"Why do Americans (and Canadians) put up with this kind of treatment from Ford?"
They aren't Damian, they are turning to Mazda and Honda instead. BTW - can anyone explain why so many auto manufacturers are now adding fender vents (usually fake) to their cars. They look absolutely ridiculous on the Focus. [External Link]
I'm sick of all the hand-wringing that goes on over why the US automakers are in such a state. I feel like screaming "It's the cars, stupid!"
Posted at 2007-12-23 19:54:35 [PermaLink]I had a 2000 Focus. It was a good car but not great. I think part of the problem is that Ford offers two mediocre and similar engines (a 2.0L and a 2.3L). Why? They have similar fuel efficiency and similar power. They should have done what Volkswagen does. Offer an extremely fuel efficient diesel, a powerful turbo, and a low production cost 2.0L. I believe the Europeans get the diesel version but not us.
I don't see many new Focuses on the road these days. With Ford paying so much attention to the Fusion and with the expected arrival of the Ka I wouldn't be surprised if the Focus breed dies.
Given the slagging we have been dishing out to Ford, in fairness - the following quote from the current Consumers Reports Cars issue should be noted:
"The odds of getting a reliable new vehicle from Ford are the best we've seen in years. Of the 44 models from Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in our survey, 41 of them scored average or better in predicted reliability. Only the Ford Explorer (V8), Mercury Mountaineer (V8) and the Lincoln Mark LT are below average."
"The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan remained above average in their second year and ranked among the top reliable family sedans"
Regarding Toyota:
Three models have been dropped from the recommended list due to below average reliability - Camry V6, Tundra pickup (V8 AWD) and Lexus GS sedan (AWD).
Now if only Ford would bring out (or over from Europe - see Saturn Astra) a good small car.