Areas for improvement: Not thought out well, narrow interior, no better than older Focus
The engine is low tech and does not have things such as throttle by wire, direct injection, VTEC(or similar). While it can cruise at speeds of 80 mph, it feels like you are really having to push it to maintain the speed and feels out of its element. It does not feel as lively off the line as other Ford models I have driven with the same engine; perhaps gearing has something to do with it, It is rated at the obligatory 140hp, a standard it seems in the compact(not economy) market. It is no speed demon, but at the current price of $4.23 for a gallon of gas that has somehow lost all it's importance to me. How times change. Now I worry more about keeping my speed between 60-65 mph without being run over by all the other speed demons. As a side note, in about 85% highway driving I averaged 31 mpg. Not the 35 mpg they advertise so heavily, but I was driving a rental car so admittedly I was driving it harder and faster than I normally would.
No gripes about the suspension. It soaks up bumps without losing composure and has good high speed stability. The steering felt just right. Not to firm and not too loose. Neutral you could say. I did a fair amount of low speed cornering in this car coming back down the mountain from Yosemite and the car behaved well with only modest body roll. The grip was obviously limited by the tires, but still decent for a car in this class.
I almost did not mention the transmission or brakes, because they are so ordinary. Nothing good or bad to say. Performed just as you would expect in a lower priced car. 4 speed automatic and front disc/rear drum brake set up. My preference is the manual transmission, which is an option as a 5 speed.
The areas I feel the car lacking in are attention to detail. It's the little things that were not included or simply left out that really makes me disappointed. After giving this quite some thought I think their emphasis was on the "SYNC" system, which is their audio/verbal command system which is a join
The running costs for Ford Focus Automatic are normal
Areas for improvement: None
This is my first "small car" purchase and I am extremely satisfied with my Ford Focus SE. I am a pretty big person and I have no trouble getting in and out of this vehicle. My gas mileage has been between 24 & 30 MPG. I do not nurse my vehicles and don't like to waste time. This vehicle is used mostly for work (3 miles each way) and shopping. It is used for some of my grandson's sporting events that require some distance in traveling. Vehicle is comfortable with several desired options including cruise, side airbags, and remote trunk release. I shopped several vehicles and for the price and features I think it's the best deal. I don't regret my purchase at all.
The running costs for Ford Focus 2.0 are normal
Other Ford Focus
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