Ford Focus (North America)
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| Ford Focus (North America) | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2000–present |
| Predecessor | Ford Escort Ford Contour Ford Aspire for Hatchbacks[1] |
| Class | Compact |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Ford C170 platform |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
The Ford Focus is a compact/small family car made by the Ford Motor Company and sold in most Ford markets worldwide. It was launched in 2000 in North America to supplant the Ford Escort and Ford Contour as Ford's compact car.
Contents |
[edit] First generation (2000–2007)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 2000-2007 |
| Assembly | Wayne, Michigan Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door hatchback 4-door hatchback |
| Engine | 2.0L 110hp I4 2.0L 130 hp I4 2.0L 136 hp I4 2.3L 151 hp I4 |
| Wheelbase | 102.9 in (2005-2007) 103 in (2000-2004) |
| Length | 168.1 in (2000-2004 hatchbacks) 168.5 in (2005-2007 hatchbacks) 174.9 in (SE) 175.2 in (ZX4) 178.2 in (2000-2004 wagon) 178.4 in (2005-2007 wagon) |
| Width | 66.7 in (2005-2007) 66.9 in (2000-2004) |
| Height | 56.3 in (2000-2004 hatchback & sedan) 56.8 in (2005-2007 hatchback & sedan) 53.9 in (2000-2004 wagon) 57.5 in (2005-2007 wagon) |
| Fuel capacity | 14 US gal |
| Related | Ford Focus (International) |
| Similar | Honda Civic Dodge Neon Nissan Sentra |
When the North American versions were launched in 1999, initially as a 6 door hatchback, 4 door sedan and 5 door wagon (a 5dr hatchback soon followed) the cars featured subtle, but notable, styling differences from the Japanese versions:
- The front and rear bumpers (larger and of a different design on the North American version)
- The grille (of which the North American versions incorporated the indicators/running lights).
- Front wings (of which the Japanese version featured indicator repeater lights)
- The rear lights (although the units themselves were the same shape).
Even though both versions were identical in other respects (unlike the Mondeo and Ford Contour) these detailed differences meant that the Focus was categorised as being available in two distinct versions - North American and Japanese. For 2005, the North American Focus received updates to the styling of the interior and exterior, as well as new engines, at the same time that the Japanese model was redesigned on a platform shared with the Mazda 3.
[edit] Marketing
The North American version is only available in the US, Canada, and Mexico, while the Japanese version is available elsewhere around the world.
Unlike previous Fords in the North American market, the Pinto, the Escort and the Contour, no Mercury version is available. Also, the current Focus is about the same length as the 1984–1987 Ford Tempo (also a compact car), rather than its predecessor, the Escort.
The American Ford Focus fits smallest into a line of sedans (smallest to largest) by Ford: Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, and Crown Victoria.
[edit] Second generation (2008-)
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This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle. |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 2008- |
| Assembly | Wayne, Michigan |
| Engine | 2.0L 136hp I4 |
| Wheelbase | 102.9 in |
| Length | 176 in |
| Width | 67.8 in |
| Height | 58.5 in |
| Similar | Chevrolet Cobalt Nissan Sentra Toyota Corolla |
The North American Ford Focus was redesigned for the 2008 model year and was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Featuring Ford's new signature grille design, the exterior was completely redesigned. A two-door coupe will be offered for the first time, in addition to the 4-door sedan. Both 3-door and 5-door hatchback will be dropped, as well as the station wagon. The interior was also redesigned and features a message center on the top of the dashboard, which displays radio information.
According to Design Head Lon Zaback, the "new" Focus "appears to be a little bit shorter and have shorter overhangs. It has a much more sporty appearance because of some of the proportional things we did with it." New features for the car include lighted cupholders, new seats, brushed aluminum dashboards, and the new Microsoft Sync to integrate electronics into the automobile. Sync allows Bluetooth connectivity, voice activation, and MP3 player hookups, and will be fully upgradeable. The Sync system will be exclusive to Ford for only one year.[1]
Mechanically, the 2008 North American Focus is still based on the First Generation Focus with slight changes. The engine choices have now been trimmed down to the 2.0 liter engine from the previous generation, dropping the 2.3 liter inline-4. The reason for developing a new Focus on the original chassis is reportedly because Ford doesn't have the resources to develop a new car or to bring over the Mk. 2 Focus to North America. However, there is rumoured to be a US-spec compact MPV based on the Focus C-MAX.
[edit] Manufacturing
Presently, Ford uses the Wayne Stamping & Assembly facility for the manufacturing of the Focus. It is located in Wayne, Michigan. The other former facility is located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The plant in Wayne currently builds all varieties of the car. The Mexican plant used to build the ZX3 and ZX5 hatchbacks prior to consolidation of production in Michigan in 2006. That cleared the way to assemble the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ in Hermosillo.
[edit] Engines
Engines (North American)
- 2.0 L CVH/SPI: 110 bhp/125 ft·lbf torque. Standard in LX and SE model sedans through 2004. [2]
- 2.0 L Zetec: 130 bhp/135 ft·lbf torque. Standard on ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, and wagon models, and available in SE-model sedans through 2004. [3]
- 2.0 L Zetec: 170 bhp/145 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the SVT Focus. [4]
- 2.3 L Duratec: 145 bhp/149 ft·lbf torque. Standard on all cars sold in 2003 and 2004 in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine; optional in other US states. [5]
- 2.0 L Duratec: 136 bhp/133 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the (non-ST) 2005+ Focus.[6]
- 2.3 L Duratec: 151 bhp/154 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the 2005-2007 Focus ST. [7]
[edit] Transmissions
- 5-speed MTX-75 manual
- 6-speed Getrag manual (SVT / ST170)
- 5-speed IB5 (CVH/SPI Engine only)
- 4-speed F-4EAT automatic (CVH/SPI engine only) 2000–2004
- 4-speed 4F27E automatic
[edit] Trim levels
Trim levels (North American)
The North American Focus received trim levels in S, SE, SES, ST, LX, ZTW ZTS, SVT, and ZX3/ZX4/ZX5 Premium editions.
[edit] Alternative propulsion
There is a Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).
[edit] Body styles
On 2005 and 2006 models in the US and Canada, the second generation Focus are coded with a 'ZXx' designation. ie ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW; these designations have been removed from Ford's website and the call-outs deleted from the liftgates/trunklids of 2007 models.
[edit] Performance versions
Special Vehicle Team, or SVT
In late 2001, Ford's in-house performance group, known as Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model year. Ford billed the SVT Focus as the sportiest offering of the Focus to date. Cosmetically, the exterior included unique front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, rear spoiler, special exhaust tip and 17" alloy wheels wearing fairly sticky "Y" rated 215/45R17 tires from Continental. Mechanically, the car featured a thoroughly reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine available in other Focus models. Developed by Cosworth, this engine featured many advanced technologies. Included were a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, heavy duty pistons and connecting rods, piston oil squirters, variable camshaft timing, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These additions coupled with an increased 10.2:1 compression ratio bumped horsepower from 130 to 170, while still achieving good fuel economy and emissions. For the transmission, Ford went to German manufacturer Getrag to provide a six-speed manual which is shared in the Mini Cooper S. This transmission was a twin layshaft design, and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration. Other changes to complete the package included sharper steering through an increased boost ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes on all four corners and stiffened suspension with larger anti-roll bars. Inside the car was offered with several leather bits including seats, and steering wheel. Both the shifter knob and e-brake handle as well as their corresponding boots are in black leather also. Several options were offered including a powered glass sunroof, 8 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8" subwoofer, a cold weather package including heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, and heated side mirrors, and for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.
In 2002 the SVT was offered in the 5-door bodystyle and an all new European Appearance Package for 3-doors only. It included all available options but included full leather Recaro seats, and 15 spoke dark argent colored wheels while the exterior was available in two new colors, Screamin' Yellow and Competition Orange. In 2004, its final year of production, the Euro package was available in the 5 door model as well.
2005-2007 ZX4 ST The North American SVT Focus was discontinued in 2004. Its replacement is the ZX4 ST sedan, which has a 2.3 litre, 151 HP (154 SAE Torque ft-lbs) Duratec driving a 5 speed manual transmission with reverse lock-out. While horsepower is down from the SVT, acceleration is only slightly affected, as the engine has more torque at lower RPM. The ST has the same dampers and stabilizer bars that the SVT used, but with softer springs. The ST has a unique interior and 16" wheels. It is also equipped with a spoiler, color-keyed fascia, and 4 wheel anti-lock disk brakes. Handling balance is roughly the same as that of the SVT, but has a milder ride due to the softer springs, and generates less grip due to the narrower 205/50R16 all season tires. The 2005 ST included everything from the SES package with additional options such as heated seats, heated mirrors, full leather interior, sun/moonroof, and the Audiophile package controlled by a feature-rich Delphi headunit. 2007 is the final year for the 2.3L engine in the Focus.
Street Appearance Package (SAP) In 2006 Ford introduced the Street Appearance Package to spice up the aging Ford Focus design. This included two unique front and rear fascia choices. The front fascia included integrated fog lamps and side markers. While the rear offers a rear diffuser in addition to a large Rally Style spoiler. This option is priced at: US$1295.
[edit] Overall sales and history
Despite its radical styling (the hatchback version in particular), and some controversial safety recalls in North America, the car has been a sales success across the globe, even in the United States, where Ford has traditionally failed to successfully sell its European models. This was the best-selling car in the world in 1999 through 2004. It was elected Car of the Year in 1999. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000.
The Focus, unlike the Escort, was never offered in a panel van body style in the U.S.; however, a commercial Focus is available in Europe.[8]
[edit] Reliability
In the US spec models, despite a series of major recalls early in the car's life [9], reliability has steadily been improving. In fact, there have been no Focus recalls in the United States since 2002 [10]. The Focus now at Ford dealerships has Consumer Reports Best in Class rating for small cars [11]. The car has also received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating, [12] an award that takes numerous factors into consideration, including reliability and recall history.
[edit] Awards
Since its launch in 1998 the First Gen. Focus has won over 60 awards including 13 Car of the Year awards in both Europe and North America, and more recently, the best family car ever (Autocar UK 2003). The Focus was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for five consecutive years between 2000 and 2004. Motor Trend magazine had also given the Focus favorable reviews, writing comments like "As entry-level sedans go, few can touch Ford's Focus on the fun-to-drive front" [13].
[edit] See also
- Ford Focus FFV (Flexible-fuel vehicle).
- Ford Fusion
- Ford Focus
[edit] External links
- US Ford Focus website
- Ford Focus Owner's Manual Archive
- Focus Hacks - Ford Focus style, maintenance and performance instructions
- Ford Focus Motor Sports Discussion Forum
- [14] My Way Finance - January 7, 2007
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