A short review/update of the Focus. Its been 1 year and 30,000 miles since I bought it new. I won't cover everything here so if you have any questions just ask.
Not a single problem with it so far. Everything operates like new. I get 31 mpg on my work commute which is 60 miles each way and 90% interstate. On road trips I've gotten up to 33 mpg.
I finally warmed up to the car in general. There were a few times during the first 6 months or so when I thought about trading it in. The ride took some getting used to. What bothered me was the harshness/choppiness on bad roads but I narrowed that down to the OEM Goodyear tires after riding in other peoples Focus ST with different tires. I have narrowed it down to Continental sumer tires. I like the summer tread for grip but the sidewalls are much softer which is what I am looking for on my 120 mile daily commute. The Goodyears are just really stiff and jittery/nervous feeling. The car will likely never see track time and I don't require that level of tire for commuting.
The powertrain is pure delight which is the main reason I sought out this car. I still laugh out loud when I drive this car fast. Its a hoot just to run through the gears with all that torque. No need to wind it out, keep it between 2500 and 5500. For example...get going in 1st gear and floor it. Roast the tires, grab 2nd gear and hold on to the wheel. The car will dart side to side while the electric steering and front brakes try to counter the torque steer and loss of traction to keep the car straight. Usually by this time you start to laugh. Around 5500 grab 3rd and now it gets fun. If the road is dry and flat, and you are going straight, you will get full traction in 3rd gear and therefore full power without any of the safety nannies slowing you down. 270 lb ft of torque from 2500-5500. You'll hit 80 in no time, grab 4th and be over 100 again in no time. I try to do this at least once a week getting on the interstate in the morning.
This morning doing the 30,000 mile service with my helper.
Not a single problem with it so far. Everything operates like new. I get 31 mpg on my work commute which is 60 miles each way and 90% interstate. On road trips I've gotten up to 33 mpg.
I finally warmed up to the car in general. There were a few times during the first 6 months or so when I thought about trading it in. The ride took some getting used to. What bothered me was the harshness/choppiness on bad roads but I narrowed that down to the OEM Goodyear tires after riding in other peoples Focus ST with different tires. I have narrowed it down to Continental sumer tires. I like the summer tread for grip but the sidewalls are much softer which is what I am looking for on my 120 mile daily commute. The Goodyears are just really stiff and jittery/nervous feeling. The car will likely never see track time and I don't require that level of tire for commuting.
The powertrain is pure delight which is the main reason I sought out this car. I still laugh out loud when I drive this car fast. Its a hoot just to run through the gears with all that torque. No need to wind it out, keep it between 2500 and 5500. For example...get going in 1st gear and floor it. Roast the tires, grab 2nd gear and hold on to the wheel. The car will dart side to side while the electric steering and front brakes try to counter the torque steer and loss of traction to keep the car straight. Usually by this time you start to laugh. Around 5500 grab 3rd and now it gets fun. If the road is dry and flat, and you are going straight, you will get full traction in 3rd gear and therefore full power without any of the safety nannies slowing you down. 270 lb ft of torque from 2500-5500. You'll hit 80 in no time, grab 4th and be over 100 again in no time. I try to do this at least once a week getting on the interstate in the morning.
This morning doing the 30,000 mile service with my helper.
