My 2005 Focus SES automatic with 19K miles, makes a loud howling gear type noise, like wa, wa, wa, it is especially noticable even when on new asphalt when it should be really quite. It is not road noise created by the low profile tires, I know what that sounds like. My dealer can also hear it and says that it is normal. Can this be true? This is one loud car, are they all that way? Otherwise, I love it.

 

Carefully look at the tread wear on the rear tires. If you see any "feathering" at all, they will make noise. I have seen quite a few Focus cars with alignment issues in the rear.