I LOVE my 2012 Ford Focus 100% whoo hoo thread!!

[HATCHMANSE]

I used to dread my drive into work in the morning with my 2002 honda. Every bump, turn or attempt to accelerate was a pain. Since I go my '12 hatch SE with manual I look forward to driving.

I test drove the following cars before I settled on the focus: Buick Regal Turbo, Used '10 Chevy Cobalt SS, VW GTI, VW Golf TDI, Ford Fusion Sport, Chevy Cruze 1.4T, Chevy Sonic 1.4T, Dodge Dart 1.4T, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus ST.

The Focus ST is the only one that made me pause but after I drove the base engine I was very supprised how lively is was once up over 3000RPMs. Pure enjoyment. The sports seats which are a part of the sport package are amazing. Its a crime they arent offered on the '13 anymore.

[JimsterG]

How was the new Dodge Dart as far as driving and comfort?

[bsp_53]

Good for you, HATCHMANSE, you will only enjoy the new car more and more. You made an excellent choice.
Welcome to the forums ...

[HATCHMANSE]

The dart was nice but the turbo lag was really bad. Its a midsize. Def not a compact. Best part was the exhaust sound. The steering and suspension are really good but not quite as supple as the Focus.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by HATCHMANSE

The dart was nice but the turbo lag was really bad. Its a midsize. Def not a compact. Best part was the exhaust sound. The steering and suspension are really good but not quite as supple as the Focus.

The dart doesn't handle that great, and the 2.0L is thrashy when pushed. Also its the size of the Cruze and is also a Fat Compact (3/4th scale midsized car).

[biggc]

Took on a new chevy truck today at a stop light,he just barely got me before we ran out of space.He Knew i was there.LOL HE STARTED IT! must be the yellow paint. LOVE THIS CAR.

[collisionbend]

When in doubt about your car, make it sound good, right? ;-)

[collisionbend]

...and I've smoked a few cars with my SE hatch. It always gets a look of amazement afterwards...

[jsr72]

Originally Posted by NickCornell

122 was more like the actual speed, but that's what the speedo showed

Should be around there. 121mph for US cars, I believe.

[ttratar]

I have to tell you up front I am a Miata fanatic. Had one since Aug 89. Bought a 2008 PRHT after my 90 got totaled. Was looking for a car to replace my wife's aging 96 Sable wagon and of course we looked at the Mazda 3 and the wife loved it. I was reading a about the Focus which I had always thought to be a cheap econo car. Not being snobbish as I once owned a 1972 Pinto Squire wagon. Sold it with 220K. As you can tell I'm an old guy. Anyway back on topic. We stopped by the local ford dealer to take a look at the new Fusion and the wife liked the size of the Focus. It had a lot more tech than the Mazda. We looked at a loaded SEL and bought it. Leather, sun roof all the gizmos except part assist. Couldn't believe that I could get enthused about the wife's car. It only has 500 miles on it and already bought the engine cover, chrome door handles, stainless door sills, K&N filter. Love the Ford Sync, even went out and got a phone with blue tooth. The Sat radio is cool as San Diego doesn't have an oldies station. I did notice the tranny feels different and am getting used to it. It will never replace my Miata as my favorite but am really happy with it. Am looking at those wood dashes now. My Miata feels a little rejected right now so maybe there is a supercharger on the horizon. Thanks Ford for building a fun econo box.