Jalopnik: Ford Focus

This ex-con stole his date's car... while they were at the movies!

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

Worst guy. Cops in Florida say a 27-year-old man stole his date's rental car while they were at the movies. During the movie, the man, Michael Pratt, told the woman he needed to get something in the car, a 2012 Ford Focus. He left, and never came back. More »

The Ford Focus Electric will cost almost $40,000

Justin Berkowitz — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EDT

GreenCarReports points out that Ford has posted pricing information for its new all-electric Focus, and the $39,995 price tag isn't just bad — it's ludicrous. The similarly all-electric Nissan Leaf stickers at $36,050, while the Chevy Volt — which you can actually, you know, drive between cities — runs $39,995. All three vehicles are eligible for a $7500 credit. More »

Consumer Reports smacks Ford Explorer, Fiesta and Focus

Ray Wert — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EDT

Although in recent years Ford has made a serious attempt at being the model of American reliability, competing well against Japanese makes that have dominated for decades. But according to Consumer Reports, three models — the new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus — are blemishing that record. More »

The ten bro-tastic Ford SEMA custom cars

Raphael Orlove — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Ford is bringing the new Focus to SEMA for the first time this year, so here's a breakdown of the all bro, all the time funky paint and flash rims that are going to be on display. Beefcake Fiestas and Focii abound. More »

For $9,550, Go Saleen on the focus blue

graverobber — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Like Carroll Shelby before him, Steve Saleen is a former racer who has made a name for himself building performance cars. Today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe Saleen Focus N2O may not have the cachet of Carroll's name, but is its price noteworthy? More »

2012 Ford Focus: First Drive

Ray Wert — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:01 EST

Fan-boys begged Ford for the international Focus since 2005, when the world got a new model and we got... a refresh. Now it's 2012 and it can finally be yours. But should you still want it? In a word; no. More »

Ford: Focus Electric Will Kick The Chevy Volt's Ass

Ray Wert — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:00:01 EST

Just revealed today at CES, the Focus Electric is Ford's first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car. More importantly, it will supposedly offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent fuel economy that's better than the Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles. How? More »

EEK! What Can Ford Learn From Lee Iacocca And Chrysler?

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:45:00 EST

Ford says it'll build ten variants of its C-platform by 2012. Sounds like a story we've heard before. Let's look at how Ford's platform-sharing compares to a few K-car variants that saved Chrysler's bacon back in the 1980s. More »

C-MAX Gets Ford Back Into Minivan Game

Ray Wert — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST

Ford turns its Focus back to the minivan game with official plans to bring the C-MAX stateside in 2012. [Ford] More »

Car Vandal Etches Poe Quote In Literate Graffiti Spree

Justin Hyde — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

A vandal who gouged 13 vehicles at a Pittsburgh-area dealership decided to use a 2006 Focus as a chalkboard, scrawling the Latin phrase "Nemo me inpune lacessit" on its flank. The recession really hasn't been good for literature majors. More »

A V8-Powered RWD Focus Makes A Great Stocking Stuffer

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

The Focus gave Americans a taste of the European approach to small cars, which values refinement over thrift. Thankfully, someone's Americanized one by making it RWD and throwing a Cobra 5.0 V8 underhood. And it's just $12K? [eBay via BringATrailer] More »

2012 Ford Focus Pricing Starts At $16,995

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:15:00 EDT

The 2012 Ford Focus starts at $16,995. No word yet on pricing for the sexy Focus ST. More »

2012 Ford Focus: Close Enough

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EDT

The Ford Focus ST is the star of the 2012 lineup, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the new regular sedan and five-door version, or the 2.0-liter putting out 158 hp. No wagon, but beggars can't be choosers. More »

Ford's Next-Gen Airbag Spares Ribs, Looks Like A Saggy Butt

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:01 EDT

The 2012 Focus debuts Ford's next-generation airbag, designed with an internal tether which shapes the bag to reduce pressure and injuries to the ribs and abdomen. It also makes the airbag look like an old lady's bottom. More »

Ford Focus ST: Hatch Hotness Goes Global

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:01 EDT

The endless monotony of boring U.S. hatches got you down? The Ford Focus ST's going to turn that frown upside-down. A 246-hp, sexified, Ecoboosted, five-door probably headed for America. A beautiful sunrise may be breaking over the Carpocalyptic landscape. More »

Ford Adds Le Mans Paint Jobs To Focus RS

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EDT

Ford's painted five Focus RS hot-hatches to match winning GT40s from its Le Mans victories in the '60s and they're offering 'em up for "exclusive sale." Why? Someone probably got up on the chav side of the bed one morning. More »

Hole In The Piston? A GM LS V8 Will Still Run

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:30:00 EDT

A nutcase over at TheTurboForums is building a turbocharged 5.3-liter, GM LS V8-powered Mk1 Ford Focus and having trouble with his used engine's rough idle and smoking. After compression testing he pulled the head and found this. [TheTurboForums] More »

The Most Hilarious Used Ford Focus Ad Ever

Ray Wert — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EDT

This would have been completely hilarious to us... if only a 2002 Ford Focus with 68,000 miles, a manual transmission, new clutch and a price of $2,000 were that bad a deal. (H/t to Ryan!) More »

Ford Focus RS500: A 350 HP Matte Black Monster

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EDT

As if the Ford Focus RS wasn't truly wicked enough, the product planners at Ford are sending off the current generation with a matte black bang: The 350 HP, limited-edition Ford Focus RS500. More »

Ken Block's Ford Focus WRC Revealed, Muddy

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:40:00 EST

Before jetting back to win his fifth 100 Acre Woods Rally Ken Block had "only" one day to test out his new Monster WRC Ford Focus. Yeah, but that's one truly kickass day. More »

Ford Focus Wagon: America Is Stupid And Proud Of It

Ray Wert — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:01 EST

Oh, look... the Ford Focus Wagon. The fifth variant of the new Ford Focus is yet another stylish, attractive and functional Euro-wagon we won't be getting stateside. America, why do you hate small, utilitarian vehicles? More »

Four-Cylinder Ecoboost Confirmed In Explorer, Hinted For Focus

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST

Ford confirmed rumors a new Ecoboost four-cylinder will be the fuel economy offering for the new, more car-like 2011 Ford Explorer. More exciting, though, is they're not exactly being coy about dropping it into the 2011 Focus. Hurray! More »

Viva Los Hoons! Jalopnik Reader Buys Mexican Focus RS

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

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Remember the lime green 2010 Ford Focus RS for sale in Mexico? One of our readers bought it and will be importing it to the US. To say we're jealous would be like saying the sun's warm. Complete story below. More »

Your Best Chance To Own A Focus RS In The U.S.

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

A dealership on the wrong side of the Texas border is offering up a 2010 Ford Focus RS to the first person with $45,000. Of course, you'll still have to do the importing on this bright-green slice of heaven. More »

Mercury To Unveil Focus-Based Compact, What Should They Call it?

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Mercury, Ford's habitually ignored mid-level luxury brand will get a variation of the C-segment platform underpinning the 2012 Ford Focus It'll suposedly debut as an LA Auto Show concept according to Automobile. But what will it be called? More »

Ken Block's New Ford Rally Car Is Monstrously Cool

Sam Smith — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST

Ken Block's Rally America Fiesta wasn't scheduled to break cover until Wednesday, but a few images leaked out early. As a response, the Monster rally team released two high-res shots and a funky-jam video. Excuse us while we geek out. More »

Ford Goes Electric, Zaps Fun Out Of 2012 Focus

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:25:00 EST

Before Bill Ford pulled the 2012 Ford Focus from an on-stage Demon Hole, he stopped our hearts with big news. An RS!?! No. An announcement regarding Michigan-built all-electric Focii starting next year and hybrid C-platform cars. Sad. More »

2012 Ford Focus: The Comeback Kid

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:02 EST

This is the all-new 2012 Ford Focus. From our perspective it's one of the greatest automotive comeback stories in a long time. After too many indifferent refreshes it's finally, and awesomely, everything enthusiasts have been begging Ford to build. More »

Ken Block Ditches Subaru, Will Rock Ford For WRC, X Games

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST

It's official. The amazingly talented Ken Block, he of the sideways Subie, is ditching the AWD brand to race a Ford Fiesta in Rally America/X Games and a Ford Focus on the bigger World Rally Championship stage. More »

Santa Rolls In A Focus RS

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:40:00 EST

Brandenburg, Germany is our kind of place. Rather than a fake sled running on top of a tractor, their Santa Claus parade features a freakin' Ford Focus RS. We'll be nice, we promise. Photo Credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images More »

The Other Ford SEMA Show Cars

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EDT

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Just because there'll be a slew of custom 2010 Ford Mustangs at SEMA doesn't mean the rest of Ford's lineup won't be represented. Some custom Taurus SHOs, Transit Connects, Fusions and Foci will also get the tuner-car treatment. More »

VIDEO: Drew Barrymore In Jay Leno's Reasonably-Priced Electric Ford Focus "Race Car"

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EDT

Jay Leno, in a bout of what we've gotta believe is advertiser capitulation, described the prototype electric Ford Focus to his first celeb-driver, Drew Barrymore, as an "electric Ford Focus race car." On what planet is this a race car? More »

Jay Leno's Reasonably Priced Electric Car A Euro-Spec Ford Focus

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EDT

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We knew Jay Leno would do a Top Gear-esque star in a reasonably priced electric car segment. We even knew the car would be an electric Focus. We didn't know it would be an electric-orange Euro-spec model. More »

Jay Leno's "Star In A Reasonably-Priced Green Car" To Use Ford's Battery Electric Focus Concept

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:20:00 EDT

A specially-built battery electric Ford Focus will be driven through Jay Leno's (pictured above with two Jalopnik readers) new show, premiering Sept. 14 on NBC, by celebrity guests who are competing in the "Green Car Challenge" for best track times. More »

2011 Ford Focus: Small Car, Big Promise

Wes Siler — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EDT

Still heavily disguised as a current-generation Euro-spec Focus, the set-for-unveil-next-year 2011 Ford Focus is the first single-platform global car from Ford. You should thank whichever deity you're partial to, because this better-in-Euro econobox is actually coming Stateside. More »

Ford Increases Production To Meet Clunker Demand

Wes Siler — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Ford will produce an additional 10,000 cars - mostly Escapes and Focuses - during Q3, 2009 to meet demand increased by Cash for Clunkers. Q4 production will also increase 33% year-on-year. [Automotive News Subs. Req.] More »

Cash For Clunkers Program Actually Benefiting Truck, Crossover Sales

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EDT

The NHTSA list of the most purchased cars under the Cash For Clunkers programs favors cars. But if you look at it by model, and not by trim, trucks and crossovers are the true winners. More »

IIHS Crash Tests Five Budget Coupes: Ford, Volvo Earn Top Safety Picks

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:45:00 EDT

New crash tests released by the IIHS for five economy-sized two-doors — the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC and Volvo C30 — indicate good or acceptable ratings in frontal and side tests. See, size doesn't matter! More »

A Dive Off A 300-Foot Cliff From The Driver's Point Of View

The Auto Insider — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EDT

Want to see what it looks like when you drive off a 300-foot cliff? Here's Jari-Matti Latvala's cliff-dive from the Rally de Portuga earlier this year. It's a surprisingly violent tumble that left his Ford Focus WRC in twisted shambles. More »

Russian Focus Owners Launch Biggest Ever Single-Model Procession

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EDT

Russian Ford Focus enthusiasts decided to honor a member's nuptials by creating the largest single-model wedding procession ever. They even had a Focus police escort. Gallery of the 200 Russian Foci on parade below. More »