We know first-hand how horrible the design of the 2008 Ford Focus coupe truly was. Having spent five days in one we can tell you the best part about the '08 model was being inside of it. Only then could you sink into that relatively comfortable interior and try to forget the horror of witnessing the terrifying design mish-mash that was the exterior of last year's model. But wait, Ford's taken another look at the sheet metal on the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe and given it what the Dearborn-based automaker calls a "sporty new look." We call it lipstick. Although Ford fixed a couple of the most egregious design flaws for the '09 — the deletion and reassignment of the rear spoiler, the new rims and (thank whatever automotive deity you pray to) the delete option on the faux chrome side vents — it only serves to show just how much of a mess the rest of the design truly is. We know Ford's trying to use this year's model to ease the 'merican public into the Fiesta's open-mouthed billy-the-bass front fascia design language, but was it really necessary to bastardize it on this monstrosity of mashed-together metal? Full press release below the jump.

More »

new cars

Ford Summons Black Magic for Focus CC, Gains +6 XP

Ford of Europe hopes that this special "Black Magic" editionFord Focus Coupe Cabriolet will serve as a saving throw in the face of an onslaught of European competitors and raging orcs. What does this "Black Magic" actually entail? The exterior gets the pitch black treatment with a special paint, darker 17-inch alloys and tinted headlights/foglights. The suspension is tuned slightly sportier and you have a choice of either the 145 horsepower 2.0-Liter gas mill or the 136 horsepower 2.0-Liter turbodiesel.

More »

Exterior Design: zero stars
It's fugly. I feel like Ford asked three designers to work on separate designs for the 2008 Focus. Then the designers sat down with Ford's executive team and, rather than have to be mean to any one of the designers, they just used all of the designs. At once. We've awarded the 2008 Focus no stars and may God have mercy on Ford's soul.

Interior Design: ****
The front cockpit is plush and well-appointed when fully optioned out. The optional leather seats are fantastic and as good, if not better, than those found in the Mustang. There's some craptastic plastic on the door panels, for which I left one star by the side of the John C. Lodge Freeway, but elsewhere in the cabin I was very impressed with the quality level.
More »