Background and Identification
The Ford Focus is a compact car (known as the C-segment in Europe) manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, an American automaker, since July 1998. The original Focus vehicles were designed by Ford’s British and German teams. The Ford Focus replaced the Mazda Familia in Asia and Oceania and the Escort in North America. Focus production began in North America in 1999. Ford Focus production ended in May 2018 for North American plants, though the production of fourth-generation Ford Focus vehicles started in other countries.
In 1999, the first-generation Focus was awarded the European Car of the year award. The Focus was originally launched as a five-door wagon, four-door sedan, and three-door hatchback. In 2001, a five-door hatchback variant was launched.
The second-generation Focus was launched in 2004 as a three- and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. Beginning in 2007, Focus was marketed in North America as two-door coupes and four-door sedans. The hatchback and wagon variants were discontinued in North America during this second generation.
The third-generation Focus reunited the North American and international models beginning in 2010. The fourth generation of Focus vehicles was unveiled in 2018 for the European and Asian markets.
Ford vehicles can be identified by the Ford emblem, which depicts the name “Ford” in a cursive font. Focus models include an emblem with the name “Focus” in different fonts throughout its production.