Used 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used Focus RS for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
GOAT, Performance Hatchback sold in North America
John Smith, 07/10/2020
updated 07/19/2021
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Aside from being limited to just 1000 units in the United States, the 2018 has various minor tweaks from previous years. The most significant is the mechanical LSD up front. You might think the LSD wouldn't do much, considering the prior years already had torque vectoring with eLSD functionality upfront. Perhaps it may seem like an unnecessary change, done simply to do something for the 2018 model year. I assure you it’s nothing minor. The LSD makes a SIGNIFICANT improvement to the RS’s handling, and raises it to a whole other class. Literally, the 2018 RS is in a different class than prior years for things like SCCA autocross because the performance difference is so significantly better. Other improvements, of some significance, for the 2018 model year include the higher standard equipment, with the prior “RS2” package as standard, interior carbon fiber bits, updated programing (to correlate with the LSD), updated dampers (to improve the ride), lowered seat frame rails, etc. Also, the 2018 models were all built late enough that they weren’t subject to the well known head gasket TSB a.k.a “recall” that prior model year could be, because Ford had since resolved the issue and built them with the correct Cosworth head gasket as intended, by the time the 2018’s were being built. The RS is a performance variant built up from an economy car. It shares many bits with those. So, it doesn't blow you away with a luxury. However, the RS on a twisty backroad is sure to impress. It would be hard to find any car, even a purpose built sports car, to be much more fun on that sort of road. There are so many tweeks to the RS that even owners sometimes don’t realize, which combine to add up to a performance bargain. No, this isn’t a drag car, or even a decent drag platform, and it’s not a car for “40 rolls". That said, if you like hitting the twistys, enjoy gobs of traction, like a vehicle that makes you feel like a better driver than you probably (honestly) are, this is a vehicle that can deliver that and plant a smile on your face while doing so. All of that said, the RS is over dampanded, IMO. Yes, even the 2018. There's loads of “fixes” but one of the simplest and most effective is the DSC sport controller. Look into it, it’s not hype, it’s real. They make a HUGE improvement and plug and play. They also hold their value very well, so the investment is minimal when considering the potential resell. If you have any concerns about suspension after reading other reviews about ride quality, just know that little device will help the RS ride as well as anything it was typically compared against, such as a Golf R.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Super capable Super fun
Joe, 01/16/2019
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I’ve waited a long time for the MK to arrive stateside and the 3rd gen doesn’t disappoint. Yes the ride is firm and at times bouncy (new springs will help that). All that dissapears to nothing when you press the throttle and feel a wall of TQ shoving you against the seat. The trick rear drive unit is AMAZING. Wanna pop the back end out a little around that 90 degree turn? Press Drift and apply throttle. So much fun....snow? Even more fun with less $ going up in smoke in the form of tires. The exhaust pops as I slip around corners makes me feel like a WRC driver. A -Mazing. I cart my boys around, do grocery duty then hit a track on the weekend and put up some really good LapTimes all the while grinding. I will NEVER own a FWD sports car again. ...way too much fun with this....
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car, even with recall for cylinder head
dan wasdahl, 01/03/2019
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I upgraded to this from a wrx sti. The handling is superior, with remarkably precise steering. Torque biasing via differential braking makes tight turns at speed a joy. Chassis is well balanced. The car is a joy to drive, almost as fun as my Lotus. Maintenance issues (clutch master cylinder, head gasket recall) have arisen, but were fixed under warranty without difficulty. I would definitely buy one of these again if they continued to make them.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I traded up.
Gordon Day, 06/14/2018
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I traded a 16 ST,for this sexy beast of a vehicle. I could of put a crap-load of money into the ST,but it's still going to be an ST. The awd in this vehicle,outweighs having 500+hp ST. Plus the looks on this vehicle,is soo much better than the ST. The nitrous blue is one sexy looking color. The 2018 Limited Edition,basically the last year of owning an RS,in the usa. I bought the RS for the history,and you'll find alot less RS,than you will an ST. I read about the ride quality,but it isn't as bad once you press that accelerator. The Inside for the price you pay for the vehicle isn't upscale,but I bought the car for the performance. I ain't rich,and 40k is alot more than 22k otd for an ST,but the all around package is well worth it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Trade in 2014 ST for 2018 RS
R.T, 03/23/2018
updated 11/02/2021
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 20 people found this review helpful
Con: the ride is horrible, the Sony sound system sounds like boom box, the car is expensive for what it is. Pro: all is forgiven on mountain roads. I traded in my 2014 ST ( a great handling/ sporty daily driver) after 4 yrs. I want to know what's all the hype about the RS, espically the AWD system. The first thing I noticed after delivery was the ride comfort. It is horrible!! It's not the stiffness of the ride, but the tuning. I have my share of "stiff cars", 2000 Acura ITR, 2005 Lotus Elise are among them. Those cars are stiff rides, they went over bumps and would let you know, and moved on. The RS goes over bump, amplified the shock 4-5 times what the bump is, bounds up and down a few times before the suspension settle down. My head feel like the bobbling head figure on dash board. I don't think I can survive in the passenger seat for more then an hour. The Sony sound system is the same as in ST, has not change since then, i.e. Sounds very bad as an upgraded system. The Recaro seat has to be broken in before it can be semi comfy. The RS is expensive for what it is. For the price I paid, I can get almost TWO 2018 ST (with rebates applied). No doubt the acceleration is much better then ST, and I have not fully explore the awd system to see if it's worth the $18k increase vs ST. I could have bought a 2018 ST and save the ~$18k for modification, should be able to match the RS output and performance minus the awd system and the extra weight. The shifting is notchier on my copy of RS vs ST. The price point treaded into BMW/Audi base 3 and 4 series already. I cannot tell if performance is above them yet, but they probably has better interior, and ride compliance. BUT, once goes on back road/ mountain roads, all the above negatives are forgiven. Compared to the ST, the RS turns in/ move out faster on the curves, accelerates faster / effect less, stays betw/ 3and 4 gear instead of 2 and 3 of ST. So far that's all I found out in my RS. On another thought, at the time I was shopping for my RS, if the local Honda dealers had the civic type R with the color I like, I might not be writing this review. Update: Have the car for about 8 months, about 10500 miles, mix in town/ highway driving, just came back from a 1300 mile trip. These are the issues: 1) major issue , sometime last month, during normal driving, rpm surge between gear change ( surge up 2k-4K rpm instead of dropping rpm with clutch down/gas up)!!! Not reproducible every time, went to dealer, test drove, cannot duplicate the issue, ran diagnostics, no code, no issue. They said they can’t don anything. Checks in the forums, it happened in some st and rs!!! 2) the tires are NOISY!!!! Intolerable in 10 hrs driving, they transmit and amplify whatever they contacted with. But they have tons of grip!!!!! 3) the ride is horrible, the pogo stick effect is there, every time it ran over bumps, pot holes, etc, the car hopped up and down a few time before settled down. A few times after lunches, it made me felt I would see the lunches again!! Plan to change the springs, hope that might solve the issue. 4) It’s fun to drive, espically on the back roads!!!!! Nov 2019 update ~23 k miles So far so good, change to mountune sport springs, reduced the pogo stick effect somewhat, still a rough ride, but FUN to drive. Mechanically, replaced the gps/info display unit. ( the gps non responsive and the voice command/response has TIA.) The gas pedal assembly was finally replaced also🙏🏻🙏🏻 NOVEMBER 2021 UPDATE about 30k miles, weather strip on all 4 doors failed and became loose. Replaced under warranty, new one won't stick either, fixed it myself with double side tape. Thanks, FORD. ~38k me, CEL on, Code P0420, "catalyst system efficiency below threshold". Replace catalytic converter under warranty. Talked with the adviser, they just put the Same (no improved version) new one in. The job cost ~$1,400 self pay. I really don't look forward to 80k miles!! Other than above, I get use to the rough ride already and is still fun to drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Big bang for the buck daily driver makes me smile
Noreaster, 03/25/2021
updated 10/04/2022
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I upgraded from Focus ST for the 2018 limited RS. I totally expected the suspension to be firm and I like it; I know that stiffness is also what offers stability in performance and cornering. There's little roll on corners. The 2018s have more refined suspension from the prior years. (I had a 2017 RS that Ford took back/gave me the 2018 due to undiagnosable issues so I know the difference). The 2018 also has upgrading with limited slip differentials, too, which make a difference from prior years. My only real gripe with the drive is the turning radius is not great but it is not even close to being a deal-breaker by any means. The heated seats and heated steering wheel is also great, living in New Hampshire. The drive: It's so solid. I enjoy the suspension, despite being stiff, as it also allows certain road feedback I like with spirited driving. I think it handles bumps well, no rattling, and overall a very competent suspension. It feels on rails with cornering and when pushed to the limit, can feel subtle traction control, which CAN be turned off ! (unlike golf R, which I test drove). The exhaust is great and really reminds me of European design/make. When just getting around town or highway, is a nice drive. I actually am one who likes the Recaro seat, although I agree are a little too high but at least I can put the driver's down all the way, while the passenger is too high. I do put winters/rims/tires (stock size performance winters) on each season, living in New Hampshire and does absolutely fine in winters here. Reliability: This is for a 2018 and, for me, it's been highly reliable. I have 20k on it after getting it new in 18. No issues, problems, breakdowns, whatsoever, thus far. Even if it has a few issues down the road, I knew I wasn't buying an economy car but hopefully will continue being reliable. Safety: NHTSA gives overall 5 star safety rating and 4/5 star for side collision. I gotta say, I do love this car. I test drove it against the Golf R and this Focus RS put a real smile on my face while the Golf R really hardly did. I also could not turn off the traction control on the Golf R, and it was a fairly aggressive damper, pulling off power in corners, which robbed me of fun and finding that edge. I test drove the RS against the STi and the RS quickly won my favor. The 18 Focus RS just gives me what I want. I wanted a "hot hatch" and this really delivers! Knowing the Focus' roots with European design and the RS being built in Germany, you can really feel those elements in this car as well. I realize this car is not for everyone. I got the entire front end in paint protection film and the rest ceramic coating. I've a sneaking suspicion that the car will hold some value but I'm likely keeping a good while! Update: I now have 37k miles and it has continued to be !00% reliable and hasn't softened, or developed rattles, etc. It's tight and I still absolutely love this car. Also, the value has held a lot more than others said it would. I've seen 2018s for upwards of what the original MSRP was for, or maybe even a little more?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
One of the last affordable purist hot hatches
Alex M., 08/27/2019
updated 08/30/2021
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have 60,000 miles after 3 years of driving. Pro: 0-60MPH = 4.7 seconds, handling, engine pops/burbles and linear power delivery, comfortable seat (only if you're under 200lbs), Brembo breaks are strong and do not fade, smooth gearbox, pure fun, mixed fuel economy about 21 MPG (premium fuel), cargo room pretty good, can seat 5, one of the most trick AWD systems in a non-ultra high-end sports cars Cons: engine blew up (realized under warranty) after 2.5 years no modifications and not abused handling is stiff for 90% of people (I like it), seats are angled in a very odd manner such that your knees point upward, the gas pedal is displaced from other pedals, stereo is tolerable at best, at high speeds (>100MPH) feels like it torque steers. All models had an engine gasket issue; all repaired under recall. Conclusion: This car will maintain it's valued very well in N. America as so few were imported between 2016-2019. Most people believe that low mileage models will be collectible. VS competition: Civic Type R: from personal experience up to 60MPH the Type R is left in the dust. After 60MPH, the Civic is unstoppable. Honda is not as good with Turbo as Ford; resulting in overheating. Civic is also much better at interior comfort and braking. Also, the Civic will likely have better resale value. VW Type R: much nicer fit and finish than the RS. Also, in automatic form, it makes the RS seem lacking in quarter-mile acceleration. Its' bland design does nothing to indicate that it's any different from the regular GTI. Lastly, VW is fraught with scandals for stated function and reliability as of late (truly a shame). Subaru WRX STI: Great cars. Unfortunately, the boxer engine is outdated and can use a revision. Good reliability but weak transmission in the long term. Mitsubishi Lancer: discontinued but still the king of purist driving. Imagine it as the RS in its original purist form.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Switched from a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
steng2495, 04/09/2019
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
From an amenities perspective I'd say this car has it all on paper... 350hp and 350lb/ft of tq... all wheel drive. 6 speed manual and a wagon! Bonus includes heated leather seats and steering wheel, apple car play, sony sound system, and of course DRIFT MODE! Some of the negatives: It is oversprung... meaning you feel all the bumps and bruises in the road. IT has something called the pogo effect where if you hit a bumpy road the car moves up and down and up and down. Also the seats are terrible. My recaros were so comfortable in the evo... the recaros in this car are too tall and way over bolstered. I've gone through 2 tires so far (Thanks philly roads) Oh and the paint is super thin and i got rock chips galore (should've paid for a clear bra). Handling I'd give it a 6/10... It's AWD system is definitely FWD based and you can feel it. Even with the LSD in the front it doesn't handle that great. Acceleration is good but definitely needs a tune to squeeze out the full potential. I like how you can manually make it pop and burble in sport or TRACK mode. It's an almost perfect car. Just needed tuning on suspension to add a comfort mode like the focus RS... Get rid of start/stop or have it defeatable permanently and not have to switch modes every time you get in (easy software fix) and change the seats and i feel like the focus RS v2 would've been great. Too bad they killed this car. Resale is awful too. $46k new fully loaded and I see these going for under $30k already.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value