2015 Ford Focus Gets Major Overhaul

2015 Ford Focus

2014 Ford Focus

2015 Ford Focus

Ford Recalls 140,000 Compacts

• Vehicle Make / Model:

  Model Year(s):

• FORD / FOCUS
  2012

• Manufacturer:

  FORD MOTOR COMPANY

• Mfr's Report Date:

  APR 02, 2012

• NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:

  12V149000

• NHTSA Action Number:

  N/A

• Component:

  VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

• Potential Number of Units Affected:

  140,310

• Summary:

  FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED
• FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING 
• HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.

• Consequence:

  WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, 
• RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, 
• REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

• Remedy:

  FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, 
• CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. 
• ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE
• PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. FORD EXPECTS TO BEGIN ON OR 
• ABOUT MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY
• CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP 
• CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

2012 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback: The Automaker's Game Changing Compact

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $24,485 (Base price of Focus starts at $16,995)

Major Standard Features on Base Focus: 15-inch wheels; AM/FM single-CD/MP3 with 4 speakers; tilt steering; power windows; manual transmission; side curtain airbags; keyless entry remote; air condition

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter/160hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/38-hwy

Competition: Chevy Cruze; Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Toyota Corolla; Nissan Sentra; VW Jetta; upcoming Kia Rio

What’s New: The 2012 redesigned European influenced compact has been reworked from the inside out for the 2011 model year, growing in size, price and features. For the 2011 model year, a coupe is no longer apart of the line up.

Pros: Ford has transformed the boxy looking Focus from being a mediocre compact to an aerodynamic vehicle that’s now capable of competing beyond the confines of Detroit. The previous-generation was a step in the right direction, but Ford has gotten it right this time, hitting the sweet spot in the compact segment. Even the folks from Honda are taking notice as they launch a reworked Honda Civic.

For the 2012 model-year, the Focus is available in several trim models as either a sedan or sporty looking hatchback. I was fortunate enough to review the top of the line Titanium model, which was equipped with Ford’s Premium Package. This package included leather-trimmed seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar, an audible reverse sensing system, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear seat center armrest with storage.

Furthermore, the redesigned roomy, great handling compact I reviewed was outfitted with 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a push-button keyless ignition starter, Ford’s Sync Voice Activated System, Ford’s all-new touch screen audio and ventilation system, Sony’s 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, HD radio and a satellite system.

The Game Changing Compact Market

 The Honda Civic gets a makeover this spring. The concept photo reveals a swoopy, curvaceous design.

The Ford Focus adds curves and swagger to its design.

The Chevy Cruze went on sale in the fall, replacing the Cobalt.

The Hyundai Elantra is featured above. The design mimics the super-popular Sonata.

2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe: Sporty And Fun-to-Drive

What’s New

Ford first introduced the compact-sized Focus in 1999, after retiring the popular Escort. Initially, the Focus was available as a sedan, hatchback and wagon. However, the second generation redesigned 2009 Focus dropped the hatchback and wagon, adding a coupe to the line up.

Must Have Goodies:

The new boxy looking angular-styled coupe we reviewed was available in two trim levels. If you’re buying the coupe, we recommend stepping up to the SES package, which includes the fun-to-drive and fuel efficient five-speed manual transmission (an automatic is available), 17-inch wheels, fog lights, chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler incorporated into the design of the roof as opposed to the trunk.

The Focus was also packaged with two safety features to maintain better control in dicey driving situations: ABS and Electronic Stability Braking system. Furthermore, for music lovers, you should opt for Ford’s Moon and Tune package, which includes a 6-disc CD player and MP3 player with audiophiles and a power roof.

And if cloth seats don’t tickle your fancy, you can opt to fork out $810 for the fancy looking heated bucket seats. In fact, we found the seats in the compact-sized Focus to be extremely comfortable and offer more support than both the mid-sized Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

What We Like:

The 17-inch tire and wheel package makes the Ford Focus coupe one of the best riding small cars on the market. Added to that, Ford’s industry exclusive SYNC technology makes this car a winner. While SYNC was standard in our SES trim package, it is a $395 option in the base SE trim package. With SYNC, drivers can use a hands-free voice activated system, which plays music, podcasts, audio books, make calls and answers texts, while you’re driving. SYNC, which works in conjunction with Bluetooth, cost less than most high-tech mobile phones. And there isn’t another compact on the road today offering this type of technology.

What We Hated:

While we like the compact Ford we reviewed, at $20,615 the price is steep. In fact, the vehicle pricing goes head-to-head with larger vehicles like the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry. One of the ways Ford could help cut the cost of the Focus is by eliminating such needless features like one of the three adjustable headrests in the rear seat. Also for this price point, automatic headlights should be a standard feature on the Focus.

Any Juice:

The Focus we reviewed was equipped with a peppy 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder engine, which produces 140 horses.

The Verdict:

If you’re in the market for a roomy and reliable compact sports coupe, offering high-end technology, the Focus could be the perfect vehicle for you. The Focus is available in a variety of trim package, as either a coupe or sedan, with an automatic or manual transmission. While a fully equipped Focus goes-to-head with larger vehicles, consumers can opt for a moderate equipped vehicle to get a better deal. Pricing for a base Focus starts at $15,500 and can easily rise to $21,800. Ford usually offers rebates and cut rate financing on the vehicle.

Coupe Competition:

Chevy Cobalt, Honda Civic and Kia Koup

To configure a Focus or another vehicle, visit our New-Vehicle Pricing Guide, which is located in the Car-Buying Toolbox.