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2012 Ford Focus

1316 messages,  Last post on Feb 25, 2013 at 4:53 AM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Ford, Car Buying, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 46 of 132

#451 of 1316 Re: Just spent 4 hours poking n prodding Focus [m6user] by shipo

May 05, 2011 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: m6user (May 05, 2011 7:22 pm)
I wouldn't even consider a 2011 Mazda3; my 2009 Mazda3 is just fine thank you. That said, I would very much consider a 2012 SkyActiv-G or better still, a 2013 SkyActiv-D.
 
The above said, considering how much less the 2011 Mazda3 costs versus the 2012 Focus (as close to apples to apples as one can get), you can buy a bunch of gas with the difference. I suspect on a cost per mile basis, the two are pretty comparable. That of course will change when SkyActiv becomes a reality.
 
What really annoys me about all of this is that I was so bent on getting a new Focus (even through Ford discriminates against those of us whom prefer manual transmissions), even to the point of trading in my prefectly good 2009; then I got into the front driver's seat, sit to my liking and then shoehorned my way into the left rear seat. That killed the deal right there.

#452 of 1316 shoehorned my way into the left rear seat [shipo] by creakid1

May 06, 2011 (12:23 am)

Replying to: shipo (May 05, 2011 8:01 pm)
I know I know. I own an '07 Focus & a "'91 Escort equivalent" '90 Protege. So the new Focus is a joke on rear leg room, while costing more than an Elantra similarly equipped. & now some people are even comparing the new Focus to the similarly priced Sonata? Just remember, the Focus & Hyundai sedans are opposites of each other, as they serve completely different purposes. The Focus is designed to satisfy drivers, while Hyundai sedans (all the way to the Equus) are designed to satisfy back-seat drivers.
 
People expect the Focus to be an inexpensive noisy boom box w/ adult-size rear leg room. The new Focus has none of the above. So therefore should be renamed in order not to confuse consumers.
 
But Ford is afraid to call it the Ford Probe coupe b/c it's got rear doors? Come on, this is the 21th Century. Coupes can have rear doors. Just check out the more cramped-&-expensive versions of the Mercedes E-class & VW Passat sedans -- the CLS & CC, respectively. & what about the RX-8 sports car?
 
Do you know that the more expensive CC version of the Passat actually costs less to lease than its roomier sedan version? B/c the more-attractive CC has better resale value due more buyers waiting for it.
 
Comparing the Sonata to the new roomy Jetta makes more sense.

#453 of 1316 Mazda/Ford tuning[shipo] by creakid1

May 06, 2011 (12:43 am)

Replying to: shipo (May 05, 2011 9:30 am)
Now perform that same comparison between the Focus and the Mazda3 and you'll see a much different story. The Mazda has nearly as many goodies as the Focus, can be had with a stick for all trim levels, has much more rear seat room, and is thousands less. What's not to like.
 
That's a good question. Is the Mazda3 noisier especially when cruising on the fwy?
 
About 20 yrs ago, I was comparing the Mazda Protege to its Ford-verision Escort/Tracer, which are also available w/ the Mazda 1.8 DOHC. I really prefer the styling of the Tracer sedan, but I ended up w/ the made-in-Japan Protege for quality reason. Especially when comparing to Escort's std smooth/comfy set up that glides over bumps, the Mazda's suspension tuning has quick rebound which bounces the whole car right afterward just as high as each of the bump it just soaked up. But the solution was to try out different aftermarket shock absorbers & ended up w/ Monroe & Gabriel solving the problem.
 
Today, Gabriels are too hard. But I'm pretty sure Monroe will solve Mazda3's quick nervous rebound motion. So far, the early Mazda3's are available w/ Monroe shocks.
 
I prefer the exterior styling of the Rabbit/GTI V over the Golf/GTI VI, but I'm kind of annoyed by the MkV's inside door handle located so far aft for the driver. Ditto the new Focus. Like the old Focus, the new Mazda3 wins in this little detail, just like every '90-91 Protege (1, 2)

#454 of 1316 Re: Mazda/Ford tuning [creakid1] by shipo

May 06, 2011 (3:28 am)

Replying to: creakid1 (May 06, 2011 12:43 am)
Even though my age is well into AARP land, I still very much prefer a stiffly suspended car with excellent handling over pretty much anything else. My 2009 Mazda3 (with 17" wheels and shod with modestly sized 205/50 R17 Michelin Pilot Sports) deals with the bumps and "frost heaves" we get here in New Hampshire better than any good handling car I've ever driven this side of a BMW, Audi or VW GTI. So while you may not like the "quick rebound" of Mazda suspensions, I actually enjoy them.
 
Is the Mazda a bit noisy at freeway speeds? Yes, but tolerably so, and as I understand it, the Gen 2 Mazda3 is much improved in that department.

#455 of 1316 Re: Under the heading of handsome is as handsome does [shipo] by creakid1

May 06, 2011 (2:33 pm)

Replying to: shipo (May 05, 2011 2:56 pm)
The Focus looks handsome, the Mazda3 does handsome (from a utility and drive perspective).
 
No sure if the front end of the new Focus III looks handsome, either.
 
I think the front end of the earlier roomy Focus I looks cool like the Mondeo/ ST220, which got tons of rear leg room & drives pretty handsome as well!
 
Ditto the roomy Focus II (1, 2)
  
The new Focus III may be cramped in the back, but does handsome in terms of steering feel, ride comfort & quietness. & how well does the Mazda3 match all that?

#456 of 1316 Re: Under the heading of handsome is as handsome does [creakid1] by shipo

May 06, 2011 (3:17 pm)

Replying to: creakid1 (May 06, 2011 2:33 pm)
While I've yet to drive a new Focus, I will say that the ride and handling of the new(ish) Mazda3 is every bit as good as what I experience with my 2009 (if not slightly better), and for my needs, wants and desires, that's a tough act to follow.

#457 of 1316 A shame that the tailpipe looks so cheap by rexg

May 07, 2011 (12:47 pm)

While I like the new Focus very much, I think it is a real shame that Ford chose to omit a tidy chrome exhaust tip. The tailpipe looks cheap on an otherwise classy-looking package. Apparently the Euro versions have them on some (non-ST) models?

#458 of 1316 Focus vs Golf [bricknord] by creakid1

May 07, 2011 (3:32 pm)

Replying to: bricknord (May 01, 2011 2:48 pm)
The Focus hatch suddenly looks way more attractive to this long time VW owner. Likely low to mid 30's average MPG, close to 40 highway, and just as fun to drive as the Golf.
 
Actually, the Focus should be more fun to steer than the Golf.
 
But even the 2-dr Golf stick, with its ability to carry more than 2 adults comfortably to travel very long distance, actually cost less fuel-per-adult on board. Don't you think? How much are people willing to pay for more leg room on long-distance flights?
 
The Focus is your daily commuter if you don't drive on the carpool lane. The Golf is your family mini mini van...

#459 of 1316 Re: Focus vs Golf [creakid1] by shipo

May 07, 2011 (7:23 pm)

Replying to: creakid1 (May 07, 2011 3:32 pm)
I wouldn't care to bet on the Focus being "more fun to steer" than a Golf, errr, unless you're comparing a full-zoot Focus with uprated suspension, wheels and tires to a base level Golf.

#460 of 1316 Focus vs. New Competition by pearl

May 07, 2011 (8:01 pm)

Saw the new Focus at the NYIAS. Looked very nice. The new 2.0L four banger had a chain-driven OHC system - good to get away from the belts. Back seat was not "roomy" and I wouldn't want to ride back there for two hours, but for relatively brief trips it was OK, and fine for kids. I liked the hatch and am glad to see them making a comeback on U.S. model cars - great utility. 2012 and 2013 will be banner years for this segment of the market with the new Elantra, Focus, Impreza, etc. Shoppers need to take some time to evaluate each to get the one that suits them best.

Messages Page 46 of 132

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