Why do people love the Ford Focus so much
 

I don't get it. I rented one this past week. The car is complete garbage. While the interior is decent, the car is small. It rides almost as bad as the Z and it is noisy. Is this how 16k cars are now?

Focus ST baby. I can't wait to see how they do.

I had an svt fous. It was a cool little car, for what it was :shrug:

I'm actually in the market for a new 16k car right now. The Focus is one that I'll be looking at, along with a Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and a host of others.

I looked at the Focus ST, too. I'm sure it's fast, but it's pretty tiny inside up front. I'm sure it's quick, but at 29k (optioned out model they had on the lot), it's pretty pricey.

I'm not sure I get your logic - or your expectations for $16k. A compact car is small? No way!

Much of the buzz surrounding the new Focus centered on the US finally getting the capable Euro platform back. Seeing as Detroit has long struggled to bring a compact car to the table with similar performance/reliability/desirability as the Japanese or Germans (sans reliability) auto journalists were justified in their excitement to get their hands on the Euro model.

Much of the hype is also based on the performance variants, namely the ST (252hp from a 2.0L I4 turbo, 0-60 in 6.2 sec).

As far as “riding almost as bad” as the Z – that’s a pretty ridiculous comment. The Z’s handling is one of the crowning achievements of Nissan’s engineers, if you ask me. Few other cars provide a similar balance between comfort and capability. On the other hand, inexpensive economy cars, especially those with a short wheelbase, are going to suffer from both a) sloppy handling and b) poor dampening. This is the worst of both worlds, in that every bump gets transmitted thru to your spine AND there's little in the way of roadholding. That the Z's suspension is stiff is at least a symptom of purpose.

I just really have to wonder – what exactly do you expect from $16k? You do realize in the realm of new cars, that’s not too far from the floor.

Really you find the ride of your Z BAD? How do you ride it BTW?

How about the Mazda Rx8 Yes?....No? for a 16K banger. My choice btw.

While I respect their performance, they are actually quite tight to sit in and not as good on gas. Plus I want something for snowy times when RWD isn't as attractive an option.

I sat inside a rental once and the car inside is small as hell. I'm only 5'10". I sat in the front passenger chair (which hardly have enough space), and even my 2.5 yrs old son with the car seat feel some tight in the back. I do like the Ford Fucsion. Rented that car a few times and pretty satisfy with it.

I agree. rented a focus a few years ago and complete garbage. Ended up having to pay for a new wheel in that car. Rented a new one this summer and while some of the new tech is okayish the engine was already having problems at only about 10k miles. JUNK

First sets of dyno runs in

COBB got 226 whp and 286 ft/lb tq

Guy at a local dyno got 233 whp and 266 ft/lb tq

Ford is sandbagging a bit on the power specs.

A coworker is picking one up in November, can't wait to see how it rides. I'm guessing Cobb will have an accessport for it ASAP.

I paid 15K for my fully loaded Nissan Cube. It rides slightly better, it is quieter and it is bigger. For all the hype the Focus is getting, I am just disappointed.

They can take Europe all they want, but it is a piece of poop no matter what country you are from.

There are way better choices out there, no way in hell would I go near a stupid Focus.

It's bad for even a sports car, it is what it is.

Exactly, I felt the same way. I can find way better options than the stupid Focus.

The only other Ford I'd own besides my own is a new Taurus SHO. The ST is impressive and I'm excited to see how it does but I don't think I could go back to my Caliber Srt4 hot hatch days.

As for the ride quality being as bad as the Z, the Z's is bad for a purpose, I can't see why a base focus needs to ride rough. Poor design choice there.

I forgot you're one of the resident Z-hating trolls. Here to rain on everyone's parade.


Wouldn't your Focus bash be more appropriate on a dedicated forum - you'd get more of that classic troll effect you're looking for here: http://www.focusfanatics.com/

I have driven many MANY cars over my 33 years of driving, you sir are wrong. I test drove cars for 2 years before buy my G then another 6 months before buying the Z I will say it once again, you sir are wrong. I drove everything from Z4 to Skys, Elises to an SL550. The best bang for your buck that I could find, which included handling, ride as well as creature features in a 2 seater was the 370z.