Ford Focus 2005 release date - Car Forums

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Ford Focus 2005 release date - READ ONLY

67 messages, Last post on Dec 25, 2004 at 12:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Acura RSX, Sedan

#5 of 67 nedc2 by badgerfan

Mar 26, 2004 (10:54 am)

Yes, I think Ford is sharing some styling cues among their new models. Even the very slight freshening they did to the 2004 Taurus (which will see little more development as Futura and 500 take its place) has the grille shape and the layout below the bumper similar to the front end of the 2005 Focus. Sharing styling across models is a good thing for corporate identity, but could lead to too much homegeneity as well and get a bit boring.

#6 of 67 New US style Focus by seminole_kev

Mar 26, 2004 (11:26 am)

I like the new front clip, not wild about the rear (curious if there is any change to the hatches) and absolutely hate the interior. I really wish they had kept the orginal interior and just made it with nicer materials. This new interior just screams "rental car" to me despite the nicer materials. One of the things that I really liked about the Focus was the interior style.

New front clip looks nice though. Looks sharp. I'm not sure I understands Ford's decision to only offer the sport package on the sedan. Seems like the sporty segment would really prefer the hatches. (of course the car lover in me says that the sport package should be available on all the Focus models including the wagon, but what do I know?)

#7 of 67 schedule??? by curious

Mar 26, 2004 (11:34 am)

Love all the feedback re-the changes but what I really want to know is approximately when it will be available?

Does Spring mean April/May? Or June?

#8 of 67 Re: schedule??? by nedc2

Mar 26, 2004 (12:13 pm)

I've heard May. Just a rumour though. They have plenty of 2005s now in the lot at Wayne Assembly, but I think those are test builds.

#9 of 67 schedule??? by curious

Mar 26, 2004 (12:25 pm)

Love all the feedback re-the changes but what I really want to know is approximately when it will be available?

Does Spring mean April/May? Or June?

#10 of 67 ST's Euro-tuned suspension? by creakid1

Mar 27, 2004 (2:36 am)

So this feature really took care of post-'04 change? How about the SVT steering? Is that already std across the board?

The newer "Focus" -- Focus II, Mazda3 & S40 -- don't got no belt-driven hydraulic steering assist, so the old SVT steering is still the best.

Only the Beemer...
creakid1 "BMW 1-Series - 2005" Mar 27, 2004 2:33am

The last Euro-tuned-suspension Focus I drove was the Street Edition sedan/wagon in tacky yellow/blue/red choices. & its steering assist sucks -- just like the ordinary American Focus.

The new taillights make the shape of the whole car looking kind of awkward. Besides, it's so Tercel/Accent/Accord from the mid '90's.

Today, I was in Mexico & saw the Mondeo w/ nearly identical front end as this '05 American Focus. I can probably own one here in S. California & be as unique as can be, but do have to cross the border for service though.

#11 of 67 Re: schedule??? by nedc2

Mar 27, 2004 (9:19 am)

Per Ford's own website, May 2004:

http://www.fordvehicles.com/americanidol3/index.asp?bhcp=1

Whether that's early or late may I don't know. I was told May was the anticipated launch at the Detroit show too.

#12 of 67 creakid by seminole_kev

Mar 27, 2004 (10:42 am)

interesting as the (normal U.S.) Focus is pretty much universally praised for its steering feel. In my personally experience it is one of the best feeling power steering equiped cars I've ever driven. I still prefer the feel of a non-boosted unit, but good luck finding a new car so equipped in the US these days.

Not sure creakid what you're talking about in regards to the Focus's steering.

#13 of 67 The American Focus had Lexus-light steering while provides communication by creakid1

Mar 27, 2004 (1:49 pm)

& that's how I felt when I drove my '98 Corolla LE to a Ford dealer for a test drive, but when I showed up again in my '90 Protege LX, the Focus's steering no longer felt so impressive.

The N.A.-spec non-SVT Focus has a stronger steering boost than the Euro spec, but the SVT has less assist along w/ a quicker rack. C&D couldn't stand the N.A. non-SVT Focus's nervous steering when going in a straight line if the car is equipped w/ 16"s.

Ford claimed a re-tuning in the steering for '04(?), so I wonder if it's now similar to the SVT's setting.

#14 of 67 Re: Ford Focus 2005 release date [curious #1] by vibsr

May 04, 2004 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: curious (Mar 25, 2004 9:09 pm)

Hey curious#1:
I'll admit that the '05 Focus is one good lookin' piece of work.
However, that front end has that Ford signature all over it. Looks like an Integra?? ahhh....NO. Taurus/Mondeo/500....Yeah.
Those taillights, as clean as they are (the shape), should have amber turn-signal sections. In my opinion, it takes another step
toward eliminating confusion in heavy traffic.

One thing for certain....FoMoCo is gonna throw those incentives out there, along with those rental-fleet sales like always. The result: easy to focus on a Focus. Low prices all-the-way!

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