Top Ten: European Fords

Many of Ford’s European models have been deemed as quite desirable by the American motoring press. It’s a known fact that some of those cars–such as the Fiesta and Transit Connect–are destined for sale in the States in the near future. Others are rumored for sale here. Let’s take a look at the top ten European Fords, as judged by popular opinion.

1. Ford Fiesta: This plucky little hatchback has been causing enthusiasts to drool for years. We all know Ford has announced the Fiesta’s imminent arrival Stateside, and lots of Ford fans can’t wait to get their hands on this car. Well, it makes the top of this list because it’s a lot of fun to drive, it’s created a lot of buzz, and it will likely be in high demand when it goes on sale. Also, it’s the only car on this list I’ve actually driven, so that puts it over the top.

2. Ford Transit Connect: This small cargo van is also bound for the States. What’s cool about this cargo-hauler? Ford claims that the Transit Connect can haul a lot of stuff despite its small size, and after seeing the thing up close at several auto shows, I believe it. Versatility appears to be another Transit Connect strong suit. Finally, Ford claims that the Transit Connect will make 22 mpg and 25 mpg highway when it comes here. Pretty impressive, considering its intended use.

3. Ford Kuga: As part of the company’s “One Ford” plan, it’s been rumored that a mystery small car will be coming to the United States. Car and Driver suggests that might be the Kuga, a small crossover. The Kuga looks cool, and it certainly looks unlike anything on the road here. If Ford brings it here, the Kuga could be a strong seller.

4. Ford C-Max: If the Kuga isn’t the small car that Ford brings over, the C-Max may take its place. This small hatch is less expensive than the Kuga on the other side of the pond,  so that means it could cost less here, too.

5. Ford Mondeo: Car and Driver says the Mondeo may be blended with the Fusion a few years down the road. If so, that good be a very good thing. The current Fusion is a strong product, and the Mondeo has gotten a lot of positive press itself. If Ford does this right, the next Fusion/Mondeo could be a strong contender in the midsize class.

6. Ford Ka: The Ka is smaller and less expensive than the Fiesta, but will Americans go for a car that small? Ford hasn’t announced whether the Ka is coming here yet, but it could if gas prices continue to go up–and stay up.

7. Ford Focus: Arguably, this car should be higher on the list. The European Focus is often touted as a much better car than the American version, and according to our friends in Ann Arbor at Car and Driver, the next Focus will be a world car with plenty of European influence. If that’s the case, it will likely be better than the current U.S. Focus.

8. Ford Galaxy: Yeah, yeah, wagons don’t sell in the U.S. Which is why this car may never see our shores. But hey, it looks cool.

9. Ford Focus RS: This is the European Focus that gets enthusiasts’ blood flowing. It’s significant enough to earn its own sport on this list. This hot hatch makes around 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line 5-cylinder. We’ll probably never see this car here, but we can dream, can’t we?

10. Ford S-Max: This swoopy crossover coupe is a bit more expensive than the C-Max. Once again, there appear to be no plans to bring this car to the U.S., but if it did come here, it would compete squarely with the Mazda 5 and Kia Rondo.

Many of the cars on this list are destined for the U.S. in some form or another. That’s not an accident–as noted above, Ford has announced that it is bringing several of its European models here. The American press has been clamoring for Ford to bring its best over here, and it sounds like the folks in Dearborn have listened.

[Source: Car and Driver, Autoblog, Jalopnik]

2010 Ford Transit Connect

Many of Ford’s European models have been deemed as quite desirable by the American motoring press. It’s a known fact that some of those cars–such as the Fiesta and Transit Connect–are destined for sale in the States in the near future. Others are rumored for sale here. Let’s take a look at the top ten European Fords, as judged by popular opinion.

1. Ford Fiesta: This plucky little hatchback has been causing enthusiasts to drool for years. We all know Ford has announced the Fiesta’s imminent arrival Stateside, and lots of Ford fans can’t wait to get their hands on this car. Well, it makes the top of this list because it’s a lot of fun to drive, it’s created a lot of buzz, and it will likely be in high demand when it goes on sale. Also, it’s the only car on this list I’ve actually driven, so that puts it over the top.

2. Ford Transit Connect: This small cargo van is also bound for the States. What’s cool about this cargo-hauler? Ford claims that the Transit Connect can haul a lot of stuff despite its small size, and after seeing the thing up close at several auto shows, I believe it. Versatility appears to be another Transit Connect strong suit. Finally, Ford claims that the Transit Connect will make 22 mpg and 25 mpg highway when it comes here. Pretty impressive, considering its intended use.

3. Ford Kuga: As part of the company’s “One Ford” plan, it’s been rumored that a mystery small car will be coming to the United States. Car and Driver suggests that might be the Kuga, a small crossover. The Kuga looks cool, and it certainly looks unlike anything on the road here. If Ford brings it here, the Kuga could be a strong seller.

4. Ford C-Max: If the Kuga isn’t the small car that Ford brings over, the C-Max may take its place. This small hatch is less expensive than the Kuga on the other side of the pond,  so that means it could cost less here, too.

5. Ford Mondeo: Car and Driver says the Mondeo may be blended with the Fusion a few years down the road. If so, that good be a very good thing. The current Fusion is a strong product, and the Mondeo has gotten a lot of positive press itself. If Ford does this right, the next Fusion/Mondeo could be a strong contender in the midsize class.

6. Ford Ka: The Ka is smaller and less expensive than the Fiesta, but will Americans go for a car that small? Ford hasn’t announced whether the Ka is coming here yet, but it could if gas prices continue to go up–and stay up.

7. Ford Focus: Arguably, this car should be higher on the list. The European Focus is often touted as a much better car than the American version, and according to our friends in Ann Arbor at Car and Driver, the next Focus will be a world car with plenty of European influence. If that’s the case, it will likely be better than the current U.S. Focus.

8. Ford Galaxy: Yeah, yeah, wagons don’t sell in the U.S. Which is why this car may never see our shores. But hey, it looks cool.

9. Ford Focus RS: This is the European Focus that gets enthusiasts’ blood flowing. It’s significant enough to earn its own sport on this list. This hot hatch makes around 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line 5-cylinder. We’ll probably never see this car here, but we can dream, can’t we?

10. Ford S-Max: This swoopy crossover coupe is a bit more expensive than the C-Max. Once again, there appear to be no plans to bring this car to the U.S., but if it did come here, it would compete squarely with the Mazda 5 and Kia Rondo.

Many of the cars on this list are destined for the U.S. in some form or another. That’s not an accident–as noted above, Ford has announced that it is bringing several of its European models here. The American press has been clamoring for Ford to bring its best over here, and it sounds like the folks in Dearborn have listened.

[Source: Car and Driver, Autoblog, Jalopnik]