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Ford Focus: MPG-Real World Numbers

177 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 8:18 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Ford Focus SVT, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)

Messages Page 9 of 18

#81 of 177 My 2011 Focus sedan by carlrjr

Mar 15, 2012 (5:35 pm)

I bought my 2011 Focus sedan new in February 2011; it's a base model that came with a hefty rebate. It drives a lot like my 2003 did but with softer tires and suspension (I blame the OEM Hankook's vs. the Goodyear's Ford used in 2003). The more powerful engine (140 vs. 2003's 110 hp) and stability control are a fair trade though; overall I'm quite pleased with the car.
 
I have checked nearly every tank fill=to-fill for over a year noting the computer's stated MPG (reset every tank), gallons used, and miles. Here's what I've learned:
 
1. If the 89 octane ethanol blend is only 10 cents per gallon less, I save money by paying 10 cents more per gallon for the 87 octane without ethanol due to increased mileage. I run ethanol every fourth tank or so because the ethanol carries any moisture in the fuel system out the tailpipe (like Heet).
 
2. The MPG counter on my car is 5-15% optimistic. I have never had it come within 5% of calculated MPG, it's always high. It says 36 MPG, math shows 33.5. It says 42.5 MPG, math is 38 (roughly).
 
3. I get 400-460 miles per tank at 11.5 to 13.1 gallons per fill. High score was exactly one tank just a drop over 40 MPG so far, average is 30-34 winter, 34-38 summer. And yes, I've ran the 'MILES REMAINING' indicator up to 8 miles past zero. I know, I know, that's not good for the fuel pump...
 
In summary, I would recommend any 2003 or newer Focus to anyone shopping used that prefers to buy American (both of mine were built in Michigan). I have needed only maintenance, no repairs for 115,000 miles on the 2003 I sold in 2007 and 25,000 so far on my 2011.

#82 of 177 2012 Focus real world MPG's ?? by sobsboc

Mar 17, 2012 (2:44 pm)

Please post real world MPG figures here and state whether you have the "SFE" package or which power train, driving conditions, etc.

#83 of 177 Re: 2012 Focus real world MPG's ?? [sobsboc] by kam327

Mar 20, 2012 (10:56 am)

Replying to: sobsboc (Mar 17, 2012 2:44 pm)
I have a 2012 SEL sedan with the dual clutch auto. I get about 32 mpg in mixed city / suburban road driving (no expressway). The car has 1700 miles on it so far so that should improve over time. The computer displayed 42 mpg once after a 30-mile easy country road drive.

#84 of 177 ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission by bwhittle216

Mar 21, 2012 (2:38 pm)

I am getting 27-28 miles mpg with 80% of my driving on flat/straight road with few traffic light stops. My rpm runs at 27000 at 70 mph. I have a 2011 ford fusion with the I4 engine and it runs at 17000 rpm at 70 mph. Any ideas on why the focus is underperforming per their rating of 27-37 mpg? I ahve a 2012 Ford Focus SE Sport Hatchback with automatic transmission.

#85 of 177 Re: ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission [bwhittle216] by markus5

Mar 21, 2012 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: bwhittle216 (Mar 21, 2012 2:38 pm)
Suggesting to you that something is not right here. The RPM's should be lower. I do not have any direct experience with these cars, but your 4 cylinder Focus with 6 speed auto transmission should allow the engine to turn about the same speed as your 6 speed Fusion. The Fusion engine may have a bit more torque than the Focus, based mainly on its larger displacement., but it is also pushing around considerably more weight.
 
In my '04 Focus with the 2.3 engine, I do about 2750 rpm, at 70mph, about 3100 rpm at 80. It has 118,000 miles which I have had since new.
It is returning about the same mileage now as new. It really depends on how aggressive I am driving. I will tell you that I am easily getting 27-28 in mixed driving if I drive reasonably. Some thing is not right with your tranny. Have it checked.

#86 of 177 Re: ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission [bwhittle216] by kam327

Mar 26, 2012 (7:37 am)

Replying to: bwhittle216 (Mar 21, 2012 2:38 pm)
2700 rpm 70 mph is a little high. Should be more like 2500-2550. Have you had the latest transmission software update done? Others have reported that that has moved the shift points a little and resulted in lower highway rpm's.
 
These new Focus's are known for fuel economy dropping off much quicker with increased speed than usual. They also seem to be more sensitive to fuel. On the other hand if you can manage to keep the speed under 60 on a highway trip you should see over 40 mpg...

#87 of 177 Re: ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission [kam327] by erzeszut

Mar 27, 2012 (9:07 am)

Replying to: kam327 (Mar 26, 2012 7:37 am)
Under 60mph on a highway trip? On many (perhaps even most) US highways, that speed is well out of the norm of the traffic flow and could be dangerous.

#88 of 177 Re: ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission [kam327] by bwhittle216

Mar 27, 2012 (10:28 am)

Replying to: kam327 (Mar 26, 2012 7:37 am)
My service manager is supposed to check out the software update at my request. That was my thoughts too in cking performance issue. I have to agree that i would probably cause traffic issues traveling at 60 or below on the fourlane hjghways i travel and still feel
mpg perflrmance should not be compromised going 65-70 mph in todays world.there are no indications of such in the Ford commercial boasting of 40 mpg vehicles. Holefully updating software will help my mpg performance issue. Thanks for your input.

#89 of 177 Not bad by joegiant

Apr 03, 2012 (6:35 am)

Approaching 3500 miles on our new 5spd Focus SE. With about a 90% highway usage (fun driving commuter car btw) just hit 36.0 on the mpg meter. Just what the window sticker suggested. Satisfied. And as mentioned in a previous post, this engine does run high on the tach at 70mph but I really don't care. 36 mpg hwy is 36 mpg hwy.

#90 of 177 Re: ford focus hatchback se sport with auto transmission [bwhittle216] by gkachmar

Apr 15, 2012 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: bwhittle216 (Mar 21, 2012 2:38 pm)
I just returned from a three week trip to Italy where we rented a base level 2011 Focus hatchback with 45K kilometers on the odometer, a TDI Diesel, six speed manual and 15" wheels. It rode comfortably, handled well, did not lack for acceleration or passing power, held two 24" suitcases and two 21" carry-ons easily in the covered trunk, felt safe and secure at 100+ mph on autostradas and averaged 43 mpg (5.5 liters per 100 KM) over 900+ miles. Most of the driving was in congested traffic and about half on twisty mountain roads in Campania and the Abruzzo.
 
We were so impressed that I looked into buying a similar car to replace an aging SAAB wagon.
 
But, here in the USA:
 
- no Diesel
- five speed gearbox
- harsh riding 18" wheels/tires if you want upscale features and a nicer interior
- also, no station wagon
 
I'll believe the "One Ford" slogan when they start selling Focus and Fusion (Mondeo) Diesel station wagons with six speed manuals. Until then it's just marketing B.S.

Messages Page 9 of 18

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