Ford Focus ST? Thoughts?

[JoeyDC2]

I have a 94 gsr, and just made a thread about it... thinking about keeping it as my daily and getting something new like a focus ST... saw one today on my way to work and it was nice! turbo too..

what do you guys think of these cars?

[SpEcRv9]

didn't know these were out yet, but I saw one at work the other day, like em a lot. little boring in white though

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w130/patruck9/IMAG0285.jpg?t=1350109508

[Godofelru]

They're really neat cars with a lot of really nice tech, but if you like the way a Honda drives the ST is the complete opposite.

You have no peak power in the ST because after 5500rpms the stock turbo isn't doing anything. Conversely, mash the pedal at 2k rpms and the car takes off. Definitely short shift it so you stay in boost and people have ran high 13's low 14's with no issues.

With just an SCT tune they make 25whp and 40-70lb-ft of torque gains. Stock they dyno around 235whp & 260lb-ft. They make around 250-260whp and ~320lb-ft with just a tune. Bolt on parts appear to not make much power as the car is designed very well.

I really want one because I want a newer package car with less headaches, but my car is unique, and faster and paid off.

[mermaid]

I work at a Ford store in Summit and we've got a Tangerine one. That color is wild! I personally love it. I haven't driven the car, but a coworker is an enthusiast, he has driven it. He had nothing but good things to say, especially when it comes to handling. All the reviews I've found on the web were great, as well. Ford really did something right with that car.

If you wanna check it out, let me know!

[DsmRob]

We have a couple at work. They are a blast to drive.

[Bates]

I saw a goldish colored one like 2 weeks ago, they are definitely an attractive car.

[jesus_ralliart]

Curious how the dodge dart srt4 will stack up. That is when that finally comes out

[FocusDude]

^ like a loaf?

I'd buy a Focus ST in s heartbeat, where do you live. My buddy works in Langhorne and could hook you up with a test drive.

[AutobahnRacer]

http://archvillain.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/not-this-again.jpg

[mcperson2k]

Are these being marked up? I saw 2 at my local Ford dealership and they were both 28k, but I saw no "extras" listed on the sticker. I thought they were supposed to be sub 24k?

[FocusDude]

Ford isnt helping buyers at all. They don't need to, cars are selling just well as is. My parents could not catch a break at any fairly local Ford dealership and ended up with Mopar, not even 0% financing for people with impeccable credit-

[mcperson2k]

Ugh, Ford has been offering some of the best incentives I have seen in years for all brands.

[Spawne32]

My buddy has had one for about 3 weeks now, broke down the first day he got it, ford forgot to pull the clips out of the constant tension clamps on the assembly line and both radiator hoses blew off. lol

http://www.hostthenpost.org/uploads/7a67b6fb494e2064c34c764517ebcde8.jpg (http://hostthenpost.org)


he trapped 97mph the other night in it, but spun through first and second on the oem tires.

[Godofelru]

My buddy has had one for about 3 weeks now, broke down the first day he got it, ford forgot to pull the clips out of the constant tension clamps on the assembly line and both radiator hoses blew off. lol

http://www.hostthenpost.org/uploads/7a67b6fb494e2064c34c764517ebcde8.jpg (http://hostthenpost.org)


he trapped 97mph the other night in it, but spun through first and second on the oem tires.

Ouch that is unfortunate - do you know if he was short shifting or redlining? The car is MUCH quicker if short shifted around 6k.

[Chris B.]

I had the opportunity to drive a few of them on two autocross courses Ford set up at an event last summer.

Overall the handling was very good for a FWD car. The interior was very nice for a $25K car as far as the appearance, seats, and features are concerned. The Focus ST feels like it has a V6 instead of a turbo 4 because of the instant throttle response.

Would I buy one? Probably not. Mainly for two reasons. First, you can't get the factory HID headlights without getting the highest trim level, which adds quite a bit to the cost. Second, for the same price I can get a V6 Mustang with the performance package and Recaro seats. That's more of a matter of personal preference than saying the car is bad. I prefer RWD and many ST owners say the non HID headlights work great. Also some swap in the HID bulbs for the conversion.

[Mishimoto]

I suppose this is the closest we will get to the RS.

http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/euro-spec-2009-ford-focus-rs_100190152_m.jpg