Ford Focus History

The Ford Focus is a popular compact car that debuted in Europe in 1998 and in the United States in late 1999 for the 2000 model year. It was introduced in Australia in 2002. An estimated 5 million have been sold through 2008, and it ranks among the top 40 best-selling American made cars worldwide.

Origins

Originally named the Fusion, which later was given to a mid-size Ford, the Focus appeared as early as 1991 as a concept car when Ford gave the public a sneak preview at the Geneva Motor Show. It was conceived to replace the Escort in North America. The original body styling was conceived by the Italy-based Ghia design company and furthered Ford's "New Edge" styling concept, which uses polygons and straight-lines styling. The "New Edge" was previously employed on the 1998 Cougars and the Ford Ka.

First Generation

The Focus was designed to appeal to the youth market with heavy advertising appearing on the MTV Video Music Awards a month before the car's October 1999 launch. The car featured independent rear suspension, a significant departure from the standard twisted-beam suspension found on similar cars in its class. The feature gave it better handling and a smoother ride.

Models

North American models differed significantly from the Focus sold elsewhere in the world. The side parking lamps, grille, rear light design and the front and rear bumpers were designed differently from its international counterpart. It was offered as a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan. It also came as a five-door hatchback. A four-door sedan and a five-door estate wagon were offered only in Europe.

Engine Size

The Focus was equipped with either a 2- or 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine. Through 2004, the LX and SE models were equipped with a 2-liter engine providing 110 horsepower. The 2-liter Zetec was offered in the high-performance SVT models and generated 170 horsepower. The 2.3-liter Duratec version was standard in 2003-'04 models in only five states, including California. The 2-liter Duratec was standard on all models through 2007 with horsepower boosted to 145. The 2.3-liter Duratec in today's cars generate 151 horsepower.

High Performance

Recognizing the potential to create a "hot hatch" and other high-performance models, Ford introduced the ST170 in Europe and the SVT in North America. The ST170's features included racing-style accents with brushed aluminum door releases, 17-inch spoked alloy wheels, fog lamps, Recaro leather seats and a Cosworth-tuned 170-horsepower engine. The SVT was nearly identical.

Hot Hatch

The "hot hatch," which originated with the Volkswagen Golf GTI as a high-performance hatchback, was adopted by Ford for the second-generation 2005 Focus. The three- and five-door hatchback Focus ST was equipped with a Volvo turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that generated 225 horsepower. Muscle was further increased to 260 horsepower with a special Mountune Racing kit. A 2009 RS "hot hatch" version offers a tuned Duratec engine with 300 horsepower.

Sales

With more than 5 million cars sold since October 1999, Ford focus increased its production output each model year. By 2008, output was increased by 30 percent over the previous year. The Focus now possesses 7.6 percent of the total small car market in the United States.