Why do people love the Ford Focus so much

m4a1mustang · 09-26-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

As soon as I get it. It currently resides in a train car somewhere between here and Arkansas.

m4a1mustang · 09-29-2012, 03:56 PM

Tested an ST today. Looking for one with our specs or we're going to order.

I guess that means we liked it. :|

gwenH · 10-04-2012, 05:19 AM

Let's just do respect each others opinion. Personally, I know Ford as one of the most excellent car manufacturer. Of course, cars condition might depend upon it's past service records and how it is being maintained. Since, you had use a rental car probably it has poor maintenance that is why you are not satisfied with it's performance. In fact, I have learned that Ford are teaming up with GM, for a joint task to produce a nine and 10-speed transmission to further improve their car models.

IMWEZL · 10-04-2012, 06:49 AM

I drive a base Ford Focus as my GOV. For what it is its not too bad. My two biggest complaints are the hard plastic near my right knee (sore spot) and the way the engine feels when you come to a stop (shakes and stumbles).

So far I've driven 12K miles in it. If I were paying for it I would have probably chosen the Hyundai Elantra though. Spend a little more to get a better warranty.

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2012, 08:11 AM

We just got a loaded Focus ST. I don't have any experience with the base Focus models but the ST is pretty sweet. Good power, tons of grip, and good balance for a FWD car. Fun, practical, and efficient.

The 8" touchscreen is nice. Love all the gadgetry they are putting in the cars now. Love the Recaro seats too.

DCNISMO · 10-04-2012, 12:00 PM

Congrats! I saw it at the auto show in DC, and it was a nice looking car. I bet Ford Racing has goodies for it already too! Ford is good about that, offering actual parts that improve performance...not just key chains, cup-holders, and car covers.

Look at these goodies....

http://www.fordracingparts.com/Focus/

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2012, 02:06 PM

Thanks!

Aftermarket is still a little light for the ST right now but that's not surprising given it's only been out for maybe a month now here.

SCT already has a tune out for it which saw a bump from a 230whp/280wtq baseline (engine is underrated... heavily on the torque figures) to 253whp/324wtq.

Steeda's cold air intake is almost finished for it. I believe they are working on tuning solutions right now as well.

Cobb is working on the car too.

I'm waiting to see what Cobb and Steeda do. If Steeda puts together a CAI/Tune package we'll probably spring for that. I have one on my 5.0 and it's great. Definitely need to break the car in first before tuning it. But 320+ lb-ft at 2,000 RPM on this car should make for some comedy.

Lug · 10-04-2012, 02:29 PM

Picked up last night after 4 1/2 hours of wrangling when they tried to back out of Xplan agreement....I prevailed!

ST2 package.....Recaro seats are encouraging me to go on a diet!

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2012, 02:46 PM

Nice!

Cell phone pic of hers:

ST2 package, Gray/Black Recaros, Nav, and Moonroof.

Lug · 10-04-2012, 10:01 PM

didn't get the Nav (phone is good enough for me) but the same other wise. Been messing with Sync and MFT tonite. Check out the R&T 3 way comparo (ST, MS3, GTI)article when it comes out, you will be pleasantly surprised!

m4a1mustang · 10-05-2012, 08:29 AM

Here it is: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 ? Hot Hatchback Comparison Test ? RoadandTrack.com

.96G on the skidpad is impressive for a FWD car and confirms the "holy crap this car has a ton of grip" feeling I had when I was able to take it on some back roads.

On the acceleration front you can definitely see that it will need a tune to "wake up."

shadoquad · 10-05-2012, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Here it is: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 ? Hot Hatchback Comparison Test ? RoadandTrack.com

.96G on the skidpad is impressive for a FWD car and confirms the "holy crap this car has a ton of grip" feeling I had when I was able to take it on some back roads.

On the acceleration front you can definitely see that it will need a tune to "wake up."

I think they overhype the ST in this article. I mean, it's a great car, but this "raging bargain" had the option packages to push it to 30k. That's against the base level GTI without any toys. And I'd agree about the "excellent" recaros, except my stereotypically American physique makes sitting in them an arduous chore. Calling it the best thing to come out of Wayne MI is a bit of a stretch for me, too.

I like the car. Thought it was cool, handles excellently and has great brakes. I guess I'm just upset with car mag hype more than anything. No debating it's a great car, but it's not the automobile second coming of Christ.

m4a1mustang · 10-05-2012, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I think they overhype the ST in this article. I mean, it's a great car, but this "raging bargain" had the option packages to push it to 30k. That's against the base level GTI without any toys. And I'd agree about the "excellent" recaros, except my stereotypically American physique makes sitting in them an arduous chore. Calling it the best thing to come out of Wayne MI is a bit of a stretch for me, too.

I like the car. Thought it was cool, handles excellently and has great brakes. I guess I'm just upset with car mag hype more than anything. No debating it's a great car, but it's not the automobile second coming of Christ.

I think they do hype it up a little bit but it definitely deserved to take top spot IMO. It is ridiculous fun. I just got back from driving it and really had a blast. The low end torque and the gobs of grip just make it really fun. And the fact that it feels so well balanced even though it's wrong wheel drive... it's just a very well done car.

They are in no way hyping this car as much as others have been hyped (I'm looking at you FRS/BRZ!).

shadoquad · 10-05-2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I think they do hype it up a little bit but it definitely deserved to take top spot IMO. It is ridiculous fun. I just got back from driving it and really had a blast. The low end torque and the gobs of grip just make it really fun. And the fact that it feels so well balanced even though it's wrong wheel drive... it's just a very well done car.

They are in no way hyping this car as much as others have been hyped (I'm looking at you FRS/BRZ!).

They're just getting started. Altho from shado's personal test drives, i prolly rank these three in that order as well. But in my mind, all three are close. They're all very fun and practical.

DCNISMO · 10-05-2012, 08:40 AM

Good article. I saw the tangerine color in the DC auto show abd it was really nice looking.
The .96 skidpad is impressive.

09-29-2012, 03:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	Tested an ST today. Looking for one with our specs or we're going to order. I guess that means we liked it. :\| __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-04-2012, 08:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	We just got a loaded Focus ST. I don't have any experience with the base Focus models but the ST is pretty sweet. Good power, tons of grip, and good balance for a FWD car. Fun, practical, and efficient. The 8" touchscreen is nice. Love all the gadgetry they are putting in the cars now. Love the Recaro seats too. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-04-2012, 12:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
DCNISMO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: washington dc Posts: 995 Drives: Nismo Z Rep Power: 180	Congrats! I saw it at the auto show in DC, and it was a nice looking car. I bet Ford Racing has goodies for it already too! Ford is good about that, offering actual parts that improve performance...not just key chains, cup-holders, and car covers. Look at these goodies.... http://www.fordracingparts.com/Focus/ Last edited by DCNISMO; 10-04-2012 at 12:02 PM.

10-04-2012, 02:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	Thanks! Aftermarket is still a little light for the ST right now but that's not surprising given it's only been out for maybe a month now here. SCT already has a tune out for it which saw a bump from a 230whp/280wtq baseline (engine is underrated... heavily on the torque figures) to 253whp/324wtq. Steeda's cold air intake is almost finished for it. I believe they are working on tuning solutions right now as well. Cobb is working on the car too. I'm waiting to see what Cobb and Steeda do. If Steeda puts together a CAI/Tune package we'll probably spring for that. I have one on my 5.0 and it's great. Definitely need to break the car in first before tuning it. But 320+ lb-ft at 2,000 RPM on this car should make for some comedy. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-04-2012, 02:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 21	Picked up last night after 4 1/2 hours of wrangling when they tried to back out of Xplan agreement....I prevailed! ST2 package.....Recaro seats are encouraging me to go on a diet! __________________ keep Chubbs in your pocket - Chubbs

10-04-2012, 05:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
gwenH Base Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4 Drives: Nissan Figaro Rep Power: 14	Let's just do respect each others opinion. Personally, I know Ford as one of the most excellent car manufacturer. Of course, cars condition might depend upon it's past service records and how it is being maintained. Since, you had use a rental car probably it has poor maintenance that is why you are not satisfied with it's performance. In fact, I have learned that Ford are teaming up with GM, for a joint task to produce a nine and 10-speed transmission to further improve their car models.

10-04-2012, 06:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
IMWEZL Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: HNL Posts: 603 Drives: 370Z/MKVII GTI Rep Power: 19	I drive a base Ford Focus as my GOV. For what it is its not too bad. My two biggest complaints are the hard plastic near my right knee (sore spot) and the way the engine feels when you come to a stop (shakes and stumbles). So far I've driven 12K miles in it. If I were paying for it I would have probably chosen the Hyundai Elantra though. Spend a little more to get a better warranty.

10-04-2012, 02:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	Nice! Cell phone pic of hers: ST2 package, Gray/Black Recaros, Nav, and Moonroof. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-04-2012, 10:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 21	didn't get the Nav (phone is good enough for me) but the same other wise. Been messing with Sync and MFT tonite. Check out the R&T 3 way comparo (ST, MS3, GTI)article when it comes out, you will be pleasantly surprised! m4a1mustang likes this. __________________ keep Chubbs in your pocket - Chubbs

10-05-2012, 08:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	Here it is: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 ? Hot Hatchback Comparison Test ? RoadandTrack.com .96G on the skidpad is impressive for a FWD car and confirms the "holy crap this car has a ton of grip" feeling I had when I was able to take it on some back roads. On the acceleration front you can definitely see that it will need a tune to "wake up." shadoquad likes this. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-05-2012, 08:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
DCNISMO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: washington dc Posts: 995 Drives: Nismo Z Rep Power: 180	Good article. I saw the tangerine color in the DC auto show abd it was really nice looking. The .96 skidpad is impressive.

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