Ford spent a ton of cash on the 96 Taurus with the cat fish look, and it bombed. So, they spent $$$ for the 2000 remake. Since, they did this, then they couldn't spend more $$$ on a US Mondeo,
The bad thing about the Focus is the first year problems have tainted it. Too many recalls and investigations, now it's branded "unreliable". If Ford just offered a warranty like Hyundai, there'd be no questions.
