2013 Ford Focus

A very good car for commuters

By ABQmedic (NM) on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

Pros: "Fun to drive, good sound system, no cheap feel."

Cons: "Lack of storage, a little pricey for a compact car"

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

"I commute 45 miles each way to work. I needed a car that would get good mileage and be comfortable to sit in for extended periods. The Focus is both of these and much more. I am currently averaging 37 mpg (3 fill ups so far). The front seats are very comfortable, but the driver seat lacks an adjustable lumbar support (in the SE version I own). I use a small towel roll to make up the difference. The car has plenty of power, accelerating and shifting smoothly. The audio system (6 speaker with SIRIUS) is more than adequate for the average audiophile, reproducing wonderful sound. The hand controls on the steering wheel were confusing at first, but now are very convenient and intuitive. The only ammenity that I find lacking in this car is the absence of "cubbies." I have no real good place to put all of my... goodies. The glove box is very spacious. The center console is smallish. The cup holders in front are smallish. The door panels seem to have adequate space. But that is it. Can I live with this small flaw? Absolutely. It the car a blast to drive? You're darn tootin' it is. It handles corners like more expensive BMW's or VW's. It feels substancial and refined, yet nimble. Nothing about this car seems cheep or poorly made. The two words I can say: Buy one!"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Just bought this car, and absolutely love it

By John (VA) on Thursday, January 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

Pros: "Great mileage, fun to drive, high quality, price"

Cons: "None that I've found so far"

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

2012 Ford Focus S sedan, 5-speed manual, 100A equipment package, sterling gray metallic

"I just bought the 2012 Focus S sedan, with the 5-speed manual transmission. We didn't get any of the upgrade packages to keep the cost a little lower since we were working on a bit of a budget, and I really didn't see a need for most of them anyway. The car drives and feels like something that easily 'should' cost at least $10k more. The interior is very comfortable and high quality, and the controls are intuitive to use (standard radio system and AC controls). The trunk space is surprisingly generous, much better than previous compact cars I've owned. The engine has a lot of power, and mated with the manual transmission it can be zippy and responsive, or I can short shift for fuel economy. Even with short shifting and running in 4th or 5th gear a lot, it will still pick up speed when I need it. We researched the heck out of this purchase, settling in with the Focus for the features, styling, quality, ride, and price. So far, I'm averaging well above the EPA rated 36 mpg...with my most recent fill-up at a mind-blowing 41 mpg, mostly highway. I'll see how it does in the next several tanks with more mixed driving, but I'm very impressed already. Hands-down this is the best car I've owned."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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An affordable car with so many good features!

By Rick (VA) on Sunday, February 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

Pros: "Good value, a lot of features for price"

Cons: "Center console is smallish"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought the 2013 Ford Focus SE model in tuxedo black with automatic transmission. My overall initial assessment was that the car was literally packed with buttons, perhaps too many even. The Ford My Touch and Synch offer many valuable tools for the driver and connect with your phone or other devices for hands free use while driving. After starting it up and driving it I found the handling and power of this model to be superior to any other vehicle I tested in that class. I thought it was more ergonomic, fitted my 5' 10" and 217 lb body well, was responsive, nimble and just felt classy. Having done my research I knew it rated exceptionally by every testing agency, so it was not a surprise that it performed as well as it did. Compared to every other vehicle I drove in that class, the Focus was tops in my book hands down. I bought it and have put 3,000 miles on it, without any incident of note. I am more than pleased with the vehicle, and having owned many cars and trucks in my lifetime, I would have to say the Focus is in the running for being one of the best. I consider it just a fraction off of the BMW 3 series vehicle I owned, and superior in many ways to other, more exotic, cars I own. Ford hit a home run with this car, and I am very happy to own the focus."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Ford ST Review

By Jan (CA) on Saturday, February 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37

Pros: "Power, performance, quality of materials FUN"

Cons: "Turning radius is a bit wide"

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

"This is not a Ford Focus review, it is for the ST, an entirely different vehicle, different engine, suspension, you really can't include the ratings with regular Focus ratings. The ST is, in short, an amazing little car. I have owned two BMW M3s, an Audi TT, an Audi S4 and a Porsche 911. So my standards are pretty high. This car is amazingly fast and torquey no lag, incredible throttle response, handles like it's on rails, smooth shifting. For the money, incredible performance, quality of materials and the fun factor is off the charts. My only complaint which is pretty minor is that it has a fairly big turning radius, something to be aware of when you're trying to do a tight turn in a parking lot. It's not a car for someone who doesn't understand how to drive a fast car or doesn't like a stick, but if you love a sporty car that makes you laugh out loud when you run into a twisty road, this is your ride!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Manual trans problems

By Dan (FL) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000

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

"The car's been having trouble going into gears. It just fights and grinds all the time. Never had a problem with the car in the first 15k miles, but now it's just nothing but trouble. Ford hasn't been able to fix it."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Used 2012 Focus SEL Sedan

By Austinrider1 (OH) on Friday, December 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

Pros: "The Interior, Exterior, Radio and Exceleration."

Cons: "Nothing for 5,000 so far."

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

"I bought the car at the end of October. I got it used and acordding to car facts it was a rental car. I got the car at 32,400 miles and currently have 38,000. I drive 75 + miles a day 7 days a week at times and I honestly love this car. I had a 2006 Toyota Corolla prior to this car and I liked the Toyota but it always felt cramped and like I never had enough power to get on and off the highway. I have had the car for 2 months now with a lot of driving and having people in the back seat regularly. So far I have not had an issue with their not being enoughg room even though one of my friends is 6'3" and had plenty of head room. I love the SYNC system and learned it very qucikly. I do understand where people are coming from with the tranny. But I have not had any issues with it. It accelerates very nicely and has incredible brakes. I love this car and enjoy the leather seats, moon roof,SYNC and it looks like a sports car instead of a gas sipper. I plan to keep it for quite some time and I LOVE this car!!!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Nice Vehicle

By vic (TX) on Tuesday, September 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,800

Pros: "attractive, good gas mileage, fun to drive"

Cons: "none so far"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I purchased this vehicle in July. I was looking for a vehicle that was good on gas. I decided on the Focus due to the looks of the vehicle and the fact I have owned several other Ford vehicles and have not had any major problems with them. I now have 3800 miles on the vehicle. I have not had any major problems with the vehicle. I like the features, comfort, ride, looks, and price of the car. The transmission does take getting use to. It is different from any car I have driven before but now I am use to it and it seems to be working fine. In fact the transmission seems to smooth out with the more miles I put on the car. I am satisfied with the car and do recommend a test drive if you are looking for a small car with good gas mileage and you can tolerate that the transmission will feel different than most cars."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Attractive, great driving car

By Shawn (TX) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,700

Pros: "Good looks, fun to drive, fuel efficient"

Cons: "Transmission was jumpy at times, but is OK now."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"It's a good looking car. Has good pick up; and handles great. I'm getting 40 mpg most of the time; Once I got 42. The transmission initially was a little herky-jerky, but Ford came up with a fix for that. Took it to the dealership, and they programmed a new code for the transmission, which is now operating smoothly. Nothing to dislike so far. An attractive, fun to drive, fuel efficient car."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Excellent mpg, and drives great.

By Shawn H (TX) on Sunday, August 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,500

Pros: "Overall drives great, gas mileage, good looking"

Cons: "No major qualms at this time."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought my 2012 Ford Focus S Sedan in May 2012. It's a looker, very attractive, sporty style. Very smooth ride. Handling is amazing. Good pick up. I have a lighter foot than most, but still I'm averaging 42 mpg overall (!). They say it drives like a car 2 or 3 times the price, and I believe it. It's a car a driving enthusiast would enjoy. Quite pleased."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great looks and mileage with cool features. Luv it

By jeff (IN) on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,684

Pros: "Great ride. Very quiet. Cool looks. Great MPG!!"

Cons: "No interior trunk release...its on the key fobs."

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

At dealership before windows were tinted. Coolest one there!

"My family leases a 2012 Titanium Sedan, loaded and we love it. It drives very well and is quiet and smooth even at 80+ MPH! Very nice interior and our Sync system has performed as expected. Some reviews knock the automatic transmission...I cannot say ours has ANY bad or balky shifts. We get complements from people all the time about how cool it looks...we got the Yellow Blaze Metallic paint with Black 17" wheels. Our kids are under 10 yrs old so back legroom has been no concern. I love this car and will buy it when the lease is over."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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What a surprise!

By Mikail (IL) on Wednesday, September 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

Pros: "A lot of car for the money. Fun, economical."

Cons: "Small back seat."

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

"We had owned a 2008 Honda Civic and were about to get another when we decided to test drive the ford. Better handling, MUCH more power and fun to drive. Equipped far better, excellent fuel economy And better looking."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best car I have owned in a long time. buy one

By Bambi6000 (NY) on Thursday, August 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

Pros: "Price, comfort, great gas mileage"

Cons: "Stereo can be hard to navigate through"

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

"I have owned this car for some time now and have yet to have any problems with it. The dealer handled the recalls very quickly and explained the auto/standard transmission to me as I asked about the feeling when first accelerating. I have recomended this car to several friends and family. My brother bought one and three of my co-workers also bought them after I let them drive mine. They all love theirs too. I am getting 40.2 miles on the highway in an very comfortable comfortable drivers seat. I never have to adjust my seating position as I have with other cars. You also can not beat the standard features that you get in this car. Everyone is surprized when I tell them what was a standard features and what I paid extra for. I.E. Not much. Great car at a great price."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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very nice car

By andy (VT) on Friday, February 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 400

Pros: "fuel econ. all the impressive technology"

Cons: "transmission"

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

"had this car a week. great car, although i do not like the odd things the transmission does. it shudders and acts like it slips, the dealer told me it is an entirely different kind of auto transmission and does not perform like a traditional one. we have 400 miles on it, so hopefully once the "learning curve" of the transmission is complete it will be different. at least that is what the dealer told me, other than that great car. i am 6'2 330 lbs and i have plenty of room in it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car for the money

By Belgay (FL) on Saturday, January 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

Pros: "fuel milage, great ride for smaller car."

Cons: "None so far"

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

"Traded my 2006 Focus SE for this new Focus SE and so far it meeting all my expectations. Had to take someone to the Orlando airport which was 190 miles roundtrip and average 39.1 mpg."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Very nice reliable car

By gkk2013 (VA) on Monday, January 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

Pros: "Quick car good gas milege"

Cons: "None so far"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have had this car for 1 year no problems at all. I am getting an average of 31 mpg combined. The car handles great around corners and good pick up. It was worth every penny i have the SEL model."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car. Huge improvements.

By Tech (AK) on Sunday, December 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

Pros: "It's not a fugly Prius."

Cons: "I'm 6'4" so I just have enough leg length."

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

"I commute in this car 160 miles a day. I have the titanium with the handling package and I can weave in and out of traffic with ease. Also with the select shift I can down shift two gears real quick when I need to over take. I avg. 42 mpg. 150 miles of that commute is stop light free highway."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love the car!

By BlueEyedBeast (NC) on Sunday, August 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

Pros: "Good price, smooth ride, great clutch"

Cons: "none I've found yet"

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

"After driving a '06 Cobalt for well over a year, this car is a complete breath of fresh air! One of very few cars I was able to find in a manual transmission, it shifts very smooth, gets great mileage and overall is an amazing car. Absolutely in love with it, and would recommend it to friends and family."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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My 3rd car ever (after driving 20 years)

By Ljs277 (NC) on Thursday, June 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

Pros: "Head turner, fun to drive, stylish, gas mileage"

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

"Sleek, stylish, very reactive and comfortable ride. Turns heads, and makes you love to drive again."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Loving it

By Dan G. (FL) on Friday, July 15, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

Pros: "Quality interior, supportive leather seats, My Ford Touch, gas mileage, drives great"

Cons: "Could use one more small storage area up front"

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

"Finally a small car with excellent gas mileage that has both style and a quality interior. The 6-speed automatic manual transmission has been smooth and flawless and I especially like the Sport mode. The My Ford Touch (MFT) has also performed without error for me. The soft touch material, upscale materials in the Titanium, excellent supportive leather seating, along with driving performance have made the Ford Focus Titanium an successful alternative to pricier semi-luxury vehicles along with improved gas mileage. The hatch, while 7 inches shorter than the Sedan, provides the same interior room and much more versatility when it comes to storage space. I found everything I wanted option wise without having to give up gas mileage to get it and at a substantially lower price. I was initially worried that this car wouldn’t have enough power, but I’ve found the performance of the 160 horsepower engine to me more than adequate when it comes to power. I’m very pleased with my purchase."

27 people out of 28 found this review helpful

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Great car for commuting and for road trips!

By TW (CA) on Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

Pros: "affordable, good mileage, big trunk, stylish, fun to drive"

Cons: "needs a little more room in the backseat, SYNC needs a hearing aid"

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

"I bought this car for commuting, then found I like to drive it on the weekends also. My wife likes to drive it and I've received many positive compliments from others who see it and admire it. I thought it would get good mileage and I was right. I has been averaging 34 MPG during some bad commute days - two hours each way every work day. It has nice features and a few little quirks. The transmission makes a little noise when shifting at low speeds, but no problems on the freeway. The interior is nice, but a little cramped for adults in the back seat. The trunk is HUGE. The styling is nice. SYNC needs a little work to understand commands - especially when there is road noise. Also, the turn-by-turn navigation just can't keep up when downtown or driving near high-rise buildings -- all minor stuff overall."

26 people out of 27 found this review helpful

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Ford should have produced more of these babies!

By dr2casto (FL) on Friday, July 22, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

Pros: "$tops on a dime and so quite the built in phone is easy blue tooth cool!"

Cons: "View of surrounding traffic hard to judge due to sleek styling, get used to using mirrors."

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

"You will need to rely on the mirrors...the view from the cockpit is limited to the rear but Ford did provide dual rear view mirrors to help. Interior appointments are more like the high end mid-sized although you will need to dish out more $ if you want electric seats. A pump style seat lever is all the SEL brings to the plate but how many times does one need to adjust the seating to gain mpg and styling the Focus SEL Hatchback is packing. I am stoked to have bought the only one within 500miles of Salt Lake or Tallahassee."

18 people out of 19 found this review helpful

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Good vehicle - good value - good gas mileage

By dude (WV) on Saturday, January 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

Pros: "good value, good gas mileage, good ride"

Cons: "back leg room, cup holders, dash storage"

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

"My wife and I bought the 4 dr sedan model without all the bells and whistles several months ago with just basic options. Paid extra for the more fuel efficient model. We also got the tan interior (still has some black and gray in it), we didn't want black and were tired of gray. We chose this car after looking at Toyotas, Nissans, Subarus, and Hyundais. This car was more reasonably priced except for the Hyundai Elantra which beat it. The Elantra beat out the Focus in my mind for value with more bells and whistles being standard, and a much better warranty but we do not have a Hyundai dealer close by (nearest is an hour away) so the Ford won out. So far we have been pleased with the car overall. The ride is smooth, it is much quieter inside than our last car which was in the same class. Pros: Smooth and quiet ride - trunk has good space - front and back seats are comfortable good leg room in the front radio/clock controls different but not hard to use - controls on the steering wheel for radio and digital information readout are convenient - price was less expensive than most other cars in this class - gas mileage around town has been great - 31.2 miles per gallon our highest so far (no trips on open highway miles yet to check that) - enjoyable to drive easy to see spot mirrows on the outside mirrors - body styling - less expensive 16 inch tires instead of the bigger more expensive tires found on other models - good interior and instrument lighting Cons: Not much leg room in the back seat - adio/clock controls take up so much space - standard radio okay but could be better soundwise - no storage space in middle of dash/console like other cars we've had - cup holders in front console too close together for large fast-food cups to fit without hitting each other - cup holders in back built into door - won't take anything but small cup - are awkward - automatic transmission is jerky at times when in low gear - when you start adding on options this car can be pretty expensive - no light for ignition switch We like this car but the cons I've listed make us wonder if we should have bought the Elantra instead. If Ford would improve the things I listed above and make some of the additional options standard and icreased the warranty this car could have taken the Car of the Year Award and would sell like hotcakes. Overall we would recomment this car if you are looking for one is this class."

15 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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Stay Away From This Car

By Tmod700 (CA) on Tuesday, September 06, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 820

Pros: "Styling is dead on, Lot's of features for price"

Cons: "Transmission has issues that Ford won't resolve."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I purchased this 2012 Focus about 3 weeks ago and while it drove nice off the dealer lot after it warmed up and during city driving the car began to shudder when taking off from a stop. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the shudder I was feeling, They contacted Ford and they stated it was normal. How many of you would care to purchase a car that shudders when taking off from a stop and then would you consider it normal? I talked to Ford Customer Service and that was just a waste of a phone call. In a time when we really have to pinch our pennies it just shock's me that a company such as Ford would not offer any assistance to the customer. There is also issues on some with the electronic power steering and people are finding they have to fight hard to get these vehicles fixed. As a new potential owner do you really want to take a chance and hope that you get a good one? Ford stated that thes issues are isloated incidents but yet they turn right around and say it is normal. How can something be a isloated incident and normal at the same time? Ford has lost my business and while this car is very nice in the looks and style department if you have issues after 2 days off the lot and they refuse to fix it I doubt it is really worth owning."

37 people out of 40 found this review helpful

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Great with the manual transmission

By cloudsrest (NH) on Thursday, January 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,200

Pros: "great price, fun to drive, good fuel economy"

Cons: "rear leg room, folding of rear seats"

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

"We have the SE sports package sedan with 5 spd manual transmission. The stick shift is sweet. I have been driving manuals for 30 years and this is probably better than any. The car handles superbly! Fuel economy has been very good as we don't drive over 70 mph. 38 highway,34 mixed driving . We love the styling of the interior and exterior; however, improvements can be made for comfort. The rear seat room needs a couple of inches more. I am tall and though there is ample legroom for the driver, the center console juts in a little too much for right knee comfort. Also the rear headrests should fold in so that the rear seat can fold properly. Overall so far, we love this car. We think it was an excellent value!"

14 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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My Touch makes life EASY

By Mschmal (NJ) on Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

Pros: "Great technology. Fun to Drive. Great fuel economy."

Cons: "needs more storage nooks for devices in the front."

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

"A lot of people have made negative comments about the Ford My Touch system. After owning the system for 5,000 miles. I have a very different opinion. Every review I have read has missed the whole point of this system. The 8.5 inch touch screen is the SECONDARY way to control things. The PRIMARY way is to use your VOICE. With out taking your hands off of the wheel, you have complete control of the radio, climate control, your phone and nav if you have it. On a typical car, if you are listening to station 10 on Sirius and you want to switch to 117, you have to punch in the numbers or spin a knob. With My Touch, I just say, "117". While the back seat is tight, the front is not cramped at all. It feels like one of the widest cars in its class. My only quibble is that the dual clutch trans is clearly programmed biased toward fuel economy and can be slow to downshift sometimes."

14 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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