Ford Focus (first generation)

For a complete overview of all Focus models, see Ford Focus.
Ford Focus (first generation)
Overview
Manufacturer Ford
Production 1998–2005 (Europe)
1999–2007 (North America)
Assembly Chungli, Taiwan
General Pacheco, Argentina
Hermosillo, Mexico
Saarlouis, Germany
Santa Rosa, Philippines
Wayne, Michigan
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Venezuela
Vsevolozhsk, Russia
Designer John Doughty[1] & Claude Lobo[2]
Body and chassis
Class Compact car / Small family car (C)
Body style 3- and 5-door hatchback
4-door saloon
5-door estate
Layout FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor Ford Escort (Europe/Latin America/South Africa)
Ford Escort (North America)
Ford Laser (Asia and Australasia)
Ford Contour (North America)
Successor Ford Focus (second generation, Europe)
Ford Focus (second generation, North America)

The Ford Focus (first generation) is a compact car which was manufactured by Ford in Europe from 1998 to 2004 and by Ford in North America from 1999 to 2007. Ford began sales of the Focus to Europe in July 1998 and in North America during 1999 for the 2000 model year.

In Europe and South Africa, the Focus replaced the various Ford Escort models sold in those markets. In Asia and Australasia, it replaced the Ford Laser.

Europe (1998–2004)

Europe
Overview
Production 1998–2004
2000–2008 (Argentina)
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
4-door saloon
5-door estate
Layout FF layout
Platform Ford C170 platform
Powertrain
Engine 1.4 L I4 Zetec-SE
1.6 L I4 Zetec-SE
1.8 L I4 Zetec-E
1.8 L I4 Diesel TDDI
1.8 L I4 Diesel TDCI
2.0 L I4 Zetec-E
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual (SVT)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,615 mm (103 in)
Length Hatchback: 4,175 mm (164 in)
Saloon: 4,380 mm (172 in)
Estate: 4,455 mm (175 in)
Width 1,700 mm (67 in)
Height Hatchback and saloon: 1,440 mm (57 in)
Estate: 1,460 mm (57 in)
Curb weight 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)-1,364 kg (3,007 lb)

Design and engineering

Ford Focus Zetec rear
Focus Mk1 instrument panel

Codenamed CW170 during its development, and briefly known to some Ford contractors as the Ford Fusion, the original Focus took its eventual name from a Ghia concept car which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991. Certain elements of the design had been seen even earlier in prototypes used by Ford to demonstrate forthcoming safety features, such as the eye-level rear lighting clusters. As a continuation of Ford's New Edge styling philosophy, first seen in the Ford Ka in 1996, and Ford Cougar in 1998, the Focus' styling had been often described as polarising.[3][4][5][6] The styling had been overseen by Jack Telnack and executed by Claude Lobo and Australian designer, John Doughty.[2]

The decision to name the new car the Ford Focus was made in early 1998, as Ford's overheads had been planning to keep the "Escort" nameplate for its new generation of small family cars. A last minute problem arose in July 1998 when a Cologne court, responding to a case brought by the publishers Burda, ordered Ford to avoid the name "Focus" for the German market cars since the name was already taken by the publisher's Focus magazine.[7] This eleventh hour dispute was overcome, however, and the car was launched without a different "German market" name.

Rear suspension

Control Blade suspension

Engineers for the Focus, including Richard Parry-Jones, developed a class-leading,[8] space-saving independent multi-link rear suspension, marketed as Control Blade suspension, combining the packaging of a trailing arm, with the geometry of a double wishbone suspension . The system was developed from that used in the CDW27 Ford Mondeo estate, but with various modifications to make it simpler and cheaper to build and therefore economically viable on a mass-market vehicle.

Where many competitors in the compact class, or small family car (European) class, used the less expensive non-independent twist beam suspension, Control Blade offered enhanced elasto-kinematic performance, i.e., strong body control, sharp and accurate steering regardless of the car's attitude, and an absorbent and quiet ride over bumps.

Unlike conventional multi-link suspension, Control Blade features a wide, simple, uniform thickness, pressed steel trailing arm with hub carrier – taking the place of two longitudinal locating rods, eliminating an expensive cast knuckle, and offering the same level of body control – with a lower center of gravity, reduced road noise, and at lower production cost. The long rear lateral arm controls toe, a pair of shorter front lateral arms, vertically above each other, control the camber, and the Control Blade reacts to brake and traction loads.

In testing the suspension in 2000, Motor Trend writer Jack Keebler noted "The Focus' average speed of 62.6 mph through our slalom makes it faster around the cones than a $62,000 Jaguar XJ8L and a $300,000 Bentley Continental. The impression is of having plenty of wheel travel for gobbling the larger stuff and big-car, full-frame isolation when encountering expansion joints and smaller road imperfections."[9]

Following the 1998 introduction of Control Blade suspension and popularization by the Focus, other manufacturers (e.g., Volkswagen with the Golf V) began offering multi-link design rear suspensions in the compact class, or small family car (European) class.[8][10]

Manufacturing

Historically, the Saarlouis, Valencia, and Halewood plants had produced the Escort, however the Focus was only produced at Saarlouis and Valencia since Halewood was to be switched over to production of the Jaguar X-Type. However the final generation of the Escort remained in production in Halewood until 2000 as a budget alternative to the Focus, and the van versions continued until 2002 until its replacement by the Focus-based Ford Transit Connect.

Focus production also took place in Santa Rosa, Philippines; General Pacheco, Argentina; Chungli City, Taiwan and Vsevolozhsk, Russia.

South America

The Mark 1 Focus remained in production until 2008 in General Pacheco, Argentina for the South American Market. The last of the Mark 1 Focus produced in Argentina (2008 Version) featured either a 1.6 L Zetec Rocam Flex Fuel Engine or 2.0 L Duratec HE Engine or the 1.8 L Duratorq Diesel Engine. Assembly of Mark 2 Focus started in 2008 for the 2009 model.

However, in Brazil, Ford do Brasil offered this until 2009, in 1.6 (Flex Fuel - 105cv gasoline/112cv ethanol) GL or GLX hatchback or saloon versions.

Safety

The Mk 1 Ford Focus received 4 out of 5 stars for occupant safety, and 2 out of 4 stars for pedestrian safety in its EuroNCAP tests (69% frontal, 83% side, 28% pedestrian).[11] In Australia, the 2002–2005 Ford Focus was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[12]

A 2001 Ford Focus Estate.

2001 facelift (Mk1.5)

2004 Ford Focus CL sedan (Australia)

The 2001 Mk 1 Focus facelift included:

Bluetooth camera facility

A new flexfuel engine was introduced, based on the European Zetec 1.6 L version. This could use both gasoline and bioethanol, but only on the Swedish market. This version is still available in some countries despite the advent of an all-new Mk 2 Focus.

Engines

European introduction

Gasoline engines available were the well-proven 1.8 L and 2.0 L Zetec-R units from the Ford Mondeo and 1.4 L and 1.6 L versions of the Zetec-S/SE units, also found in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Puma. The ST170 and RS performance models used modified versions of the 2.0 L Zetec-R. Originally, the only diesel engine available was the Endura TDDI (a development of the old Deutz-designed motor which Ford had been using since the 1980s). This was replaced in 2002 by the Duratorq TDCI.

International summary

Size (L) Name Fuel Market Power (kW/bhp/PS) Torque MPG Top Speed 0-62 mph (S)
Petrol engines
1.4 Zetec-S/SE Gasoline Europe 55/74/75 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) 42.2 106 mph (171 km/h) 14.1
1.6 Zetec-S/SE Yamaha Developed Gasoline Europe 74/100/101 (SE 99) 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) 37.4 115 mph (185 km/h) 10.9
1.6 Zetec-Rocam Gasoline/ethanol (Flex) Brazil 81.5/109/111 (ethanol)
1.8 Zetec-R Gasoline Europe, Brazil 84/113/114 160 N·m (118 lb·ft) 33.8 123 mph (198 km/h) 10.3
2.0 Zetec-R gasoline Europe, Brazil 96/127/130 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) 31.6 125 mph (201 km/h) 9.2
2.0 Duratec HE gasoline Brazil 109/146/148 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) 31.6 128 mph (206 km/h) 8.8
2.0 Duratec-ST gasoline Europe 127/167/170 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) 136 mph (219 km/h) 7.9
2.0 T Duratec-RS gasoline Europe 158/212/215 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) 27.9 149 mph (240 km/h) 6.4 (Torque Limited)
Diesel engines
1.8 TDDi Diesel Europe 66/89/90 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) 51.2 115 mph (185 km/h)
1.8 TDCi Diesel Europe 85/114/116 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) 51.4 122 mph (196 km/h) 10.7

Transmissions

Trim levels

Trim levels (European)

Trim levels (Brazilian)

Body styles

Performance versions

Ford Focus ST170

ST170

The ST170 (codename Piranha), which was launched in 2002, was the first Focus sport model to be developed for international markets by a joint SVE/SVT global team. Adapted from the Facelift Mk 1 Focus, the ST170 had the following cosmetic revisions: 17 inches (430 mm) Multi-Spoke Alloy Wheels; Alarm; Side Airbags; Optional 1/2 (in non-UK markets) and full Recaro leather seats; Optional 9006 Stereo system with bespoke Subwoofer; brushed aluminium door releases; honeycomb 'tech flec' front grills, round projector style fog lights, colour-coded bumper and side beadings & door handles; and Locally developed bodykit (Australia only). The 172.3PS engine was developed by Cosworth and tuning bumped the power from 127 to 170 horsepower (95 to 127 kW). Upgrades included: High-flow aluminium cylinder head; Variable valve timing; Dual stage intake manifold; Stainless steel exhaust system and exhaust manifold by Cosworth; Sports catalytic converter; Larger brake discs (300 mm front, 280 mm rear); Getrag 6-speed manual M6 gearbox; Revised power steering 'falling-flow' pump and close ratio steering rack. Black Oak engine management system. The engine was sourced from the Ford of Mexico Chihuahua plant. The vehicle final-assembly was in the Ford Saarlouis plant in Germany, with some content such as the subwoofer assembled off-line at the ACÜ facility attached to the plant. There was an additional Wagon/Estate variant (codename Swordfish) launched in Europe-only in 2003, which featured Nivomat self-levelling rear dampers.

Ford Focus RS

RS

The Focus RS Mk1 was produced from 2 October 2002 to 11 November 2003 and was Ford's return to the RS (Rallye Sport) badge after the demise of the tweaked Escorts, particularly the fabled Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Production was limited to 4501 units only. The car was largely built on its own assembly line in Ford's Saarlouis plant, with some additional specialist off-line assembly performed by the ACÜ group at Überhern. The RS was offered all over Europe, but 2147 were sold in the United Kingdom, by far its largest market.[13] The Mark 1 Focus RS was a limited production run available in 21 European countries.

Using a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre Ford Zeta engine, the Focus RS rated at 212 horsepower (158 kW).

It would generate a steady 0.98G in lateral acceleration due to racing parts such as Sachs dampers, lightweight O.Z Alloy Wheels and a Quaife ATB Differential. It would also allow 1.0G of braking force due to the standard Brembo braking system 324 mm (Front) 280 mm (Rear).

Focus RS Mk I

The development of the Focus RS was undertaken by a mixed team of mainstream Ford engineers (not SVE or the TeamRS group which replaced it later on) and Tickford Engineering in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. Originally it was to be released as the Racing Focus, however after the poor selling Racing Puma, Ford decided to revive the RS badge.

More bespoke than the prior Ford Focus SVT (badged as the Focus ST170 in Europe), the Focus RS upgraded or replaced 70% of the standard Focus mechanicals. The turbocharged straight-4 engine produced a minimum of 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) and 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) of torque, which was then mated to the 5-speed MTX-75 and not the Getrag transmission used in the ST 170. Mechanically, most notably, the car incorporated a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential to improve traction from the front-wheel drive setup. The steering used a similar quick-ratio rack as the ST170 while the brakes used fixed-caliper, four-piston Brembo units with 324 mm (12.8 in) discs at the front and single-piston floating calipers and 280 mm (11.0 in) discs at the back. Wheels were 18" alloys specially developed by OZ Racing. The engine was heavily modified with forged aluminium pistons, hardened valve seats, sodium-filled exhaust valves, stainless steel exhaust system. The forced induction system comprised a Garrett turbocharger with a water-cooled charge air cooler and an electric water pump. To transmit the higher torque an upgraded AP clutch was used.

The Focus RS was available in one metallic colour, Imperial Blue. The body looked similar to the standard Focus or to the ST170, although the RS featured unique front and rear bumper assemblies required for the wider wheel arches which accommodated the 65 mm (2.6 in) wider front track. Internally, the theme is blue and black with sections of blue leather trim on the door trim panels, the steering wheel and the Sparco seats which were trimmed in blue/black leather and Alcantara. A green starter button starts the engine. The instruments have a blue background and in place of the coolant temperature gauge, the RS was equipped with a boost pressure indicator (up to 1.5 bar). The gear lever knob, handbrake lever, and pedals were all custom made by Sparco.

All-around performance was roughly equal or better to its other competitors, including hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic Type-R and some four-wheel drive cars in the same price field. Power was a diminished priority and the handling on a track, courtesy of the front differential, was considered by most observers to be its strongest characteristic. In a Top Gear review, Jeremy Clarkson noted that "it lacks the straightforward oomph of a Subaru Impreza. [...] The reason it was quick round our track is simple: this car handles like it's in a cartoon." Clarkson and other motor journalists also commented on the car's torque steer on bumpy British roads.

Focus RS WRC

Ford Focus RS Mk1 WRC

The Focus RS WRC was built in 1999 to replace the Ford Escort WRC. It debuted in the Monte Carlo Rally with Colin McRae and Simon Jean-Joseph behind the wheels of the two cars. It was immediately on the pace, setting many fastest stage times, but the use of an illegal water pump meant that the two cars were excluded from the event. McRae gave the Focus its first win two events later on the Safari Rally Kenya finishing over 15 minutes ahead of the second placed Toyota of Didier Auriol.

In 2003, Ford released a newly designed Focus WRC, named Focus RS WRC 03, for competition during the second part of the season. The car, with most parts redesigned from the ground up, featured a lighter body shell and a new aerodynamically enhanced front bumper and wing. Markko Märtin drove the car to two world rally victories. The 2004 and 2005 Focus WRCs were evolutions based on the RS WRC 03. The Focus RS WRC 04 won three events with Märtin at the wheel. By 2005, the car was no longer competitive and Ford had a winless season.

Overall sales and history

In Europe, the hatchback is the biggest selling body style. Ford attempted to market the saloon in Europe as a mini-executive car by only offering it in the Ghia trim level, something that it had tried before with the Orion of the 1980s. It has since given up on this strategy, and has started selling lower specified versions of the saloon.

Despite its radical styling (the hatchback version in particular), and some controversial safety recalls in North America, the car has been a runaway success across the globe, even in the United States, where Ford has traditionally failed to successfully sell its European models. In Europe, where the Focus was positioned at the heart of the largest market segment by volume, Ford's overall market share had declined by 25% between 1995 and 2000 as the aging Ford Escort failed to match up in technological terms to the Vauxhall/Opel Astra and Volkswagen Golf without being able to achieve compensating sales volumes in the low price sector where Korean manufacturers, in particular, were becoming increasingly competitive.[14] The Focus stopped the rot for Ford in Europe, selling particularly strongly in the UK. This was the best-selling car in the world in 1999 through 2004. It was elected Car of the Year in 1999, ahead of GM's new Astra model. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000.

Both versions of the Focus have been the 1999 and 2005 Semperit Irish Car of the Year In Ireland.

The Focus, unlike the Escort, was never offered in a dedicated panel van body style; however, a commercial Focus based on the 3-door hatch is available in Europe - most commonly in Ireland.

Ford therefore continued the Escort Van until the purpose-designed Transit Connect was introduced in 2002 as its replacement. A convertible version was another notable omission that was rectified with the Mk2 Coupe-Cabriolet.

The European Focus, in 2002, according to German reports and surveys, was claimed to be the most reliable car between one and three years old in the German car market.[15] This was a remarkable feat as the Focus was competing against German prestige manufacturers as well as Japanese manufacturers, all of which have strong reputations for quality and reliability.

North America (1999–2007)

North America
Overview
Production 1999–2007
Model years 2000–2007
Assembly Wayne, Michigan, United States
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
5-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L CVH I4
2.0 L Zetec I4
2.0 L Duratec I4
2.3 L Duratec I4
Dimensions
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)
Curb weight 2,564 lb (1,163 kg) - 2,759 lb (1,251 kg)
2000–2004 Ford Focus SE wagon

Ford began marketing the Focus in October 1999 for model year 2000 initially as 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon – with a 5-door hatchback debuting for model year 2002 model at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.[16] The Focus became one of the ten best-selling cars in America shortly after its introduction.[17]

Design

Focus models had been designed under the directorship of Richard Parry-Jones and were noted at introduction for their styling, class-leading[8] rear suspension and tall interior packaging  – as well as a stiff and light body structure, low-friction steering and suspension, and extensive safety and convenience features including driver and passenger airbags, available head-and-chest side air bags, rear ISOFIX child-safety seat attachments, safety belt system with pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors, battery saver to automatically switch off lights after 10 minutes, interior theater dimming, and flip-up/flat-folding rear seat cushions.

Styling

The Focus' styling, often noted as polarizing,[3][4][5][6] was marketed by Ford as New Edge design. The design language had been overseen by Jack Telnack and Claude Lobo and executed by Australian designer, John Doughty.[2] In 2000, Karl Brauer, writing for Edmunds.com described the styling: "While ergonomically sound, the Focus' interior, like its exterior, displays much of Ford's New Edge philosophy that had editors split on loving or hating it."[18] Sherri Koucky, writing for MachineDesign.com said the styling "mixes round shapes with funky geometric ones and adds sharp angles, somehow making them all work together."[19] James R. Healey, writing for USA Today, called the styling a "collision of curves and lines."[20] After the international Ford Focus, which shared styling with North American models, had won the prestigious European Car of the Year (1999), William Diem of the New York Times wrote, "To some extent, the prize vindicates Ford's risky design for the Focus, especially the New Edge styling -- a combination of straight lines, curves and planes."[21]

Rear suspension

Engineers for the Focus, including Richard Parry-Jones, developed a class-leading,[8] space-saving independent multi-link rear suspension, marketed as Control Blade suspension, combining the packaging of a trailing arm, with the geometry of a double wishbone suspension at considerably lower cost.

Where many competitors in the compact class, or small family car (European) class, used the less expensive half-independent torsion beam suspension, Control Blade offered enhanced elasto-kinematic performance, i.e., strong body control, sharp and accurate steering regardless of the car's attitude, and an absorbent and quiet ride over bumps.

Unlike conventional multi-link suspension, Control Blade features a wide, simple, uniform thickness, pressed steel trailing arm with hub carrier – taking the place of two longitudinal locating rods, eliminating an expensive cast knuckle, and offering the same level of body control – with a lower center of gravity, reduced road noise, and at lower production cost. The long rear lateral arm controls toe, a pair of shorter front lateral arms, vertically above each other, control the camber, and the Control Blade reacts to brake and traction loads.

In testing the suspension in 2000, Motor Trend writer Jack Keebler noted "The Focus' average speed of 62.6 mph through our slalom makes it faster around the cones than a $62,000 Jaguar XJ8L and a $300,000 Bentley Continental. The impression is of having plenty of wheel travel for gobbling the larger stuff and big-car, full-frame isolation when encountering expansion joints and smaller road imperfections."[9] Engineers also worked to improve the front suspension, removing sticking and friction (aka stiction) from each component.[9]

Following the 1998 introduction of Control Blade suspension and popularization by the Focus, other manufacturers (e.g. Volkswagen with the Golf V) began offering multi-link design rear suspensions in the compact class, or small family car (European) class.[8][10]

Tall packaging

Focus engineers developed a new interior packaging for the car's class, with a computer-modeled interior, long wheelbase, tall doors, raised roofline, increased passenger and cargo volume, raised rear seating and raised H-point front seating providing higher sight lines and increased rear footroom.[22] James R. Healey, writing for USA Today, said "Focus is bigger inside than cars much larger outside."[20] Ford later marketed the high H-point seating as Command Seating,[23] noting that "the higher the H-Point, the higher you ride in the car, and in some cases, the more comfortable you feel behind the wheel".[23]

Model year changes

2002–2004 Ford Focus ZX5
2005 Ford Focus ZX4 SE

Engines

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. Standard in wagons for 2000 model year.[29]
2.0 L Zetec-R 127 hp (95 kW) 135 lb·ft (183 N·m) Standard on ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, and wagon models after 2000 model year, and available in SE-model sedans through 2004.[24]
2.0 L Zetec-R 167 hp (125 kW) 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) Standard on the SVT Focus.[30]
2.3 L Duratec 145 hp (108 kW) 149 lb·ft (202 N·m) PZEV engine, optional in 2003 in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine; optional in all US states in 2004.[25]
2.0 L Duratec 136 hp (101 kW) 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) Standard on the (non-ST) 2005–2007 Focus.[28]
2.0 L Duratec 140 hp (100 kW) 136 lb·ft (184 N·m) Standard on all models 2008+ Focus.[31]
2.0 L Duratec 130 hp (97 kW) 129 lb·ft (175 N·m) 20E PZEV, All models except ST, required in CA, MA, ME, NY, VT, available in AZ, CT, NY, NJ, NV, OR, PA, RI. 2005–2007 Focus.[28]
2.3 L Duratec 151 hp (113 kW) 154 lb·ft (209 N·m) Standard on the 2005–2007 Focus ST.[28]

Transmissions

Body styles and trims

Year Model Avail. trims levels/packages
2000[32] 3-door Hatchback ZX3, Kona Edition[33]
4-door Sedan LX, SE & ZTS
Wagon SE
2001[29] 3-door Hatchback ZX3, S2[34]
4-door Sedan LX, SE & ZTS, Street Edition[35]
Wagon SE, Street Edition[35]
2002[24] 3-door Hatchback ZX3, SVT, S2
4-door Sedan LX, SE & ZTS
Wagon SE & ZTW (New for 2002 MY)
5-door Hatchback
(New for 2002 MY)		 ZX5
2003[36] 3-door Hatchback ZX3, SVT
4-door Sedan LX, SE, ZTS, & Centennial Edition
Wagon SE & ZTW
5-door Hatchback ZX5 in Base, SVT, Comfort
& Premium (New for 2003 MY)
2004[25] 3-door Hatchback ZX3, SVT
4-door Sedan LX, SE & ZTS
Wagon SE & ZTW
5-door Hatchback ZX5 in Base, SVT, Comfort
& Premium
2005[28] ZX4 (4-door Sedan) S, SE, SES & ST
ZX3 (3-door Hatchback) S, SE & SES
ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)
ZXW (Wagon) SE, SES
2006[37] ZX4 (4-door Sedan) S, SE, SES & ST
ZX3 (3-door Hatchback) S, SE & SES
ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)
ZXW (Wagon) SE, SES
2007[31] ZX4 (4-door Sedan) S, SE, SES & ST
ZX3 (3-door Hatchback) S, SE & SES
ZX5 (5-door Hatchback)
ZXW (Wagon) SE, SES

On 2005 and 2006 models in the US and Canada, the second generation Focus received a body-configuration badging (e.g., ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW) along with separate badging to designate trim levels SE and SES trim; there was no trim badge for the S trim level. The body configuration badging were deleted from the liftgates/trunklids of 2007 models, the trim badging remained.

2005–2007 trim designations

SVT models

Ford SVT Focus 3-door
Ford SVT Focus 5-door

In late 2001, Ford's in-house performance group, Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus ZX3 to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model year. The exterior included revised front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts, fog lamps, rear diffuser and 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels wearing fairly sticky "Y" rated 215/45R17 tires from Continental. The SVT also featured a reworked version of the 2.0-liter Zetec engine available in other Focus models. Developed in concert with Cosworth, this engine featured a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, high compression pistons and forged connecting rods, piston oil squirters, solenoid operated variable camshaft timing on the intake cam, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header.

These additions, coupled with an increased 10.2:1 compression ratio, increased power from 130 to 170 horsepower (97 to 127 kW). Getrag provided a six-speed manual transmission shared with the Mini Cooper S. This transmission was a twin layshaft design and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration and transmission noise. 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 a slightly larger rear anti-roll bar.

Interior features included leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and boot as well as emergency-brake handle and boot. Options included a powered glass sunroof, seven-speaker Audiophile sound system with 8-inch (200 mm) sub-woofer, a cold weather package with heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, heated side mirrors and, for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.

In 2003 the SVT was offered in the five-door body style and an all new European Appearance Package for three-doors only. It included all available options plus full leather Recaro seats and fifteen-spoke dark argent colored wheels. The exterior was available in two new colors, Screamin' Yellow and Competition Orange. The only option the five-door did not include were the sideskirts. In 2004, its final year of production, the Euro package was available in the five-door model as well. Also the five-spoke wheels were no longer available and a 6 spoke design was the replacement.

ST model

2006 Ford Focus ST with "Street Appearance" package.
2006 Ford Focus ST with "Street Appearance" package.

Following discontinuation of the North American SVT Focus in 2004, Ford introduced the ST variant of the ZX4 for 2005–2007, with a 2.3-litre, 151 hp (113 kW) (154 lbf·ft (209 N·m) (SAE) Torque) Duratec driving a five-speed MTX-75 manual transmission with reverse lock-out. Though power was lower than the SVT, acceleration was only slightly lower due to a higher differential ratio. The 2005 ST used dampers and stabilizer bars similar to those of the SVT, but significantly softer springs. The ST featured a unique interior, 16-inch (410 mm) wheels with Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires, spoiler, color-keyed fascia, a color keyed grille, and four-wheel anti-lock disk brakes. The 2005 ST included all SES package equipment – with heated seats, heated mirrors, leather interior, moonroof, and Audiophile package controlled by a Blaupunkt headunit all optional. 2007 was the final year for the 2.3 L engine in the Focus. For the 2006 and 2007 ST's the suspension geometry was changed to provide a softer ride.

In Canada, the Street Appearance look was available and named the GFX package. The Focus ST name did return in 2012 in an all new model.

Total Production:14464

2005: 9329

2006: 2419

2007: 2716

Awards and recalls

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). In 2000, the Focus won Automobile magazine's Automobile of the Year and MotorWeek's Best Small Car.

Though the Focus received the R.L. Polk & Co. Automotive Loyalty Award for highest percentage of repeat buyers, four years running, from 2000 through 2003 – the Focus did experience numerous recalls early in the car's life.[38] Despite Lemon-Aid describing it as "glitch ridden" up until 2004, Focus reliability steadily improved.[39]

By 2005, the Focus received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating,[40] (taking numerous factors into consideration, including reliability and recall history) as well as the Strategic Vision 2005 Total Quality Award.[41] In 2006 the Focus received AutoPacific’s first Ideal Vehicle Award as top-rated compact car for 2006.

The Focus placed on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for five consecutive years between 2000 and 2004.

Debut marketing

Targeting Generation X and Generation Y in the Focus marketing campaign at its North American introduction, Ford created a now defunct youth-destination website (www.focus247.com), aired 64 live television spots featuring comedian Annabelle Gurwitch beginning 6 September 1999, during the MTV Video Music Awards,[42] featured the Focus in co-sponsoring Ricky Martin's Livin La Vida Loca North American tour (September 1999), and developed a strategic partnership with the WB Network show Dawson's Creek – including a private live concert event (November 1999), featuring of the Focus in two Dawson's Creek episodes, and a Focus signed by the Dawson's Creek cast auctioned on Amazon.com.[43]

In January 2001, Ford partnered with Atom Films and J. Walter Thompson (now JWT) to create three short films featuring the Ford Focus. Costing $80,000[44] the films were later shown at the Sundance Film Festival and on Atom Films' web site.[43] In "Little Man on Campus," the lead male, undersized, uncoordinated, who had trouble living up to his father's hopes, gets a Ford Focus from his parents and then makes a varsity sports team, wins 'the girl' and finally carries a squad of cheerleaders in the Focus.[45] The film features a cameo appearance by Barry Livingston, who played "Ernie" in the TV show My Three Sons. Another of the films was titled "The Kiss." The third film entitled "gulp" and by director Jason Reitman was selected to premiere in the 'Official Sundance Screening Room'. The film depicted the efforts of a young man to save his tropical fish. All three films were available for viewing at a now defunct web site, www.focusinfilm.com.[46]

Marketing packages At introduction, Ford offered five specialized packages for the Focus targeting the youth market[47] marketed as Tailored For You kits, allowing buyers to customize their car's interior:

Special editions

Sony: Ford marketed 7000 examples of the Sony Limited Edition in January 2000 featuring an AM/FM CD receiver with wireless remote, four red and black three-way speakers (one pair in each door), trunk mounted 10-inch subwoofer. Exterior colors were Rainforest Green, Infra-Red, Pitch Black, and Going Platinum, each with an MSRP of $15,535.
Kona: the Kona Mountain Bike Edition (May 2000, 5000 examples), featuring an "Out of Bounds" Kona bike, bolt-on bike rack, nylon washable seat covers, unique colors Dirt Metallic and Rainforest Green, unique side moldings with molded-in Kona Moto logo and bike tire treads; 16-inch six-spoke machined aluminum wheels and heavy-duty black rubber floor mats, also with Kona Moto logo and bike tire treads

Ford Focus Street Edition

Street: the Street Edition (September 2000) with European suspension, black trim, 16-inch polished aluminum wheels, a 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel.[35] On the exterior, the front chin, rocker panels, bodyside moldings and lower rear fascia were black, while exterior colors were Infra-Red, Egg Yolk Yellow and Malibu Blue. The models used same springs, dampers and anti-roll bars found in the European Focus. Interior details included sport bucket seats with diamond, silver-masked instrument cluster, radio bezel, door accents and a silver shift knob. 7,500 total Street Editions were manufactured, approximately 85 percent of them were made as sedans ($15,750 MSRP), the remaining models as wagons ($17,745 MSRP).
S2: The Focus S2 (2001), available only in the three-door ZX3 model, featured European-tuned suspension, grey body trim with unique front spoiler and rocker panels, color-keyed bodyside moldings and S2 badging, rear spoiler, six-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels and chrome exhaust tip, six-disc in-dash CD changer, sport bucket seats with diamond-patterned inserts, and exterior colors including CD silver, Sangria Red and a Focus Liquid Grey.
Mach Audio: The Focus MACH Audio ZTS sedan featured an audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, four 5 x 7-inch door-mounted, two-way speakers, a 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer, equalization customized to the Focus' interior configuration and 460 watts  unique silver-faced instrument cluster, mesh seat fabrics and door trim panels, six-spoke, machined-aluminum wheels, MACH Audio badging, exterior colors of CD Silver, Liquid Grey and Mandarin Copper, and an MSRP of $16,975.
Centennial: In celebration of its 100th Anniversary on 20 December 2002, Ford marketed 3000 examples of the Ford Focus Centennial Edition, each a 2003 four-door sedan with black paint, 16-inch aluminum wheels; rear spoiler, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescoping column, AM/FM Stereo with CD and MP3 player, driver's seat lumbar support, premium Verona-grain Imola leather seating surfaces in two-tone parchment, Ford 100th Anniversary deck lid and side badges, a commemorative key chain and watch, a copy of the limited edition coffee table book "The Ford Century," and a black leather owner's guide portfolio with the embossed signatures of Henry Ford, his son Edsel Ford, Henry Ford II, and William Clay Ford, Jr.

Aftermarket

Two Saleen S121s.

Tuner Saleen modified the first generation USA Focus into the S121 and N20 performance cars. The S121 includes a 138 hp (103 kW) Duratec 2.0L I4 engine with improved suspension, custom body work designed and CAD modeled by Phil Frank, custom graphics, tire and wheel package, customized interior components, and optional upgraded brakes. The 10% performance boost to the factory Duratec 2.0l I4 engine was achieved by replacing the factory paper air filter with a more freely flowing reusable air cleaner and by replacing the factory exhaust with a cat back exhaust system. The N20 offers the same base engine and other improvements along with a factory installed nitrous oxide system that offers a 75 hp (56 kW) boost bringing the N2O to 225 hp (168 kW). The S121/N2O are sold as new at many Ford dealers. There were 200 S121/N2O's produced by Saleen in 2005.

Several American companies offer genuine Ford parts to modify North American built Focuses to full or partial European standards.[51] There is also a V8 engine conversion for the Focus.[52][53]

References

  1. ↑ "2000 Ford Focus - Raising the Standard for Small Cars". autoworld.com. Retrieved 24 May 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 "10 Years Ford Focus, 2008 Anniversary Press Kit" (PDF). Ford Media Europe.
  3. 1 2 "2000 Ford Focus Road Test Review". Edmunds.com, Christian Wardlaw, 1 January 1999.
  4. 1 2 "Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Ford Focus PZEV Part 2". Jalopnik, Mike Bumbeck, 1 February 2007.
  5. 1 2 "2009 Ford Focus Gets Refocused Design". Kicking Tires Automobile Blog.
  6. 1 2 "Spy Shots: Next Ford Focus mules caught testing". Autoblog.com, Jonathon Ramsey, 26 March 2009.
  7. ↑ "Focus nur fuer Auslands-Modelle: Gerichtsurteil gegen Ford". Auto, Motor und Sport. Vol. 1998 Heft 15. 15 July 1998. pp. Seite 9.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Flexible control arm transforms thinking". European Automotive Design, 1 June 2006.
  9. 1 2 3 "Road Test: 2000 Ford Focus". Motor Trend.
  10. 1 2 "Audi A3". Autozine.org.
  11. ↑ "Euro NCAP - For safer cars - Ford Focus 1999". EuroNCAP. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
  12. ↑ "Light & small cars' Used Car Safety Ratings". mynrma.com.au. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
  13. ↑ "NUMBER'S UP FOR FORD FOCUS RS". media.ford.com. 11 November 2003. Archived from the original on 20 June 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
  14. ↑ "Insider: Ford shock tactics...". CAR: 27–28. December 2000.
  15. ↑ "Focus TÜV Award". ffoc.co.uk. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
  16. ↑ "Ford Focus ZX5 five-door to debut this fall". Autoweek.com, 02/14/01.
  17. ↑ "Ford Focus: An Unusual Marketing Campaign for an Unusual Car. (12-FEB-01) PR Newswire". Accessmylibrary.com. 12 February 2001. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  18. ↑ "2000 Economy Sedan Comparison Test". Edmunds.com, Karl Brauer, 21 Dec 2000.
  19. ↑ "2000 Ford Focus wagon". Machine Design, Sherri L. Koucky, 18 May 2000.
  20. 1 2 "Ford Focuses on the small-car dilemma". USAtoday, James R. Healey's, 3 September 1999.
  21. ↑ "Ford Focus Is Off to a Rousing Start". The New York Times, Behind The Wheel, William Diem, 20 November 1998. 20 November 1998. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  22. ↑ "Long Term Test: 2000 Ford Focus ZX3". Edmunds.com, November 2000.
  23. 1 2 "Riding High: Auto Makers Jack Up the Car Seat; Finding Your Ideal 'H-Point'". The Wall Street Journal, Michelle Higgins, 2 December 2004. Archived from the original on May 2, 2008.
  24. 1 2 3 "2002 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  25. 1 2 3 "2004 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  26. ↑ "2004 Ford Focus Safety Features – MSN Autos". MSN. 22 February 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2010.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ford Focus: Quality, Performance and Refinement". Ford Media,.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 "2005 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 30 April 2005. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  29. 1 2 "2001 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  30. ↑ "Ford SVT 2004 - SVT Archive". Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  31. 1 2 "2007 Ford Focus Press Kit". Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  32. ↑ "2000 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 13 September 2004. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  33. ↑ "Kona Mountain Bike aligns with Ford Motor Company for Kona Edition Focus".
  34. ↑ "Ford unveils 2001 Focus S2".
  35. 1 2 3 "Ford unveils new limited Street Edition Focus".
  36. ↑ "2003 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 19 November 2005. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  37. ↑ "2006 Ford Focus Press Kit". Archived from the original on 8 August 2007. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  38. ↑ "ConsumerAffairs.com: Ford Focus Setting Recall Record". Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  39. ↑ "ODI – Office of Defects Investigation". Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  40. ↑ "PRNewswire: Consumers Digest Names Automotive Best Buys for 2005". Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  41. ↑ "The 2005 Total Quality Awards". Strategic Vision.
  42. ↑ Kranhold, Kathryn. "Ford Woos 'Echo Boomers' With Some Live Television – WSJ.com". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  43. 1 2 "Ford Focus: An Unusual Marketing Campaign for an Unusual Car". Autointell.com, 14 February 2001.
  44. ↑ "Ads are here, there, everywhere". USAtoday, 19 June 2001, Michael McCarthy. 19 June 2001. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  45. ↑ "What Is Atom Films?". Daily Utah Chronicle 19 July 2008.
  46. ↑ "Film Fest :Ford and JWT Showcase Filmmakers". Theautochannel.com,.
  47. 1 2 3 "Express Yourself: Designing Your Ford Focus Dream Car". PRnewswire, 12 August 1999.
  48. ↑ "Ford Focus Pet Package: A Car That Empowers Your Pooch". PRnewswire, 12 August 1999.
  49. ↑ "Ford Focus Professional Package: A Smart Set of Wheels". PRnewswire, 12 August 1999.
  50. ↑ "Ford Focus Sports Package: Rev Up Your Engines". PRnewswire, 12 August 1999.
  51. ↑ "Ford and Mustang Specialists – NorthCoast Performance – NorthCoast Performance – Ford and Mustang Specialists". Nthcoast.com. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  52. ↑ "How Not to Build a V-8 Ford Focus – Automobile Magazine". Automobilemag.com. 7 April 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  53. ↑ "ford v8 focus racing conversion kits nhra and sema shows". Ford-v8-focus.com. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
« previous — Ford car timeline, United States & Canada, 1980–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 01234567
Subcompact Fiesta Festiva Aspire Fiesta
Compact Pinto Escort Escort Escort
Focus Focus Focus
Fairmont Tempo Tempo Contour
Granada
Mid-size Granada LTD Fusion Fusion
Taurus Taurus Taurus Taurus
Full-size LTD LTD Crown Victoria Crown Victoria Crown Victoria
Country Squire Five Hundred Taurus Taurus
Personal luxury Thunderbird Thunderbird Thunderbird Thunderbird
Sport compact EXP EXP Probe Probe Escort ZX2 ZX2 Fiesta ST
Focus ST
Sports Mustang Mustang Mustang Mustang
Supercar GT GT
« previous — Ford automobile timeline, European market, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
City car Ka I Ka II Ka III
Supermini Fiesta I Fiesta II Fiesta IV Fiesta V
Fiesta III Fiesta VI
Small family car Escort III / Orion I Escort IV / Orion II Escort V / Orion III Escort Vb Escort VI Focus I Focus II Focus III
Large family car Taunus III / Cortina V Sierra I Sierra II Mondeo I Mondeo II Mondeo III Mondeo IV
Executive car Granada II Scorpio I / Granada III Scorpio II
Sports car Capri Puma
Probe Cougar Mustang VI
RS200 GT
Mini SUV EcoSport
Compact SUV Maverick Maverick Kuga I Kuga II
Mid-size SUV Explorer Edge
Mini MPV Fusion B-MAX
Compact MPV C-MAX I C-MAX II
Large MPV S-MAX I S-MAX II
Galaxy I Galaxy II Galaxy III
LCV/LAV Courier III Courier IV Transit Courier
Transit Connect I Transit Connect II
Van Transit Custom
Transit II Transit III Transit IV Transit V Transit VI
Pick-up Ranger I Ranger II Ranger III
Note

Only models sold in Continental Europe are shown, most overseas territories have somewhat different offerings.

Ford Australia automobile timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
City Ka
Subcompact Festiva Festiva Fiesta Fiesta
Compact Escort Laser Laser Laser Laser Laser Focus Focus Focus
Meteor
Mid-size Cortina Telstar Telstar Taurus
Corsair Mondeo Mondeo Mondeo
Full-size Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / G Series
Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD
Sports Capri Probe Cougar
Mustang Mustang
Utility Courier Courier Ranger Ranger
Falcon Ute Falcon Ute Falcon Ute
Van Falcon Van
Spectron
Econovan Econovan Econovan
Transit Transit Transit Transit
Subcompact SUV EcoSport
Compact SUV Escape Escape
Kuga
Mid-size SUV Raider Territory
Bronco Maverick Explorer Explorer Everest
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