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Ford Focus ZX5

618 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2011 at 9:11 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback



Messages Page 48 of 62

#470 of 618 new Focus sooner than 2010 and try the traction control by brad2329

Dec 05, 2003 (9:18 am)

I have a ZX5 with the traction/stability control and it works wonderfully. If Ford is not offering it on the 2.3 then oh, well. Don't forget it adds the safety and performance of 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control. As far as a new Focus is concerned if you read Car and Driver you would know that the Mazda 3 shares underpinnings with an upcoming NEW Focus model. It is already being sold in Europe as the Focus C-MAX alongside the current Focus. This platform is NEW so whoever thinks its going to be 2010 before a new Focus comes along needs to do some research. Check out the Ford UK website or Car and Driver.com. There will be no SVT model for a full year because they need that time to develop it on the new platform. The same goes for the Mustang and F-150 SVT versions. There is going to be a period of about a year, because all three of these vehicles are being replaced, that no SVT version of any of them will be available. Ford says its just not viable to introduce an entirely new vehicle and an SVT version of the same vehicle in the same year.

#471 of 618 Hey Brad by fdthird

Dec 05, 2003 (11:25 am)

I don't know what your info source is but the stuff that I've read in various mags (Autoweek, Automobile, etc) points in a different direction.
 
1 - SVT is moving upscale and the Focus SVT will go away and not be replaced. Sounds like they want to want to concentrate on more big bucks vehicles. New "performance" Focus to be called Focus ST.
 
2 - While there will be a new Focus in Europe and it will share underpinnings with the Mazda 3 and Volvo V40, we in the US will continue to get the current Focus with model upgrades. Have seen Ford say in print that they haven't gotten their full investment back on the US version and also seen speculation that after Ford got burnt on the introduction of this Focus, they are not interested in starting all over again.
 
Perhaps just a mater of where and what you read, but that's what I've seen.

#472 of 618 hey fdthird by brad2329

Dec 06, 2003 (7:23 am)

From what I've been reading Ford has not made a final decision about wether or not to use the SVT moniker on the upcoming Focus model but I read something similar to what you are saying about moving the SVT name upmarket, God only knows why. We are however reading conflicting reports on this new platform. We agree that the Mazda 3 shares the new Focus platform and the Volvo that utilizes it will be the next S40 (Automobile Magazine, Dec. '03) The V40 is the wagon version of the S40 sedan. I assume they will offer a wagon version of the new S40 but have not read anything on that yet.
From what I understand the 3 is already on the way to dealers, the S40 will be introduced early in '04 and the Focus on the new platform will be an '05 model. I agree with you its all what you read but I would hope that Ford would not sit on its butt and try to milk the older platform while the competition cruises by. They've been milking the Taurus platform for so long its become a joke and the thing just does not come close to competing with other vehicles. Although the current Focus is a gas to drive it has been re-call ridden and lacks the reputation of reliability that is necessary to maintain market share. This new platform promises to be more reliable. I'm not saying your wrong about the introduction of the new car I just hope you are for Fords sake. With the new Five Hundred on the horizon and the Futura after that Ford has a chance to make a comeback in passenger car sales. Of course I just read that they will continue the Taurus until '09 with some modest re-design and sell it alongside the new product. I guess that is to keep Hertz in rental cars. They might as well just change the name to "Ford Rental Car" or "Classic" like Chevy has done with the old Malibu. I guess what I am saying is that they should not let the Ford brand flounder while their other makes get all the good stuff. The Mazda 6 is such a great car and the Futura is supposed to be based on that platform so what are they waiting for? I'm sure they have plenty of reasons. Of course for me when the new Focus comes out is irrelevant because my next car is going to be the new Mustang. I'm already saving extra money for gas.

#473 of 618 Brad by fdthird

Dec 06, 2003 (8:37 am)

Well, you've just described 3/4 of the vehicles in our family! The 2001 Focus is my son's, my wife has a 2001 Taurus SEL, and I drive a 2000 Mustang convertible!
 
I have to agree with you about Ford when you said "I guess what I am saying is that they should not let the Ford brand flounder while their other makes get all the good stuff." I think that they have concentrated on SUVs and trucks for so long that they have a fleet of cars that is a generation old. Look at my Mustang...same basic car as was the 1979 Capri I had the first year I was married - now my 17 year old daughter is sharing the Mustang with me. My wife's Taurus - cutting edge vehicle when the Taurus was introduced in '86 now laughed at by most car nuts but it is in reality still a very good car! The Focus...well we've had great experience with it as my son has put close to 45,000 miles on it in less than 3 years but look at the public's impression of the vehicle line.
 
I hope not, but it sounds like Ford is running scared now, and when you do that, nothing good comes from it. I hope that we do see a new Focus based on the same platform under the Volvo and Mazda and I guess we'll just have to keep reading...hey, perhaps they just want us to subscribe to all the magazines!

#474 of 618 back at ya by brad2329

Dec 06, 2003 (12:31 pm)

My parents have a 99 Taurus and it has been a trouble free car. That 24V engine is no slouch either and my dad loves it. He was shocked however when he saw how badly the car gets hit in resale. We are a Ford family too. My grandfather, uncle and a few of my cousins have worked for Ford over the years in the Saint Louis area and we are pretty brand loyal. My Focus has had a few problems but I take them in stride because for the money there is not a better small car from a drivers perspective and the critics have proved that. Its just flat out fun to drive and I enjoy the fact that I have leather and traction control which you just cant get on a Civic or Corolla. Unfortunately so many people are more concerned about reliability than anything else. Those "A to B" guys dont understand us car guys. I am 33 years old and have had many cars but the only one I was as fond of as my Focus was an 84 T-Bird Turbo Coupe my dad bought me when I was a teenager. He then took it away about a year later because of my little speeding ticket problem. I have had a Civic, Mazda 626, Chrysler Sebring Conv, (most unreliable car I've ever owned. I had it before the Focus) I've even had a Taurus myself. A 97 with the base engine. With the exception of that T-Bird all have been front drivers which is why I want to go for the new Mustang. My father just bought a 03 Explorer Limited and its unbelievably impressive for a SUV. Not really my thing though. So Ive strayed from Ford especially in the '90s because all they were doing was building trucks. Thought about a SVT Contour but couldnt afford it at the time. Any way Im not putting down the Taurus but when others cross-shop and drive an Accord or Camry the Taurus usually comes up looking dated. The Focus got me back into the family and I'd like to see ford succeed but keeping old platforms around really wont cut it. The life they've gotten out of the Mustang platform is incredible but rear drivers are different and the customers who shop them are too. Anyway I dont usually do this but Im snowed in here in the Northeast and this thread has kept me from complete boredom yesterday and today. Ive been looking around the web for more info on the replacement time for the Focus but have found no luck. Your right about those magazines...Ive been getting Car and Driver since I was a kid and over the years they have printed what turned out to be inaccurate info quite a few times. One thing Ive enjoyed was Fords UK website. I really like the little Ka but I suppose its too small to certify for the US plus it would get trampled by all the trucks on the road over here. Probably not a safe car for the US. Besides I guess no one would buy it here. Anyway fdthird happy holidays and heres hoping 2004 is a better year for Ford!!!

#475 of 618 ditto Brad by fdthird

Dec 06, 2003 (2:26 pm)

Snowy and cold here on Long Island too and I know what you mean!
 
My son has had a couple of minor problems with the Focus but we have a very good Ford dealer and I have a great relationship with the service manager. They are always willing to fix problems and so little things stay little. I think that so many of he bitches folks have about the Focus include a bad dealer in the equation. A problem car plus a dealer who doesn't give a damn equals disaster! The dealer is an important element in owning a car and the few dollars people save when shopping is often not worth it in the long run!
 
Those who are quick to shun Ford today forget back 10 years ago when it was the darling of the auto industry. We're a Ford family too and have been since my Dad's 57 Fairlane 500. I learned to drive on his 66 Galaxie 500 with a 390 and through the years we've had more Fords then other makes. We've had Japanese cars too (loved our 80 Honda Civic - hated our 84 Toyota van)when the American auto industry hit rock bottom (the 79 Capri was the turning point for me)but the Toyota van was garbage and 5 dealers didn't help. We traded it in for an 87 Ford van and have been back in the fold since.
 
Stay warm and enjoy the snow...from inside!

#476 of 618 read up by focus090

Dec 11, 2003 (3:02 pm)

http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/focus5_20031205.htm

#478 of 618 Year of the Car by baggs32

Dec 12, 2003 (6:51 am)

I'm a little fuzzy on this right now. Besides the Focus, Mustang, and GT, what else is Ford bringing out in '04 and when? Futura? Merc Montego?
 
Is there a link somewhere with this information?

#479 of 618 5th year running by focus090

Dec 17, 2003 (2:06 pm)

the focus made car and driver's 10 best yet again. this is the 5th year.

Messages Page 48 of 62

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