New Focus ST will have 252HP and is coming to the U.S.

[c7scayman]

http://www.insideline.com/ford/focus/2013/2013-ford-focus-st-first-drive.html

Mazdaspeed 3 and the new Dart will have some more competition.

[mcperson2k]

Very old news.... Still cool though, I like it. Wish it looked more like the RS though, that thing is awesome.

[c7scayman]

Yeah the RS looks much better.

[Godofelru]

I don't want a car payment, but I kind of want the ST.

[mg23]

this almost looks too good to be true haha im just hesitant that its a ford and there may be a reliability issues... coming from a honda owner ;)

[mcperson2k]

I may be mistaken, but isn't Ford #1 in reliability right now?

[jpalamar]

I'll care about the Focus when they actually bring the RS over.

this almost looks too good to be true haha im just hesitant that its a ford and there may be a reliability issues... coming from a honda owner ;)

Ignorance is bliss.

[DaBombDiggidy]

I may be mistaken, but isn't Ford #1 in reliability right now?

jdm kids are still living in the late 90s early 00s

[mckpat03]

I'll care about the Focus when they actually bring the RS over.



Ignorance is bliss.

Couldn't agree more. I support this post.

[Scapegoat]

this almost looks too good to be true haha im just hesitant that its a ford and there may be a reliability issues... coming from a honda owner ;)

well arent you just the little stereotype

[Honduh]

Cars are as realiable as the owner wishes them to be by performing routine maintance.

[Proven]

I may be mistaken, but isn't Ford #1 in reliability right now?

I heard this but thought it was a tad pre-mature considering it was their new models being voted as such (as apposed to years and years of reliability like Honda/Toyota). Ford has stepped up though! The new Focus is NICE!! If they did these in AWD they'd pull a lot of Import guys to the dark side imo..

[mckpat03]

I heard this but thought it was a tad pre-mature considering it was their new models being voted as such (as apposed to years and years of reliability like Honda/Toyota). Ford has stepped up though! The new Focus is NICE!! If they did these in AWD they'd pull a lot of Import guys to the dark side imo..

Hopefully we see the RS sooner, rather than later.

[FocusDude]

My 01 Focus cost me all of $140 outside of regular maintenance over the past 12 years. I really do not want to get rid of it. I also do not want another car payment, but I said I would buy a turbo focus if they brought it over. I've been waiting 8 or so years.

The RS will never ever ever ever come to the US. Silly ricers wouldnt even consider it and with 25-30k price tag Ford doesnt think many others would either. I truly think they should do a run of 500 RSs or pre order? Ford hasnt listen to me yet-

Well, Technically there is a RS in the states. Registered in Mexico, but spends a good bit of time at the house in Chicago- Very cool guy from what I've read.

[Chris B.]

this almost looks too good to be true haha im just hesitant that its a ford and there may be a reliability issues... coming from a honda owner ;)

I laugh about Honda owners worrying about domestic car reliability. For example, between 1998 and 2003, the Ford Escort had better reliability based on warranty repairs in the first 3 years of ownership than the Honda civic. Ford vehicles have been rated better than Honda vehicles by J.D. Power many times in recent years. If you look at the individual complains by category, the biggest recent complains with Fords is the Sync stereo systems affecting their reliability ratings.

On the two Escorts I owned, all the parts that broke or wore out were made by Mazda. :lol:

Basically people still believe certain brands are the most reliable base on how reliable they were in the 1980's and early 1990's.

In reality people need to compare individual makes and models and not overall brands when comparing reliability. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Honda have made some vehicles that had many reliability issues in the past, yet its often overlooked.

[mcperson2k]

If Ford owns Mazda, than wouldn't that still make Ford accountable for the faults that Mazda has.... In the grand scheme of things.

[TR MS3]

Yeah, the Ford / Mazda ownership thing is very sketchy....All I know is nearly everything in my car is Stamped FMOCO. I honestly have no gripe with ford I think their new product lines are amazing. Hell I recommended my best friend buy the new 5.0 and I'm super jealous!

I agree with JPalamar, if the RS where to show up then I'd show a big interest in the focus lineup.

[mcperson2k]

The Focus RS is one of those cars, for certain people obviously, that you just never get tired of looking at. I am one of those people.

[c7scayman]

I think the sales of the ST need to be high for them to consider bringing an RS.

If the ST won't sell, Ford would think the RS won't sell.

[xEJ20x]

I'll care about the Focus when they actually bring the RS over.

I've been saying this since I saw the MkII RS

I think the sales of the ST need to be high for them to consider bringing an RS.

If the ST won't sell, Ford would think the RS won't sell.

I personally think that the RS would've sold just fine if Ford had brought it over when the 2002 WRX showed up.

[Chris B.]

If Ford owns Mazda, than wouldn't that still make Ford accountable for the faults that Mazda has.... In the grand scheme of things.

Ford doesn't own Mazda. Ford own about 30% of Mazda.

[O2SpecV]

like its been said the RS is not coming here. No one is gonna pay the price for a fwd hatch thats upwards of 30k. O except for the idiots that buy the new golf r, wow that thing is a waste of money

[Higu]

'Cept the Golf R is AWD. Still too much though

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Didn't they already say if the RS was in the states it would be over 40k. At that price range there are much better cars to be had.

[SpEcRv9]

this almost looks too good to be true haha im just hesitant that its a ford and there may be a reliability issues... coming from an ignorant honda owner ;)

fixed for you....Ford quality is right on par with Honda and Toyota...

The rest of the world has caught up to Honda and Toyota, and the real problem is expelling this type of ignorance.

[jnr5005]

Those seats are awsome

[Supraru]

I laugh about Honda owners worrying about domestic car reliability. For example, between 1998 and 2003, the Ford Escort had better reliability based on warranty repairs in the first 3 years of ownership than the Honda civic. Ford vehicles have been rated better than Honda vehicles by J.D. Power many times in recent years. If you look at the individual complains by category, the biggest recent complains with Fords is the Sync stereo systems affecting their reliability ratings.

On the two Escorts I owned, all the parts that broke or wore out were made by Mazda. :lol:

Basically people still believe certain brands are the most reliable base on how reliable they were in the 1980's and early 1990's.

In reality people need to compare individual makes and models and not overall brands when comparing reliability. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Honda have made some vehicles that had many reliability issues in the past, yet its often overlooked.

http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2012/02/mazdas-score-improves-most-while-fords-falls-the-farthest-yonkers-ny-riding-a-wave-of-impressive-redesigned-models.html

From 5th to 10th. Yes due to their my ford touch system and their powershift transmission. Meanwhile subaru over took hondas top spot.

[Chris B.]

http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2012/02/mazdas-score-improves-most-while-fords-falls-the-farthest-yonkers-ny-riding-a-wave-of-impressive-redesigned-models.html

From 5th to 10th. Yes due to their my ford touch system and their powershift transmission. Meanwhile subaru over took hondas top spot.

"Consumer Reports automaker report cards reflect the performance, comfort, utility, and reliability of more than 275 vehicles that CR recently rated"

That rating takes into account more than just reliability. Do they have the reliability ratings separate? I remember on one of the Subaru forums a Legacy owner saying he gave his Legacy a low rating in a Consumer Reports survey because it didn't come standard with one touch down and one touch up windows like his brother's Audi. :lol:

[c7scayman]

Ford doesn't own Mazda. Ford own about 30% of Mazda.

Just a history tid bit.

In 2008, Ford sold 20% of its stake in Mazda and went down to $13% from 33%. By doing that, they surrended control of Mazda. 6.8% out of that 20% was being bought back by Mazda itself.

Then in November 18, 2010, Ford sold another 10% to aid in their economic troubles and obtain more $$ to spread into emerging markets like China and now they only own a 3% stake in Mazda. But they are still strategic partners in sharing technology and joint ventures.

[FocusDude]

fixed for you....Ford quality is right on par with Honda and Toyota...

The rest of the world has caught up to Honda and Toyota, and the real problem is expelling this type of ignorance.

Well it all depends on what type car you buy. Small and boring Yota and Honda have it. (yes the Ft whatever is now here) If you want a truck, suv, or sedan, your staying in the US.

[Supraru]

"Consumer Reports automaker report cards reflect the performance, comfort, utility, and reliability of more than 275 vehicles that CR recently rated"

That rating takes into account more than just reliability. Do they have the reliability ratings separate? I remember on one of the Subaru forums a Legacy owner saying he gave his Legacy a low rating in a Consumer Reports survey because it didn't come standard with one touch down and one touch up windows like his brother's Audi. :lol:

"Each automaker’s overall score is based on the average road test scores and reliability ratings for all of its models that CR has tested."

Each car is subjected to the same scoring methods. If the Subaru wasn't as reliable it would drop positions. Don't be the butt hurt fanboy again. Accept the rating and get over it. I'm sure if it were Chris B.'s consumer report ford would be number one and not have any issues.

[mcperson2k]

"Each automaker’s overall score is based on the average road test scores and reliability ratings for all of its models that CR has tested."

Each car is subjected to the same scoring methods. If the Subaru wasn't as reliable it would drop positions. Don't be the butt hurt fanboy again. Accept the rating and get over it. I'm sure if it were Chris B.'s consumer report ford would be number one and not have any issues.

God you are so ****ing stupid.... What Chris wrote clearly went straight over your head.

[Supraru]

God you are so ****ing stupid.... What Chris wrote clearly went straight over your head.

Not at all. I pretty much said the same thing only in my statement I said every manufacturer gets the same tests. He's stating the scoring method is dumb hence the senerio he gave. Sure this guy that gave a bad rating for not having auto windows but he also has no proof that consumer reports just don't throw out stupid complaints. If ford was in first he'd be gloating. We all know this.

I love that you try to hate on anything i type. If you really have that big of a problem with me we could meet up for drinks and talk it out. ;)

[Chris B.]

"Each automaker’s overall score is based on the average road test scores and reliability ratings for all of its models that CR has tested."

Each car is subjected to the same scoring methods. If the Subaru wasn't as reliable it would drop positions. Don't be the butt hurt fanboy again. Accept the rating and get over it. I'm sure if it were Chris B.'s consumer report ford would be number one and not have any issues.

Is English not your native language?

The discussion was about RELIABILITY.

Reliability as defined by Merriam-Webster:
re·li·abil·i·ty
noun \ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\
Definition of RELIABILITY
1: the quality or state of being reliable

Synonyms: dependability, dependableness,....

Dependable as defined by Merriam-Webster:
de·pend·able
adj \di-ˈpen-də-bəl\
Definition of DEPENDABLE
: capable of being depended on : reliable

In the context of this conversation when talking about automotive reliability it means doesn't break or malfunction often. Performance, comfort, and utility are not synonyms for reliable or dependable.

You threw in some rating system that included reliability along with three other factors. I asked if they had the separate reliability scores available. Instead of answering, you started with the name calling again.

I find it ironic you call me a "butt hurt fanboy" when you are the resident Subaru fanboy and I'm not a brand loyal person at all when it comes to cars. Do you really think I'd buy a Mustang over a Cayman or Corvette if I didn't need 4 seats and the ability to haul a certain amount of cargo?

[Supraru]

I laugh about Honda owners worrying about domestic car reliability. For example, between 1998 and 2003, the Ford Escort had better reliability based on warranty repairs in the first 3 years of ownership than the Honda civic. Ford vehicles have been rated better than Honda vehicles by J.D. Power many times in recent years. If you look at the individual complains by category, the biggest recent complains with Fords is the Sync stereo systems affecting their reliability ratings.

On the two Escorts I owned, all the parts that broke or wore out were made by Mazda. :lol:

Basically people still believe certain brands are the most reliable base on how reliable they were in the 1980's and early 1990's.

In reality people need to compare individual makes and models and not overall brands when comparing reliability. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Honda have made some vehicles that had many reliability issues in the past, yet its often overlooked.

Is English not your native language?

The discussion was about RELIABILITY.

Reliability as defined by Merriam-Webster:
re·li·abil·i·ty
noun \ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\
Definition of RELIABILITY
1: the quality or state of being reliable

Synonyms: dependability, dependableness,....

Dependable as defined by Merriam-Webster:
de·pend·able
adj \di-ˈpen-də-bəl\
Definition of DEPENDABLE
: capable of being depended on : reliable

In the context of this conversation when talking about automotive reliability it means doesn't break or malfunction often. Performance, comfort, and utility are not synonyms for reliable or dependable.

You threw in some rating system that included reliability along with three other factors. I asked if they had the separate reliability scores available. Instead of answering, you started with the name calling again.

I find it ironic you call me a "butt hurt fanboy" when you are the resident Subaru fanboy and I'm not a brand loyal person at all when it comes to cars. Do you really think I'd buy a Mustang over a Cayman or Corvette if I didn't need 4 seats and the ability to haul a certain amount of cargo?

Well in your first post you referred to reliability ratings so I assumed you knew about the current years and where ford ranked opposed to only when ford got good scores. I'm sorry for assuming you had an idea about what you were talking about.

[Slasher]

Ford is dropping the ball by not having the K16 powered RS brought to the states. maybe they're worried a tuned RS would smoke their "american muscle" car offering...

[jpalamar]

Ford is dropping the ball by not having the K16 powered RS brought to the states. maybe they're worried a tuned RS would smoke their "american muscle" car offering...

The RS and the Mustang have completely different markets of buyers.

[Chris B.]

Well in your first post you referred to reliability ratings so I assumed you knew about the current years and where ford ranked opposed to only when ford got good scores. I'm sorry for assuming you had an idea about what you were talking about.

Way to change the topic again when you have nothing relevant to say.

[Zdrummer15]

Well, Technically there is a RS in the states. Registered in Mexico, but spends a good bit of time at the house in Chicago- Very cool guy from what I've read.

I don't know if it's the same one, but I remember seeing a post on jalopnik that a Mexico dealership was looking to sell an RS to someone over the border. Either way, there's at least one other one in the US since Ken Block has one.

[SpEcRv9]

The RS and the Mustang have completely different markets of buyers.

not really, the markets are fairly similar...the buyer priorities are what's different.

[RedWabbit]

its still a ford focus. I have always hated the way they looked, never appealed to me.

[mcperson2k]

You know Ford is messed up when every thread on every forum about the ST; There is more talk about the RS.

[Chris B.]

I had an opportunity to drive the Focus ST last weekend at the event Ford held in the parking lot of the Meadowlands/Izod center.

Things I liked:

The interior was nicer than many other compacts.
Minimal torque steer compared to a Mazdaspeed3 and other higher power FWD cars.
The car looks great in person.
The Recaro seats are very comfortable.
The engine has no turbo lag and it feels like a big V6 instead of a turbo 4 cylinder. Overall the engine provided plenty of power.
Handling was very good for a FWD car and I could get it to oversteer on demand.
With the driver's seat adjusted to a comfortable driving position for me, I could sit in the back seat without my legs hitting the front seat.


Things I didn't like:

If you want HID headlights and/or the full leather Recaro seats, you are required to get other options which bring the price above $29,000. That's almost as much as a new Mustang GT and more than a V6 Mustang with the performance package and Recaro seats.
No optional high performance package from the factory with sticky tires and Brembo brakes. Also no factory optional LSD. Maybe they are leaving room in the market for the RS?