Since my old article died on old oppo, and as I'd like to exit this car this year (for another post) I figured I would put this together if I had the time.
For the TL:DR, I really, really like the FOST. I just don't love it.
I bought my FOST new in August of 2018. They were being discontinued the following year, so I got a whopping 6k(!) off the MSRP. These were going for used prices, so I felt like I needed to pull the trigger. To an extent, I'm glad I did. This generation focus is a product of Ford Europe I believe, and they did a killer job. It's a bigger car than ever before, basically midsized as opposed to compact. And as an everyday hatchback, it does what I ask it to. Perfectly practical for everyday use. Pleasant to drive.
Fun? Well...
This is my second "hot hatch", formerly a 2010 Mini Cooper S. I really like the idea of a fun economy type car. And they do handle and feel great.
The problem becomes the fact that it is my do everything car. Which means I need this car for commuting. I can't be blowing through tires and brakes, I can't accept really any risk that it can go down. And, mostly, it's front wheel drive.
I might come across as a purist. But as you will see, I'm not. I've driven a manual daily since 18. My next car is going to be an automatic.
Performance
The problem is just as you'd expect. Too many compromises. And that's not to say that the focus doesn't handle well. It does. Cornering is incredibly flat. Now that the suspension is broken in, it isn't quite as amazing as when it was new, but there is no body roll. None. It feels every bit the performance car. Even the typical FWD understeer has a tendency to dig in after a brief moment and really turn the car. It's a similar story with the engine. Nothing particularly outstanding, but it is still just generally good. Predictable, broad power band. The transmission just works. 6th is still a bit short for 70-80 mph cruising, but I suppose performance is a trade off. Brakes are massive and predictably powerful. It's a delight, really.
But.
Flippin front wheel drive. The car just doesn't hook up. If you roll into it, the FOST has some real punch. That wheel hop though, it just really kills the enthusiasm I have. I really, really want hot hatches to make sense. I really want FWD to be "not that bad". But I just don't get it. Give me some sloppy V8 running on leaf springs, this just doesn't do it for me. You never feel like you are misbehaving. There's no fear. The car just...complies, or washes out if you push it. Maybe it's too good. But what I'm not having is fun, despite just how good it is compared to cars of yore.
Comfort
Again, Ford really picked up the slack. Touchpoint materials are really nice (except the shift knob, I replaced that garbage). Switches feel excellent, and the car has full auto open/close power windows. Seats are very comfortable, rear legroom is fantastic due to scalloped front seats. I will say my biggest regret is the cloth interior. Nothing wrong with it per se, but man do I notice it every time I enter the car. I would have greatly preferred faux leather or anything for that matter. Also, there is some weirdness with the infotainment housing's plastic picking up fingernail scratches. Pedals and shifter are not as good as the mini's, but perfectly fine.
Comfort fails due to skinny tires and stiff suspension. No surprises there, but Pennsylvanian roads are what they are. And having a car this stiff tires you out, fast. I am reminded of this every time I drive someone else's vehicle. There are some annoying faults of mine, such as needing to remove the rear headrests to fold the seats due to the low rear roofline. But none are really serious issues if this type of vehicle is what you want.
Reliability
nothing major to report. Mind you, only 22k miles in 3+ years of ownership. I had a small A/C leak fixed under warranty, a known headlight fogging issue also replaced under warranty, and I had my washer fluid cap disintegrate for some odd reason, also well known apparently. I haven't bothered the dealer and will replace whenever I actually remember.
Also of note, my fuel economy is trash. 20MPG on premium. Highway is actually pretty good, but I rarely drive highway. The gas tank is unfortunately small at something like 12.5 gallons and I fill it constantly.
Overall score: 8/10
As a car, the Focus is great. It does everything you could reasonably ask it to do. As a concept, my opinion is that it is deeply suboptimal. Knowing the reality of the situation, I have no real complaints outside of the small gas tank. If these cars are your thing, doubtless you will be happy. I can say that it has never really given me an "I love this car" moment, but I have never regretted my buying decision either. I only feel that perhaps it's just the wrong car for my use.
It hopefully worked out for me in the end (stay tuned), but I can't help but wonder, given how good economy cars have gotten, if I should have just gone for a boring DD and saved money for a pure toy instead.
I think Bonnie might understand that he is a puppy, but she isn't quite sure what to do with him. He is the calmest puppy we have ever had, and seems more interested in snuggles than playtime.
911 ass comparison
