Originally Posted By: demarpaint
For me the choice is easy, I'd take the Ford Focus, I don't like Toyota.
I don't like Ford.
For me the choice is easy, I'd take the Ford Focus, I don't like Toyota.
I don't like Ford.
2013 Ford Focus or 2013 Toyota Corolla
- Thread starter mike7139
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Originally Posted By: Roadkingnc
Friend of mine is a tech at a Toyota dealer, he said he wouldn't buy a new one. Says the build quality is way down. But that is only what he told me, could be that he hates working on the new ones.
I heard the same thing about the Ford.
Friend of mine is a tech at a Toyota dealer, he said he wouldn't buy a new one. Says the build quality is way down. But that is only what he told me, could be that he hates working on the new ones.
I heard the same thing about the Ford.
If you're willing to get a car with a stick shift the Focus is the MUCH better car, and will be equally reliable as the Corolla would be. The Focus is better in all areas, including comfort, noise, ride, ect. Although Ford doesn't market it openly, the Focus is a German Ford which is a very good thing because Ford of Europe makes some of the very best compact cars in the world bar none.
I would also consider a Mazda 3...the Corolla of today is NOT the old bulletproof champ that it was a couple of decades ago.
I would also consider a Mazda 3...the Corolla of today is NOT the old bulletproof champ that it was a couple of decades ago.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
For me the choice is easy, I'd take the Ford Focus, I don't like Toyota.
I don't like Ford.
That's what makes this board interesting, and gives us some good discussions.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
For me the choice is easy, I'd take the Ford Focus, I don't like Toyota.
I don't like Ford.
That's what makes this board interesting, and gives us some good discussions.
Last edited:
I have a '03 Corolla with 235K on it. If I had to make your choice, I still would go with the Corolla. It's not the quietest or most comfortable car, but it will flat out get the job done day after day. It really depends what type of person you are and what type of driving you do. If I didn't drive so much, perhaps I would look at something else but I need a vehicle to put up with my >40K mile per year pace and the Corolla is perfect for that. Good luck.
I agree that it really depends on what you're looking for. I think the Focus is the nicer of the two. However, it's hard not to recommend the Corolla as our '03 has been very reliable.
Family owns a 2010 Corolla, I felt very claustrophobic in it- like I couldn't see out in front of the road- This is not a feeling I had driving the Impreza, Civic or other Japanese brands before.
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Many of the early versions of the Focus were built in Mexico. Were the auto workers in Mexico unionized? I only remember Ford using union labor in the USA and Canada.
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Many of the early versions of the Focus were built in Mexico. Were the auto workers in Mexico unionized? I only remember Ford using union labor in the USA and Canada.
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
And if you think the Ford warranty helps with this, keep in mind that for most dealers the equation works like this: car won't go = warranty; car still goes = nothing wrong.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
And if you think the Ford warranty helps with this, keep in mind that for most dealers the equation works like this: car won't go = warranty; car still goes = nothing wrong.
Originally Posted By: Danh
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Many of the early versions of the Focus were built in Mexico. Were the auto workers in Mexico unionized? I only remember Ford using union labor in the USA and Canada.
I thought they were German. Built is Mexico is a SELLING POINT?
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Corolla 100%. My previous year Focus started out to be a fine car. Then, after 2 to 3 years.....it's a very poor example of Ford products. I baby my vehicles...treat them well and use top quality fluids at more than the recommended intervals. It did not matter with my Focus. Rough idle when cold, horrid break noise and vibration when wet, uneven tire wear (even when rotated...and I had the car aligned), two burned out wheel bearings, a highly annoying rattle on the right front underside that the dealer can't locate, and worn out front end parts at 60k miles (forgotten the name of them...maybe control arms or stabilizer bars?). I'm done with Ford and after driving a recent new Focus with that strange transmission shifting? No way I'd ever buy another.
Go for the tried and true Corolla.
One ohne of those happy union workers probably tossed a nut inside a box section during assembly.
Many of the early versions of the Focus were built in Mexico. Were the auto workers in Mexico unionized? I only remember Ford using union labor in the USA and Canada.
I thought they were German. Built is Mexico is a SELLING POINT?
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: Danh
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
The guy at the stealer wearing plaid pants and white shoes said" They ALL do that, the factory knows about it" which makes you feel better?
Originally Posted By: Danh
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
The guy at the stealer wearing plaid pants and white shoes said" They ALL do that, the factory knows about it" which makes you feel better?
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: Danh
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
The guy at the stealer wearing plaid pants and white shoes said" They ALL do that, the factory knows about it" which makes you feel better?
No they don't "all do that" as MINE DOES NOT. Has not since I bought it. It's quirky but that's because it's a dual clutch manual, not a torque converter auto. I have no chattering, no grinding, or any of that. It does make some clicking noises at slow speeds, which I would assume is the electromechanical solenoids that control the clutches when driving through a parking lot- and it's only audible with the window down anywya.
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: Danh
The Focus is a great car with one huge exception: the DCT "automatic" transmission. If you want a 5 speed manual, go for the Focus, it's a terrific car. If you want an automatic, go anywhere else.
Ford has a problem with the DCT they don't know how to fix or don't want the cost associated with the fix. Consequently, a too-high percentage of DCT owners are left with cars with pronounced clutch chatter, grinding when changing gears, and all other manner of trouble.
Wasn't that the thing fixed by the programming update?
The guy at the stealer wearing plaid pants and white shoes said" They ALL do that, the factory knows about it" which makes you feel better?
No they don't "all do that" as MINE DOES NOT. Has not since I bought it. It's quirky but that's because it's a dual clutch manual, not a torque converter auto. I have no chattering, no grinding, or any of that. It does make some clicking noises at slow speeds, which I would assume is the electromechanical solenoids that control the clutches when driving through a parking lot- and it's only audible with the window down anywya.
The Corolla is built in Mississippi, by American workers.... the FORD?
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
The Corolla is built in Mississippi, by American workers.... the FORD?
Wayne, Michigan.
Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne Michigan.
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
The Corolla is built in Mississippi, by American workers.... the FORD?
Wayne, Michigan.
Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne Michigan.
I have a 2011 Corolla (practically the same as the 2013).
This car is OK. Reliable, boring, but I think the build quality is good, at least mechanically (though the interior plastics are kind of dull and cheap).
I think the Ford will be a much better driving car, but I would rather hedge my bets on Toyota for long-term reliability (especially with the DCT) as well as resale value.
This car is OK. Reliable, boring, but I think the build quality is good, at least mechanically (though the interior plastics are kind of dull and cheap).
I think the Ford will be a much better driving car, but I would rather hedge my bets on Toyota for long-term reliability (especially with the DCT) as well as resale value.
Corolla hands down. it will outlast you, and you will be bored with it far before it has any major issues. If that is what you are looking for, that is what you should get.
The Focus is nice and very well engineered, but they have only been that way for a few years now. I still question their dual clutch transmission reliability, that wont be answered for another 5 years.
The Focus is nice and very well engineered, but they have only been that way for a few years now. I still question their dual clutch transmission reliability, that wont be answered for another 5 years.
- Status