Ford Focus (North America)

Infobox Automobile
name = Ford Focus (North America)


manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
production = 2000–present
predecessor = Ford Escort (United States & Canada)
Mercury Tracer (Mexico)
class = Compact
platform = Ford C170 platform
layout = FF layout
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manualThe Ford Focus is a compact car sold in the North American market. It was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model year as a replacement for the Ford Escort and in Mexico, it replaced the Mercury Tracer since Mercury's hiatus from 2000-2003. It received a revamp for the 2005 model year, and the second generation was introduced for the 2008 model year. Sales in the United States for calendar-year 2007 comprised 173,213 units, [ [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27379 Media.Ford.com: CROSSOVERS, LINCOLN HIGHLIGHT FORD’S 2007 SALES PERFORMANCE; FURTHER GROWTH EXPECTED IN 2008 ] ] making it the #3 best-selling domestic-nameplate car (behind the Chevrolet Impala and Cobalt), #9 best-selling of all cars and #16 best-selling vehicle, according to Reuters Top-20 U.S. Vehicle Sales Scorecard.

The first generation Focus was sold in sedan, 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, and wagon configurations. The second generation Focus was released in sedan and coupe versions, dropping the hatchback and station wagon versions.

First generation (1999–2007)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation


assembly = Wayne, Michigan, USA
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
production = 2000-2007
body_style = 3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
5-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
engine = 2.0L 110 hp I4, 2.0L 130 hp I4, 2.0L 136 hp I4, 2.3L 151 hp I4
related=Ford Focus (International)
wheelbase = convert|102.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007)
convert|103|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004)
length = convert|168.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004 hatchbacks)
convert|168.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007 hatchbacks)
convert|174.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on (SE)
convert|175.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on (ZX4)
convert|178.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004 wagon)
convert|178.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007 wagon)
width = convert|66.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007)
convert|66.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004)
height = convert|56.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004 hatchback & sedan)
convert|56.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007 hatchback & sedan)
convert|53.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2000-2004 wagon)
convert|57.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on (2005-2007 wagon)
fuel_capacity = Convert|13.2|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on
weight =

The Focus was introduced in North America in 1999 as a 2000 model, initially as a 3 door hatchback (ZX3), 4 door sedan (ZX4) and 5 door wagon (ZXW). A 5 door hatchback (ZX5) version was introduced for the 2002 model year. The cars featured subtle styling differences from the European versions:

* The front and rear bumpers were larger and a different design
* The grille housed the indicator/running lights
* The rear lights were a slightly different design

Model changes

*2001 Model Year (MY) - Optional electronic stability control (marketed by Ford as "AdvanceTrac") becomes available late in the model year.
*2002 MY - Introduction of the ZX5 5-door hatchback. Focus also received Ford's Personal Safety System on all models, as well as optional Power Moonroof and 6-Disc CD Changer.cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=520&press_subsection_id=421&make_id=92|title=2002 Ford Focus Press Kit|accessdate=2007-11-15]
*2004 MY - The new 2.3L I4 Duratec engine that was only available in select states became available nationwide.cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=941&press_subsection_id=421&make_id=92|title=2004 Ford Focus Press Kit|accessdate=2007-11-15] Bucking the industry trend, Ford discontinues the electronic stability control option. [http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_safety.aspx?year=2004&make=Ford&model=Focus&trimid=-1]
*2005 MY - The Focus received major design and styling changes, as well as an upgraded 2.0L I4 Duratec engine. Also, Ford then released their ST package and discontinued the SVT Focus.cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1056&press_subsection_id=421&make_id=92|title=2005 Ford Focus Press Kit|accessdate=2007-11-15]

Marketing

After 2005, the North American version was sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Latin American countries, while the newer European version was available in other worldwide markets. The European Focus II replaced the older model Focus in Mexico by early 2007. Unlike previous small Fords in the North American market, including the Pinto, the Escort, no Mercury version was sold. The U.S. Focus is the smallest of Ford's sedans, listed from smallest to largest: Focus, Fusion, Taurus, and Crown Victoria.

Engines

Engines (North American)

Third generation (2010)

When the third generation of the European Ford Focus debuts in 2009 or 2010, it will be sold in North America and in all other worldwide markets. cite web|url=http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38040|title=GMInsideNews Forums: Big Plans for tiny Focus|accessdate=2007-11-15]

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/ZX5/FocusSVT 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.

Racing

Besides rallying, the Focus is also used in the National Auto Sport Association Spec Focus Series(SF). A Focus was once used in the Sports Car Club of America Speed World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

The Focus is also gaining popularity in Rally racing, partially due to the NASA Rally Spec Focus program.

Alternative propulsion

There is a Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

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.

Performance versions

Special Vehicle Team, or SVT

, 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 low emissions. Ford went to German manufacturer Getrag to provide a six-speed manual transmission which is shared with 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. The shifter knob, emergency-brake handle, and their respective boots are also in black leather. Options included a powered glass sunroof, 8 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8" sub-woofer, a cold weather package with heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, and heated side mirrors and, for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.

In 2003 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 plus full leather Recaro seats and 15 spoke dark argent colored wheels. The exterior was available in two new colors, Screamin' Yellow and Competition Orange. The only option the 5-door did not include were the sideskirts. In 2004, its final year of production, the Euro package was available in the 5-door model as well. Also the 5 spoke wheels were no longer available and a 6 spoke design was the replacement.

2005-2007 ZX4 STThe North American SVT Focus was discontinued in 2004. Its replacement is the ZX4 ST sedan, which has a 2.3 litre, Convert|151|hp|kW|0|abbr=on (Convert|154|ftlbf|abbr=on (SAE) Torque) 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 Blaupunkt 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

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. 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.

Reliability

In the US spec models, despite a series of major recalls early in the car's life cite web|url=http://consumeraffairs.com/news02/ford_focus.html|title=ConsumerAffairs.com: Ford Focus Setting Recall Record|accessdate=2007-11-15] , reliability has steadily been improving. cite web|url=http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm|title=ODI - Office of Defects Investigation|accessdate=2007-11-15] . The Focus received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating for 2005,cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/11-01-2004/0002349025&EDATE=|title=PRNewswire: Consumers Digest Names Automotive Best Buys for 2005|accessdate=2007-11-15] an award that takes numerous factors into consideration, including reliability and recall history, although Lemon-Aid still described it as "glitch ridden" up until at least 2004.

Awards

Since its launch in 1998 the first generation 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" cite web|url=http://motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0408_first_focus/|title=MotorTrend.com: 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST|accessdate=2007-11-15] .

ee also

* Ford Focus FFV (Flexible-fuel vehicle).
* Ford Fusion (European)
* Ford Focus (International)

References

External links

* [http://www.svtenthusiast.com SVTEnthusiast.com] SVT Owners and Enthusiasts online community
* [http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/focus/ Focus Social Media Press Release]
* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/focus/ US Ford Focus website]
* [http://www.ford.ca/main/default.asp?language=en&section=1&source=&sVehCategory=FordCars&model=Focus Canada Ford Focus website]
* [http://www.focusplanet.com/ Ford Focus Owners Manual Archive]
* [http://all-car-specs.com/FordFocus.aspx Specs on the Focus]
* [http://www.rallyspecfocus.com/ NASA Rally Spec Focus]