The Ford Focus found here: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/
I have had this car on several trips:
This was the most recent in NC. 141 miles, good sunny weather with temps between 40 at night and 68 during the day.
This trip was much shorter, 42 miles, but much colder and with snow on the morning of day two.
This trip was 514 miles, and I had the titanium edition thankfully. (cruse control was great to have!)
It was cold, with snow covered roads on the northern side of the trip.
So what is it like?
Starting with looks, let's be honest... it works well. It's a good looking car. Way to go Ford!
Some how Ford has managed to make this car look smart and aggressive all at the same time.
The fuel economy is nothing to laugh at either, I have averaged 38 MPG on the most recent trip. I wasn't babying the pedal either. If I did have anything derogatory to say about the drive train so far it would only be that the shift points seem to be a little off. it's got plenty of torque to get you moving, but at times it seems to be very far away, and at others (like when backing up) it can really surprise the hell out of you!
I have to apologize for the sun in my photos, I wasn't aware of the poor quality until I uploaded them today.
You can still make out what is actually a well appointed drivers area, with enough gadgets to make you feel like it may be a fun car to be in. Turns out, it is! Lot's of menus to look through and learn, as well as an eco feature that tracks how eco your driving style is. Pretty smart! The only down side to some of the "bells and whistles" may well be a learning curve to get used to them, and to figure out some of the paring options for your phone. But don't be scared, it's not that tough to get through.
Notably, this model isn't any where near the top of the line either, I have had a "decked out" Titanium model on a previous trip, and I was truly taken aback at the sheer volume of gadgetry offered for the reasonable cost.
The car doesn't feel cramped, or small. This is a huge selling point for someone like myself, who would be "downsizing" from a full size car if I were to buy one. It also handles like a bigger car when it comes to stability on the road. I didn't feel any of the wind, or any push from grooves in the pavement, like I noted in the Chevy Aveo. I don't want you to get the impression that it's "big" in the corners, because it's actually a real pleasure to corner with. It has more than ample grip and the overall stance is confidence inspiring. I found myself wishing I had a test track at my disposal to see where the limits might lie in this little fun package.
As you can see here, I had ample room in the hatchback version for both my large suitcase and my backpack. It also has a nice cargo area "lid" to conceal what you may have in the back from prying eyes. In the four door version the trunk space is just as ample and easy to access.
Even in the back, things are looking good. It's not a Maybach by any means, but then neither is the price tag! With the base model starting at $16,500 it's nothing to laugh at either. Even the decked out Titanium model starts at $22,700. Again, a pretty darn good price point overall.
I have had this car on several trips:
It was cold, with snow covered roads on the northern side of the trip.
So what is it like?
Starting with looks, let's be honest... it works well. It's a good looking car. Way to go Ford!
The fuel economy is nothing to laugh at either, I have averaged 38 MPG on the most recent trip. I wasn't babying the pedal either. If I did have anything derogatory to say about the drive train so far it would only be that the shift points seem to be a little off. it's got plenty of torque to get you moving, but at times it seems to be very far away, and at others (like when backing up) it can really surprise the hell out of you!
I have to apologize for the sun in my photos, I wasn't aware of the poor quality until I uploaded them today.
You can still make out what is actually a well appointed drivers area, with enough gadgets to make you feel like it may be a fun car to be in. Turns out, it is! Lot's of menus to look through and learn, as well as an eco feature that tracks how eco your driving style is. Pretty smart! The only down side to some of the "bells and whistles" may well be a learning curve to get used to them, and to figure out some of the paring options for your phone. But don't be scared, it's not that tough to get through.
The car doesn't feel cramped, or small. This is a huge selling point for someone like myself, who would be "downsizing" from a full size car if I were to buy one. It also handles like a bigger car when it comes to stability on the road. I didn't feel any of the wind, or any push from grooves in the pavement, like I noted in the Chevy Aveo. I don't want you to get the impression that it's "big" in the corners, because it's actually a real pleasure to corner with. It has more than ample grip and the overall stance is confidence inspiring. I found myself wishing I had a test track at my disposal to see where the limits might lie in this little fun package.
OK so, what's the verdict?
We like:
- Aggressive look
- MPG
- Interior styling & room
- Handling
- Price
We don't like:
- Transmission shift points
- Some of the "gadgets" learning curve
Overall it's 4 out of 5 for this Ford. A good buy in my opinion if your in the market for a small ish high MPG car that's still fun and confident to drive.
