2012 Ford Focus Hatchback?

[pje65]

Hi, everyone.

I just stumbled upon this thread, so I thought I'd comment. I just bought a Focus about a month and a half ago. So far, I like it a lot. I've generally had Toyotas and Hondas in the past, but the Focus came highly recommended, so I checked it out. I've got about 1200 miles on it so far and have been averaging 32-33 mpg in mixed driving. As far as the 5 speed goes, you've always been able to get it on the S or SE. As of 4 or 5 months ago, you could get it on the Titanium too. The only one you can't get it on is the SEL, which they're discontinuing for '13 anyway. I got the SE w/MT. I really like the way it drives and (especially) corners. It's a lot of fun to drive. No problems at all so far, though I'm a little worried about reliability in the long run. The main issues people have had with the '12 Focus have involved My Ford Touch and the dual clutch. I don't have either of those.

Pete

 

[steve2112]

Hi, everyone.

I just stumbled upon this thread, so I thought I'd comment. I just bought a Focus about a month and a half ago. So far, I like it a lot. I've generally had Toyotas and Hondas in the past, but the Focus came highly recommended, so I checked it out. I've got about 1200 miles on it so far and have been averaging 32-33 mpg in mixed driving. As far as the 5 speed goes, you've always been able to get it on the S or SE. As of 4 or 5 months ago, you could get it on the Titanium too. The only one you can't get it on is the SEL, which they're discontinuing for '13 anyway. I got the SE w/MT. I really like the way it drives and (especially) corners. It's a lot of fun to drive. No problems at all so far, though I'm a little worried about reliability in the long run. The main issues people have had with the '12 Focus have involved My Ford Touch and the dual clutch. I don't have either of those.

Pete

Car and Driver confirms that. I knew I hadn't seen it on the Titanium package, and this C/D article confirms it. I'm digging that Focus ST model, but I'm still not sold on sending that much power only to the front wheels, especially without a real limited-slip diff.

 

[jeremy h]

Hi, everyone.

I just stumbled upon this thread, so I thought I'd comment. .... No problems at all so far, though I'm a little worried about reliability in the long run. The main issues people have had with the '12 Focus have involved My Ford Touch and the dual clutch. I don't have either of those.

Pete

To anyone here in the UK / Europe who are considering the 1.6TDCi (don't think that engine is sold in the States)- be a bit careful if buying secondhand - there seems to be a lot of issues cropping up with the turbo and injectors. Every time I get in mine (05 plate - 64,000 miles and have had problems) my wallet squeaks! Might be worth getting one of those diagnostic chaps to run a check before coughing up?

 

[Nabooly]

I had sync on my 2010 Flex and absolutely loved it. Now I have it on my 2012 Fusion and it just doesn't perform the same way. Add that in with your post and makes me wonder if the versions are different by model.

They are different, and from what I understand from the Sync website they keep coming out with updates. Conveniently my '10 escape has no updates available.

Anyway I got rid of the escape last week. Finally.

 

[quagmire]

Car and Driver confirms that. I knew I hadn't seen it on the Titanium package, and this C/D article confirms it. I'm digging that Focus ST model, but I'm still not sold on sending that much power only to the front wheels, especially without a real limited-slip diff.

I believe Ford has a similar front suspension setup like GM's Hiper-Strut suspension. And having driven the 2012 Buick Regal GS around the Lutz Ring full out, it works wonders in preventing understeer and torque steer. If Ford's setup works like GM's does( and reviews of the previous Euro Focus RS says it does), I am sure it will be fine.

 

[steve2112]

I believe Ford has a similar front suspension setup like GM's Hiper-Strut suspension. And having driven the 2012 Buick Regal GS around the Lutz Ring full out, it works wonders in preventing understeer and torque steer. If Ford's setup works like GM's does( and reviews of the previous Euro Focus RS says it does), I am sure it will be fine.

I'm old school, so I'm skeptical. The Mazdaspeed3 has huge torque steer. I realize the Focus has a different setup, but I don't know how much it's going to help. I haven't read about having a suspension similar to the GM version. I do remember reading that they were using traction control methods, such as applying braking to help, but I'm still not sold on it.

 

[ender land]

I wish Ford would bring the newer Focus station wagons here.

That'd be my next car easily but alas..

 

[avro707]

Nope, totally different.

The Mazda3 actually roots back to have some Volvo roots (which at one point was owned by Ford as was Mazda at one point).

I think the Mazda is not nearly as complete as Focus, which is a much more mature car. The 3 even feels quite cheap in some respects.

The twin-clutch transmissions are inevitable these days, manuals are becoming rare in the push to get that last little bit of fuel economy. They shift well going quickly, but they still do some harsh shifts at times.

Still, I don't think that would put me off one, if it were my money.

 

[blazerdude20]

Nope, totally different.

The Mazda3 actually roots back to have some Volvo roots (which at one point was owned by Ford as was Mazda at one point).

They are actually closely related. The Mazda3 rides on fords global C1 platform. Which underpins the previous generation ROW Focus. The current Focus and Escape ride on Fords C2 platform which is a revised version of C1.

 

[iGav]

I'm digging that Focus ST model, but I'm still not sold on sending that much power only to the front wheels, especially without a real limited-slip diff.

It's not ideal… I'm surprised Ford didn't opt for the previous RevoKnuckle and limited-slip set up from the previous RS, they should've.

That said, SEAT puts 310 through the front wheels of it's top Cupra models without a true limited-slip using their XDS, so an electronic set-up is still capable of handling much more power.

Still, if you like the new ST, I'm sure someone like Qualife could help you out with a mechanical slip-diff.

I do remember reading that they were using traction control methods, such as applying braking to help, but I'm still not sold on it.

I think torque steer is the least of your worries with those kind of figures going through your front wheels with an electronic set-up, I can't help but think that break fade and pad wear will be much more of a problem.

I think such systems are great on conventional models, but on performance orientated ones, those should really be equipped with a mechanical limited-slip…. or better still, drop the stupid FWD layout and replace it with a RWD or even better a 4WD one.

 

[steve2112]

It's not ideal… I'm surprised Ford didn't opt for the previous RevoKnuckle and limited-slip set up from the previous RS, they should've.

That said, SEAT puts 310 through the front wheels of it's top Cupra models without a true limited-slip using their XDS, so an electronic set-up is still capable of handling much more power.

Still, if you like the new ST, I'm sure someone like Qualife could help you out with a mechanical slip-diff.



I think torque steer is the least of your worries with those kind of figures going through your front wheels with an electronic set-up, I can't help but think that break fade and pad wear will be much more of a problem.

I think such systems are great on conventional models, but on performance orientated ones, those should really be equipped with a mechanical limited-slip…. or better still, drop the stupid FWD layout and replace it with a RWD or even better a 4WD one.

If it is really using those kinds of controls, then yeah, brake wear is a concern. I can understand not going all the way to an AWD system, as that would add huge expense and complexity. Adding an LSD doesn't make sense, though, as I think most potential buyers wouldn't mind paying extra for it.

I'm still torn on this car. I love hot hatches, and love the idea of having a 250HP small hatch. As I have gotten older, though, the idea of spending time in a small car with a stiff ride doesn't sound appealing. My new job involves a 70 mile round trip commute, with mostly highway driving. My Protege5 does not make a good road commuter car, so I'm not sure how much I would like the ST in that situation.

 

[quagmire]

If it is really using those kinds of controls, then yeah, brake wear is a concern. I can understand not going all the way to an AWD system, as that would add huge expense and complexity. Adding an LSD doesn't make sense, though, as I think most potential buyers wouldn't mind paying extra for it.

I'm still torn on this car. I love hot hatches, and love the idea of having a 250HP small hatch. As I have gotten older, though, the idea of spending time in a small car with a stiff ride doesn't sound appealing. My new job involves a 70 mile round trip commute, with mostly highway driving. My Protege5 does not make a good road commuter car, so I'm not sure how much I would like the ST in that situation.

Looks like GM released the Cadillac XTS just in time for you.

 

[steve2112]

Looks like GM released the Cadillac XTS just in time for you.

Nah, I'm searching the used market for a DTS.

Seriously, though, I am thinking about the new 2013 Fusion. The pics look good, and I hope it looks as good in person. I also hope it doesn't have the nasty MyTouch issues the Focus and other vehicles have had. I'm also considering the Kia Optima with the turbo 4, but the SX has been getting some knocks in the reviews.

I would seriously love for Ford to release a Fusion SVT/ST.

 

[quagmire]

Nah, I'm searching the used market for a DTS.

Seriously, though, I am thinking about the new 2013 Fusion. The pics look good, and I hope it looks as good in person. I also hope it doesn't have the nasty MyTouch issues the Focus and other vehicles have had. I'm also considering the Kia Optima with the turbo 4, but the SX has been getting some knocks in the reviews.

I would seriously love for Ford to release a Fusion SVT/ST.

Yeah the new Fusion looks awesome. I thought the new Malibu was a looker, but the 2013 Fusion was unveiled and my jaw just dropped. Combined with GM's incompetence of releasing the Eco model first, I see the new fusion doing well. Any American car that can take down the ugly/bland Camry and Accord is fine by me.

 

[steve2112]

Yeah the new Fusion looks awesome. I thought the new Malibu was a looker, but the 2013 Fusion was unveiled and my jaw just dropped. Combined with GM's incompetence of releasing the Eco model first, I see the new fusion doing well. Any American car that can take down the ugly/bland Camry and Accord is fine by me.

No kidding, but at this point I don't know if anything can beat the momentum of the Camry and Accord. The current Fusion has been right up there with them in sales, though. If it performs as well as it looks, it should be a major hit. As for the Malibu...Chevy has to be really scared after seeing the new Fusion. I think it's going to stomp the Malibu in sales. The Malibu Eco has gotten abused in reviews, which is a disappointment. I thought they were back on track, since the Cruze and Sonic are pretty good.

 

[quagmire]

No kidding, but at this point I don't know if anything can beat the momentum of the Camry and Accord. The current Fusion has been right up there with them in sales, though. If it performs as well as it looks, it should be a major hit. As for the Malibu...Chevy has to be really scared after seeing the new Fusion. I think it's going to stomp the Malibu in sales. The Malibu Eco has gotten abused in reviews, which is a disappointment. I thought they were back on track, since the Cruze and Sonic are pretty good.

The new Malibu is pretty good. The problem with the Eco is that it costs $26K. With it being the only version available right now, the media either compares it to the base models of the competition which makes it horribly overpriced. Or they compare it to the hybrids which are not that more expensive and get much better fuel economy. Once the 2.5L and 2.0T models are available, I bet the only thing the media will continue to complain about is the rear seat legroom.

 

[steve2112]

The new Malibu is pretty good. The problem with the Eco is that it costs $26K. With it being the only version available right now, the media either compares it to the base models of the competition which makes it horribly overpriced. Or they compare it to the hybrids which are not that more expensive and get much better fuel economy. Once the 2.5L and 2.0T models are available, I bet the only thing the media will continue to complain about is the rear seat legroom.

Another gripe I have seen is that for a hybrid, it is getting terrible MPG. Also, the battery pack apparently is huge. Autoblog said the Nissan Versa had more legroom in the back seat. Also, there have been some complaints on the quality of the interior. I haven't been in one, so I can't really comment. I think the biggest issue is that the new Malibu needed to be very good to compete against the likes of the Sonata/Kia and new Fusion, and it came out very average.

 

[Kevinbaenac]

Hi. Well my problem with my ford focus 2012 was that the transmission is totally damage, and I just have that car for 1 year. So I'm trying to fix my car, but is too expensive in the dealer. I don't know what you guys Recomend me to do ?, or anyone know someone that can find the parts that I need cheaper that in the dealer ?

 

[puma1552]

Hi. Well my problem with my ford focus 2012 was that the transmission is totally damage, and I just have that car for 1 year. So I'm trying to fix my car, but is too expensive in the dealer. I don't know what you guys Recomend me to do ?, or anyone know someone that can find the parts that I need cheaper that in the dealer ?

Holy thread bump Batman.

You are out of warranty?

 

[rhett7660]

Hi. Well my problem with my ford focus 2012 was that the transmission is totally damage, and I just have that car for 1 year. So I'm trying to fix my car, but is too expensive in the dealer. I don't know what you guys Recomend me to do ?, or anyone know someone that can find the parts that I need cheaper that in the dealer ?

Did you damage it yourself or is this something that is covered under warranty? If you are out of warranty, then Ford really does have a crappy warranty for new cars.

 

[puma1552]

Did you damage it yourself or is this something that is covered under warranty? If you are out of warranty, then Ford really does have a crappy warranty for new cars.

Of course you realize warranties are based on time OR mileage, whichever comes first? It's very likely the OP could be outside of the powertrain warranty mileage, which is probably 5/60.

 

[rhett7660]

Of course you realize warranties are based on time OR mileage, whichever comes first? It's very likely the OP could be outside of the powertrain warranty mileage, which is probably 5/60.

You are correct, but he said a 2012 vehicle. That is only two years! yikes if that is the case. But then again we don't know how many miles he/she put on the vehicle.