Ask the Car People.SM


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 88 of 133

#862 of 1316 Re: Focus transmission [backy] by robr2

Nov 25, 2011 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: backy (Nov 23, 2011 3:46 pm)
Wasn't there a TSB for the DSG? If so, wouldn't that indicate there's something there besides lack of familiarity with the DSG transmission?
 
A TSB is an automatic indication of there being a problem. TSB's are often just issued for informational purposes or for a new method of doing a repair.
 
In this case, Ford issued a TSB to reprogram the transmission to shift differently if someone complained. Technically, it's working as designed.
 
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/transmission-woes-addressed-by-ford-b- ut-too-late-for-consumer-reports/

#863 of 1316 Re: Focus transmission [robr2] by backy

Nov 25, 2011 (1:03 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Nov 25, 2011 1:00 pm)
It's working as designed, hence the need for reprogramming for some drivers. Got it.

#864 of 1316 Re: Focus transmission [backy] by shipo

Nov 25, 2011 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: backy (Nov 25, 2011 1:03 pm)
I think you missed the point, the TSB was to be performed on the drivers, not on the cars.

#865 of 1316 Re: the Focus isn't even remotely competitive with the GTI [creakid1] by sandman_6472

Nov 25, 2011 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: creakid1 (Nov 25, 2011 12:08 am)
We tried the same two but with the slush boxes and obviously preferred the 3...this next time I'm hoping she'll decide against the 3, but we'll see. I prefer the Elantra but she's complaining about the rear visibility without even trying one yet...ugh! Did mention the upcoming new Sentra & Corolla to her yesterday but reminded her that the 2012 Sentra SL I sat in recently had a outstanding front seat...super comfortable for me...but the styling is really dated though. But bet she could make a killer deal while they're still in stock. Timing is the issue though, she's just not ready to buy yet!
 
The Sandman

#866 of 1316 she's complaining about the rear visibility [sandman_6472] by creakid1

Nov 25, 2011 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Nov 25, 2011 2:38 pm)
Yep, the rear visibility (width) was the main reason I dismissed the Mazda3 (the old Focus sedan had a much wider view). Another reason is the door armrest too low for driver's elbow (I love the high one in the C30/S40/V50). I knew I can eventually smooth out the nervous ride motion when the Monroe shocks become available.
 
Today, only the to-be-discontinued Lancer has a decently wide rear-view out, followed by the E90/E92 3-Series & maybe the C-Class sedan. The 1-Series Coupe isn't too bad, either.
 
The new Focus sedan is tolerable if you remove the right rear headrest. If those "ST turbo" Recaro seats become an option on the sedan, then I might go for it!
 
You sure you tried the '05-07 ST sedan? It was never available w/ slushbox. Only the '05-07 ST & '01 Street Edition versions of the MkI Focus sedan do not have "weak knee-ed" front springs!

#867 of 1316 Re: the Focus isn't even remotely competitive with the GTI [shipo] by gogogodzilla

Nov 25, 2011 (8:50 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 24, 2011 7:29 pm)
Funny that. I just traded in my GTI (Mk V) for a Focus Titanium Hatchback with sport handling package.
 
Here's what I've found.
 
Steering feel: the GTI is the hands down winner. I'm not saying the Focus is bad, but the GTI is probably got the best steering feel out of any affordable car on the road.
 
Handling: the GTI is slightly better, but only because the steering setup is so dang good.
 
Power: GTI wins, hands down. But then, it better... considering that it's got 40 more horses than the Focus.
 
Fuel economy: Focus wins
 
Electronic gizmos: Focus wins
 
Seats: Focus wins with softer seat bottoms (GTI's were hard as a rock)... combined with good, but not intrusive, seat bolstering
 
Interior material quality: GTI wins, as it's got high quality cloth covering every bit of the roof and pillars. Focus has plastic coverings on the pillars, though it does have good quality woven cloth for the ceilings. As for the rest, it's a wash. Both have soft touch plastics and buttons that are pleasing to the touch.
 
Transmission: Focus wins it. Despite all the talk of the DSG transmission 'problems', it's actually smoother off the start than my GTI. The actual shifts are quicker in the GTI, but then... you also have to put up with the herky-jerky starts that you'd find on a manual if you don't give it the time to get into gear.
 
Price: Focus wins. When I bought my GTI, I paid $24,000~ for it, with leather seats, 6-disc CD player, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. To get nearly the same thing, it's roughly $28,000... and you won't find the automatic dual-zone climate control included.
 
Whereas I can get all that and more in the Focus for the same price.
 
---
 
So to sum it up:
 
If you aren't pinching your pennies; if power and handling are paramount; if fuel economy isn't an issue; and a solidly-made interior focusing on performance is your cup of tea... then the GTI is the best car.
 
But if you are pinching your pennies; if interior comfort matters slightly more than performance orientation; if fuel economy is something you worry about; and you're willing to settle for performance and handling that are very good but not masterfully superb; then the Focus is more your speed.

#868 of 1316 Re: the Focus isn't even remotely competitive with the GTI [gogogodzilla] by shipo

Nov 26, 2011 (12:56 am)

Replying to: gogogodzilla (Nov 25, 2011 8:50 pm)
There is one exceedingly important issue which your comparo completely skips over; nobody in my house is willing to tolerate a lame automatic transmission. If you want a Focus with a stick you MUST opt for a Focus SE and a 5-Speed (or a Focus S if you are okay with a sedan), and while the manual in the Ford is a decent transmission it's not in the same league as the sweet shifting 6-Speed in the GTI, a transmission which only tips its hat to the unit in the likes of the RX-8, the Miata, and the S2000.
 
Said another way, the 6-Speed in the GTI is the finest manual I've ever driven in a transverse engined FWD car, the 5-Speed in the Focus is just run-of-the-mill.

#869 of 1316 Re: the Focus isn't even remotely competitive with the GTI [gogogodzilla] by creakid1

Nov 26, 2011 (2:37 am)

Replying to: gogogodzilla (Nov 25, 2011 8:50 pm)
Gosh, are you really saving $ trading in a DSG GTI for a DSG Focus? Or did you forget to buy your GTI an extended warranty, especially for that DSG, which can grind itself up eventually?

#870 of 1316 2012 Focus Real world fuel economy by drvette

Nov 26, 2011 (4:48 am)

Would owners post their MPG figures AND their driving habits/areas [highway/suburban/rural]
 
The vehicle should be thoroughly broken in first.
 
I see MPG figures from 27 to 41mpg, so this much variation leaves me concerned.
 
Thanks for your time and assistance
 
DrVette

#871 of 1316 Re: the Focus isn't even remotely competitive with the GTI [shipo] by bpizzuti

Nov 26, 2011 (6:04 am)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 26, 2011 12:56 am)
nobody in my house is willing to tolerate a lame automatic transmission
 
Well, it's a good thing Ford doesn't have a single Focus with an automatic transmission, isn't it?
 
You see, the Ford Focus has either a straight up manual or an automated dual-clutch sequential transmission.

Messages Page 88 of 133

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement