Ford Focus (North America)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ford Focus (North America)
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2000–present
Predecessor	Ford Escort (United States & Canada) Mercury Tracer (Mexico)
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford C170 platform
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual

The 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, ^[1] 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 Focus was originally sold in sedan, hatchback and wagon configurations. The second generation Focus was released in sedan and coupe versions, dropping the hatchback and station wagon versions.

Contents 1 First generation (1999–2007) 1.1 Model changes 1.2 Marketing 1.3 Engines 1.4 Transmissions 1.5 Body styles & trims 2 Second generation (2008-present) 3 Third generation (2011 or 2012) 4 Manufacturing 5 Racing 6 Alternative propulsion 7 Body styles 7.1 Performance versions 8 Overall sales and history 9 Reliability 10 Awards 11 See also 12 References 13 External links

[edit] First generation (1999–2007)

First generation
Production	2000-2007
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon
Engine(s)	2.0L 110 hp I4, 2.0L 130 hp I4, 2.0L 136 hp I4, 2.3L 151 hp I4
Wheelbase	102.9 in (2,614 mm) (2005-2007) 103 in (2,616 mm) (2000-2004)
Length	168.1 in (4,270 mm) (2000-2004 hatchbacks) 168.5 in (4,280 mm) (2005-2007 hatchbacks) 174.9 in (4,442 mm) (SE) 175.2 in (4,450 mm) (ZX4) 178.2 in (4,526 mm) (2000-2004 wagon) 178.4 in (4,531 mm) (2005-2007 wagon)
Width	66.7 in (1,694 mm) (2005-2007) 66.9 in (1,699 mm) (2000-2004)
Height	56.3 in (1,430 mm) (2000-2004 hatchback & sedan) 56.8 in (1,443 mm) (2005-2007 hatchback & sedan) 53.9 in (1,369 mm) (2000-2004 wagon) 57.5 in (1,460 mm) (2005-2007 wagon)
Fuel capacity	13.2 US gal (50 L/11 imp gal)
Related	Ford Focus (International)

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

[edit] Model changes

• 2002 Model Year (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.^[2] Optional electronic stability control (marketed by Ford as "AdvanceTrac") becomes available.[1]
• 2004 MY - The new 2.3L I4 Duratec engine that was only available in select states became available nationwide.^[3] Bucking the industry trend, Ford discontinues the electronic stability control option.[2]
• 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 & discontinued the SVT Focus.^[4]

[edit] 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.

[edit] Engines

Engines (North American)

Engine	Power	Torque	Found on
2.0 L CVH/SPI	110 hp (82 kW)	125 lb·ft (169 N·m)	Standard in LX and SE model sedans through 2004.[5]
2.0 L Zetec	130 hp (97 kW)	135 lb·ft (183 N·m)	Standard on ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, and wagon models, and available in SE-model sedans through 2004.[2]
2.0 L Zetec	170 hp (127 kW)	145 lb·ft (197 N·m)	Standard on the SVT Focus.[6]
2.3 L Duratec	145 hp (108 kW)	149 lb·ft (202 N·m)	Standard on all cars sold in 2003 and 2004 in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine; optional in other US states.[3]
2.0 L Duratec	136 hp (101 kW)	136 lb·ft (184 N·m)	Standard on the (non-ST) 2005+ Focus.[4]
2.3 L Duratec	151 hp (113 kW)	154 lb·ft (209 N·m)	Standard on the 2005-2007 Focus ST.[4]

[edit] Transmissions

• 5-speed MTX-75 manual
• 6-speed Getrag manual (SVT)
• 5-speed IB5 (CVH/SPI Engine only)
• 4-speed 4F27E automatic (Zetec, Duratec, SPI)

[edit] Body styles & trims

Year	Model	Packages Available
2000 [7]	3-door Hatchback	ZX3, Kona Edition[8]
	4-door Sedan	LX, SE & ZTS
	Wagon	SE
2001 [5]	3-door Hatchback	ZX3, S2
	4-door Sedan	LX, SE & ZTS, Street Edition[9]
	Wagon	SE, Street Edition
2002 [2]	3-door Hatchback	ZX3, SVT, S2[10]
	4-door Sedan	LX, SE & ZTS
	Wagon	SE & ZTW (New for 2002 MY)
	5-door Hatchback (New for 2002 MY)	ZX5
2003 [11]	3-door Hatchback	ZX3, SVT
	4-door Sedan	LX, SE & ZTS
	Wagon	SE & ZTW
	5-door Hatchback	ZX5 in Base, SVT, Comfort & Premium (New for 2003 MY)
2004 [3]	3-door Hatchback	ZX3, SVT
	4-door Sedan	LX, SE & ZTS
	Wagon	SE & ZTW
	5-door Hatchback	ZX5 in Base, SVT, Comfort & Premium
2005 [4]	ZX4 (4-door Sedan)	S, SE, SES & ST
	ZX3 (3-door Hatchback)	S, SE & SES
	ZXW (Wagon)
	ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)
2006 [12]	ZX4 (4-door Sedan)	S, SE, SES & ST
	ZX3 (3-door Hatchback)	S, SE & SES
	ZXW (Wagon)
	ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)
2007 [13]	ZX4 (4-door Sedan)	S, SE, SES & ST
	ZX3 (3-door Hatchback)	S, SE & SES
	ZXW (Wagon)
	ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)

[edit] Second generation (2008-present)

Second generation
Production	2008-present
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4
Wheelbase	102.9 in (2614 mm)
Length	175 in (4445 mm)
Width	Coupe: 67.9 in (1725 mm) Sedan: 67.8 in (1722 mm)
Height	58.6 in (1488 mm)
Curb weight	Coupe:MT 2588 lb (1174 kg) Coupe:AT 2617 lb (1187 kg) Sedan:MT 2623 lb (1190 kg) Sedan:AT 2642 lb (1198 kg)
Fuel capacity	13.0 US gal (49 L/11 imp gal)

The 2008 model year Focus was completely restyled, including Ford's signature bar grill design. It was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. A two-door coupe will be offered for the first time in addition to the 4-door sedan. 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks were dropped as well as the wagon due to their low popularity among car owners. 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."^[14] New features include ambient lighting, new seats, brushed aluminum dashboards, and the new Ford Sync to integrate electronics into the automobile.

The Microsoft designed Sync technology allows Bluetooth connectivity with enabled phones, MP3 player hookups, and voice activation for both calling on Bluetooth synced phone as well as voice-activated browsing of media players, as well as other features for phone connectivity and will also be fully upgradable. Sync is optional equipment on the 2008 Focus SE with an MSRP of $395. It is standard equipment on the 2008 Focus SES. ^[15]

Optional ambient lighting in the Focus uses LEDs placed in the front and rear footwells and the cup holders. "The driver or front-seat passenger can choose from seven different colors—red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow—by cycling through a dash-mounted switch." Standard equipment will include a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2.3 liter Duratec engine is discontinued for the redesign, leaving only the 2.0 liter engine. Power is increased in the 2.0 liter engine, up to 140 hp (104 kW) from 136 hp (101 kW), along with other changes to increase fuel efficiency. The chassis was lightened and stiffened and overall weight is decreased by 30 lbs from the previous model. Highway mileage is rated at 35 mpg using the new 2008 EPA standards.^[16]

Like all small cars, demand for the Focus has increased because of high gasoline prices in 2008. The Focus currently takes 7.6 percent of the U.S. small car market. To meet the this increasing demand, Ford increased output for 2008 by 30%.^[17]

Year	Model	Packages Available
2008 [18]	2-door Coupe	S, SE & SES
	4-door Sedan	S, SE & SES

[edit] Third generation (2011 or 2012)

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.

When the third generation of the European Focus (see Ford Focus (International)) debuts in 2011 or 2012, it will likely be sold in North America and in all other worldwide markets. ^[19]

[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/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.

[edit] 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.

[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, side skirts, 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 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 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. 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 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 (113 kW) (154 ft·lbf (209 N·m) (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 feature-rich 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

[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. 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.

[edit] Reliability

In the US spec models, despite a series of major recalls early in the car's life ^[20], reliability has steadily been improving. ^[21]. The Focus received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating for 2005,^[22] 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.

[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" ^[23].

[edit] See also

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

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Focus Social Media Press Release
• US Ford Focus website
• Canada Ford Focus website
• Ford Focus Owners Manual Archive
• Specs on the Focus

v • d • e Ford Motor Company Platforms • Engines • Vehicles • Category Current and future models Cars Activa • Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor • Fairlane • Falcon / FPV models • Fiesta / Ikon / Ford Fusion / EcoSport • Focus / C-Max • Fusion • Galaxy • Ka / Sportka / Streetka • Laser / Lynx / Tierra • Mondeo / Metrostar • Mustang • S-Max • Taurus Trucks/SUVs Cargo • Courier (Brazilian)/Bantam • E-Series/Chateau Wagon • Econovan • Edge • Escape/Hybrid/Maverick • Expedition • Explorer • Everest/Endeavour • F-Series (includes Super Duty) • Flex • Pronto • Ranger/Courier • Territory • Tourneo • Tourneo Connect • Transit • Transit Connect Historic models 1900s Model A/AC • Model B • Model C • Model F • Model K • Model N • Model R • Model S • Model T 1910s–1920s Model TT • Model A • Model AA 1930s–1940s Ford Model B • Ford Model Y • Ford Model C • Ford Model CX • Ford Junior Popular • Ford Junior De Luxe • Ford Köln • Rheinland • Ford Eifel • Ford Model 7Y • Ford Model 7W • Ford Anglia • Ford Prefect • Country Squire • Ford Meteor • Ford Pilot • Ford Vedette 1950s C-Series Trucks • Consul • Country Sedan • Del Rio • Edsel (Brand) • Fairlane • Galaxie • Mainline • Parklane • Popular • Ranchero • Squire • Taunus • Thunderbird • Versailles • Zephyr 1960s Bronco • Capri • Corcel • Corsair • Cortina • Escort • Falcon • GT40 • H-Series Trucks • LTD • N-Series Trucks • Torino 1970s Elite • Fairmont • Granada • L-Series Trucks • Maverick • Pinto 1980s Aerostar • Bantam • Bronco II • Del Rey • Escort • EXP • Festiva • Laser • LTD Crown Victoria • Orion • Probe • Scorpio • Sierra • Telstar • Tempo • Verona 1990s Aspire • Contour • Cougar • Maverick • Puma • Windstar • ZX2 2000s Excursion • Freestar • GT • Five Hundred • Freestyle

v • d • e « previous — Ford road car timeline, North American market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact	Fiesta						Festiva								Aspire
Compact	Pinto	Escort										Escort						Escort
	Fairmont				Tempo				Tempo							Contour
																					Focus								Focus
Mid-size	Granada			LTD																							Fusion
							Taurus						Taurus				Taurus				Taurus
Full-size																										Five Hundred			Taurus
	LTD			LTD Crown Victoria									Crown Victoria						Crown Victoria
Luxury car	Thunderbird			Thunderbird						Thunderbird													Thunderbird
Sport compact			EXP				EXP			Probe				Probe					Escort ZX2				ZX2
Sports	Mustang														Mustang											Mustang
																										GT