2012 ford focus

[tjts1]

If the 5 door does well they might bring it over. It seems hatch backs and wagons are catching on again. VW isn't having any trouble selling Jetta wagons these days.

[ChazInMT]

I would seriously look at an Elantra, it gets 40mpg has a great warranty, great reliability on previous models, and has 3 cuft more trunk capacity and 4 cuft more interior volume, the focus is a small car. I was really bummed at how small the hatchback was, particularly the rear cargo area under the shelf, I don't think it would hold more than 2 large suitcases. They list the capacity as 23 cuft, but that is filling the whole back with potatoes to where you can't see out, dangerous on many levels. Both cars are aerodynamically sick. (as in good) The Ford will run circles around the Hyundai and is probably a bit better built, but is also $3,000-$6,000 more cash. My 2¢.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by morphector

If only ford could make the average suv owner understand that this car have the same cargo space than their suv while getting around 2x the milleage while being 5-10k cheaper they would sell a ****load of them.

Except that Ford sells SUVs and doesn't have to pay for the gas that you use. An ****load of SUVs sold makes Ford an ****load more money than any five ****loads of small cars. Now if FE becomes a higher priority in our market, high MPG cars can demand a premium in the showroom and replace pickups and SUVs as the industry's focus. Until then FE is a $500 gimmick that features slightly different wheel covers and an "SFE" nameplate.

[Christopher Jordan]

[QUOTE=Arragonis;241469] Its almost like the time in the early 1950s - both Ford and Vauxhall (UK GM) launched new 4 and 6 cylinder cars at the same time - Ford Consul / Zephyr and the Vauxhall Velox / Cresta. They looked very similar and their engines had exactly the same capacity.
[QUOTE]

I had two 1958 Vauxhall Victor Supers. The Pontiac division of GM imported them for a while, but big Pontiacs, Buick, and Cadillacs won at size. The popular small car was the VW Bug. Sadly; no more Vauxhalls.

Truthfully, I would rather see Vauxhalls available in the US since they have had small car experience.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by joesgot4

how would yall rank the new ford focus compared to all the other new cars?

I have rented several Focus-es in the last year or two, and I rather liked them. I started a review for the EM Blog a while ago and stalled-out on the project so it never got published -- but here it is.

When the Ford Focus debuted as a 1999 model, it gained immediate popularity as an affordable and sporty domestic compact. The Focus' European accent, handling cues, and design made it pleasantly different. As Ford's "World Car", its size slipped in-between the lagging Contour/Mystique lineup with its smaller, more modern appeal. It also offered more overall room than the Escort Sedan, for which it officially replaced. The 2-door ZX2 continued into overlapping sales years. Mercury continued the Cougar compact coupe, but did not adopt a re-branded subcompact due to its upscale marketing schema (so no Tracer or Mystique replacement appeared -- the Cougar died out with the lack of 2-door vehicle popularity).

Although cutting-edge, the first years were not without massive recalls akin to its Contour predecessor, in its first model years in the U.S. After the growing pains diminished, the Focus grew into (some popular and now defunct) formulations like the ZTW Wagon, a 5-door "ZX5" hatchback, and high-performance SVT 3-door models. What has remained the same is a simple package of a compact coupe, sedan or hatchback, with good fuel economy, affordability, and taught handling. So where are we now?

In 2008 (after several facelifts) the second generation model appeared, with more aggressive lines, upgraded interior, and available upscale electronics and safety. Controversy still existed while the European Focus seemed to evolve into a class-leader (and completely independent model), while the North American version took its own course and criticism. The gas crisis and the "Cash for Clunkers" program set the Focus in the sights of new car buyers. Quality improved and so did available features.

Vehicle Tested:

2010 Ford Focus SES with leather interior, heated leather seats, SYNC / Bluetooth systems, satellite radio, and a host of other options like alloy wheels, sport appearance package, and foglamps. I was pleasantly surprised to find an entry-level model with the roots of an economy car, teamed with luxury extras found in vehicles 3-times the price. Just a few years ago, it was nearly impossible to find a small, economy-based sedan, but with high-end components offered: the compromise has often been to opt for a larger model that ate fuel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Luckily, we have options these days.

The Drive:

First, I have to exert my observation of a huge improvement in Ford's build quality. When I have the choice, I find myself choosing Ford models over comperable foreign makes. At the time of this writing, I am enjoying the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion as the rental du jour (fuel economy, interior ergonomics, and mile-eating audio options just make trips better).

My first experience of the new focus was with the base SE model as a rental in South Bend, Indiana. The cold, city-style driving circuit yielded an impressive 29 MPG. What I first noticed was the much-improved interior quality, design, and radio/HVAC controls. Despite the last design becoming a bit tired, the new refresh could stand alone as a all-new model with its vast improvement. This author has been known to criticize the previous generation, in its later years, for a lack of quality and missed attention to detail -- but the latest iteration deserves a closer look and respect.

Power from the 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder is strong and immediate from a standing start and pulls with confidence to the redline. Keeping a light right foot offers good fuel-economy, despite the transmission's willingness to downshift at feather-light throttle inputs. A 5-speed manual is available.

Handling in the base version is taught, with the SES (sport) version being very grippy and responsive. Ride quality has evolved into one a bit more harsh, in favor of a more youthful, sporty feel.

That was about a year or so ago, so the competition has changed. New and used vehicles with good FE have retained their value.

Before we can recommend a vehicle, you have to ask yourself what you need, then let us know. Especially the following (and rate how important each of them are to you):

* What is your Budget?
* What vehicle style do you need -- 2-door, 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan, convertible...?
* Is there a particular brand that you prefer or avoid?
* New or Used?
* What is your Fuel Economy target?
* Transmission: Manual or Auto?
* Drivetrain: AWD necessary?
* Performance -- is it high on the list?
* Predicted Reliability important?
* Can it be serviced in your area?
* Are Union-Made vehicles important to you?
* Resale value?
* Warranty?

With these questions answered, our team of experts can point you in the right direction

[Arragonis]

Just a quick question.

VW, Audi, Mercedes and BMW sell Diesels in the US, a restricted few only though I think?

GM (Opel / Vauxhall) and Ford both make Diesels in the EU. These meet the same emissions limits as the those models above do.

So do Chevrolet EU (aka Daewoo), Kia, Hyundai and even Honda and Toyota.

So why not in the US ?

If nobody wanted them, VW, Audi, Mercedes and BMW wouldn't bother.

Or am I missing something obvious ?

EDIT - BTW those GM and Ford diesels are really quite good, as good as the TDIs really.

[Fat Charlie]

VW, Audi, Mercedes and BMW all make money without selling a lot of cars in the US. They focus on niche markets, and diesel is a niche here. In the EU it's a huge part of the market so everybody sells diesels.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Just a quick question.

VW, Audi, Mercedes and BMW sell Diesels in the US, a restricted few only though I think?

GM (Opel / Vauxhall) and Ford both make Diesels in the EU. These meet the same emissions limits as the those models above do.

So do Chevrolet EU (aka Daewoo), Kia, Hyundai and even Honda and Toyota.

So why not in the US ?

Diesel engines in europe don't meet the same emissions limits as the US. The engines VW/Audi and MB sell in the US have additional emissions equipment and slightly higher fuel consumption than the same engines sold in Europe. Factor in that gasoline costs $4.00/gallon and diesel is 10% more expensive and diesel is kind of pointless for most people. The cheapest diesel sold in the US (Jetta) costs exactly the same as a Prius. The Prius has a much lower cost per mile and a bigger interior. You can get a Honda Insight for $4000 less than a Prius or a Jetta.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx...Field=Findacar

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c...f.jsp?id=30656

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c...f.jsp?id=30843

[NHRABill]

Yup think tjts1 just said it all,

I look at the European Diesels that get these great mileage and t was not just the emissions that cause the problem it is a safety factor as well. There are safety restrictions that would add hundreds of lbs. to a car to meet the standards and also kill that desirable super high MPG many of us here want.

For past 5 years Tata has wanted to get a cheap and fe car to the North American market but it fails time and time again.


I do dig the focus but it seems to be par for its class it is not super, but not bad at all it is better than its last generation in specs but time will tell. I would buy a Ford as a more reliable better put together car well before Hyundai. I see many old seriously abused focuses on the roads than accents that is just my opinion though.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by NHRABill

I look at the European Diesels that get these great mileage and t was not just the emissions that cause the problem it is a safety factor as well. There are safety restrictions that would add hundreds of lbs. to a car to meet the standards and also kill that desirable super high MPG many of us here want.

Yes, emissions are different, but not by much.

I think that the reason more emissions equipment might be needed is because of the fuel - Europe was the first to switch to ULSD.

But safety requirements in the US and EU are very close, if not the same. It's the Third World that has catching up to do. Safety is the reason that Chinese and Indian cars have a hard time getting getting a foothold on the American and European markets, which is understandable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D827IxEJVS4

.