Ford Focus ST

[DRKWNG]

Who's got one.  Who's got thoughts on 'em.  Still on the never ending quest to find a car I like enough to make me walk away from the old GTi.  Discuss.

[ungeheuer]

They look cool  .

And as a driver one of Ford's current Euro built vehicles (Mondeo), I have to say that the build quality is pretty good.

But... at trade-in time I'm sure the Wolfsburg product will retain more of its original value than the blue oval.

[DRKWNG]

You're probably right, but...  My GTI has been my daily driver for a bit over thirteen years.  It's been a great car, and as you can see, I'm usually one to keep a vehicle until they don't have all that much trade in value left.  Drove an ST last night and it was pretty fun.  Didn't really want to rag it out though, as it had just come off the truck.  Need to go grab Statler's (he offered) and thrash it for a bit.

The one negative thing I can say about it right now is that the interior isn't anywhere near as nice as the new GTI, and the "accent lighting" is a bit garish. 

[DesmoDiva]

PM Statler.

He picked one up a few months ago for his daily driver.

It will be on my test drive list next June when I replace my current ride.

[Speedbag]

I'd really like to drive one.

Automobile Magazine tested one along with a GTI and said the ST was the harder-edged car for the hardcore enthusiast. They said the GTI was/is still a great car, and possibly better all around.

That said, the ST took a spot in their '13 All Stars list too.....

[Pedro-bot]

I don't necessarily like the interior of the Focus. Too many angles. Too many buttons. I drove the non-ST model for a few days as a rental. Phenomenal mpg, steering and braking felt very responsive and speed pickup was great. I'm sure the ST handles better and has a better pull to boot.
The only negative was the busy interior.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Honda Civic Si? I have a 2008 and it's a fun little car!

Not sure about the interiors tho, they're all kinda silly but the ST is probably the most Star Trek like... 

Focus ST


2013 Civic Si


2008 Civic Si



Some videos here:

2013 Honda Civic Si: Competition for the Ford Focus ST? - Ignition Ep. 70

2013 Ford Focus ST: The Hottest Hatch? - Ignition Episode 46

Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf R (or Subaru BRZ)! - Head 2 Head Episode 23


Have you thought about the Subaru BRZ? Or a newer GTi? Jack (RealRecognizeReal) is selling his after he got a Miata.

[zooom]

if you are looking at a Focus ST, then you need to look at a MadzaSpeed3...trust me.

[Grampa]

mini s

[zooom]

mini s

he needs to be able to put Darma in the back and maybe occasionally some bicycle or moto parts...so perhaps if he were to go that route, the Clubman....I don't think he'd be interested in the Paceman, but I think it is kinda cool in a way....


BTW DW, I have a guy here at work who has a nicely modded MS3 if you want to see what it is capable of without blowing a budget and it will eat the doors off a Focus ST easily. When he is back from vacation next week, you should make time to swing by and talk cars with him briefly and maybe go for a ride along...

[ducatiz]

Keep the GTI

Lower it about 3 "

Pick up 18" wheels and 30 series tires

Tint the windows to 80%

Dump the 20" subwoofer you have in the trunk and upgrade to a 24" subwoofer

Remove all the logos and install the Euro grille kit.

[Statler]

The accent lighting can be turned down, or off with a dimmer.

I've gotten used to to the busy interior.   The fact that the sync system and nav is the same as G's Explorer was a plus for me.

If you get one I'll show you two things to look for on the car... one is the driver's side tail lamp cluster and the other is interior trunk trim.   Every one I have seen has had issues with both.    The taillight is fixed with three washers.  (it rubs the paint. Only that side.  The lamp is built with the holes drilled slightly off).  The trim is just to double check.  Mine was fixed quickly.

I'm at 7,500 miles.   Best daily driver I've had.

It does axle tramp with hard launches.   Tons of aftermarket rear engine mounts apparently fix this in exchange for some added nvh.  I haven't bothered yet.

One complaint:   brake pedal too high compared to throttle too low.   Clearly done to avoid people stomping on gas accidently and claim car ran away, but it means it is impossible to heal and toe downshift well because there is no way to roll your foot anywhere near the throttle.    a few aftermarket options there too including extension pieces that raise the gas pedal.  Stoooopid liability lawyers.

what a fun car to toss around though.   It'll actually rotate pretty easily and you can get the tail out.   I'll need some winter tires this coming year as she comes with summer performance rubber.   Likely just pick up a whole set of wheels from tirerack.

I haven't felt the need to tweek the motor at all.  It's a quicker car than the manufacturer claimed times already.   With traction control off (there's sport and truly off settings) she'll spin wheels easily.  plenty quick.

Everything has held up well with the small mileage so far.   Seat bolsters have zero wear (and they are deep and aggressive).  I have a "3" with the full leather.  Seat heaters are plenty warm on lowest settings.

Some people hate the intake noise pipe that has a valve which opens at around 3K or when you stomp on it.  Gives intake honk sound fed into cabin.   I like it, and at least it's not like BMW playing engine synth shit through speakers even when stereo is off.   Actual (if tuned) sound is cool.

bluetooth is quick to sync up for music through phone and calls.

ride is firm without transmitting sharp thumps.

torque steer is much, but fun.

steering is super quick (less than 2 lock to lock) but turning radius not all the tight for parking lots.

overall a super fun little car with lots of room when seats folded flat (there's a trick to getting them all the way down).  I thought I might be too old for a hot hatch.  Glad I did it.

32 on highway.  lot less when caning it.  I average 27 for a tank most times.  (small tank.. can touch 300 miles between fill ups but it's close).

If you get an orange one I will call you a 17 year-old.

[Statler]

it looks like a tank here, but it is nicely sized between compact and comfortable.

[weemonster]

ok i'm a bit biased heres my car my sisters car and my dads car


The normal Focus is much nicer looking than the ST
wait for an RS

[ducatiz]

ok i'm a bit biased heres my car my sisters car and my dads car


The normal Focus is much nicer looking than the ST
wait for an RS

and you drive around listening to Kraftwerk too?