Test drove a Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback this morning.

[Arkaign]

While I agree that the new Focus is a really great compact, the outgoing generation is a stellar value. They're able to be had for MUCH cheaper than equivalent Hondas/Toyotas and superbly reliable. Our '08 has had zero issues and drives nicely.

Ditto. The old Focus was Ford's economy car, which is now replaced by the Fiesta as the economy car. As economy cars go, the '08-'11 is a good one, particularly with the 5-speed. I regularly see more than 40mpg on long trips, and always above 30mpg in mixed driving. Something to be said for a basic 2500lb runabout. Zero issues. Handles well. Comfortable. Simple to maintain.

 

[Zap]

The new focus HB does look sweet, though. I saw a commercial for it last week named Fringe. It was an hour long. I think that show used to be science-based but is more or less a Ford commercial.

LOL, at least American Idol comes clean about being brought to you by the letter Ford and the number Coca Cola.

I suspect Bones is sponsored by Toyota.

 

[Bignate603]

I suspect Bones is sponsored by Toyota.

Very much so. They've been trying to pimp Toyotas out the wazoo, even their minivan. I don't mind the whole product placement thing, but please don't have the characters in the show spend air time extolling the virtues of the adaptive cruise control in their Prius.

 

[Doppel]

The 'Fiesta' I think is a horrible name for a great car, and it reminds too closely of that horrible old 'Festiva' they used to sell.

I thought the exact same thing.

Very much so. They've been trying to pimp Toyotas out the wazoo, even their minivan. I don't mind the whole product placement thing, but please don't have the characters in the show spend air time extolling the virtues of the adaptive cruise control in their Prius.

Yep, and Hawaii Five-O is sponsored obviously by Chevrolet.

 

[NutBucket]

I don't understand why people are freaking out about price, it's not overpriced. The Focus MSRP starts at about $16k. When you start adding features typically found in much more upscale cars you end up with a much higher price tag.

This x10000.

My bro-in-law picked up an SEL hatch a few weeks ago. I think he's been averaging low 30's in mixed driving. Of course, he has a lead foot so it probably doesn't help much.

 

[Throckmorton]

That may be true. Heck, they may even be better. But they are a focus and carry the same name as the rusty dime a dozen ones we've seen around for years. It's like Ford reusing the Taurus name in their current, large, pretty sedan. All I think when I see it is old piece of crap that cost $1200 new back in the 90's.

Imagine if Dodge came out with an awesome car and called it a Neon. With all the words in the english language I don't understand the reuse of ones associated with rinky dink cares and slapping on a newer, nicer one. The new focus HB does look sweet, though. I saw a commercial for it last week named Fringe. It was an hour long. I think that show used to be science-based but is more or less a Ford commercial.

The 1st gen Focus was critically acclaimed, for good reason. It handled better than the competitors because of its "control blade" rear suspension. Most compacts have a solid beam axle or trailing arms.

I think I'm going to buy one when I get back to Texas... they're also efficient, dirt cheap, and look decent.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

FWIW my friends mom has an SES Titanium hatch with like 3k miles on it. She had a Matrix before it and said its a lot better than it ever was. I think he said shes getting like 39 freeway mpg on it without the fuel econ pack.

 

[Throckmorton]

Is direct injection the magic they use to get these cars up to such amazing mileage numbers?

 

[996GT2]

Just to put things in perspective, $27k is the starting price for an Audi A3 2.0T, which is similar in size. While a base A3 may not have all the technology in a loaded Focus, it does have a much more powerful engine and a lot more brand cachet.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Went to breakfast with my son and the drove by the local Ford dealership to look at the 2012 Focus. Ended up test driving a top of the line silver model with black interior.

Car drove nice, steering felt good, reasonably sporty with a firm ride. While it is not nearly as powerful as my current car it didn't feel underpowered either. The car was comfortable and had quite a nice setup of technology including nav system and leather. 27mpg city 37mpg freeway mileage would be nice too. Wonder what that would be in real world driving though.

I was thoroughly impressed by both the looks of the car, the utility, and the way it drove. Just a great little car.

Anyone know of any issues with these cars?

Not sure I want to trade the Maxima in just yet though as it only has 100,000 miles on it and it is paid for.

What engine was in it? 2.0L Ecoboost?

 

[Arkaign]

Just to put things in perspective, $27k is the starting price for an Audi A3 2.0T, which is similar in size. While a base A3 may not have all the technology in a loaded Focus, it does have a much more powerful engine and a lot more brand cachet.

Engine (at least stock) isn't all that much more powerful. 207/200 on 3250lbs, compared to 160/146 on 2907lbs. The torque on the A3 would probably make it feel quicker though, and it is certainly an easy setup to mod. The 2.0T on the Focus ST is considerably higher than 207/200 though Addiing navi and a 6-speed auto to the A3 pushes things to ~$32k.

Fuel economy is the big tradeoff, 21/30 vs. 28/38. And of course the branding. I doubt too many people will cross-shop these cars, and I also doubt that after the 'new' craze fades from the Focus that prices for similarly equipped models won't slide down into the low 20s.

 

[Doppel]

Really though, nobody is going to tell their friends they just bought a Focus instead of an Audi if they're about the same price. Because their friends will go wtf. And then they'll need to go into a tirade about how the Focus is actually the better car and, while that may be true (Audi's are seemingly designed to fall apart after, if not during, the warranty period), the fact remains.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I have the feeling the A3 will depreciate like a rock. Compare used values between the two in two years.

 

[LTC8K6]

Well, there should soon be more powerful and sporting versions of the Focus here.

 

[NAC]

I took one for a test drive a few weeks ago. My impressions:

I drove a base model because I want a manual transmission and you can only get it in the base model. Actually, I don't care too much – I wouldn't want to pay for a lot of options. But I didn't like the cheap looking 6” or so screen with a thick plastic boarder, when the higher models get like a 8” screen.

It drove ok. It was a very brief test drive, but I just didn't feel connected like I have in other cars. The power was just fine – I'm hoping for less power than what I have now. But I just felt the steering and suspension didn't wow me and make me happy to be driving a smaller, lighter car than I do normally.

And this part is subjective: I don't care for the interior styling much. It seems to be screaming for attention, I'd rather have something subdued and classier. Some would say boring. The interior quality was fine. I think the exterior is good, not necessarily my favorite, but it is nice to look at.

Crazy: if you want the red leather inserts interior, you can't get the dark or bright red exterior. Thanks Ford – I would have to choose between either the exterior or interior color I would want.

All that being said, if they sold a wagon version, about 180” long with a nice big hatch space, and manual transmission, I'd probably get one.

 

[NAC]

I have the feeling the A3 will depreciate like a rock. Compare used values between the two in two years.

I have the feeling a $27k Focus will depreciatate faster than a $27k A3.
But a $20k Focus will depreciate less than either.

 

[LTC8K6]

C & D Just tested an SEL with the auto, and it got to 60 in 7.6 seconds...impressive.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_ford_focus_sel-short_take_road_test

Manual trans hatch was 7.3

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ocus_se_hatchback_manual-short_take_road_test

Much quicker than the Edmund's numbers.

IIRC, Ford has already fixed the things they complained about with the SYNC and the trans.

 

[lavaheadache]

I don't think I could ever buy a brand new car ever again. I hardly see how this car is worth the money. I just bought my 2008 350z enthusiast in showroom condition with 6015 miles for 19,800. Jules, don't consider buying new. Buy a couple years older and get a much better car

 

[angry hampster]

I don't think I could ever buy a brand new car ever again. I hardly see how this car is worth the money. I just bought my 2008 350z enthusiast in showroom condition with 6015 miles for 19,800. Jules, don't consider buying new. Buy a couple years older and get a much better car

Sports/luxo/specialty cars always depreciate quicker as they have a smaller demand on the used market. People who buy leather-trimmed convertibles want one NEW..because they are smug.


That being said, I agree. Our '08 Focus was $7900 when we purchased it in November. Depreciated 50% in 2 years.

 

[Jumpem]

I'm waiting for the new Impreza as a small car to look at. AWD and 27/36 mpg.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The only cars that come close to this that I would consider would be the Lexus CT200h which gets better mileage (especially around town) but it is significantly slower and a bit more expensive.

The Audi A3 TDI is quite a bit more expensive once you start adding comparable equipment.

The Prius is also a contender but sacrifices performance for fuel economy. Plus they are kind of boring looking and once you option one out you're up over $30k in price.

 

[Zap]

Really though, nobody is going to tell their friends they just bought a Focus instead of an Audi

Well here's the thing... people who buy a Ford will buy it because it meets their needs for transportation. People who buy an Audi will buy it because it meets their needs for branding. :biggrin:

 

[sjwaste]

A Ford is my next car precisely for what they're doing with the electronics, while maintaining some practicality.

I'm about to move from an area where I walk to the metro every day to an area where I will commute 45 minutes each way. I suspect most people fall into the "drive it on the higway mostly" bucket, but for me, I want decent fuel economy, interior comfort and electronics that are in the same generation as the stuff I carry in my pockets or use at home/work.

Within reason, money isn't much of an object. By that I mean I can go get the 335i that I've wanted since they hit the market if I want. But for something I'm going to pile the miles onto, never really get to drive "fast" and really spend a lot of time in, 28k for a loaded up Focus doesn't bother me too much.

I don't even want to hear about any Audi. The A5 is gorgeous, the A3 is affordable in comparison, but I will just never own another VW. My wife's Passat has been a lemon since the final year of the warranty, and dealer support has been abysmal. I'm sure Audi dealers are a little better, but that entire auto group will never see another dime of my money.

I don't know why people are still incredulous, but Ford has been building cars that people actually want. It must be because it's a non-truck and carries an American label, because I'll admit that since 2007, I've been considering a Ford. I've never considered an American car before and I'm almost 30.

 

[sjwaste]

The only cars that come close to this that I would consider would be the Lexus CT200h which gets better mileage (especially around town) but it is significantly slower and a bit more expensive.

The Audi A3 TDI is quite a bit more expensive once you start adding comparable equipment.

The Prius is also a contender but sacrifices performance for fuel economy. Plus they are kind of boring looking and once you option one out you're up over $30k in price.

You actually nailed my shopping list, plus a couple of larger cars like the 335, Ford Fusion and A4. I know, I'm doing some cross-shopping, the editors at C&D will not like me for not fitting into a marketing bucket!

Anything VW is out, for the rest of my life. I don't care if it comes with a built in glory hole.

I need to get out an drive the Lexus. I think people know I'm kind of a Toyota/Lexus fan, having driven the piss out of a Supra for the last 12 years. I just like what Ford is doing.

 

[JulesMaximus]

A Ford is my next car precisely for what they're doing with the electronics, while maintaining some practicality.

I'm about to move from an area where I walk to the metro every day to an area where I will commute 45 minutes each way. I suspect most people fall into the "drive it on the higway mostly" bucket, but for me, I want decent fuel economy, interior comfort and electronics that are in the same generation as the stuff I carry in my pockets or use at home/work.

Within reason, money isn't much of an object. By that I mean I can go get the 335i that I've wanted since they hit the market if I want. But for something I'm going to pile the miles onto, never really get to drive "fast" and really spend a lot of time in, 28k for a loaded up Focus doesn't bother me too much.

I don't even want to hear about any Audi. The A5 is gorgeous, the A3 is affordable in comparison, but I will just never own another VW. My wife's Passat has been a lemon since the final year of the warranty, and dealer support has been abysmal. I'm sure Audi dealers are a little better, but that entire auto group will never see another dime of my money.

I don't know why people are still incredulous, but Ford has been building cars that people actually want. It must be because it's a non-truck and carries an American label, because I'll admit that since 2007, I've been considering a Ford. I've never considered an American car before and I'm almost 30.

Agreed. I spend almost 2 hours in my car every weekday, that's 10 hours a week minimum. It is pretty much mandatory that my next car will have an extensive array of entertainment and technology plus get decent mileage. It also must have the ability to toss a road bike in the back and haul 3 people comfortably and reliably. Sporty and fun are also a plus but I'm not interested in anything that gets less than 25mpg city.

0-60mph times are almost meaningless by the actual driving I do but I would like to have decent performance not snail like performance.

I figure I can get about $7k out of the Maxima if I sell it private party so I would put that down on the Focus and finance the rest for 3 years.