Return of Focus Wagon

[joihan777]

Do you all think Ford should bring back a wagon version of the Focus?

 

I ask because I have a friend at work that wants to trade in her 98' Explorer for something

more economical but still have plenty of utility. Specifically, she wants to be able to transport

a set of Kayaks on the roof while getting good mileage.

 

She's in the Subaru Outback to Honda Element neighborhood in her thinking. Today she told me

she's looking at a Rav4, and she wasn't impressed by the Escape.

 

She says she doesn't need AWD, so I suggested a used Focus wagon. She liked it (someone else

in her departmrnt has one) but she won't buy used.

 

So I thought maybe Ford ought to consider returning a wagon to the lineup, especially since

the Focus is doing rather well now.

 

Should Ford try it?

 

An 08' Euro Focus Wagon (Estate)

[danup]

Wow, the Euro wagon is really attractive. The hatchbacks... less so.

Edited August 13, 2008 by danup

[ehaase]

Ford should bring the wagon back, but I think the best we will get in the U.S. are the Focus 5 door hatchback and the C-Max.

[BORG]

The wagon's days have come and gone, I would highly recommend an Escape, it cost the same and provides better cargo space.

[lfeg]

Don't you know that saying the words "station wagon" to an auto exec is like holding garlic and a wooden stake in front of a vampire? We cannot have wagons - we must have crossovers.

 

Yes, a focus wagon (and a Fusion sized wagon) be good additions to the lineup, just variants of the cars, not separate lines. A wagon can be a good handling (even sporty) version of a car, not a high riding, overwrought crossover for those who want a car with a little more utility.

[BORG]

First, lets define what a classic "Station Wagon" or "Estate" is. They are traditionally nothing more than converted sedans, sharing the same structure and design forward of the c-pillar. This is not the same as a Crossover in which the entire package is unique to that product

 

People keep forgetting that wagon's don't sell well here at all and haven't been since before the crossover and SUV. The wagon concept stop being appealing in this country in the 70s!

 

People insisting that wagons and crossovers are one in the same do not understand the market at all. A Crossover is a substantially different package with a MUCH larger customer potential. They make the wagons even LESS relevant now than it did when only large SUVs reigned.

 

How many times do manufacturers have to try and fail to resurrect the wagon before this point is clear? The Focus wagon sold primarily as a fleet vehicle btw.

 

Sorry, wagons and panthers are my biggest hot buttons on this board .

Edited August 13, 2008 by BORG

[dante hicks]

I would highly recommend an Escape, it cost the same and provides better cargo space.

 

Focus Wagon passenger volume: 95.7 cubic feet

Focus Wagon cargo space:35.2 (seats up)-73.7 (seats down)

 

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-...Wagon/Interior/

 

Escape passenger volume: -- couldn't find

Escape cargo space: 29.2 (seats up)-66.3 (seats down)

 

http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/features/specs/

 

Turns out cargo space is worse. I certainly am curious to know what small wagon sales would've been like had any car company been prepared for 4$ gas. We have to acknowledge that expensive gas has the car buying public's preferences. Perhaps a Focus wagon would sell -- it certainly would be more logical than an Escape (more efficient - more cargo room).

We know that we can't look at what used to sell and use that as an indicator of what will sell. Explorers and F150s don't sell like they did -- it's no stretch to say that wagons could take their place (in sales, not utility).

 

It was the minivan that did the wagon in, not SUVs or CUVs.

Edited August 13, 2008 by dante hicks

[lfeg]

Exactly, wagons and crossovers are NOT the same. The current crossovers are not wagon replacements, but target the "lifestyle" market that the SUV did. A wagon is a varient of a car, not a completely different market. Even though crossovers may be a larger market segment, a wagon variant of a sedan can still build volume of the car line.

 

And, to push Borg's hot buttons, do we need the reintroduction of the Colony Park variant of the GM? Nah, we already have the Expedition.

[fordmantpw]

What about a Taurus X? Same thing as a Focus wagon, only bigger. And the fuel economy is pretty good too.

[ANTAUS]

I see it this way..."your not hauling ass, your hauling alot of asses"...

 

70's Station Wagon

80's Minivan

90's SUV

Currently "Crossovers".

 

Overall it's a 2 box design. Certain demographics connect with one of the above mentioned version of a vehicle, and everyone is in denial about what they are driving. We can't leave it up to ride height, or stying to dictate what a vehicle is, but the first impression is probably what most of us classify it as.

 

Ford might state the Taurus X is a crossover, I call it a station wagon.

Ford says the Flex is a Crossover, I see it as a minivan.

 

MBenz calls the CLS a coupe...Personally, if it has 4 doors, I dont see it how it could be a coupe, it's a sedan to me.

 

So in the end of the day, it's the buyer (or their denial) that will classify a car to fit their needs...(pr dementia).

[F150 Man]

My wife was interested in a Volvo V70 until I mentioned it was a "station wagon", she cooled off quickly. In her mine it was either a crossover or sport utility.

 

Even after a trip to the dealer the vehicle did not change, even aftering touching and feeling it.

 

It's all in the head..

[jpd80]

C-Max and Kuga are better choices for North American products than the Focus station wagon.

 

Horses for courses.

[joihan777]

What about a Taurus X? Same thing as a Focus wagon, only bigger. And the fuel economy is pretty good too.

 

She already has an Explorer... The X really does seem like a smaller Explorer.

 

The Escape looks too SUVish for her (and I agree.. it IS a small SUV).

 

A Focus wagon in the next generation should at least be explored. I don't agree

that wagons will be forever shunned by the American public. Not everyone needs

AWD small SUVs. For some folks the Escape is overkill (mpg/exterior dimensions)

but Ford offers nothing in between an Escape and a Focus 5-door.

[dante hicks]

For some folks the Escape is overkill (mpg/exterior dimensions)

but Ford offers nothing in between an Escape and a Focus 5-door.

 

It's been a year since Ford offered the Focus hatch. Is she willing to spend the cash for a Volvo V50? I've got a neighbor who uses a Toyota Matrix to haul his kayaks. Perhaps a Mazda 3 hatch could do it too.

 

And for what it is worth, I'd rather see Ford introduce a Fusion wagon than the Focus.

Edited August 13, 2008 by dante hicks

[retro-man]

Yes, they absolutely should have a wagon version of the Focus. I had a '98 Escort wagon, and it was a great little car. The Escape is not a substitute.

[joihan777]

It's been a year since Ford offered the Focus hatch. Is she willing to spend the cash for a Volvo V50? I've got a neighbor who uses a Toyota Matrix to haul his kayaks. Perhaps a Mazda 3 hatch could do it too.

 

And for what it is worth, I'd rather see Ford introduce a Fusion wagon than the Focus.

 

Hey! The Mazda3 5door may be a good suggestion.

I know she can't afford the Volvo (or the premium fuel they require).

Thanks for the great tip... at the very worst she can get a Pontiac Vibe.

At least it'll be mostly American!

 

I hope Ford realizes higher fuel prices will steer folks who need medium utility

away from small SUV/Crossovers and towards smaller wagons. I'll back that

statement with one tiny example.... the entire continent of Europe.

 

Maybe they just shouldn't call it a wagon. The Focus Metro Utility?

[NJSteve3]

First, lets define what a classic "Station Wagon" or "Estate" is. They are traditionally nothing more than converted sedans, sharing the same structure and design forward of the c-pillar. This is not the same as a Crossover in which the entire package is unique to that product

 

People keep forgetting that wagon's don't sell well here at all and haven't been since before the crossover and SUV. The wagon concept stop being appealing in this country in the 70s!

 

People insisting that wagons and crossovers are one in the same do not understand the market at all. A Crossover is a substantially different package with a MUCH larger customer potential. They make the wagons even LESS relevant now than it did when only large SUVs reigned.

 

How many times do manufacturers have to try and fail to resurrect the wagon before this point is clear? The Focus wagon sold primarily as a fleet vehicle btw.

 

Sorry, wagons and panthers are my biggest hot buttons on this board .

 

Facts seem to back you up as far as the current state of wagon sales - the available models do not sell especially well.

 

Back in the day, not all THAT long ago, Ford sold a lot of Taurus wagons... maybe a compelling modern design could get some sales traction...

[ANTAUS]

Ironically, I do remember that for many years, not sure about now but fairly recent, Ford produced the most station wagons of any other automaker. I do know this was true in the late 80, the 90's, and up till recent. Now the lines have been blurbed as to the definition of station wagon.

[Jazzhead]

I used to have an Escort wagon (and a Vega wagon, too), and can see the need today to once again get an economical little hauler. There's one vehicle that suits me to a T - the Jeep Patriot. Perfectly sensible, prefectly space efficient, perfectly economical, and I can choose either a two or all wheel drive, auto or manual. Get one in Jeep green, dress it up with some fogs, now THAT's an Escort substitute AND my six-times-a-year blizzard car.

[Cougarpower]

if they bring this one, I can see my mom trading here pt for one

 

[armadamaster]

They should definitely have a Focus hatchback:

 

 

And probably a wagon too.

 

Sorry, wagons and panthers are my biggest hot buttons on this board .

 

 

Then you'll love this....tell her to go buy a GMQ.

 

[calypsocoral]

To be honest, this is a part of American consumer culture that I will NEVER understand.

 

I've always considered a wagon to be more sporty and more "masculine" than the crossovers currently being marketed to the "lifestyle" segment (whatever the hell that is). To me, crossovers like the RAV4, Highlander, Murano, and Edge all look plump, bulbous, and effeminate. Kind of like a eunoch, which I believe to be an appropriate analogy, as they, too, tend toward plumpness (hunger replaces sex drive).

 

I thought the Dodge Magnum was the coolest people-hauler in decades. It was completely counter to the current trend-- it was low-slung, long, lean, and butch. It was also fast, powerful, and surprisingly-frugal for a pushrod V8.

 

Mark my words-- in 5 years, hatchbacks and wagons will start coming back into fashion. Just like skinny pants and tights.

[iamwin]

Can't I just get a nice new ZX5 and call it a day? Would it REALLY be that hard to bring it back?

[armadamaster]

I thought the Dodge Magnum was the coolest people-hauler in decades. It was completely counter to the current trend-- it was low-slung, long, lean, and butch. It was also fast, powerful, and surprisingly-frugal for a pushrod V8.

 

+1

[rmc523]

An 08' Euro Focus Wagon (Estate)

 

I'm usually not a wagon person, but that looks really good, IMO.

 

if they bring this one, I can see my mom trading here pt for one

 

 

I believe the 5 door will be coming in 2012 when our Focus and the rest of the world's Focus are merged.