Faults:

No mechanical problems at this time.

General Comments:

I had been eyeing the new Ford Focus for over a year, and I finally took the plunge. It was difficult to choose the model, as I was tempted to get the "ST" in North America, which has a turbo, but in the end, everyday practicality and comfort won out. The SE hatchback I purchased with the upgrade package was literally a *steal* off the lot with the level of discounts/incentives and dealer negotiation... I test drove the current Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and ST, before purchase. Loved the ride handling balance (a bit stiff over bumps with the 17" rims and upgraded suspension, but always puts a smile on my face around the corners :).

What I love about this car:

1) Value: so much car for the money.

2) Very stylish exterior and interior.

3) Lots of features and technology for the cost (even Hyundai cannot beat it).

4) Drives like a European sport sedan... for the price of an econobox car!

5) Good quality parts designed for low maintenance (synthetic manual tranny lube, ceramic brake pads, platinum/iridium plugs... Ford is going to put the dealer out of business!).

What I don't like:

1) The interior is a bit cramped. Center console is too big, rear seat could be redesigned to have another inch or two of leg space.

2) Door-sills have cheap plastic rather than soft touch.

3) Engine idles a bit rough at lowest idle speed (might resolve with break in or maintenance?).

4) Ford dealers - ugh! More on that later...

MPG: Driving home on long highway trip right after purchase, was getting about 35 MPG at about 75mph... very impressive with the engine not even broken in. Did a test the other night on open/flat highway; got 41.5 MPG at 65 with cruise control, and about 38 MPG at 72mph. I do need to calibrate the computer... it may be off. From all reports, this engine needs several more thousand miles to complete break in and give the best numbers.

Ford dealer who sold me car let it go without a small plastic 'pin' on the hatchback to hold the trunk cover cable... told me I could get one at any dealer for free if I give them VIN number for warranty... ha ha... went to two different local dealers, both wanted to either charge retail or schedule a 'warranty service' to diagnose the issue. Finally purchased the part, had the service rep put in, but then said he can't cover the cost without a 'broken part' to claim under warranty. Left feeling like dealers just want excuses to charge labor and parts, and it's best to (if at all possible) do my own maintenance! (have on all my other cars).

In the end, it's not a perfect car... it *is* an economy car, with some faults, and in America at least, the Focus/Escort lines still have a bad reputation in many people's minds... but with this new design and build, Ford has really upped the ante, and you should at least consider this car if you are looking at this price range. This car beats the current Toyota Corolla, Volks Golf, and Mazda 3 hands down!

And it never fails to put a smile on my face when I go around a turn at fast speed... wonderful handling... this car would be comfortable on the German autobahn.

This is a new car, so I will update my review in the future.

Faults:

Nothing as of now.

General Comments:

Bought the car back in January. As soon as I left the dealership, I was thinking to myself "This is a Focus?!". The 1.6L Ecoboost almost sounds like a Mustang, as when you are on the freeway, you can actually hear the car growl at you through the engine. Engine wise, the car definitely packs a punch.

The Microsoft SYNC is a nice touch as well. You don't have the hassle of trying to call someone on a phone while driving, and it isn't quite a bitch to have to deal with OnStar and their constantly broken buttons that you may find in a comparable GM vehicle. The interior pretty much looks like a minimum-wage Lexus, which is a good thing. Still trying to get used to the aggravating radio system, which seems to make it impossible to change stations. Many new Focus owners can help me out with this in the comment section below, but this continues to be the only actual fault of the car.

Reliability is stellar so far. Still has that pissed-off growl that you may find in a Mustang, which is awesome. Since the car was built partially in Russia, I can predict that it will be good in snow (not to be stereotypical). It has not once failed to start, but hey, it's a 2013! It's been pretty good for long trips as well. I drove the car to all 4 corners of Canada, Los Angeles, Oregon, and needless to say the comfort in this car is simply amazing. Once you're in the car, you never want to come out.

Last but not least, the safety of the car really lives up to the title of the review. On my way to Ottawa, a deer jumped out before me and 4 of my friends, and the car plowed the deer like nobody's business. There was a microscopic dent near the front grille, and the deer survived as well. Also, the automatic brakes really did the trick. Also, my 4 friends were impressed at the car's handling, as when you turn corners, the car basically just tells you, "Yeah, that's right. I CAN be a muscle car."

All in all, I have to say that the Focus completely blows the competition out of the water. But enough of my babbling. Go out and take a test drive. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.