What If Ford Had Offered a 3 Door Hatch (or 2 door Sedan) " At Launch?

[Corvair]

When I was young and single I would not have bought a four door car. Now that I have a son, a four door car makes it easier. But we have the "mini"van when we need space or for long trips. My son being 14 would have no problem getting into the back on a two door. The room would be tight. I don't really need the room, so I really don't need the extra doors.

So if the four door cost more, I would get the two door. Two doors almost always look better. Back in the '70's and before, full size cars always came in two doors. (Four door too). Cars like Pinto's and Vegas only came with two doors. The back seats held only two and were almost worthless.

Dan

[FeistyFordFiesta]

Originally Posted by Corvair

Cars like Pinto's and Vegas only came with two doors. The back seats held only two and were almost worthless.

Dan

I rode many thousands of miles in the back seat of a Pinto and not only survived but eventually took the drivers test in it! Fortunately a fair number of those miles were road trips to Disneyland and back (From Portland, OR).

I do remember the back seat being small, but I'm under 5" so it worked for me.

The back seat in the Fiesta I test drove was also tiny, but I think its more for looks than regular usage. I don't think a family of five is going to get a Fiesta to use as their family car unless the kids are pretty young.

My last car was a ZX5, so it had 4 doors. I test drove the two door before I bought it and it was definitely easier to get the kids in and out with four doors. Now that the kids are in college, I might have bought a two door hatch Fiesta if they had been available. My daughter thinks she'll convince me to let her take the Fiesta to college with her, but if I like it as much as I think I will, that will not happen!

[Reddog99]

After owning my present 3-door (2-door) hatchback for several years, I've voted for the four-door model. I've found that the doors are longer in the 2-door models, which means that they swing out much farther when opening. This can make exiting the vehicle more difficult when you're parked next to someone. You just can't open the door as far before banging into the next car.

[Zinky]

Getting into the back seat of the 5 door with the moonroof is tight already because my head is in the indent between the moonroof & the hatch (I'm 5'10). The extra twist and turns required of a two door, probably would make the back seat pretty much useless for anyone over 5'6. Maybe it's better without the moonroof but they are so nice to have.

[Tink75]

I would of loved a 3 door. That is all I used to drive in my care free BC (before child) days Chevette, Escort and Mustang.

However don't think it would of been the best for hauling around my 14 yr old daughter and her friends or when I have to watch my 3 yr old niece and getting her in and out of the car seat.

[mress]

I prefer the longer doors of a 3 door. Rear seat roominess or ease of access is not an issue for me. I think Ford chose wisely to offer the five door hatch initially. I do not dislike it in any way. It is still very sporty. I do think that single people, retired people and childless couples would find the 3 door to be just right. If Ford were to ask for a show of hands for this body style, I would say that mine is already up! My sister in law is in love with the Sync and ambient lighting in my Fiesta and would take this car from me in a heartbeat. She sat in my driveway and played with the Sync and sirius radio for over two hours last sunday!

[Zetecpwr]

If they had offered the three door from the start, I would have one ordered right now. I'm patiently waiting to see what they offer in the next few years.. I'm not holding my breath, but perhaps we will get a sporty version.. if not, there's always the 2012 focus.

- mike

[Spatakula]

Why not a 3dr? Thats probably the only appointment thus far. That and the fugly graphic packages from factory. lol.

-spatakula

[BRGT350]

If the 3 door hatch was available, I would have taken that over the 5 door. The smaller doors on the 5 door are nice for tight parking places, and it makes taking people to lunch easier, but I prefer the look of a 3 door. Any sedan/coupe' would have not interested me at all. I am 100% for hatchbacks, unless it is an M3, then I make an exception.

[bigdaddyzx3]

I would probably be entertaining a Fiesta purchase if there were a 3 door, but I don't see a 5 door working for me, being as I am 6'8".