495 $ extra for economy package is BS. W/o package let's say u drive 35 ,pg and u do 25000 miles a year. ur cost for gas is ~2857 $. if u have the package and do 40 mpg it is 2500 $ the difference is 357 $. U still have to drive the car more than a year for it pay itself on gas money.
@Fussinated Who wouldn't keep a car for a year if it is running good? Leases are at least 36 months. And another example my dad has a 2001 Toyota Camry which is now 11 years old so yea that extra 495 dollars would be worth it.
@counkev You don't get it. to be able to save money you have to be rich kind of idiocy I was trying point. The one who has less money is in need to make a budget and these guys are trying to sell to the poeple, who need to save money, for more to be economical. This is no more than a marketing scam. Since they know if they sell economical cars cheaper they will not be able to sell other cars.
I rented a Focus for cross country trip, drove beautifully on the highway and twisty roads .... many unexpected high end features such as rain sensor wipers, auto up/down window for all passensgers ... the only complaint I have is I can't see out the front end when trying to park, and also fuel economy is much worst than what every says.
Most base model compact cars are often equipped with drum brakes anyway
Civics except the EX models
Corollas Standard drum brakes on all models
Cruze higher models have standard vented disc brakes
The only manufacturers that has standard disc brakes on compact sedans/hatch on all their models is the Elantra. However the front discs are not vented. Kia also has standard disc brakes on all trims
Just be lucky that Ford didn't take the Corollas approach.
So we have to pay more to burn less gas. ($495). Isn't there a way to make these cars burn less gas without making them more expensive? This is not even a hybrid. Beyond everything how stupid is to say that "if you want to be economical you have to spend more"?
The Focus has the best styling in the compact car segment ... the only thing is I can't see out the front of the hood when parking, which might result in unwanted scratches to the bumper ...
Hang on; it may largely be designed in Germany, but the team of Engineers was multicultural, from all around the world. Chief Engineer Jim Hughes is an American, for instance. That just goes to show how we can all benefit from positive international relations, acceptance, diversity, and globalization.
Anyways, other than that, very good review. And as far as buyers' opinion, I absolutely love my titanium hatchback. Incredible car. And yes, it's 7.6 sec to 60mph w/ the "hidden" launch control.
I would only get one if it was the brighter red. I've seen one around town with some nice wheels on it and it marks me jealous even though I have the Cruze.
i dont believe this car can reach 60mph in 7.6 seconds..with only 160 hp and 3000 lb curb weight and with a regular non-turbo engine...no way. exaggerated. 8.3 to 8.5 seconds is more likely the truth, if not 9 seconds.
@diulesing7 I own this car and they're not kidding. It really is that fast. I've clocked it several times in the mid to low 7's. Ford underrates their engines, this engine actually makes closer to 175hp. Look up the crate version of the engine, you'll see what I mean.
I'm a gm guy but this ford foucus is a great product. I drove one and it's one well balanced fun to drive car. The foucus and the cruze definatly give the Asians a run for their money.
I rented a Focus for 2 weeks with myford Touch, and it was frozen when I tried to plug in my usb for music ... the central door lock is something to get used to, also I got 20% less than the posted mileage ...
I'll buy this over a Chevy Cruze since Chevy is trying to copy Ford with the new active grille shutters they are using on the new Cruze since Ford already had this feature on the Focus. Plus the Focus is more advanced with more features than than a plan Cruze. Keep trying GM I don't think you have got it quite yet. Give me the Focus RS please!!!!
I rented one of these cars and I liked it for sure. It is very practical, fuel efficient (i averaged 31 MPG) and reasonably quick. For the first time, I would buy an American economy car over the Asians.
I wonder if I should trade in my 97 Volvo 850 for this? She is getting old and has been needing lots of repairs lately so I'm not sure if I should keep fixing her or buy a new car? It only has 285,000km on it though.
It amazes me how good fuel mileage is with today's smooth and powerful engines. When the government mandated higher fuel economy the car makers actually answered without much sacrifice. Props to engineers.
@xoquixxoqafxo Car and Driver tested and automatic and got the exact same 0-60, but then tested another one a few months later and got 8.1. They didn't explain why the discrepancy in numbers but did take note of it. I guess those who get a Focus with an auto will either be lucky or not so lucky, but still have a pretty solid car.
Respond to this video... Carandriver got the exact same time of 7.6 seconds. I think both Motorweek and Carandriver rev the engines before launching while many other companies do the 0-60 from idle.
@denisrenelara I like the Elantra. I test drove one the other day and thought it was pretty nice. Hard plastics everywhere, but fit and finish was good. By far, it's miles ahead of the "NEW" Civic--at least. The ride on the other hand... was like being on a boat. VERY VERY disconnected steering, and SUPER soft suspension. It also doesn't help that it still has a TORSION beam rear suspension. The Focus is miles ahead in engineering and tech. It's VERY fun to drive as well. Go check one out.
I like the versatility that a hatchback offers. But with this car, I prefer the sedan. There's something about the rear styling of the 2012 Focus hatch that rubs me the wrong way. To each his own. Ford still has a winner on it's hands for sure. Good job, Blue Oval!
@Passengertrains4ever I am with you. I actually picked up a tuxedo black sedan about a month ago. I am actually a hatch guy, but I did like the sedan more in this car. btw, love the car! The stealership however........
@OddManOut13 The 'stealership'...LOL! That's a good one. If you can get past the dealer drama though, you come home with a prize. Sounds like you did! Congrats, and enjoy it!
@MrVnick1 damn right! 100K warranty or 10 years, 30 MPG city and 40 mpg highway WITHOUT an special package! The only reason I am still thinking about buying it is because the Chevy Cruze looks a little bit better, more mature.
@MrVnick1 I at one point I like the Elantra better too. But if you look at the front end of the car, it looks like a big happy face. After I saw the happy face, now it looks like a car that can teach children their ABC,s.
@66soad there's a possibility of that happening real soon! I said in another comment that Ford is merging SVT,Team RS, and FPV into one! But there is one other issue....price! The RS might be as high as $50 grand.
I'm not a big fan of Myford Touch, the system got frozen from time to time ... This new Focus is much wider than previous generation, which isn't necessary a good thing as parking stalls don't get any bigger ... Also I sat in the sedan version and I can't see out the front or the back of the car, which may result in a lot of scratches and dents when parking ... I'd much prefer the Kia Forte 5 which costs a bit less and looks just as good.
@DevPack ... true, but you'll have to get the top end model to have those features ... pretty soon the computer in the car will take over the fun of driving :-(
One of the best cars in its class & one of the best looking hatches out there!!!! Elantra, Corolla, Cruze have nothing over it. Ohhh gosh, give me a Hatch in Titanium Trim with the Kona Blue color please!!!!!! Can't wait to see the ST next year.
@Intechdude300 I wanted the Kona Blue when I ordered my Focus a couple weeks ago. It was discontinued because of the tsunami in Japan. It has been replaced by Sonic Blue. Actually its a better blue than Kona because in different light levels it take on different shades of blue. Ranging from blue to green to purple. I did not go for the hatch because I didn't like rear lights.
Love John Davis. The comsumate legend of automotive journalism! I grew up feeding my love for cars on your expertise via Maryland Public Television....Wayy back in the day.
Very shaky about buying a FORD I had my share of a few FORDs in my day including the new ones had to many issue with them. But I will wait to see when the ST version gets tested. Wish the American car makers would make them pure american instead going out of the country to design and make their cars. Just feel they aren't pure american made anymore.
@76carmel I heard there's a possibility that the Focus RS could be coming here also. All depending on the feedback from the media. Ha, that shouldn't be hard at all. Plus I think Ford merged SVT, team RS, and FPV from Austrailia!
@soyntgo4it umm, the Focus is produced in the US as well as Europe. Yeah, other countries had a different version of the Focus which was better, but that was then and this is now. The new Focus will be what Ford calls their "one world,one car" or something like that. I've always owned a Ford product. I'm on my second one now. My first one was the 1995 Explorer and put 270,000 miles on it. I gave it up back in '06 and own a Mountaineer from Mercury now. Yeah their gone, but it's still a Ford.
@soyntgo4it the Focus is made in Wayne MI. I live 10 miles from the plant. It was designed in Germany and the ones that are produced for the European market are made in Germany. But the North American Focus is made here. There isn't really much left anymore that is pure American. Borders are imaginary lines anyway so it shouldn't matter.
495 $ extra for economy package is BS. W/o package let's say u drive 35 ,pg and u do 25000 miles a year. ur cost for gas is ~2857 $. if u have the package and do 40 mpg it is 2500 $ the difference is 357 $. U still have to drive the car more than a year for it pay itself on gas money.
Fussinated 1 week ago
@Fussinated Who wouldn't keep a car for a year if it is running good? Leases are at least 36 months. And another example my dad has a 2001 Toyota Camry which is now 11 years old so yea that extra 495 dollars would be worth it.
counkev 1 week ago
@counkev You don't get it. to be able to save money you have to be rich kind of idiocy I was trying point. The one who has less money is in need to make a budget and these guys are trying to sell to the poeple, who need to save money, for more to be economical. This is no more than a marketing scam. Since they know if they sell economical cars cheaper they will not be able to sell other cars.
Fussinated 1 week ago
I rented a Focus for cross country trip, drove beautifully on the highway and twisty roads .... many unexpected high end features such as rain sensor wipers, auto up/down window for all passensgers ... the only complaint I have is I can't see out the front end when trying to park, and also fuel economy is much worst than what every says.
davidhalifax 1 week ago
Ford is trying new technology's and is the only one of the three that didn't take a bailout!
I would support our car makers and put our people to work rather than china,Korean or German cars.
That's why there's no jobs here now everything's made in china
metalmachine467 2 weeks ago
WOW...the Focus has a bigger trunk than the new Camry!! haha
varadarcop 3 weeks ago
Seriously Ford? Drum brakes on the base models? Seriously?
Who uses drum brakes anymore? Get into the 21st century would ya!
Yakbreeder 1 month ago
@Yakbreeder
Most base model compact cars are often equipped with drum brakes anyway
Civics except the EX models
Corollas Standard drum brakes on all models
Cruze higher models have standard vented disc brakes
The only manufacturers that has standard disc brakes on compact sedans/hatch on all their models is the Elantra. However the front discs are not vented. Kia also has standard disc brakes on all trims
Just be lucky that Ford didn't take the Corollas approach.
dahgutone 2 weeks ago
@Yakbreeder
If the rear discs are not vented, they generally don't have a significant advantage over rear drum brakes.
It's more of a hype thing really, since most high performance sport cars use disc brakes.
Today's rear drum brakes have vastly improved over the years.
dahgutone 2 weeks ago
Gorgeous!
bradmax39 1 month ago
needs more power on the base engine
sheersoxNC 1 month ago
@sheersoxNC 160hp is top in segment for a base compact. I dont get the complaint.
duncan36 1 month ago
why MUST all compact cars with a turbo be a uguly ass hatchback!!! Talkng the SVT
sheersoxNC 1 month ago
So we have to pay more to burn less gas. ($495). Isn't there a way to make these cars burn less gas without making them more expensive? This is not even a hybrid. Beyond everything how stupid is to say that "if you want to be economical you have to spend more"?
Fussinated 2 months ago
0-60 is same as 2004 Focus SVT!
McWeslyF1 3 months ago
The Focus has the best styling in the compact car segment ... the only thing is I can't see out the front of the hood when parking, which might result in unwanted scratches to the bumper ...
davidjgmail 3 months ago
@2:03 Is that condensation in the LED TURN signal lamp???? WTF?? This is a new car!
nismotech 3 months ago
@nismotech i don't think so. I think its the way the light is shining on it.
cj688 2 months ago
Cool eco box but costs too much. $25-$29k. Thats the real price you see at dealers fully loaded. This car should be $15k .
nismofury 4 months ago
This dude has pumpkin skin.
tigerriot 4 months ago
I wanted to get it but it was too much so i got a 2010 but this car is still freakin awesome!
Kwanze 4 months ago
Moisture in the mirror turn signals @ 2:03, really?? Isn't this a brand new car?
deliberately 4 months ago
Hang on; it may largely be designed in Germany, but the team of Engineers was multicultural, from all around the world. Chief Engineer Jim Hughes is an American, for instance. That just goes to show how we can all benefit from positive international relations, acceptance, diversity, and globalization.
Anyways, other than that, very good review. And as far as buyers' opinion, I absolutely love my titanium hatchback. Incredible car. And yes, it's 7.6 sec to 60mph w/ the "hidden" launch control.
SKsquashbass12 4 months ago
I would only get one if it was the brighter red. I've seen one around town with some nice wheels on it and it marks me jealous even though I have the Cruze.
domination281 5 months ago
@RedAffinity Srsly? I've checked out Ford's Australia website & there's only Automatic transmissions available. D:
campkadeyourself 5 months ago
inside line, motortrend and edmunds all tested the same car and came up with 8.6 to 9 seconds for 0-60mph..
diulesing7 5 months ago
i dont believe this car can reach 60mph in 7.6 seconds..with only 160 hp and 3000 lb curb weight and with a regular non-turbo engine...no way. exaggerated. 8.3 to 8.5 seconds is more likely the truth, if not 9 seconds.
diulesing7 5 months ago 2
@diulesing7 you're right, I have one and it'll do 0-60 in no less than 8.2 seconds
mercmilan06 1 month ago
Comment removed
xWhit3Devilx 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@diulesing7 I own this car and they're not kidding. It really is that fast. I've clocked it several times in the mid to low 7's. Ford underrates their engines, this engine actually makes closer to 175hp. Look up the crate version of the engine, you'll see what I mean.
xWhit3Devilx 1 month ago
1080P - WOW!
shawnspeed3 5 months ago
I'm a gm guy but this ford foucus is a great product. I drove one and it's one well balanced fun to drive car. The foucus and the cruze definatly give the Asians a run for their money.
gmman05 5 months ago
I rented a Focus for 2 weeks with myford Touch, and it was frozen when I tried to plug in my usb for music ... the central door lock is something to get used to, also I got 20% less than the posted mileage ...
davidhalifax 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I'll buy this over a Chevy Cruze since Chevy is trying to copy Ford with the new active grille shutters they are using on the new Cruze since Ford already had this feature on the Focus. Plus the Focus is more advanced with more features than than a plan Cruze. Keep trying GM I don't think you have got it quite yet. Give me the Focus RS please!!!!
soyntgo4it 6 months ago
Comment removed
soyntgo4it 6 months ago
I rented one of these cars and I liked it for sure. It is very practical, fuel efficient (i averaged 31 MPG) and reasonably quick. For the first time, I would buy an American economy car over the Asians.
DualofChaos 6 months ago
@yvt773 stupid because I will rather buy a car that gives better mileage than the focus? ok I am
denisrenelara 6 months ago
the 2011-present Ford Focus is assembled in
Wayne, Michigan
Saarlouis, Germany
Vsevolozhsk, Russia
Annihilator1111 6 months ago
I have the 2011 Focus, like that body better but the 2012 features and interior blow '11 away.
mikepuli 6 months ago
german engineered cars = sweetness
jpolimus 6 months ago
I wonder if I should trade in my 97 Volvo 850 for this? She is getting old and has been needing lots of repairs lately so I'm not sure if I should keep fixing her or buy a new car? It only has 285,000km on it though.
Prairielander 6 months ago
Just got mine yesterday and it is a great driving experience and makes people slow down to take a look when you drive it down the road.
barbybz 6 months ago
Man, if this came in a 5 or 6 speed standard manual, I'd be so there
campkadeyourself 6 months ago
@campkadeyourself umm it does.... a 5 speed manual.
1SirCarlton 6 months ago
It amazes me how good fuel mileage is with today's smooth and powerful engines. When the government mandated higher fuel economy the car makers actually answered without much sacrifice. Props to engineers.
igotwhips 7 months ago 2
7.6 sec to 60 seems a bit too fast... most are saying 8.5 hmmm
xoquixxoqafxo 7 months ago
@xoquixxoqafxo Car and Driver tested and automatic and got the exact same 0-60, but then tested another one a few months later and got 8.1. They didn't explain why the discrepancy in numbers but did take note of it. I guess those who get a Focus with an auto will either be lucky or not so lucky, but still have a pretty solid car.
jalopysandwich 7 months ago
Comment removed
aimveryhigh 7 months ago
Respond to this video... Carandriver got the exact same time of 7.6 seconds. I think both Motorweek and Carandriver rev the engines before launching while many other companies do the 0-60 from idle.
aimveryhigh 7 months ago
All i got from this review is that I should buy an Elantra hahaha
denisrenelara 7 months ago
@denisrenelara I like the Elantra. I test drove one the other day and thought it was pretty nice. Hard plastics everywhere, but fit and finish was good. By far, it's miles ahead of the "NEW" Civic--at least. The ride on the other hand... was like being on a boat. VERY VERY disconnected steering, and SUPER soft suspension. It also doesn't help that it still has a TORSION beam rear suspension. The Focus is miles ahead in engineering and tech. It's VERY fun to drive as well. Go check one out.
sdlausen 7 months ago
Brilliant little car!
applesmnch2 7 months ago
Let's see an ST and RS version in a three door. This one looks good but it's almost mini vanish. The sedan looks great though.
buttnut1080 7 months ago
I like the versatility that a hatchback offers. But with this car, I prefer the sedan. There's something about the rear styling of the 2012 Focus hatch that rubs me the wrong way. To each his own. Ford still has a winner on it's hands for sure. Good job, Blue Oval!
Passengertrains4ever 7 months ago
@Passengertrains4ever I am with you. I actually picked up a tuxedo black sedan about a month ago. I am actually a hatch guy, but I did like the sedan more in this car. btw, love the car! The stealership however........
OddManOut13 7 months ago
@OddManOut13 The 'stealership'...LOL! That's a good one. If you can get past the dealer drama though, you come home with a prize. Sounds like you did! Congrats, and enjoy it!
Passengertrains4ever 7 months ago
@OddManOut13 Did you have a bad experience buying you new Ford focus? I would have thought it would've been fun getting this car....what happened?
aaaredskin 6 months ago
Ugly! Do you remember in the beginning of the vid? Where they showed the Hyundai Elantra..... Yeh I'll take that instead over ANY ford.
MrVnick1 7 months ago
@MrVnick1 damn right! 100K warranty or 10 years, 30 MPG city and 40 mpg highway WITHOUT an special package! The only reason I am still thinking about buying it is because the Chevy Cruze looks a little bit better, more mature.
denisrenelara 7 months ago
@MrVnick1
But of course you would say that.
If the Focus was compared to a rickshaw, you'd plug for the latter just because it's not made by Ford.
80skiwi 7 months ago
@MrVnick1 I at one point I like the Elantra better too. But if you look at the front end of the car, it looks like a big happy face. After I saw the happy face, now it looks like a car that can teach children their ABC,s.
srabchun 6 months ago
Looks like a cross between a Saab and a Volvo. Not too shabby.
RoundenBrown 7 months ago
I love those aggressive looking grills on the new focus'
p10ghost 7 months ago
This is a total win for Ford. I love new Focus and the ST model wil be mine.
igeekone 7 months ago
nice car... no wonder Ford didnt need a government bail out like GM did...
GOBbluthagain 7 months ago
hasn't the Focus always been German design? whats new? I thought thats why its the only U.S. sub compact that is actually reliable.
Anyways best looking yet for sure.
sidewayznut2009 7 months ago
I saw a new Hyundai Accent today. Really cool. This Focus is nice, problem is, there like locus. EVERYWHERE. Same with the camaro, to many = BORING
Lambo6fo 7 months ago
I'm still wondering when is the RS coming to the States.
66soad 7 months ago 2
@66soad there's a possibility of that happening real soon! I said in another comment that Ford is merging SVT,Team RS, and FPV into one! But there is one other issue....price! The RS might be as high as $50 grand.
RJBbass2000 7 months ago
@66soad The RS wont come here they are bringing a version called the ST which will be similar to it though
soyntgo4it 7 months ago
it looks nices, i just think it looks like a little ball. The cruze has a more mature look
denisrenelara 7 months ago
2:02 whats that water inside the turn signal?
denisrenelara 7 months ago
i like the cruze better
AGreedyTree 7 months ago
this test drives seem so complete. good job!
liptonx 7 months ago
I'm not a big fan of Myford Touch, the system got frozen from time to time ... This new Focus is much wider than previous generation, which isn't necessary a good thing as parking stalls don't get any bigger ... Also I sat in the sedan version and I can't see out the front or the back of the car, which may result in a lot of scratches and dents when parking ... I'd much prefer the Kia Forte 5 which costs a bit less and looks just as good.
davidhalifax 7 months ago
@davidhalifax dont worry about those things. The focus has a backup camera and also can parallel park itself.
DevPack 7 months ago
@DevPack ... true, but you'll have to get the top end model to have those features ... pretty soon the computer in the car will take over the fun of driving :-(
davidhalifax 7 months ago
One of the best cars in its class & one of the best looking hatches out there!!!! Elantra, Corolla, Cruze have nothing over it. Ohhh gosh, give me a Hatch in Titanium Trim with the Kona Blue color please!!!!!! Can't wait to see the ST next year.
Intechdude300 7 months ago
@Intechdude300 I wanted the Kona Blue when I ordered my Focus a couple weeks ago. It was discontinued because of the tsunami in Japan. It has been replaced by Sonic Blue. Actually its a better blue than Kona because in different light levels it take on different shades of blue. Ranging from blue to green to purple. I did not go for the hatch because I didn't like rear lights.
srabchun 6 months ago
Ford: Found On Road Dead!
MrVnick1 7 months ago
Comment removed
Intechdude300 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i hope the new focus rs is not as ugly as this one....
rockkyman 7 months ago
this is the best looking ford focus for sure.
southernclassik 7 months ago 72
@southernclassik every ford looks amazing now.
DevPack 7 months ago
@southernclassik I disagree. The previous generation of Focus from Europe looked much better it is my opinion: It looks a bit too asian.
purrability 5 months ago
Love John Davis. The comsumate legend of automotive journalism! I grew up feeding my love for cars on your expertise via Maryland Public Television....Wayy back in the day.
thnktank1 7 months ago 27
Very shaky about buying a FORD I had my share of a few FORDs in my day including the new ones had to many issue with them. But I will wait to see when the ST version gets tested. Wish the American car makers would make them pure american instead going out of the country to design and make their cars. Just feel they aren't pure american made anymore.
soyntgo4it 7 months ago
@soyntgo4it i dont think the ST will be available in america
AviTheBlader 7 months ago
@AviTheBlader Supposedly next year I'm hoping from what FORDs website says. This will change my mind about FORD since it rated very high in the UK..
soyntgo4it 7 months ago
@AviTheBlader
Ford confirmed a US ST a while back. Look it up.
SouthshoreVice 7 months ago
@SouthshoreVice
The ST is coming with an EcoBoost Turbo 4 with 250+ hp. It'll compete with the VW GTI and Mazda Speed3 - the 2 hot hatches.
76carmel 7 months ago
@76carmel I heard there's a possibility that the Focus RS could be coming here also. All depending on the feedback from the media. Ha, that shouldn't be hard at all. Plus I think Ford merged SVT, team RS, and FPV from Austrailia!
RJBbass2000 7 months ago
@soyntgo4it umm, the Focus is produced in the US as well as Europe. Yeah, other countries had a different version of the Focus which was better, but that was then and this is now. The new Focus will be what Ford calls their "one world,one car" or something like that. I've always owned a Ford product. I'm on my second one now. My first one was the 1995 Explorer and put 270,000 miles on it. I gave it up back in '06 and own a Mountaineer from Mercury now. Yeah their gone, but it's still a Ford.
RJBbass2000 7 months ago
@soyntgo4it the Focus is made in Wayne MI. I live 10 miles from the plant. It was designed in Germany and the ones that are produced for the European market are made in Germany. But the North American Focus is made here. There isn't really much left anymore that is pure American. Borders are imaginary lines anyway so it shouldn't matter.
srabchun 6 months ago