Focus RS (Mk1)

STORY

Ford began building the first Focus in Europe in July 1998 after showing it at the Geneva show that year, and it was named European Car of the Year for 1999. It used New Edge styling and Control Blade independent rear suspension and replaced the Escort. North America received it in October 1999 as a 2000 model, and North American Car of the Year followed for 2000. European production of the first generation ended in 2004 or 2005 and North American production in 2007. Ford of Europe stopped building the last European Focus in Saarlouis in November 2025.