I am by no means a car guru, I know a few things about cars, and if in a pinch could change a tire, or check the oil. I know a few key terms, enough to get by but the person in my household, like many, that really gets into cars and car reviews is my husband.
When I was asked to review the 2012 Ford Focus, I was very interested and couldn’t pass up the offer. Although I am used to driving my Honda minivan 95% of the time, I do get to drive my husband’s Nissan Sentra which was, of course, a lot closer of a comparison to the Ford Focus.
Again, because it would be unfair to compare the Focus to my minivan I will do my best to try to keep it a level playing field, but I do love minivans, in case you didn’t already know. I’m one half of the Minivan Moguls LLC. of course 
When I first got the keys to the Ford Focus I was super excited, took this picture on my iPhone and Instagramed it.:
Before I drove the Focus I was warned it had a, new technology that some people complained felt like the car was idling high (shaking at stops – in layman’s terms) and I definitely noticed that as well. The car shakes quite a bit when you are stopped at a light and you will notice it especially if the light is a long one if you have never driven.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I did some research and it looks like the reason the car is shakier than some is that it has a direct injection fuel system, which is great because it means better gas efficiency, but not so great with the feel of the ride when you are at a stop. If you can get over the shakiness (I recommend a test drive to see how it feels,) you will notice that when the car shifts it is actually a lot smoother than most automatic-shift vehicles. Personally, I could probably get over the shakiness and not even notice it, especially if it was my only, or main vehicle, especially if it was saving me money in the long-run on gas.
When I finally got in to check out the car and test drive I noticed how it was very much so a sporty car. Not so much a family car, mostly due to the limited space available in the car. The hatchback feature of the Ford Focus did have a good amount of space, but honestly I could never fit our double stroller in the trunk. If I had one child and we didn’t take long trips, it may work for a family car for us, but with our two girls, suitcases, toys, strollers, any presents or extras we would have to get a car-top carrier and more to fit us all in and it wouldn’t be a comfortable trip to say the least. Also on the topic of interior space, Miss A is a very tall 4-year-old (wearing size 6 clothes mostly for length), and with her car seat behind my husband there was very little room for her long legs.
Overall though, if I were rating the car in general, here are my quick thoughts:
PROS
- GREAT gas mileage – averaging 37mpg (highway) 27mgp (city)
- Nice second car options for larger families who take short trips
- Super extra features like the MyFord Touch voice activation system
- Hubby LOVED the modern/futuristic look of the instrument panel
CONS
- It was very small compared to cars in it’s class. The front interior didn’t have much room for anything. My iPhone with the Otterbox case and a drink were too much for the drink-holder area to contain and I’m used to filling the Sentra’s middle area with drink, phone, change, GPS and more and still having room to spare.
- Again, the shaking was annoying, and may bother some people more than others.
- Not a great family car if you have more than 3 people, older children (age 5 and up), or go on long trips.
The Ford Focus also made another list when it ranked at #2 in Affordable Small Cars on the U.S. News vehicle rankings. Categories included Safety, Performance, Exterior, Interior, and Reliability (yet to be determined).
The Ford Focus has a starting MSRP of $18,300 if you don’t get all the perks, the one I drove with MyFord Touch package and at the SEL trim level was listed at 24,075. So pricing does vary depending on what you want in your vehicle.
I’d say at the very least, worth checking out in person if it fits your needs for a new vehicle. Just keep in mind, who will be driving, how you will be using it, and how much you’re willing to spend for extras.
Do you own a Ford Focus? Have you test driven? What are your thoughts?
Sounds like it would be a great commuter car but like you said, not good for big families. But I do love the look of it .
Yep. As MommyB said, I thought it looked great inside and out. I loved the instrument panels. I was surprised at how cutting edge and almost futuristic everything was inside. Ford’s stepping up their game!