Although Ford Has Done A Pretty Good Job Weathering The Storm, The Tide May Be Beginning To Turn

If there is one domestic automaker above the others, it is clearly Ford. The problem with that is, Ford isn't just up against Chrysler Group and General Motors. It also has a bevy of other competition from Europe, Japan and Korea.

That means its products have to be well-rounded on all fronts, which means they have to be: practical, refined, reliable, well built and cheap.

Although it appears the company has gone gangbusters in the past couple of years, USAToday's James R. Healey decided to provide a bit of a reality check for those in store for an all-new 2012 Ford Focus.

**To read the ENTIRE review, click "Read Article"

If the rest of the 2012 Ford Focus were as well-executed as the artful styling, a lot of compact-car rivals could simply take their toys and go home.

But not so.

Based on drives of two examples of the completely remade Focus, a $20,000 midlevel, four-door sedan and a $28,000 hatchback, it's clear that Focus could be better.

Good stuff first...

[Source: USAToday]

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fourmccs - 5/15/2011 10:21:41 PM

+2 Boost

The article makes it sound like Ford has been competing exclusively with the domestic auto makers. I do think that all these brands have been on sale here for a time. The premise for this article is weak at best.

Agent00R - 5/16/2011 12:33:49 AM

-4 Boost

@fourmccs

Sorry to break it to you but typical buyers aren't cross shopping VWs and Fords.

Regarding Healey's major beef that the 2012 Focus is overpriced and too small makes a lot of sense now that the 2011 Elantra is a killer package with space and at cheaper price.

uaw_lax - 5/17/2011 2:05:52 AM

+1 Boost

"Sorry to break it to you but typical buyers aren't cross shopping VWs and Fords." I beg to differ.

chewy - 5/15/2011 10:26:16 PM

+2 Boost

I feel the Focus might be too European styled for the US, I think they might lose some sales because of that.

Steve - 5/16/2011 7:40:32 AM

+1 Boost

re "which means they have to be: practical, refined, reliable, well built and cheap."

Nope. Trying to be all things to all people is what GM where it is today. Meanwhile, a little company like BMW focuses on the "ultimate" drive with a heap of "luxury." Period. Polarizing style over the past decade, defect numbers, and "cheap" looking interiors have not tainted their reputaion, nor slowed their growth, nor impacted thier bottom line. They're an example of finding/defining a market, and competing well within it. Perhaps a healthier strategy than "be all things to all people."

Steve - 5/16/2011 7:41:38 AM

+2 Boost

Edit "... is what got GM to where it is today."

Damn! I wish there was an Edit button on Autospies!!!

stupidasshole - 5/16/2011 8:51:08 AM

-3 Boost

Fords are pieces of garbage. I went to my local Ford dealer to test drive a Mustang, a Fiesta, and an Explorer because I was not sure what I wanted. My salesperson was a woman named June. We drove the Mustang and Fiesta. We hoped in an Explorer and I noticed how much room there was in the back. We put the seats down, got in the back, and she began to slowly undress me while carressing me. She gave me the best head I've ever had. before I could expolde she pulled her panties down, lifted her skirt, and rode me like a wild stallion. I exploded insider her, sans condom, while squeezing her perfect c-cups. In the end I bought a Kia Soul.

JB007 - 5/16/2011 9:15:36 AM

+1 Boost

I lied - that one is the best comment I have ever read on this site.

mini22 - 5/16/2011 7:59:24 PM

+1 Boost

Waiter- My I please have the exact same cornbeef sandwich that stupidasshole is having.