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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ford Focus

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Focus

Overview

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2013 Ford Focus Review

By Bob Nagy

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

Completely redesigned last year, the 2013 Ford Focus goes through some trim level simplification on the conventional side of its lineup but carries over the Focus Electric unchanged and adds a new dimension to the family with the high-performance Focus ST version (reviewed separately). A dynamic player in the super-competitive compact segment, the Focus matches its Ford One global design heritage with avant-garde styling and loads of premium touches that progressively build through S, SE and Titanium trim grades. Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, the Focus is a match for any of its key rivals, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.

You'll Like This Car If...

Delivering an outstanding mix of style and substance, the 2013 Ford Focus enriches its fundamentally solid and efficient basic package with the availability of class-leading technologies, including MyFord Touch, Active Park Assist and a PowerShift dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission – as well as offering a pure electric alternative.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The avant-garde kinetic design cues of the 2013 Focus won't please those with less adventurous tastes in styling, but an equally significant consideration involves its comparative pricing. While the Focus does delivers what it promises, the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte can make legitimate cases for offering better bottom-line value.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

7.2
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.7
Value

6.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#5

out of 13

MPG

#3

out of 13

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

7.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

Fully redone for 2012, the Ford Focus is largely unchanged for the 2013 model year except for the availability of a 5-speed manual transmission on the top-line Titanium trim level, the departure of the semi-premium SEL version in favor of a more comprehensively-appointed SE and the arrival of the hot, new Focus ST (reviewed separately).

Driving the Focus

Driving Impressions The Ford Focus has a robust structural foundation and features European-style suspension tuning that imparts a clear measure of fun to the driving experience. Even the base Focus S feels...

comfortable yet confident and responds quickly and predictably to all driver inputs. Although ride compliance suffers a bit as you move up through the model hierarchy – and particularly on Titanium versions fitted with the optional 18-inch wheels and 40-series tires – the Focus still merits above-average handling marks across the board. Its AdvanceTrak stability control is complemented by a torque-vectoring control system that helps the Focus slice through corners with enthusiastic competence, and well-modulated anti-lock brakes (front discs and rear drums on the S, 4-wheel discs with the SE, Titanium and Electric) deliver solid, drama-free stops. While the Focus Electric does trade a measure of dynamic sportiness for its more overtly-efficient character, even this super-green sibling leaves no doubt as to its basic heritage.

Favorite Features

MYFORD TOUCH
Standard on Titanium trim levels, Ford's top-line infotainment and telematics package is based on an even more advanced – and now more user-friendly – application of the automaker's acclaimed SYNC voice-command system and includes a premium 10-speaker Sony sound system, with HD Radio, media hub, in-car Wi-Fi access and more.

SUPER FUEL ECONOMY (SFE) PACKAGE
Available on the auto-shifted SE 4-door sedan, the SFE Package includes auto-articulated, aero-optimizing grille shutters – an unseen mileage-enhancing element also found on most other Focus models fitted with the PowerShift transmission – as well as low rolling-resistance tires, wind-cheating wheel covers and a tasteful rear spoiler that collectively bring the car's EPA highway figure up to 40 mpg.

2013 Ford Focus Details

2013 Ford Focus Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While not the roomiest in its class, the cabin on the Focus boasts the look and feel of a more expensive car, reinforcing that premium character with loads of soft-touch surfaces and an abundance of sound-attenuation materials. Legible instrumentation and well-positioned controls in all versions are complemented by an 8.0-inch full-color touch-screen that replaces the normal multifunction display on Titanium models with the MyFord Touch infotainment and navigation system. The rear seat is scaled for two mid-sized adults but decently padded for three kids. Folding the 60/40 rear seatbacks to a semi-flat position adds utility to the regular Sedan's 13.2-cubic foot conventional trunk and raises the capacity of the Hatchback's cargo area from 23.8 to 44.8 cubic feet. However, the battery pack puts a big dent in cargo space on the Focus Electric.

Exterior

Both the Focus sedan and hatchback embody the latest iteration of Ford's "kinetic design" styling language that gives each one a more aggressive and aerodynamic appearance. The look is effectively reinforced by a lower, sleeker windshield rake and flowing roofline set off by smartly-stylized headlamp and taillamp treatments. A relatively long wheelbase and generous front and rear track dimensions contribute to an even more planted stance. Filling its tastefully-flared fenderwells are wheel and tire packages that range from 195/65 all-season tires on 15-inch steel wheels on the Focus S Sedan to 215/55 tires with 17-inch aluminum rims on Titanium models. The top-line Focus Titanium is also available with an optional 18-inch wheel upgrade that includes 235/40 performance tires as well as a sport-tuned suspension.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the base Focus S sedan boasts an impressive complement of power assists, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering column, keyless remote entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, anti-lock disc/drum brakes and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, while the SE – now infused with many ex-SEL features – adds SYNC with MyFord Driver Connect, cruise control, folding rear seat, 4-wheel discs, programmable MyKey and 16-inch tires on alloy wheels. The Titanium trim level has leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, push-button starting, SYNC/MyFord Touch, a 10-speaker Sony HD sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio and a 17-inch wheel and tire package. The richly-appointed Focus Electric features unique eco-fabric seat covers and adds voice-activated navigation.

Optional Equipment

The Focus offers an impressive selection of model-specific upgrades. While the 6-speed dual-clutch auto-shifter and remote starting lead an intentionally modest list on the S four-door, the SE offers a comprehensive Appearance Package (leather, 17-inch alloys, foglamps, satellite radio, rear spoiler and more) and a Style Package (custom-colored leather, power moonroof, navigation, MyFord Driver Connect and Super Fuel Economy, Winter and Handling Packages); all those options are offered on all but the SFE 5-door model. Titanium buyers can choose a 5-speed manual transmission, moonroof, navigation, the Technology Package (Active Park Assist, front and rear sensors, rearview camera), Style Package, Winter Package and a Handling Package with dedicated sport suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Under the Hood

All conventional 2013 Focus models are fitted with a naturally-aspirated, direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that uses Ford's twin-independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). This smooth, free-revver makes 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque and can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. On the SE with Sport Package and Titanium models, the automated-manual transmission adds SelectShift capability via a rocker switch on the shift lever. Auto-shifted SE sedans with the mileage-maxing SFE Package rate a 40-mpg EPA highway rating but the economy star is the Focus Electric. With a 143-horsepower permanent-magnet motor energized by a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, this ultra-clean hatchback returns a remarkable 105 MPGe combined rating from the EPA.

2.0-liter inline-4
160 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
146 lb-ft of torque @ 4,450 rpm
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 26/36 mpg (manual), 28/38 mpg (automatic), 27/37 mpg (SelectShift automatic), 28/40 mpg (SFE trim, automatic)

Synchronous electric motor/generator
23kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack
107kW/143 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque
Projected per-charge range: 76 miles
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent: 110/99 MPGe

Pricing Notes

Positioned as a premium compact offering based on its impressive roster of advanced features and available upgrades, the 2013 Focus S and high-volume SE Sedan still start under $17,000 and $19,000 respectively with the entry-level SE hatch opening slightly under $20,000. However, the Titanium sedan and hatch push $24,000 and $25,000, respectively, in base form and can move beyond the $27-$28K marks when heavily optioned. In this ultra-price-sensitive segment, those numbers may have some buyers rethinking the relative charm of some alternative choices, particularly the Hyundai Elantra sedan and GT 5-door, both of which cost less and have a slightly better retained value. At $39,995 before any federal tax credits or state or local incentives, the Focus Electric also requires a fair bit of green from buyers looking to go greener.
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2013 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.2

Out of 10

Based on 171 Ratings for the 2012 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

7.3/10

Quality

7.3/10
Reliability

7.2/10

Performance

7.8/10
Comfort

7.5/10

Styling

8.1/10

great car

By chefmel (NH) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I want this car

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"u can turn this car on a dime it gets great gas milage i get about 7 mile s a gallon more than the sticker days"

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Love this car! It rides like a much larger car!

By Ford81 (MD) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "perfomance and gas mileage"

Cons: "door lock button and hands free mic location"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I don't understand what people are complaining about, the car ride is very quite and its very fast. The transmission does its job, it allows the the car to have performance and still get 30 - 40 mpg consistently. The price point is very good, good room inside, great performance, great mileage, bluetooth hands free standard, what more do you want? I have over 7000 miles and several trips without any problems. I have a 2011 Prius and I prefer to drive the Focus."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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It's good, but not great

By Simon (NY) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Smooth ride, great mpg"

Cons: "Transmission needs a lot of work"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"My biggest gripe with the car, other than a couple of minor interior problems and the rock hard cloth bucket seats, is the transmission. Yes, I sound like a broken record because everyone complains about the DCT like no tomorrow, but seriously it shifts worse than a regular automatic. The shifts are clunky, it's confused constantly as to which gear it is supposed to be in, and it makes weird grinding noises which can be very disconcerting to a new driver. Despite that, I have been averaging nearly 31mpg with mixed driving so I'm happy the mpg is true. I'm also glad that I leased the vehicle and can move onto something much better than this in a years time."

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Do not buy!!

By abzymomof2band2g on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "very pretty, quiet windshiel wipers"

Cons: "Too many to list. description"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"focus has a manual transmission that shifts automatically. It actually drives like someone just learning to drive a manual transmission. Very jerky ride. Rolls back bad when you stop on a hill. It feels like it is going to stall when you take off and the engine is cold, you cannot trust it to pull into traffic until the engine is warm. The trunk is too low to be able to put a cooler in it, in fact the trunk while looking big is very awkward, groceries do not fit well. Be careful about syncing it with your phone, it eats text messages-I don't try to read them while driving and they are not in my phone when I get out of the car. You won't find all the problems at test drive, they just keep showing up the longer you have it. Dealer won't take it back!! The only thing Ford is willing to do is give me a maintenance package. Great, I don't pay for anything while I pray it gets totaled, the only way I can get out of it."

8 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Zippy little sports car!!

By racininheaven3 (GA) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, handles great, awesome gas mileage!"

Cons: "Factory stereo, seats uncomfortable on long rides"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this demo in September 2012 because I needed a newer, dependable car with good gas mileage to commute 60+ miles one way to work. I went to the dealer to look at the new Dodge Dart, but after not seeing one I liked my salesman (this is the 4th car I've bought from him, he knew I'd love the spoiler and the sunroof!!!) had me look at the demo he was driving. I loved the color, the sunroof, the spoiler, and the styling of the car immediately!! From the front, the car is very aggressive looking and sporty. When I got it, it had steel wheels and ugly hubcaps (it's an SFE model and had low resistance hubcaps) and no stripes or graphics like it does now. I get AWESOME gas mileage, 34MPG around town, 42MPG on long trips to Charlotte, Nashville, etc. The only drawbacks I found with this car are the factory stereo in this one wasn't SiriusXM ready and didn't sound like I wanted (so I changed the head unit to one with Bluetooth and MP3, and was SiriusXM ready, added SiriusXM, and a box with two 12s and a Rockford Fosgate amp), and on a longer trip (like Nashville) the seats are kind of uncomfortable (I'm used to the comfy, couch-like seats in my 2002 Grand Marquis), but they're fine for trips to Charlotte and back-which I do quite frequently. The sporty handling, great gas mileage and aggressive look of the car outweigh the cons in a BIG way!!! I never thought I would like a small, economy car and I always owned and drove Lincoln Town Cars or Mercury Grand Marquis (I still have one). Even though I am nearly 50 years old, I LOVE THIS SPORTY CAR!!!! I'd highly recommend this Focus to anyone!!! BTW, this is my first brand new car ever!!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

By Nina (NM) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 470

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "good gas mileage."

Cons: "trans. rough gear shift"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought a 2013 Ford C-max and after it died 3 times and replaced battery, Ford bought it back at full price ( minus taxes). In turn I bought a 2013 Ford Focus, Not even 500 miles and it jerks every time I take off from complete stop. It makes rattling noise when I make a left or right turn and sometimes when I take off from a complete stop. Wanted to support American made products but I REGRET ever buying a Ford. All this has happened in the past 3 months. Completely disappointed with Ford. Taking car in tomorrow to dealer. Do not buy any FORD!!!!!"

5 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 171 reviews