I finally test drove one and you seriousely cannot appreciate how very slick this car is until you are behind the wheel. On a side note the Sync in my test drive car worked great he is just being nitpicky.
Pro tip: Leave it in sport while city driving. Really reduces the clunky shifting. My two complaints about the car are that the seating position is kind of tricky to get just right, and that passing on the highway is kind of slow because it feels like gear six and five are almost the same thing. But the good outweighs the bad on this car. The engine sounds great, sport mode actually is sporty, and the quality is really good.
I've never seen one of these in person, only when I'm in the car. Last night was the first time I've seen one standing right infront of it. It was very nice. Better than a cruze, elantra, civic, and corolla. Very nice.
What a hot looking sport hatch, well done Ford! Can't wait for the 250HP ST Focus to arrive, will lay waste to much of the competition! Definetely considering this car.
i own three focus models a 2004 a 2008 se and an 07 se i owned a hyundai scoupe at 50000 miles the transmission began to shift erratically the sunroof stopped in the middle and the car was in the shop for many many reasons i traded for my first 04 focus and was so surprised with the way i was treated by ford they actually know me by name and treat my family so well couldnt say the same for hyundai i have never had a problem with any of them except a bad fuel pump on my 07 warranty covered ...
Great video and great review I like the 5 door layout on pretty much all that have them , I'm 45 and American. Whaaat!? Should've had this version 3-4 years ago.
I've driven my wife's Focus. Pretty fun to drive overall. My only gripe is that the touch screen is basically impossible to use, especially while driving.
@adamc260 Ford Focus has been a EU Ford division model for a long time, built and developed in germany, and its been completely different than the car americans knew as the focus. This new Focus has also been mostly developed in germany, in fact, everything except infotainment system was developed by european engineers in EU division of Ford, originally this car was intended to be sold as 3rd generation of Focus , but has become a worldwide model...same as Fiesta and now Fusion(Mondeo)
When I was debating between the Mazda3 GT-E and a Focus Titanium, I came down to these reasons that I chose a Mazda3 GT since both cars handled really well: - The self-parking system isn't available for manual transmissions - Focus only comes in a 5spd manual while Mazda3 has a 6spd - Personal preference but I prefer 3 spoke steering wheels - Call me stubborn but I always wait til the car is at least in its 2nd year of production to ensure there isn't any problems that come up
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I have a ford Fiesta trend 2010, for sure and certain , in 2012 I'll buy this one "the ford foccus titanium", I falt in love.......
The Cruze is built in Lordstown, Ohio, in the same plant the Cobalts were built. GM does bulid the Cruze in Korea, but for just for the Korean market. The American one are all Ohio-built. And haven driven both a Daewoo (which is what you appear to be referring) and a Cruze, the Cruze is better by leaps and bounds.
This review is for the 2012 model. I just bought the 2014 model, and MyFordTouch seems to have improved a bit since then. There's still a bit of a learning curve, but it really wasn't as bad as many reviewers have said. The response-time really doesn't seem that bad to me. And voice-commands have definitely improved a great deal since 2012 -- I have had no problems entering in street addresses into the nav system using my voice.
Yup, that's right :-). I also got a 2014 model, alot have been changed from the start model to 2014. Mine is a 1,6 crdi diesel titanium with everything in equipment :-) really love this car!
Back in April of this year, I was also looking for a new car. You would be amazed at all the discounts and rebates that ford dealers are offering that aren't offered anywhere else. The Mazda 3 was decent, but the standard stereo head unit is pretty useless unless you upgrade to either the Tech Package or the Grand Touring model which is awesome but too expensive. Same problem with the Civic. The only reasons I was avoiding the Ford Focus included that Dual Clutch Transmission (which I heard was unreliable) and MyFordTouch. I then found an SE Focus Hatchback in Tuxedo Black with smoked charcoal rims that had the appearance package, heater leather seats, with a manual transmission. It's the perfect car for me. Has everything I want, with nothing I don't. With the discounts, the car came to a little over $18,000.
I just bought one (I love it!) and when I heard about the reliability issues I immediately started researching.... After the research I've done it seems like some people are experiencing issues, however it's not as serious as it looks (mechanically yes, it's a problem, but #'s wise not really) It seems that people just don't know how to drive it properly and mistake a real issue with their own driving habits in most cases. So! in reality it looks as if it's a very small # of people with actual problems. Less than 5% (probably even less). However that 5% is a very LOUD 5%. So it looks big, but really isn't. Think of it this way... If a bad thing happens to someone, you're going to hear about it. lets say a car accident or getting a ticket... However if they're just going along their day and nothing happens... Silence... You don't hear "hey! I didn't get into a wreck today!" when you talk to every single person in your office... **knock on wood**
I test drove an SE sedan today and it felt great on power, considering this is not meant to rein in Mustang territory. I find it very refined for the price and the look is polarizing, I agree, but I like it. That should keep gramps from buying it.
There is a slight error in this video, the Focus can look on the left side of the street, you just need to activate your left turn signal to switch sides.
NO U R NOT! THE SEDAN IS BETTER LOOKIN,IT LOOKS LIKE A JAGUAR KICK ASS LOOKIN ONLY 4 DOOR I EVER BOUGHT.IT DOESNT EVEN FEEL LIKE A 4 DOOR SERIOUS AND I HATE 4 DOOR.
I still don't like that there is no manual transmission for the higher level Focus. I got a GTI instead. I liked the car but the manual S version had the cheap cloth that looked good despite the quality. Loved how the car looked inside and out and was considering it. With the GTI I got superior interior, turbo, sunroof,6.7 and 6 speed manual, but no nav or self parking and paid 23800.
the engine on the 2010-present Ford Focus Engine 1.0 L EcoBoost I3 1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4 1.6 L EcoBoost I4 2.0 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4 GDI (Not available in Europe, except Russia: only engine available in North America) 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (ST, 2012) 1.6 L Duratorq TDCi 2.0 L Duratorq TDCi
I have a 2012 sedan (auto) dropped in a K&N filter and I do more than 42 mpg. I also have a 2005 stick shift (144k miles) with K&N and a magnaflow and I topped out at 38mpg on that one
Theproblemwithvoicecommandsisthatthewaywespeaksoundslikethewaythisiswritten, there are no gaps when viewed on an oscilloscope, our brain takes 3 years to learn our native language, it will be a long time before we have a computer doing things perfectly. That said, sync is definitely cumbersome outside of the native issues of voice recognition.
I got a chance to test drive the new focus se and i liked it not too big on the front bumper though its distracting and not pleasing to the eye. Can u say body kit.I also like the new civic and the mazda 3 both nice the chevy cruze was a good value and looked upscale on the inside but a lil pricey for the upgrades .I think the hyundai elantra is sharp it has the most character it all depends on what you want cant wait for cr reviews ...
I actually have had bad luck with a few other cars i bought a kia sephia in 98 that not only broke down but i ended up saying fu87 it and let it get repoed .And i still have a 2000 chevy impala base in my front yard that i love that has a few issues but nothing major it all depends on how you take care of your ride ay 3000 miles i change the oil at 60000 i change plugs and wires i keep them covered when not driven and take em for maintenance when necessary i detail on the side .
@Mark01gt 38mpg Highway means about 28mpg average. I have a 15 yr old 3.0 V6 getting 26mpg average, and a 95 Honda getting about 28mpg average. Which is why I won't buy a new car unless that start running on water.
@AGreedyTree I personally prefer the sedan, but the hatch is a long time sportier vehicle to some people. Also more aerodynamic if you ask some people.
I wonder if this guy shouts at everyone he talks to, the way he shouts at the camera. Also, how is this the 'car the rest of the world loves' when it's also new for the rest of world? So much for knowing a bit about the history of the platform, CNET.
He said " This vehicle does not look for parking on the left" but it does. Turn the left turn lights on and it looks on the left. If you have reviewed the vehicle, you should have learned all specifications.
I'd get one of these in a second if it was a bit quicker. I was there was an in-between trim with more power than the 2.0 in this, but less than the ST.
Um, interior looks cheap, but the gauges aren't bad. $27K is pricey for a Ford. Paid $23k for my '08 Mazdaspeed3 GT, less MPG but tons more fun in every way! Other than having to use premium and mpg, I don't see any other reason to buy a Focus. I'd buy a Prius...when I've lost the passion for fast cars...and gas is $10/gal.
The stock Titanium wheels are no good. You really should pay the extra $595 to get the Titanium Handling Package with the 18" five-spoke wheels and sport suspension.
Audi nice at ford price. I've had many cars. Skeptical about a ford but this was very nice. Better tranny than my Audi. Less rattles than my mini. More high end power than my tdi. More interior features than my denali, nicer quality interior too. I agree read a map, learn to park save the money. Nice review overall too. Oh and hey Davemoto; you haven't a clue so shut up. That's a direct shut your mouth order.
I finally test drove one and you seriousely cannot appreciate how very slick this car is until you are behind the wheel. On a side note the Sync in my test drive car worked great he is just being nitpicky.
Love my 2012 SEL after 90k miles it is still going strong compared to my friends elantra which has many major issues.
Pro tip: Leave it in sport while city driving. Really reduces the clunky shifting.
My two complaints about the car are that the seating position is kind of tricky to get just right, and that passing on the highway is kind of slow because it feels like gear six and five are almost the same thing. But the good outweighs the bad on this car. The engine sounds great, sport mode actually is sporty, and the quality is really good.
I've never seen one of these in person, only when I'm in the car. Last night was the first time I've seen one standing right infront of it. It was very nice. Better than a cruze, elantra, civic, and corolla. Very nice.
Nice review, love the emphasis on the technology built into the Focus.
What a hot looking sport hatch, well done Ford! Can't wait for the 250HP ST Focus to arrive, will lay waste to much of the competition! Definetely considering this car.
it looks for parking on the left. You just have to put the signal to the left :)
@CNETTV It does park on the left, you have to put the left blinker on and the auto park feature will search for a spot on the laft
i own three focus models a 2004 a 2008 se and an 07 se i owned a hyundai scoupe at 50000 miles the transmission began to shift erratically the sunroof stopped in the middle and the car was in the shop for many many reasons i traded for my first 04 focus and was so surprised with the way i was treated by ford they actually know me by name and treat my family so well couldnt say the same for hyundai i have never had a problem with any of them except a bad fuel pump on my 07 warranty covered ...
Best review on the Focus I have seen yet. TX!
Great video and great review I like the 5 door layout on pretty much all that have them , I'm 45 and American. Whaaat!? Should've had this version 3-4 years ago.
i love this guy's reviews
I've driven my wife's Focus. Pretty fun to drive overall. My only gripe is that the touch screen is basically impossible to use, especially while driving.
It does park itself to the left .. after you push "PARK" bottom give a signal to the left ..
and the Focus will search in the left side
Very good review, and mostly positive as well. Good job, Ford.
@adamc260 Ford Focus has been a EU Ford division model for a long time, built and developed in germany, and its been completely different than the car americans knew as the focus. This new Focus has also been mostly developed in germany, in fact, everything except infotainment system was developed by european engineers in EU division of Ford, originally this car was intended to be sold as 3rd generation of Focus , but has become a worldwide model...same as Fiesta and now Fusion(Mondeo)
I have synch on an F150. So many identical looking buttons you have to use the voice feature to avoid running off the roads.
When I was debating between the Mazda3 GT-E and a Focus Titanium, I came down to these reasons that I chose a Mazda3 GT since both cars handled really well:
- The self-parking system isn't available for manual transmissions
- Focus only comes in a 5spd manual while Mazda3 has a 6spd
- Personal preference but I prefer 3 spoke steering wheels
- Call me stubborn but I always wait til the car is at least in its 2nd year of production to ensure there isn't any problems that come up
I have a ford Fiesta trend 2010, for sure and certain , in 2012 I'll buy this one "the ford foccus titanium", I falt in love.......
The Cruze is built in Lordstown, Ohio, in the same plant the Cobalts were built. GM does bulid the Cruze in Korea, but for just for the Korean market. The American one are all Ohio-built. And haven driven both a Daewoo (which is what you appear to be referring) and a Cruze, the Cruze is better by leaps and bounds.
MrHypnofan The Cruze is based on an Opel which was designed by Gm Korea (formerly known as Daewoo) if I'm not mistaken.
This review is for the 2012 model. I just bought the 2014 model, and MyFordTouch seems to have improved a bit since then. There's still a bit of a learning curve, but it really wasn't as bad as many reviewers have said. The response-time really doesn't seem that bad to me. And voice-commands have definitely improved a great deal since 2012 -- I have had no problems entering in street addresses into the nav system using my voice.
Yup, that's right :-). I also got a 2014 model, alot have been changed from the start model to 2014. Mine is a 1,6 crdi diesel titanium with everything in equipment :-) really love this car!
Back in April of this year, I was also looking for a new car. You would be amazed at all the discounts and rebates that ford dealers are offering that aren't offered anywhere else. The Mazda 3 was decent, but the standard stereo head unit is pretty useless unless you upgrade to either the Tech Package or the Grand Touring model which is awesome but too expensive. Same problem with the Civic. The only reasons I was avoiding the Ford Focus included that Dual Clutch Transmission (which I heard was unreliable) and MyFordTouch. I then found an SE Focus Hatchback in Tuxedo Black with smoked charcoal rims that had the appearance package, heater leather seats, with a manual transmission. It's the perfect car for me. Has everything I want, with nothing I don't. With the discounts, the car came to a little over $18,000.
I just bought one (I love it!) and when I heard about the reliability issues I immediately started researching.... After the research I've done it seems like some people are experiencing issues, however it's not as serious as it looks (mechanically yes, it's a problem, but #'s wise not really) It seems that people just don't know how to drive it properly and mistake a real issue with their own driving habits in most cases.
So! in reality it looks as if it's a very small # of people with actual problems. Less than 5% (probably even less). However that 5% is a very LOUD 5%. So it looks big, but really isn't.
Think of it this way... If a bad thing happens to someone, you're going to hear about it. lets say a car accident or getting a ticket... However if they're just going along their day and nothing happens... Silence... You don't hear "hey! I didn't get into a wreck today!" when you talk to every single person in your office... **knock on wood**
best review. Great job Ford even with his problems i still like it.
Fantastic review, love you attitude bet the hell outa motortrend and caranddriver reviews.
I test drove an SE sedan today and it felt great on power, considering this is not meant to rein in Mustang territory. I find it very refined for the price and the look is polarizing, I agree, but I like it. That should keep gramps from buying it.
that automated parking was insane O_O
There is a slight error in this video, the Focus can look on the left side of the street, you just need to activate your left turn signal to switch sides.
Am I the only who actually prefers the sedan over the hatchback?
Nope, I love the sedan. The hatchback just looks odd.
Hatch all day
I think hatches are.....strange, sedans look nicer.
NO U R NOT! THE SEDAN IS BETTER LOOKIN,IT LOOKS LIKE A JAGUAR KICK ASS LOOKIN ONLY 4 DOOR I EVER BOUGHT.IT DOESNT EVEN FEEL LIKE A 4 DOOR SERIOUS AND I HATE 4 DOOR.
I have a pre facelifted sedan and I think the hatchback looks better
Ford has fixed the shudder issue,hit them up for a new clutch and seal.i did,my 2014 hasnt shuddered or jerked since.
38 mpg highway is great for a non hybrid! Plus it's nice looking, compared to the old focus.
I still don't like that there is no manual transmission for the higher level Focus. I got a GTI instead. I liked the car but the manual S version had the cheap cloth that looked good despite the quality. Loved how the car looked inside and out and was considering it. With the GTI I got superior interior, turbo, sunroof,6.7 and 6 speed manual, but no nav or self parking and paid 23800.
if you mean the plastic outside. that aint a problem if you just use the right car care products.
Have owned a Focus for two years now. Enjoy the great fuel economy. However, time to move on to another vehicle. Possibly an X3.
the new focus is better then the old one
the engine on the 2010-present Ford Focus
Engine
1.0 L EcoBoost I3
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
2.0 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4 GDI (Not available in Europe, except Russia: only engine available in North America)
2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (ST, 2012)
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi
I like your review. Some good honest points.
Getting one of these soon, can't wait
But we are in the UK so our's will looks different
@Slungs1 yea even then those products eventually have to be reapplied every couple of washes or about every month.
Best car in its class. Test drove them all, nothing compares. Mazda 3 was the closest.
I have a 2012 sedan (auto) dropped in a K&N filter and I do more than 42 mpg. I also have a 2005 stick shift (144k miles) with K&N and a magnaflow and I topped out at 38mpg on that one
On the parking assist, you are wrong. It can find parking spaces on the left, you just need to signal left.
You would have to step up to titanium for the auto parking feature
Theproblemwithvoicecommandsisthatthewaywespeaksoundslikethewaythisiswritten, there are no gaps when viewed on an oscilloscope, our brain takes 3 years to learn our native language, it will be a long time before we have a computer doing things perfectly. That said, sync is definitely cumbersome outside of the native issues of voice recognition.
I really want a hatchback for my next car i dont know if its a phase or not but i want one lol
im picking mine up in Toronto in 4 days!
I got a chance to test drive the new focus se and i liked it not too big on the front bumper though its distracting and not pleasing to the eye. Can u say body kit.I also like the new civic and the mazda 3 both nice the chevy cruze was a good value and looked upscale on the inside but a lil pricey for the upgrades .I think the hyundai elantra is sharp it has the most character it all depends on what you want cant wait for cr reviews ...
I actually have had bad luck with a few other cars i bought a kia sephia in 98 that not only broke down but i ended up saying fu87 it and let it get repoed .And i still have a 2000 chevy impala base in my front yard that i love that has a few issues but nothing major it all depends on how you take care of your ride ay 3000 miles i change the oil at 60000 i change plugs and wires i keep them covered when not driven and take em for maintenance when necessary i detail on the side .
Most of the issues he has with the screen are being fixed in the MFT update in the next month or so.
Don't bother w/ the navigation, just get SYNC w/ services, it's much better than any nav system on the market.
@Mark01gt 38mpg Highway means about 28mpg average. I have a 15 yr old 3.0 V6 getting 26mpg average, and a 95 Honda getting about 28mpg average. Which is why I won't buy a new car unless that start running on water.
How's the Sony sound system??? No word on that.....
What's better this or the new Toyota Prius specifically the 4 and 5 trim but simpily just 2012 ford focus vs Toyota Prius
Can Brian do ALL CNET reviews?
it parks on the left if you put your turn signal to the left. At least thats how it is on my escape. pretty sure its the same.
Question - How is the outward rear visibility in the hatchback? The back window seems small. Thanks.
There are Focuses (Focii?) on the road with over 200K mi on them, and some with 300K.
@AGreedyTree I personally prefer the sedan, but the hatch is a long time sportier vehicle to some people. Also more aerodynamic if you ask some people.
Fiesta??? There hasn't been one sold in the US since 1980. I don't know what you compared a new one to.
I wonder if there's an auto shop button too. Then she would never have to leave the kitchen!!!
Wow a 16 sedan titanium is closer to 27k now.
Michael Sullivan Sedan is ugly
@MooseheadDrinker It will. My family picked one up, and I fit in it easy.
Oh, note to reviewers...never wear bright colored shirts or red. Wear a soothing blue...
I think he probably meant that you can't do both at the same time.
@cardude1992 uhh, you can get a VW polo, and even a SEAT ibiza with dual clutch transmission. a 7 speed one at that.
I wonder if this guy shouts at everyone he talks to, the way he shouts at the camera. Also, how is this the 'car the rest of the world loves' when it's also new for the rest of world? So much for knowing a bit about the history of the platform, CNET.
He said " This vehicle does not look for parking on the left" but it does. Turn the left turn lights on and it looks on the left. If you have reviewed the vehicle, you should have learned all specifications.
@muiscnight I can kind of relate.. I hate hatchbacks, but I love this car haha. I want it so badly!
I'd get one of these in a second if it was a bit quicker. I was there was an in-between trim with more power than the 2.0 in this, but less than the ST.
So, if you put it on "D" do you still have to use the rocker to up/down shift?
My best friend bought a black one its pretty nice but the transmission is very clunky that's her only issue
I think the sedan looks better.
also, in my country the hatchback is cheaper than the sedan .
great review
I want this car!
so... I'm getting that you don't like the nav-system? or am I mistaken :-)
When i look at his shirt i just think of water........... ABSOLUTELY TASTELESS!!!!
Just curious: This car vs Prius?
Um, interior looks cheap, but the gauges aren't bad. $27K is pricey for a Ford. Paid $23k for my '08 Mazdaspeed3 GT, less MPG but tons more fun in every way! Other than having to use premium and mpg, I don't see any other reason to buy a Focus. I'd buy a Prius...when I've lost the passion for fast cars...and gas is $10/gal.
The car will look for parking spots on the left not just the left
It parks itself!!!!!!!!!!!
They don't have this stuff in the UK :-(
I think the hatchback look better than the sedan version, but that is my opinion. and 500 bucks aint much.
The stock Titanium wheels are no good. You really should pay the extra $595 to get the Titanium Handling Package with the 18" five-spoke wheels and sport suspension.
Im sorry are the fuel consumption figures MPG? 28 MPG? Cant be right surely? I get better consumption on my golf turbo!
can i buy this without the navigation?
It is...Built in Dearborn, Michigan
It's a hatchback - it doesn't have a "boot",
And we call them "trunks" here, Nigel. Get with the program.
davegpmoto why hatin on sucess on 4 wheels?
I am going to buy that car purely for the wipers. 6:00
Heh that could be useful too, how come the company didn't think about that yet! :P
Audi nice at ford price. I've had many cars. Skeptical about a ford but this was very nice. Better tranny than my Audi. Less rattles than my mini. More high end power than my tdi. More interior features than my denali, nicer quality interior too. I agree read a map, learn to park save the money. Nice review overall too. Oh and hey Davemoto; you haven't a clue so shut up. That's a direct shut your mouth order.
which colour have this car?
I personaly like the hydraulic steering much better, 98-04! :] ...miss Escort cosworth!! :]
nice contribution to the growing shrunken head society
is not fiesta?
@macbookpro57
they may have copied Lexus, but the Ford system is quicker and easier to use.
Why would a car need an sd slot?
Aja Shumate for the sat nav maps
Aja Shumate mp3 files or videos
Aja Shumate Some car makers do it as a way for you to store music in the car. Volkswagen and Audi does or at least used to this as well.
isles20 in my 2014 titanium the sd slot is for the sat nav maps just above the stereo screen. On top of that you have a USB slot and aux input
i tink the sync is a great system... im sorry you aren't able to operate such a simple system, but dont blame ford....
how much is that in kpl?
I so want one :)
Man those windshield wipers are weird 6:00