Ford guys: New Focus q:

DCRB · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 01:27 PM

What do you guys know about it? it looks pretty cool, pretty legit. but does it really come w a true five speed (ie clutchpedal, 5spd h pattern) or is it that wierd syncro shift? j/w, looks pretty snazzy to me, i'd drive it...

Car Guy · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 02:36 PM

I had a chance to drive one last week when I rented a car for the weekend. It was an auto so I can't comment on the stick but overall I liked it. Not overly crazy about it but it was nice, still like the 'older' ones more.....

I think the original Focus' were overlooked by way too many people and should have been a bigger success than they were. I think the blue oval 'image' got in the way of that, and to a certain extent I can't blame everyone.....

Pablo-UA · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 03:00 PM

as for me, this is typically european car, small 4-cyl engine, but DOHC, 5st tranny, rigid suspention, small inside, but fast and has good mpg.

this is typically european cheap car for urban area.

aerocolorado · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 05:24 PM

Isn't it just a face lift for the existing Focus lineup? We have an '05 ST Focus with the bigger 2.3 DOHC engine and 5-speed manual. I was sold the minute the salesman started it up. That exhaust note sounds just like an old MG. Like the MG, its a hoot to drive. Comes with 16 inch wheels and low profile Pirelli's. Have had zero problems to date. Of all the oddities: it has a lifetime, no service required, air filter. Why aren't all cars using this??

93nighthawk · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 07:39 PM

Yes the Ford Focus comes standard with a 5-speed manual tranny, with optional auto tranny:

http://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle...ord-focus-2008

Its a good car, too small for my personal taste, but still a nice car. I tell ya, if it had Mazda, Honda, Nissan slapped in that grill, it would have been a greater success than it is, but there is a cult following of the Focus and some performance mods. I think it was around '02/'03 there was an SVT version.

DCRB · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 10:04 PM

a co worker of mine had one of those egg focus's... man that thing was NICE!!! leather interior, five speed, 5 disk cd player that bumped (which means no aftermarket stuff needed), crazy fast, put you in your seat, plus it had ztec.

Car Guy · #7 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 11:23 PM

There was a European package for (I think) `04 SVT's. It included Recaro HEATED bucket seats, special wheels, and a couple more things that I forgot about.....

If I was to get a Focus it would be one of those.....

DCRB · #8 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 01:22 AM

so wait is svt like competition to dodge/chrystlers srt line?

Car Guy · #9 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCRB

so wait is svt like competition to dodge/chrystlers srt line?

It is definitely an upgrade from the basic Focus but it's no real competition for Chrylser's SRT Neon when it comes to speed. A SRT Neon will blow away any SVT Focus stock vs. stock any day of the week. A Focus might outhandle a SRT Neon but that's about it.....

Everything you want to know about the Focus as far as years, models, and technical info you can pretty much fine here ===> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_(North_America)

DCRB · #10 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 01:43 PM

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thanks. i feel some good reading coming up ahead. say... what's up with this weather? it's like, snowing right now... and yet was like 45 degress a few mins ago?