**New Pics Added**Nsap's 2009 Focus SEL

[01IntrigueGX]

Originally Posted by nsap

The Focus's feature content is far superior to the Cobalt. As is the ride and handling. I also had no desire to own a car that was designed for the market 4 years ago.

Technically, the Focus suspension has not been fully revamped since its original 1999 introduction. It did have a few updates such as dampener settings and bushing improvements for 2008, but the overall setup is almost 10 years old.

Anyways, nice vehicle, and thank you for supporting my local economy!

[USA1Fan]

Nice car. I'm with the crowd that thinks the exterior got a bit messed up, especially the side vents. The front actually looks pretty good in that color though. The interior is very nice too, as are all the features.

I was a bit put off by your comment on the Cobalt's design, but I see 01IntrigueGX pointed out the reason why. It's not like the Focus is exactly an all-new-for-2008 car either, though the interior update is great. Gotta remember, supposedly Ford backpedaled a bit during the refresh, actually decontenting some. Not that GM is any less guilty..

Anyway, congrats on the new ride!

[nsap]

Originally Posted by 01IntrigueGX

Technically, the Focus suspension has not been fully revamped since its original 1999 introduction. It did have a few updates such as dampener settings and bushing improvements for 2008, but the overall setup is almost 10 years old.

Anyways, nice vehicle, and thank you for supporting my local economy!

And sadly the Focus's 1999 suspension is more modern than the Cobalt's designed-for-2003 suspension.

Remember: Cobalt is still wearing the torsion beam rear setup.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by USA1Fan

I was a bit put off by your comment on the Cobalt's design, but I see 01IntrigueGX pointed out the reason why. It's not like the Focus is exactly an all-new-for-2008 car either, though the interior update is great. Gotta remember, supposedly Ford backpedaled a bit during the refresh, actually decontenting some. Not that GM is any less guilty..

Anyway, congrats on the new ride!

That's just my opinion. Design is an important selling point for me. I drove a 2003 and 2005 Focus regularly. The 2005 was sadly decontented from the 2003, but the 2008-9 is far from being cut from in comparison to the old one.

My 2009 Focus has acoustically laminated glass on the windshield and here GM removed that from the Aura!!

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by nsap

That's just my opinion. Design is an important selling point for me. I drove a 2003 and 2005 Focus regularly. The 2005 was sadly decontented from the 2003, but the 2008-9 is far from being cut from in comparison to the old one.

My 2009 Focus has acoustically laminated glass on the windshield and here GM removed that from the Aura!!

I just test drove a Ford Focus coupe this evening. I think for the price it's a good car but it's not really the car for me. I was impressed with its quietness though - engine noise was pretty good and wind and tire noise was almost non-existent. I definitely think Ford has come a long way and I think if Ford keeps on improving their vehicles they will certainly have a better chance of attracting import buyers.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by darndot

I don't understand. How can you want to be an administrator of GMI ,and own something besides a GM product? Something is not quite right with that.

I agree...



Everyone, get a hat!

[mikmak]

^^^

I like the interior NSAP and from all reports of just about every version of the Focus since 1999, it is going to be a nice drive. Enjoy.

P.S. I'd like to hear how you go with fuel economy.

[A.J.]

Your new Ford looks very nice, nsap. And I'm glad they put rear headrests (three of them!) on the 2009s.

My first car might not be a GM car myself - along with 01-02 Olds Auroras, I'm also looking at 01-03 Dodge Intrepids.

[BORG]

NSAP, you're one of the reasons I think think this is the best auto forum around. It's geared toward GM but the people hare are very open minded and critical thinkers. They know a good product when they see one and don't blindly bash everything without the GM square.

I think the rivalry between GM and Ford is ludicrous in a market where both of them are struggling together to keep Detroit afloat. IMO, if you buy from Detroit, then I don't care what brand you buy, you made the right choice!

Thanks for the great photos, I had no idea the doors had that leather stitching, VERY sharp! My Dad is looking to unload his Ranger and wants a Focus, if I showed him this he will go out and find one just like it (although I know it's REALLY hard to get your hands on a Focus these days). I'm actually hoping he'll hold out for the 2010 Fusion I4, that's going to be a brilliant car.

Why doesn't your Focus include a spoiler? Did you ask for it to be deleted? Can you show us a picture of the rear?

[nsap]

Originally Posted by BORG

NSAP, you're one of the reasons I think think this is the best auto forum around. It's geared toward GM but the people hare are very open minded and critical thinkers. They know a good product when they see one and don't blindly bash everything without the GM square.

I think the rivalry between GM and Ford is ludicrous in a market where both of them are struggling together to keep Detroit afloat. IMO, if you buy from Detroit, then I don't care what brand you buy, you made the right choice!

Thanks for the great photos, I had no idea the doors had that leather stitching, VERY sharp! My Dad is looking to unload his Ranger and wants a Focus, if I showed him this he will go out and find one just like it (although I know it's REALLY hard to get your hands on a Focus these days). I'm actually hoping he'll hold out for the 2010 Fusion I4, that's going to be a brilliant car.

Why doesn't your Focus include a spoiler? Did you ask for it to be deleted? Can you show us a picture of the rear?

Thanks Borg, I appreciate the comments.

[Hitman1970]

NSAP, great purchase. I have looked at the SEL trim and it is very nice. It is a good car that happens to be small. I am most jealous of Sync.

As for Cobalt torsion bar.... true. That situation is reversed when Camaro hits the streets and compared to Mustang.

Buying a Ford meets all those analytical arguments for domestic lovers too. Same for Chryslerebus.

[nsap]

Well since this thread is alive again, I will add more pics as promised.





Sub in the trunk




Factory chrome-tipped exhaust




Close-up of paint




Ambient Lighting










Sorry for the poor pics of the ambient lighting. I was trying to avoid flash....

I LOVE the little bugger still. I just racked up 1,200 miles on it.

[rmodys]

Do you like having the screen for the radio up high or would you have rather it been a conventional design? It looks like one of those things you have to get used to.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by rmodys

Do you like having the screen for the radio up high or would you have rather it been a conventional design? It looks like one of those things you have to get used to.

I have not really even had to adjust to it, so I guess I'm neutral on it. I do like it however when my phone rings...the caller ID shows up there. Having the CID show up there is better than having to look where the conventional radio LCD is.

So yeah, I like it.

[iamwin]

Gotta ask since I am possibly buying one soon, how is the mileage so far?