Ford Focus Review
The Ford Focus is a compact vehicle introduced to North America in 1999 as a 2000 model.
First Generation (2000-2007)
Production of the Focus in North America was shared between Wayne Stamping & Assembly in Wayne, Michigan and Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly in Hermosillo, Mexico before eventually consolidating all production at the Wayne plant in 2006. The Focus replaced the Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer and Ford Coutour/Mercury Mystique in North America. It won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000, as well as European Car of the Year in 1999. Focus models rank as the 40th bestselling automotive worldwide, with over 5 million sold. U.S. sales of the Focus peaked out in 2000, selling 286,000 vehicles, though the Wall Street Journal reported that the Ford Focus lost as much as $1 billion a year. Ford began marketing the Focus in October 1999 initially as 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon, and a 5-door hatchback debuting for the 2002 model. The Focus became one of the ten best selling cars in America after its introduction.
SVT
In 2001, Ford’s performance group, Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model. The exterior had revised front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fog lights, rear diffuser and 17″ alloy wheels wearing. The SVT engine featured a reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine. Developed in conjunction with Cosworth, the engine features enlarged intake ports, high compression pistons, forged connecting rods, piston oil squirters, variable camshaft timing on the intake cam, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These modifications gave the engine a compression ratio of 10.2:1, and increased horsepower from 130 to 170. A six-speed manual transmission provided from Getrag was fitted to the engine.Other upgrades included an increased ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes, stiffened suspension and larger anti-roll bars. Interior features on the SVT included leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob, as well as the e-brake handle and boots. Optional items were a powered sunroof, 7 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8″ sub-woofer, heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, heated side mirrors and, for 2003/2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.
Second Generation (2008-2010)
Second generation Focus debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. It has been available as a two-door coupe and 4-door sedan. The hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued. The interior included new seats, a new dashboard design, ambient lighting, dashboard panels that simulate brushed aluminum, and Ford’s Sync system. The optional ambient lighting in the Focus uses LEDs placed in the front and rear footwells and the cup holders. A tire pressure monitoring system came equipped on all models. The chassis was lightened and stiffened and overall weight is decreased by 30 lbs. Power is increased in the 2.0 engine, from 136 hp to 140 hp. Highway mileage is rated at 35 mpg-US.
Third Generation (2011+)
Ford unveiled the 2011 Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, and it was awarded “most significant” of the show by AutoWeek magazine. The car was shown in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback forms, and feature a new 2.0 liter direct injection engine. The new Focus will launch in North America and Europe in late 2010.