2013 Ford Focus- 3mo/4500mi review

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: itguy08
If you count cars that are based on Corollas, but not named Corolla.


But at least they're all the same cars.

Ford combines the sales of all F-series trucks to maintain their #1 sales status in the United States, and some of those trucks are demonstrably very different. An F-150 has very little in common with an F-550, but to by knowledge, all those sales are combined into the "F-series category".

So what's the beef?


IIRC Ford Claims the F-serries is the #1 selling truck line. And technically that's true since they all are F-series, just different #'s. However Toyota is claiming some odd things that are based on the Corolla without being called a Corolla should be counted. That's the beef.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd

Ford combines the sales of all F-series trucks to maintain their #1 sales status in the United States, and some of those trucks are demonstrably very different. An F-150 has very little in common with an F-550, but to by knowledge, all those sales are combined into the "F-series category".

So what's the beef?


Does Toyota argue that the "Corolla-series" is the best selling car in the world?

That's the difference

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Does Toyota argue that the "Corolla-series" is the best selling car in the world?

That's the difference

In essence they do. They list all the models they believe should be counted together. Toyota's problem is that the Corolla is sold as different model names across the world, whereas Ford sells the Focus everywhere.

I see Ford's point and I see Toyota's point. Technically, Ford probably did sell more "Focus" nameplates. Technically, Toyota probably did sell more vehicles. Toyota's problem is it's hard for them to show that because the average layperson doesn't know that an Altis and a Corolla really are the same car. Which matters more to the bottom line? More badges sold or more vehicles sold?

It doesn't matter to me either way, as I own neither a Toyota nor a Ford.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Does Toyota argue that the "Corolla-series" is the best selling car in the world?

That's the difference

In essence they do. They list all the models they believe should be counted together.


But then they just say "the Corolla" is the best selling, whilst Ford says "F-Series" for the trucks, which, as the name implies, covers the entire series of trucks sold under the F-xxx moniker.

If Toyota wants to include vehicles not sold under the badge of "Corolla", they need to come up with a way of classifying it that is similar to what Ford has done.

 

[PF52]

They do the same thing with the Solara. Technically, its the Camry Solara. So the extra 20,000 or 50,000 or however many Solaras they sell every year all count towards Camry's sales figures. And the enormous sales figures of the Camry place it #1 on the cars.com "most American-made" list, which uses sales figures as part of its formula.

Its all fuzzy math.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
If Toyota wants to include vehicles not sold under the badge of "Corolla", they need to come up with a way of classifying it that is similar to what Ford has done.


No, you guys are right and I understand what you're saying.

It's all in how you define a "nameplate".

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: Brons2
Originally Posted By: SLCraig

When you are my height, it is.
That is the biggest complaint I have about the 2012+ Focus and even its predecessor. The backseat needs to be bigger, especially in dedicated 4 door trim.


It's a small car, they're never going to have a huge back seat. I don't know of any compacts in the market that have a livable back set for a tall adult.


The Civic does.... It is comfortable with 4 people in it for a road trip, no issues at all, and I don't even have to move my seat when people are behind me. Nissan Versa has a bigger back seat than a Focus... It is absolutely huge.

 

[andrewg]

I'll never buy another Ford again I'm afraid. I purchased a 2009 Ford Focus four years ago. Drove it across the U.S. It did real good. Got 42mpg and had no issues or concerns at that time. But after two years of usage, the car just wasn't holding up as I'd wished. Wheel bearings shot (twice...warranty), horrible break noise when wet (no fix according to Ford), carpet on passenger side is coming out from under side molding), broken side molding from ONE catch of a shoe, rough idle when cold (about 15 minutes of it every time....no fix), excessive tire wear on front, defrost,air dial has no different force on setting two and three, and lastly....a VERY annoying front end rattle on very mild bumps (dealer wants to replace worn sway bar tie ends...says they are worn out at 55k miles. Cost $290, not covered under warranty).
Keep in mind that I have taken VERY good care of this vehicle. It's garaged, driven lightly, and maintained very well.
I'm done with Ford as I honestly think my car was designed as a 'throw away' low end model and used weak parts in building it....especially the front end. Can't wait to get rid of it. (And I used to really like it).

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: andrewg
I'll never buy another Ford again I'm afraid. I purchased a 2009 Ford Focus four years ago. Drove it across the U.S. It did real good. Got 42mpg and had no issues or concerns at that time. But after two years of usage, the car just wasn't holding up as I'd wished. Wheel bearings shot (twice...warranty), horrible break noise when wet (no fix according to Ford), carpet on passenger side is coming out from under side molding), broken side molding from ONE catch of a shoe, rough idle when cold (about 15 minutes of it every time....no fix), excessive tire wear on front, defrost,air dial has no different force on setting two and three, and lastly....a VERY annoying front end rattle on very mild bumps (dealer wants to replace worn sway bar tie ends...says they are worn out at 55k miles. Cost $290, not covered under warranty).
Keep in mind that I have taken VERY good care of this vehicle. It's garaged, driven lightly, and maintained very well.
I'm done with Ford as I honestly think my car was designed as a 'throw away' low end model and used weak parts in building it....especially the front end. Can't wait to get rid of it. (And I used to really like it).


My ex had an 08 Focus, I hated that car.
The new 2012 should have a different name on it, because its nothing like the previous generation steaming pile they put out. That was just a bandaid generation and it should have been redesigned years prior. Only thing they did not fix with the new Focus is acceptable backseat legroom. It still does not have that.

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Originally Posted By: andrewg
I'll never buy another Ford again I'm afraid. I purchased a 2009 Ford Focus four years ago. Drove it across the U.S. It did real good. Got 42mpg and had no issues or concerns at that time. But after two years of usage, the car just wasn't holding up as I'd wished. Wheel bearings shot (twice...warranty), horrible break noise when wet (no fix according to Ford), carpet on passenger side is coming out from under side molding), broken side molding from ONE catch of a shoe, rough idle when cold (about 15 minutes of it every time....no fix), excessive tire wear on front, defrost,air dial has no different force on setting two and three, and lastly....a VERY annoying front end rattle on very mild bumps (dealer wants to replace worn sway bar tie ends...says they are worn out at 55k miles. Cost $290, not covered under warranty).
Keep in mind that I have taken VERY good care of this vehicle. It's garaged, driven lightly, and maintained very well.
I'm done with Ford as I honestly think my car was designed as a 'throw away' low end model and used weak parts in building it....especially the front end. Can't wait to get rid of it. (And I used to really like it).


My ex had an 08 Focus, I hated that car.
The new 2012 should have a different name on it, because its nothing like the previous generation steaming pile they put out. That was just a bandaid generation and it should have been redesigned years prior. Only thing they did not fix with the new Focus is acceptable backseat legroom. It still does not have that.

I drove a 2012 Focus for a few days as a car rental. Didn't like it at all. Transmission was strange, ride was rough, and styling a bit off. After what I have gone through with my earlier Focus I would not even think of giving Ford another chance. I would not doubt that the newer Focus will be a piece of junk after a few years use as my is (my opinion).

 

[oilmaven]

I also rented a Focus last year...same complaint about the transmission...herky-jerky shifting...especially at low speeds. Ford's competitors are getting equal or better mpg with their regular (5 and 6 speed) automatic transmissions that are smoother and more reliable. The problems and outright failure rate of that DCT is terrible...with little or no gains in actual efficiency. Done right there are advantages to these DCT transmissions...which is why they're so widely used in high-performance vehicles. This is NOT an example of "done right"...Ford should dump it for a regular automatic. The back seat is VERY cramped even for it's size...a deal breaker for anyone that needs to use it for passengers on a regular basis (Ford made the same mistake with the Contour back in the '90's...lack of rear seat leg room turned off many buyers...Ford "sculpted" the front seats to try to compensate but the damage was done. Chrysler's "cloud" cars Cirrus and Stratus of the time were positively limousine-like in comparison on a similar-sized platform. A definite "what were they thinking" moment). Positive points were nice handling, decent power and a pleasant, if rather "busy" interior. With a decent "automatic" transmission and a more usable rear seat it'd be a contender. As it is I think there are better choices.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: hypervish
Originally Posted By: tig1
Ford Focus. Best selling car in the WORLD. I still like my 07. Both the Focus and the Fusion have been very good cars.
Link to best selling car.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/ford-focus-is-worlds-best-selling-car


Not really. Toyota Corolla is the best selling.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/toyota-again-claims-corolla-outsold-focus-worldwide/

http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/04/.../#ixzz2Q60EyZHK

The Corolla actually sold 1.16 million times.


Toyota is including the Corolla, Matrix, Auris, Corolla Fielder and the (rebadged Scion xB) Corolla Rumion in their totals.

The other cars Toyota is including in their Corolla sales totals:

That's a stretch.