging, design, size, etc. and that the ones who truly had it worse are the few remaining loyal Ford customers, who now have to settle with whatever bone Bill Ford deemed good enough for them.

Edited January 9, 2007 by pcsario

[302XR7]

In my opinion they really messed this car up, I like the current body style especially the U.K. version. But this new one just doesn't do much for me. The front end looks like the Nissan Sentra, but with the Chris Bangle headlights, off the 5 series BMW, you know, the Dame Edna ones. As you move farther back it starts looking like a Honda Civic, and as you come to the rear it looks reminiscent of past Saab's, does any anyone else see that? However the rear shot doesn't look too bad, not great but better than the rest of it, and the coupe version, could have some potential, I'll have to see it in person to make any definite conclusion.

[MKII]

In my opinion they really messed this car up, I like the current body style especially the U.K. version. But this new one just doesn't do much for me. The front end looks like the Nissan Sentra, but with the Chris Bangle headlights, off the 5 series BMW, you know, the Dame Edna ones. As you move farther back it starts looking like a Honda Civic, and as you come to the rear it looks reminiscent of past Saab's, does any anyone else see that? However the rear shot doesn't look too bad, not great but better than the rest of it, and the coupe version, could have some potential, I'll have to see it in person to make any definite conclusion.

 

If the silly buggars had of named this car something other then Focus, it would have been more acceptable. Focus is known as a euro styled car. Now this reskinned car is some kind of cross bred American/Korean looking vehicle.

I find it brutal that this car will wear the Focus name. Hopefully it does not make a mess for the 2010 C2 Focus, as far as consumers perception of what Ford Focus is/was.

[Watchdevil]

SEEMS A COUPLE OF CUSTOMERS LEFT.

 

....and that the ones who truly had it worse are the few remaining loyal Ford customers, who now have to settle with whatever bone Bill Ford deemed good enough for them.

 

Thats the thing. I am planning to purchase a new or newer car in the near future. In 1994, Ford gained my business back when it gave me a Mustang that looked like a Mustang which I could be passionate about. It was liek finding a long lost love. Subsequently I remained faithful to Ford up until last year when I had to make some extreme changes to survive in life due to a work layoff. I disposed of the Escape and drove a $500 91 Nissan Sentra for two weeks and totaled it because the old car could not stop on a dime like I was used to. So I replaced it with a $300 92 Lumina for a few months until it just wasn't reliable enough to depend on. It was simply worn out at over 165,000 miles and not worth repair. I ended up getting a used 2005 Cavalier because it was immediate to get and affordable. It was not a purchase that I had much luxury to think out or plan as something I wanted because I needed it immediately as reliable transportation to get to work at my new job.

 

The Cavalier is reliable and well put together despite its shortcomings of being a dated design with a poor quality creaky plastic dashboard. The Cavalier is however beautifully glossy black when clean (my first black car.. a bitch to keep clean), has some romantic curvy lines balanced with some edges and angles , has a good stereo, will reasonably zippy and gets out of it's own way with the 2.2 liter OHC Ecotech engine, it has decent comfortable seats with a very good quality cord cloth material (LT model). Nothing is falling apart on this car nor does it have any electrical or mechanical demons. It is 100X better than any Neon ever made (and I have driven a couple of them and they were crap). It's 200X better than my roomates Escort ZX2 which is a pile of crap. My Cavalier has great ABS brakes with traction control. At the time I was happy to just get another reliable afforable car again. I sort of embraced the Cavalier as sort of a Camaro that was pocket rocket sized like a GTI. Believe it or not, I do like it better than the Focus.

 

Granted it's not the newest state of the art vehicle and it's probably not a car the masses want to love or collect in the future. Nor am I passionately in love with this car. I do like it better than the Cobalt I drove temporarily for 4 months. But truth is not all Cavaliers made were junk. Even my sister had a 1984 model my mother bought new and handed down to my sister which she drove all through high school. It never needed more than proper routine maintenance and normal repairs after high mileage wear.

 

All this being said, I am looking to replace it soon with maybe a Mustang or GTI. I may even consider a used recent model Thunderbird. If there is something else on the market that is attractive that meets my desires at the time I am ready to buy, then I will consider it. So I don't know yet what I am going to buy... I do know Ford doesn't have anything but the Mustang and Fusion/Milan/MKZ as new offerings to attract me and I am leaning against four door models.

[Watchdevil]

If the silly buggars had of named this car something other then Focus, it would have been more acceptable. Focus is known as a euro styled car. Now this reskinned car is some kind of cross bred American/Korean looking vehicle.

I find it brutal that this car will wear the Focus name. Hopefully it does not make a mess for the 2010 C2 Focus, as far as consumers perception of what Ford Focus is/was.

 

I think part of the appeal of the original Focus is that it was much like the Euro version (at least in style) when it first came out.

[silvrsvt]

I think part of the appeal of the original Focus is that it was much like the Euro version (at least in style) when it first came out.

 

 

Which was also polarizing to alot of people....but all the recalls and crappy quaitly the first couple years hurt it then the super-boring redesign in 05 hurt it even more.

[Watchdevil]

Which was also polarizing to alot of people....but all the recalls and crappy quaitly the first couple years hurt it then the super-boring redesign in 05 hurt it even more.

 

It was no more polarizing than the 1983 Aero Thunderbird was at first. At least it was something better than the Escort that it replaced.

 

I was uncomfortable with the Aerobird at first but it grew on me. What I never got comfortable with was the 1980-82 Tbird.. and the 1995-2007 Taurus... Funny they are on opposite extremes... One is too boxy and the other is too ovoid.

 

What I do like is cars that still look good after 20 years... Something you can eventually call good art.

[Chris D.]

When I first saw it, I was pleasantly surprised to see a vehicle that looked substantially different than the current model, inside and out. Overall, it more closely resembles the Civic. The fact that it looks all-new should help it sell better.

 

The exterior is a little quirky, not the muscular, edgy euro look I was hoping for. The front end doesn't seem to harmonize completely and the wheels look somewhat lost in the fenders. They've even managed to make plain what should have been a bold chrome grill (ala Fusion). I'm mixed about the side scoops, need to see them in person. The back is not too bad. The coupe is a little plain, but better looking than the sedan IMO.

 

Love the interior, think it's right up there with the best of them from a "style" perspective. This is big. Need to inspect the actual materials to comment further. In this price range, I think the "sync" option is really going to help sell this car, especially to women. Definetly disappointed with the powertrain however. Why couldn't we get the VVT 2.0 with a 5 AT?

 

This car was probably going to get an even milder re-do before Fields came along, so I'm grateful for at least getting a substantial re-styling. We all knew coming in that this was going to be a holdover model for a few years. Mission accomplished there. Is it where we want Ford cars to be? DEFINETLY NOT. But I feel there truly is light at the end of the tunnel with Mulally and Fields, and sooner rather than later.

[silvrsvt]

It was no more polarizing than the 1983 Aero Thunderbird was at first. At least it was something better than the Escort that it replaced.

 

No the 83 T-bird wasn't as bad as the Focus, The Tempo came out about the same time and shared many of the styling traits the 83 T-bird had.

 

If anything, I'd say the 96 Taurus is the closest to the 00-04 Focus...The 86 Taurus design is timeless, but the 00-04 Focus has aged much better then the 96 Taurus has.

 

Anyways...as for the Escort thing, I'm bit spoiled in that department since all the Escorts the Family owned ran great with a minuim of problems. I wish I could say that bout my Focus, which was the biggest POS I've ever owned.

[mphmag]

some up close interior shots:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/01...ser_look_a.html

 

I've gotta update my name on here. Can I do that or have to reregister?

[Roadrunner]

Wow! Look at those gauges/instrumentation! Thanks for the link, mphmag.

 

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/focusgauges.jpg

[NickF1011]

Wow! Look at those gauges/instrumentation! Thanks for the link, mphmag.

 

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/focusgauges.jpg

 

*sigh*

 

I remember when I had white-faced guages in my 97 Cobra that it was unique and sporty looking.

 

Now even the lowly Focus has them.

[ANTAUS]

Like anything else, it'll trickle down to other vehicles in it's brand. And that gives them something to invent once again. For now it's the MyColor option, so it'll be a few years before we see that available on all Fords.