Ford Takes the Safe Route to Combine Performance and Reliability
The
Ford Focus made its way to North America in 1999 as a 2000 model, after having graced the streets of Europe for quite a
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| After a rocky North American launch in 1999, the Ford Focus has become a paragon of reliability. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
bit longer. Unlike the domestic-made Escort that preceded it, the Focus has also made its way into the hearts of auto enthusiasts due to its sporty handling and offbeat yet alluring styling. After a rocky beginning of recall after recall, Ford's smallest entry has become a paragon of reliability. It's currently one of the top picks in the small car segment according to leading independent consumer advocacy groups that track vehicle quality and reliability. Furthermore, the Focus has earned itself a spot next to Honda with regards to initial quality, as
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| The Focus has received new enhancements to its 2005 lineup including a 24 percent increase in horsepower. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
surveyed by J.D. Power & Associates, putting it well above the industry average. Now in its second generation in North America - in reality only version 1.5 as the actual version 2 Focus will not be available in North America for at least two years - the Focus has received new enhancements to its 2005 lineup including a 24 percent increase in horsepower to the base model and a 32 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions for all trim levels.
A new ST sedan has also been added, combining the chassis components of Ford of Europe's Focus ST170 and SVT Focus, plus the North American debut of the upgraded 2.3-litre version of Ford's new Duratec 4-cylinder engine family.
