Why do people love the Ford Focus so much

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-14-2012, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockhound

I'm not sure I get your logic - or your expectations for $16k. A compact car is small? No way!

Much of the buzz surrounding the new Focus centered on the US finally getting the capable Euro platform back. Seeing as Detroit has long struggled to bring a compact car to the table with similar performance/reliability/desirability as the Japanese or Germans (sans reliability) auto journalists were justified in their excitement to get their hands on the Euro model.

Much of the hype is also based on the performance variants, namely the ST (252hp from a 2.0L I4 turbo, 0-60 in 6.2 sec).

As far as “riding almost as bad” as the Z – that’s a pretty ridiculous comment. The Z’s handling is one of the crowning achievements of Nissan’s engineers, if you ask me. Few other cars provide a similar balance between comfort and capability. On the other hand, inexpensive economy cars, especially those with a short wheelbase, are going to suffer from both a) sloppy handling and b) poor dampening. This is the worst of both worlds, in that every bump gets transmitted thru to your spine AND there's little in the way of roadholding. That the Z's suspension is stiff is at least a symptom of purpose.

I just really have to wonder – what exactly do you expect from $16k? You do realize in the realm of new cars, that’s not too far from the floor.

100%

Me and my wife test drove a focus se last year. great handling and superb turning radius for a FWD. I was impressed with features to cost. The trunk space was slightly subpar for a hatch, compared to a mazda 3 but handling was very similar. It could have used slightly more low end punch but acceleration was very smooth. acceleration was in the 7.5 second range to 60mph... not bad. NVH was within range of a car that caliber and fit & finish was pretty good. I think the Focus is a benchmark for the "american car" segment in compact cars. The Mazda 3 is still a little better but it's rare to get that much performance from inexpensive american cars.

I wonder how the new chevy sonic stacks up?

Lug · 09-14-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

100%

Me and my wife test drove a focus se last year. great handling and superb turning radius for a FWD. I was impressed with features to cost. The trunk space was slightly subpar for a hatch, compared to a mazda 3 but handling was very similar. It could have used slightly more low end punch but acceleration was very smooth. acceleration was in the 7.5 second range to 60mph... not bad. NVH was within range of a car that caliber and fit & finish was pretty good. I think the Focus is a benchmark for the "american car" segment in compact cars. The Mazda 3 is still a little better but it's rare to get that much performance from inexpensive american cars.

I wonder how the new chevy sonic stacks up?

The Sonic competes with the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta. It's a sub-compact and apparently would drive the OP insane with it's smallness.

shadoquad · 09-14-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

The Sonic competes with the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta. It's a sub-compact and apparently would drive the OP insane with it's smallness.

Yep, the Cruze competes in the segment with the Focus.

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-14-2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Yep, the Cruze competes in the segment with the Focus.

True... We test drove a Cruze. I didn't like it. seating is way too high, steering is the most artificial I've ever felt and acceleration was extremely slow. Interior fit and finish was nicer than the focus though.

I meant sonic by handling though... The sonic looks like it has potential for fun. The cruze is NO FUN.

shadoquad · 09-14-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

True... We test drove a Cruze. I didn't like it. seating is way too high, steering is the most artificial I've ever felt and acceleration was extremely slow. Interior fit and finish was nicer than the focus though.

I meant sonic by handling though... The sonic looks like it has potential for fun. The cruze is NO FUN.

Have you checked out a Mazda3? I drove one and thought it was nice. I haven't tested the others in this segment yet.

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-14-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Have you checked out a Mazda3? I drove one and thought it was nice. I haven't tested the others in this segment yet.

Yeah, Mazda 3's are extremely fun. BUT it has to be a MANUAL. There's no other way with the 3.

shadoquad · 09-14-2012, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Yeah, Mazda 3's are extremely fun. BUT it has to be a MANUAL. There's no other way with the 3.

Not worried about that. Manual is the only option for me.

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-14-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Not worried about that. Manual is the only option for me.

Yeah... Mazda 3 in manual is nowhere near as fast as a Z, but you'll feel like it is.

Cmike2780 · 09-14-2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

It's bad for even a sports car, it is what it is.

Enough with the trolling. Not only is that going to stir things up, it has nothing to do with what your thread is suppose to be about. There are plenty of things to complain about the Z but the ride quality isn't really on that list. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that stiffer springs and low profile tires will make the car more prone to a stiffer ride. You could say a 458 Italia has shytty quality too if we apply your "logic."

You're getting a lot for $16k. You can't find a Civic at that price unless it's the stripped down DX. If you're lookin for sports car handling and luxury comfort, you're not going to find it for $16k. The base Focus is commuter appliance, kind of like your POS Prius. At least with the Focus, there are some speedy variants that can be had. I want to know what car in the past has the same technology, fit, finish and performance you're comparing this to. Considering just about every car segment has grown considerably over the years, I also don't understand why the size of an economy car would even be an issue. They're all kind of small, but this segment had much smaller cars in the past. I actually decided to lease a Civic a few months back because I got a really good deal on it. It's boring to drive, the interior is okay, but it does what it's suppose to for my purpose so I think it's a great car. It's great on gas, pretty roomy unless you're fat, plenty reliable and gets me from point A to B. Complaining about it's flaws is pointless and moot.

daisuke149 · 09-14-2012, 03:18 PM

I had a focus rental this week.

it was plenty big enough. rode nicely. was extremely quiet ( more so than i expected by far. better than some luxury cars ive been in)

and the engine had more than enough pickup.

mjd77 · 09-14-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I'm actually in the market for a new 16k car right now. The Focus is one that I'll be looking at, along with a Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and a host of others.

I looked at the Focus ST, too. I'm sure it's fast, but it's pretty tiny inside up front. I'm sure it's quick, but at 29k (optioned out model they had on the lot), it's pretty pricey.

If you live anywhere where it snows, I'd avoid Mazda...they seem to have rust problems way faster than most.

shadoquad · 09-14-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd77

If you live anywhere where it snows, I'd avoid Mazda...they seem to have rust problems way faster than most.

My Mazda6 lasted me for 9 years with no significant rust problems.

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-14-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd77

If you live anywhere where it snows, I'd avoid Mazda...they seem to have rust problems way faster than most.

They say the same exact thing about Nissan's. You can prevent it if you inspect your car 3x a year.

cossie1600 · 09-15-2012, 12:51 AM

I just checked the Ford website. The Ford Focus automatic hatch is $21K MSRP. Does that satisfy you? I just made a reference that the ride is bad on the Focus, almost Z like bad. Is that not true? The Z rides bad, but it is what it is, a sports car that handles. The Focus is not a sports car, but it rides almost as bad as one. The knock is on the Focus, not the Z fanboy.

Outside of the Sync, I still don't see what you get out of the stupid Focus hatch? Are you guys seeing something that I am not? $21K for a car that is smaller than a Civic, rides worse and is way noisier. Some people are in love with the car because it has an available turbo? Are you going to tell me the Lancer is the same as the EVO? My post was more about how overrated the car is, it is like the BRZ of compact cars. I am trolling about a Focus? I am not 18 and it isn't like I have never driven other cars before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Enough with the trolling. Not only is that going to stir things up, it has nothing to do with what your thread is suppose to be about. There are plenty of things to complain about the Z but the ride quality isn't really on that list. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that stiffer springs and low profile tires will make the car more prone to a stiffer ride. You could say a 458 Italia has shytty quality too if we apply your "logic."

You're getting a lot for $16k. You can't find a Civic at that price unless it's the stripped down DX. If you're lookin for sports car handling and luxury comfort, you're not going to find it for $16k. The base Focus is commuter appliance, kind of like your POS Prius. At least with the Focus, there are some speedy variants that can be had. I want to know what car in the past has the same technology, fit, finish and performance you're comparing this to. Considering just about every car segment has grown considerably over the years, I also don't understand why the size of an economy car would even be an issue. They're all kind of small, but this segment had much smaller cars in the past. I actually decided to lease a Civic a few months back because I got a really good deal on it. It's boring to drive, the interior is okay, but it does what it's suppose to for my purpose so I think it's a great car. It's great on gas, pretty roomy unless you're fat, plenty reliable and gets me from point A to B. Complaining about it's flaws is pointless and moot.

Bang for the buck yes. Ride quality? I can think of 3 cars off the top of my head that rides better without giving up much in ride quality. Corvette, RX-8, M3, 997 GT3. Guess what, I have had many cars too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazicon

I have driven many MANY cars over my 33 years of driving, you sir are wrong. I test drove cars for 2 years before buy my G then another 6 months before buying the Z I will say it once again, you sir are wrong. I drove everything from Z4 to Skys, Elises to an SL550. The best bang for your buck that I could find, which included handling, ride as well as creature features in a 2 seater was the 370z.

When did you buy your Z? I am a troll yet I have had it long than you? I am sorry I don't beat off every time someone praises it or cry when someone knocks it. I was purely using the Z as a reference, not as a knock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockhound

I forgot you're one of the resident Z-hating trolls. Here to rain on everyone's parade.

Wouldn't your Focus bash be more appropriate on a dedicated forum - you'd get more of that classic troll effect you're looking for here: Ford Focus Forums, News, Articles, Message Board Discussions

asdfsammich · 09-15-2012, 12:58 AM

F'ing lol post

I like reading the 1600's posts usually cuz the logic is always full of unexpected plot twists.

Especially the part where you accuse the guy of beating off haha.

Compliment 1600 dude, for real, funny stuff.

Tapatalk & such etc

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09-14-2012, 03:18 PM	#25 (permalink)
daisuke149 My *** is famous! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alpharetta, GA Posts: 4,849 Drives: 2013 Boss 302 PW Rep Power: 31	I had a focus rental this week. it was plenty big enough. rode nicely. was extremely quiet ( more so than i expected by far. better than some luxury cars ive been in) and the engine had more than enough pickup.

09-15-2012, 12:58 AM	#30 (permalink)
asdfsammich Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 456 Drives: 09 370Z SR MT Rep Power: 13	F'ing lol post I like reading the 1600's posts usually cuz the logic is always full of unexpected plot twists. Especially the part where you accuse the guy of beating off haha. Compliment 1600 dude, for real, funny stuff. Tapatalk & such etc