Comments on: Euro invasion: Ford to import Euro-spec Focus, Fiesta, C-Max and Kuga to U.S.

By: Htay9500

Htay9500 — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:35:34 +0000

bold move!

By: JohnnyBlazE

JohnnyBlazE — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:37:58 +0000

14658: Mmm Nice Falcon

By: Impulsive

Impulsive — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:52:39 +0000

‘Deanster’, isn’t that where ‘CaCaLover’ resides?

By: DeansterTJ

DeansterTJ — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:13:20 +0000

Too bad. HAd they brought over the Euro Focus 10 years ago they might have acquired a legion of new customers. Now everyone and their mother has gained a foothold in the small sport compact market – A3, GTi, Mazda3, Mini Cooper, so on and so on. Good luck Ford, there’s going to be more heat in that segment than in a ‘Bama whorehouse in July.

By: jimmy8

jimmy8 — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:50:57 +0000

You people make no sense. All you have been complaining about for the past 2 years is how Ford needs to bring over Euro models. They finally announce that Ford is bringing some Euro models over and now you are already complaining about that. Enjoy your Kia Rio’s people.

By: slider5634

slider5634 — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:51:59 +0000

Buybye. I’m with you on the Fusion. I’ve been very impressed with the quality of it. As far as the handling goes, the Fusion is basically a repaneled Mazda 6. So it makes sense that the handling is good.
BTW — with Ford importing vehicles — it’s about damn time.

By: Buhbye

Buhbye — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:05:31 +0000

Kitko, C70 hardtop convertible is also on the Euro Focus chasis, but stretched and strengthned.
I’m very happy with the Fusion I leased 5 months ago. 7,000 miles and zero problems. 28.5 MPG mixed driving so far with a 4 auto. I looked at the front suspension last night, trying to figure out why it corners so well. This suspension is amazing. Two lower ball joints and an upper control arm that wraps around the tire. Leased a Toyota last year in Florida and almost wound up in the weeds taking an off-ramp. Good motor and transmission, but the Ford blows it away on cornering and braking.
I will look seriously at the Fiesta after the Fusion lease is off. C’mon diesel!

By: foster1

foster1 — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:55:27 +0000

Everyone thinks that Ford is junk. Toyota has had 2.2million recalls since they have come to the U.S. in the early 70’s, Next highest. GM they have been around for how long. 1930’s Ford been around since the late 1800’s 1918 turned into the bigest automotive company around. With one brand untill the late 30’s. Toyota pound for pound has turned to **** in the last 5 year’s You think they would have learned from GM. But no they even modled there company around them.

By: wbent

wbent — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Mulally seems to have the whip to unite Ford. As far as Toyota and Honda having nothing to worry about……look at the awards, sales numbers, reliability(IE things gone wrong index) on those products in Europe. If the price point is reasonable it will bring people to Ford. I suspect the manufacture orgin may surprise you, Many of these models are offered in Central and South America where Ford and Gm have invested heavily in state of the art flexible manufacturing facilities

By: CleanGTO

CleanGTO — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:57:42 +0000

Did Ford get a clue? See the writing on the wall? What gives. If they finally, actually make this move, I’ll personally be shocked with joy, because DAMN. How long have people been calling for this?

By: Stinky007

Stinky007 — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:05:37 +0000

Better late than never!

By: 14658

14658 — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:14:38 +0000

What you guys really need is this 5.4 V8 315kw (422bhp approx) model below

http://www.zcars.com.au/images/ford-fpv-fg-falcon1.jpg

This image is the new FPV GT. FPV is the performance arm of Ford Australia.

By: Aussie#1

Aussie#1 — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:39:01 +0000

This is the car the US needs!! http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1178841241534&pagename=FOA%2FDFYPage%2FFullwidth1024&c=DFYPage

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:49:51 +0000

All of Ford’s lying about the C1 being too expensive to produce and sell in the US/NA market is proven wrong by one URL..

http://www.ford.com.mx/vehicles/homevehicle.asp?idModel=FOC

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:43:51 +0000

The C30 is my next car, I drove one last week and it was a blast! And I’m a picky SOB, I’m used to 240whp and a race-prep suspension…

By: Carwatcher

Carwatcher — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:29:25 +0000

Your right 02WRXPSM. The Volvo C30 and the euro Ford Focus share the same platform as well as the T5 engine.

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:22:35 +0000

The Ford Focus with the T5 turbo motor is available right now in the states as the Volvo C30 hatch. It has been here for 8+ months.

By: maxzorin

maxzorin — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:21:01 +0000

Hope they send them over here good looking cars. I have had good luck with my fords. Owned three hondas which all had expensive problems to fix. Had one nissan quit after 67,000 had to junk it. Owned one plymouth complete junk never buy a chrysler again many problems. Own a saturn and mercury now both on lease. The saturn is ok no real problems just not well put together. The mercury is new no problems yet my family loves it.

By: Impulsive

Impulsive — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:57:05 +0000

‘autonut’, I am NOT gay. I just have good taste. Unlike those who pay good money for Toyotas and Hondas … and Foci, and Subarus. Sales #s prove I am right and we ALL know I only post FACTS.

Oh, and I have been complimented on my mother’s condo … I am good, damn good.

By: kitko

kitko — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:51:17 +0000

Basically,
1. ANY Ford offered in Europe is way better than what For offers on North American markets. And Ford has great advantage over other US manufacturers.

2.EU standards equal or excede those of the US and Canada. Chrysler would not be able to sell 300 in Europe without ABS as it does in the US. When it comes to safety, security and comfort, my mid level European Mazda 3 is equipped as a top specced US model. Strangely enough, both cars are made in the same factory in Japan. But the US top specced model costs 23K, my car cost 40K. You can do wonders with pricing….

Volvos C30, S40, V40, European Focus and Mazda 3 share the same platform. All Ford 1.3 to 2.5 liter engines are acutally Mazda MZRs rebadged as Duratec, so most of them is actually alread approve for the US.
Do you know that Audi TT, Audi A3, VW Jetta, Rabitt, Golf, Skoda Octavia and Seat Leon all share same platform, same engines….. Do you know that Jaguar X-type is essentially a previous generation European Ford Mondeo?
So as you see, standards are pretty close and prices vary accross Europe by 30 percent. Moving it across the pond is matter of putting NHTSAA badge on it and change a few bits like lamps. End of story. Japanese can do it, Ford can do it as well.

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:37:47 +0000

Impulsive, can you imagine that your definition of Beautiful is different form others? Do you even want to have a great taste or admit to having one? Look who interior decorators are.

By: hateful83

hateful83 — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:10:12 +0000

Impulsive, that’s pretty deep man. Well put.

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:59:16 +0000

zoomzoomer, Model T lasted almost as long as Focus (12 years!).

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:46:09 +0000

zoomzoomer: NAFTA- it’s a beautiful thing. Not.

By: Impulsive

Impulsive — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:44:54 +0000

These things won’t sell … stats show people WANT ugly. Witness Honda and Toyota sales #s … I hate the scenery on the road … feel like taking a flamethrower to the blight that covers the asphalt.

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:37:13 +0000

This is what kills me about Ford..

http://www.ford.com.mx/vehicles/homevehicle.asp?idModel=FOC

It’s been right here on the same CONTINENT for several years.. yet they insist on lipsticking the old pig for the US!

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:31:29 +0000

El ALeman, dollar is not soft as batter. I just was across the pond and can tell you firsthand dollar is softer then infant diarrhea, especially in London.
Those Ford babies will have 2 problems: cost of dollar and cost of running gear (motors and transmissions). Since none of European motors can meet US standards, but Volvo 5 cylinders guess what will motivate those models? it is not a bad motor (although it was very dull in automatic C30), but it cost a lot. Translation: those cars will be as expensive as Audi or Volvo or Saab. Who would pay for Ford the same price as Volvo, Audi, Saab? VW will be cheaper – they are made in Mexico.

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:22:47 +0000

They will make them in Burma with illegal Tibetan immigrant labor

By: LaCaLover

LaCaLover — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:10:07 +0000

They will make them in Poland

By: El Aleman

El Aleman — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:03:53 +0000

How the hell are they gonna sell european-built cars in America with the dollar being soft as butter?

By: howsmydriving

howsmydriving — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:01:34 +0000

Fiesta nee Verve is actually a good product. Who knew?

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:54:28 +0000

johnnycanuck.. if the headline of this article is correct (which I suspect it isn’t), they are IMPORTING the vehicles “across the Atlantic”, which will effectively price them out of their league. If they instead source them out of Mexico, Brazil or even China (which I suspect is more realistic).. or GOD FORBID actually retool idled assembly plants and build them in the US.. this sounds like a solid product plan to usher in Ford’s 12th decade.

By: TOZO

TOZO — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:47:40 +0000

Hopefully they wont forget Australia.

By: HoosierHero

HoosierHero — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:38:30 +0000

Hell….yeah….!!!!! Now if only we can get a Mondeo, I could actually have a Ford garage. These are quality vehicles with good styling. Good job whoever-you-are-Ford-Exec-dude!

By: 1c3d0g

1c3d0g — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:19:17 +0000

Well, if they offer the Kuga with a Diesel option, it’ll be my next vehicle, no doubt about that. Is it so hard to ask for a small “ute” with a strong Diesel? I think not…