BlackHorse Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) First let me say that I loved my Mustang and initially I didn't have any plan to trade it. A couple of weeks ago, however, I closed on a house; my first. After moving in I soon realized that I needed a car that was economical, practical and could actually carry items home from the local big box home improvement store if needs be. I didn't want an SUV and the only station wagon that Ford makes is the Flex :barf: I happened to have been driving by the local Ford dealer when I spotted a silver Focus hatchback with the black sport wheels. Right away I liked it so the next day I stopped in for a test drive. This particular model is an SE with the sport package. I have to admit that I was thoroughly impressed. The ride was very quiet, especially in light of the fact that this is considered a sub-compact economy car. It certainly didn't ride or feel like it. The SE model is equipped with SYNC and what I can only describe as possibly the best sounding stereo I've ever heard in a car in this class. Just to put it to the test I whipped out my trusty old Metallica CD and set it to "Sad But True". Any stereo that can blast that song with no distortion is a quality stereo. And this is only the six speaker model. I can only imagine how good the 10 speaker stereo sounds. At any rate, getting back to the ride quality. I find it to be quiet, even at highway speed, regardless of what some moronic reviewer at USA Today thinks. The man is either flat out wrong or purposely distorting the truth about the ride quality of the Focus. The 2.0 direct injection engine is rated at 160 hp but it feels like more to be honest. When you want to go, it will put you back in your seat. Around town I'm averaging about 28 to 30 mpg. I haven't had a chance to give it a lengthy highway drive as of yet. The dual clutch transmission can hunt between first and second gear at low speed or from a standing start. If you put your foot down out of the light however, it is smooth and quick. Under most circumstances, however, the car runs out smooth. Fit and finish on the inside is first class even though this car doesn't have many of the options that are available. I do like having the telephone integrated into the car and it has already come in handy several times. I could actually see myself trading this for an upgraded Focus in a couple of years just to get some of the better options and perhaps that upgraded stereo. Oh, one thing I found cool that happened today after I washed it. When I wash my car I lift the windshield wipers to clean the glass. Given that this is a European style car the wipers swing from the inside out instead of the traditional left to right unison style. At any rate, I put them back down in the wrong order and when I started the car it automatically lifted one wiper then the other and put them back in the correct starting order. Just thought that was cool. All in all, I have to say that this car is a smash hit. When I was a younger man I always kicked myself for not buying the CRX when it was new. In my opinion the new Focus could easily be the modern era CRX and I wasn't going to pass up on it again. It handles great, is a blast to drive and gets great mileage. It's also fairly practical and the maintenance costs are low. Ford actually suggests oil changes at 10,000 mile intervals on this car. I am thoroughly enjoying it and glad I made the purchase. I look forward to driving it as much as I did my Mustang. Well worth the money. Edited May 17, 2011 by BlackHorse 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Congrats on the new Focus BlackHorse. It is nice to hear a great review. Hopefully when a Mustang fits your life again, there will be a new one waiting for you. Many happy miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Congrats! I've seen the Silver / Black wheel combo on a hatch around where I work and it is a stunner! Great choice. :beerchug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I too am impressed with the car and the SE with the sports pack is the way to go i think....funnilly enough its about $1200 more for that package...wheels, tires, handling suspension AND rear disc brakes...damn good value and looks 1 million times better...congrats mate, ENJOY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Congratulations on your first house firstly. Secondly, I test drove the SE w/Sport a few weeks ago and agree with you and congratulations on your purchase of a 'Compact' economy car. I have a Fiesta and that's a sub-compact. For the price of the sport package, that's a great value for what you get. I didn't notice the wipers when I test drove because it was sunny that day, good point. many happy miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 RELEASE THE PICS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEREKC Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Congratulations on one of the best choices you will ever make!! I have only had mine since Friday, and have to say that the car is EXCEPTIONAL!!! I drive past the Cruzes's and Elantra's and make them think that they settled, and are missing out on something GREAT!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Picked up one of these myself last Saturday and there's a few things I'd like to add to the discussion that I haven't seen anyone mention yet. I'm all about details and I really like the idea of the LED dome lights in this car, as well as the LED license plate light. It adds a classy touch. Also, the high beams on this car are the best I've seen in any vehicle I've been in. Also of note is the seating position is perfect. The car fits me like a glove. Congrats to all the others out there who are enjoying their new rides too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackHorse Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share Posted May 18, 2011 Picked up one of these myself last Saturday and there's a few things I'd like to add to the discussion that I haven't seen anyone mention yet. I'm all about details and I really like the idea of the LED dome lights in this car, as well as the LED license plate light. It adds a classy touch. Also, the high beams on this car are the best I've seen in any vehicle I've been in. Also of note is the seating position is perfect. The car fits me like a glove. Congrats to all the others out there who are enjoying their new rides too! Congrats. I thought the LED lights were a nice touch too. I found that the two information screens took a little getting accustomed to, but it didn't take long. Strangely the most difficult thing for me was figuring out how to zero the trip odometers. LOL I'm wondering when the Steeda and SVT products for the new Focus will hit the market. I wouldn't mind adding a strut tower brace to mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEREKC Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I sent an email to FSwerks yesterday and they responded that they expect to have products available in about 3 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackHorse Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share Posted May 18, 2011 I sent an email to FSwerks yesterday and they responded that they expect to have products available in about 3 months. Sounds good. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Everybody around here is buying MKXs, Edges, or Focuses! Very big congrats on getting your hands on some of the freshest Focuses, I can't wait to see pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmalonehunter Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Everybody around here is buying MKXs, Edges, or Focuses! Very big congrats on getting your hands on some of the freshest Focuses, I can't wait to see pictures! I'm jealous! I have to wait 8 weeks or whatever and you guys are out enjoying yours. What really sucks is that I have to travel from Pittsburgh to Atlanta next month and will have to take my truck again. $500 gas for the round trip compared to probably about $150. OUCH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I'm jealous! I have to wait 8 weeks or whatever and you guys are out enjoying yours. What really sucks is that I have to travel from Pittsburgh to Atlanta next month and will have to take my truck again. $500 gas for the round trip compared to probably about $150. OUCH! My Dad just did the opposite, traded in his Fusion for his first F-150...mileage isn't...great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmalonehunter Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 My Dad just did the opposite, traded in his Fusion for his first F-150...mileage isn't...great I'm not trading my truck, wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm adding the focus because I need something more practical for traveling and my son turns 16 in October. I want him to learn to drive a stick...plus there's no way he will be driving my truck. The great thing is that the focus simply isn't a compromise, its a great car, and I can't wait. Never thought I would be saying that.lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 My Dad just did the opposite, traded in his Fusion for his first F-150...mileage isn't...great I almost did the same thing last month and I still might later this year. Trying to find a Focus for my daughter who gets her license next month. I'm torn between getting my own Focus for commuting or get the F150 which is what I really want. My commute is only 22 miles per day round trip and my V6 Fusion only gets 18 mpg due to traffic, lunch runs, errands, etc. so the F150 wouldn't be a big drop. But the Focus would be a huge improvement. Decisions, decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Congrats.....I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are of the ride quality and stability and freeway speeds. I had a loaner Focus not too long ago (2011 MY) and it didn't seem too planted at speeds at or above 70 MPH. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svtenthusiast Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 (edited) Congrats.....I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are of the ride quality and stability and freeway speeds. I had a loaner Focus not too long ago (2011 MY) and it didn't seem too planted at speeds at or above 70 MPH. You cant compare the previous generation model year Focus to this one. In fact they could of changed the name if they wanted to. I came from a '10 Fusion Sport and hardly feel a compromise has been made, and that's saying alot. Edited May 18, 2011 by svtenthusiast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 You cant compare the previous generation model year Focus to this one. In fact they could of changed the name if they wanted to. I came from a '10 Fusion Sport and hardly feel a compromise has been made, and that's saying alot. That's pretty much what I wanted to hear. I just need to make time to go test drive one. Do you miss the power? And why don't you guys have pics of your cars somewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svtenthusiast Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 That's pretty much what I wanted to hear. I just need to make time to go test drive one. Do you miss the power? And why don't you guys have pics of your cars somewhere? I don't miss the power yet, I haven't floored it yet because I am waiting for it to break in a little bit. But suprisingly even at helf throttle it's pretty spunky. That was my biggest worry coming from the 3.5 V-6 but I am happy with the compromise so far. Especially the gas mileage which is averaging between 35-40 mpg compared to 24 mpg in the Fusion. Reason for no pictures---we are too busy out enjoying our cars! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transitman Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Congrats.....I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are of the ride quality and stability and freeway speeds. I had a loaner Focus not too long ago (2011 MY) and it didn't seem too planted at speeds at or above 70 MPH. I picked up my Focus last Saturday and took a 200 mile road trip on Sunday. I varied my speed on the 90 mile freeway portion between 55 and 75 and took it up to 90 and 100 for a brief time. All I can say is it handled great at all speeds and was smooth and straight even at 100. I drove a twisty hilly contry road on the way back and it exceeded my expectations in handling and mpg's. My Focus is far superior to the 2010 Fusion I traded in handling, ride and cabin noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 My Focus is far superior to the 2010 Fusion I traded in handling, ride and cabin noise. That's quite impressive indeed! My own 2010 Ford Fusion exhibits an excellent ride/handling combination and very effective suppression of road and wind noise. I didn't expect any mass market C-segment car to match the Fusion in those areas. :shades: BlackHorse, enjoy your new Ford Focus just as transitman has! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transitman Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 That's quite impressive indeed! My own 2010 Ford Fusion exhibits an excellent ride/handling combination and very effective suppression of road and wind noise. I didn't expect any mass market C-segment car to match the Fusion in those areas. :shades: BlackHorse, enjoy your new Ford Focus just as transitman has! The steering is more responsive which may have to do with the size and weight of car, Euro inspired suspension and Torque Vectoring Control. The road and wind noise is almost undetectible and the engine noise is much less than the Fusion. The interior drivers space is slightly smaller but the seats are more bolstered and in my opinion more comfortable and supportive. I'm really happy with my "upgrade" to the Focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 The steering is more responsive which may have to do with the size and weight of car, Euro inspired suspension and Torque Vectoring Control. The road and wind noise is almost undetectible and the engine noise is much less than the Fusion. The interior drivers space is slightly smaller but the seats are more bolstered and in my opinion more comfortable and supportive. I'm really happy with my "upgrade" to the Focus. Gives one a hint at how good the next Fusion/Mondeo will be to drive. :happy feet: Good to hear you are enjoying how nice this Focus is to drive. Now you understand why the Focus has been raved about around the world for its great driving dynamics. And now the new Focus is just such a good all around connected car to drive , plus the premium element of the car. Just a damn fine car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 (edited) "fact that this is considered a sub-compact economy car" No, Focus is not a sub-compact, it is a full fledged compact. And it's not an 'economy car' either. That's a dated term from the 70s. Read the EPA sticker. Fiesta is sub-compact. And no, just because the Focus histoically replaced the Escort doesnt make it a sub-compact. And, It is funny how some on here who think they are 'experts' say the new Focus is 'too cramped' and 'too Euro' to succeed and ignored all the sales figures. They also never bothered to ask people who bought them also. Edited May 18, 2011 by 630land Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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