Unreal Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 The Edmunds review of the 2013 Focus (S, SE, Titanium, and Electric) was just put up. I was expecting something short with some kind of statement like very little has changed from the 2012 model, but they did a pretty favorable write-up. Here are a couple of quotes... "Add in a wide range of trim levels that include all-electric and high-performance variants and it's easy to see why this is one of our favorite small cars." and "Yet even in this solid grouping, the Ford Focus impresses by being a sophisticated, highly refined and fun-to-drive small car that earns one of the highest compliments we can pay a car -- it looks and feels as if it should be priced higher.". Here is a link to the review: http://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus/2013/ Although I have an ST on order, I was glad to see the 2013 Focus Titanium has the option for a manual transmission. I seem to be in the minority, but I PREFER a manual over an automatic, even if they are priced the same. However, it is still only a 5-speed. Seems like there would be better adoption of the manual transmission if the 6-speed was offered instead of the 5-speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickm70 Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I just bought a new 2012 Focus Titanium with a manual shift. I REALLY like driving it for a lot of reasons; the comfortable seats, great outward view, excellent handling, fantastic car stereo, NAV is great... I could go on. . I agree, a 6 speed shifter would have been better. Hope you enjoy your ST! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Edmunds still sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranchero Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 Edmunds does not "suck". It is useful. The only disappointment I have with my five speed manual 2012 Focus is the lack of a sixth gear. I do cruise at high speeds on western interstates; the car really needs a sixth on these trips. I want a six speed manual, diesel "estate". -ranchero- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 (edited) Kitty litter is also useful but I wouldn't use it for auto advice. Several years ago the Edmunds editor in chief wondered in an article why Ford called their Jaguar AJ V8 based Lincoln LS engine a 3.9L while Jaguar called their version a 4.0L. I sent him an email explaining that the stroke in the Lincoln engine was 1 mm shorter than the stroke in the Jag version and that was why the displacement was different. His response was "why would a change in stroke length change the displacement?". Which is like saying why does a tall glass hold more water than a short glass? Kitty litter is far more useful. Edited September 21, 2012 by akirby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 I want a six speed manual, diesel "estate". :shades: While a six-speed unit would indeed be nice, I like the five speed MTX75 transmission in the North American Focus. It has well chosen gear ratios and smooth shifter action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranchero Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 I am satisfied with the shifter on the five speed and the spacing of the five ratios. I don't dislike the 5 speed for what it is and it works as it should. However I am disappointed that the car does not have a sixth, taller gear; it is the one and only major shortcoming of my particular car. In my driving I am quite aware of the need for the tall sixth gear. Luckily I do not have MFT/Sync so no complaints about that. But I think that the car's engine feels the need for another ratio available. - ranchero - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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