more about this model Buyers of compact performance cars can be a fickle lot. That might make one wonder about the prospects for the Focus ST, a car that hasn't changed much since its 2013 debut. As far as we can see, there is no reason to worry. The ST might be getting a bit long in the tooth, but it still represents the best the hot-hatch segment has to offer.
The Focus ST is based on the Focus hatchback; in deference to the whims of the market, a sedan isn't offered, and for that matter, neither is an automatic transmission. The Focus ST gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine turned up to 252 horsepower, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The EPA hadn't published a fuel economy estimate for the 2017 Focus ST when we posted this article; the 2016 model is rated at 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway), and we expect that estimate to drop slightly as the EPA has changed its testing methodology for 2017.
The engine is paired with a sport-tuned suspension with an unusual trait: It can be made to oversteer (i.e. slide from the back end) with relative ease. This is a characteristic rarely seen among front-wheel-drive performance cars, and it is one of the elements that endears the Focus ST to its fan base. The suspension also provides a smooth ride, comfortable enough that buyers can make their daily commute without regretting their purchase. "Summer" performance tires give the Focus ST a strong grip on the pavement, and big brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential round out the performance r´sumé. Zero-to-60 times are slightly behind the pack; Edmunds clocked it at 6.4 seconds, but the Focus ST incurs a penalty due to its low gearing: It requires a shift to third gear whereas most competing cars can reach 60 mph in second.
We're quite fond of the Focus ST's cabin, which is built from high-quality materials and features an easy-to-use infotainment system. But the deeply bolstered Recaro seats — designed to hold occupants in place when the Focus ST is turned up to 11 — can feel restrictive, especially to those who are, shall we say, a little broad in the beam. The backseat offers less legroom than most compact cars, though luggage space is better than other performance hatchbacks.
Ford offers the Focus ST in a single trim level (as a step up, it offers the Focus RS, with all-wheel drive and more power). The standard equipment list features lots of performance hardware; ST2 and ST3 packages add convenience and luxury features. Which variant is the best to buy? Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Ford Focus ST for you.
2017 Ford Focus ST Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ford Focus ST and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Focus ST featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ford Focus ST and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Focus ST 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Focus ST.
Vehicle
4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I just bought mine recently in the base ST1 trim. The only options on my ST has are the polished rims with black pockets that include red painted brake calipers and the performance all season Pirelli tires instead of the summer only Goodyear tires. Hopefully the Pirelli's are good enough for winter here in Minnesota (Twin Cities metro area). I have always been interested in this car and after driving many economical cars that got great fuel economy, I was getting tired of the lack of performance that comes with that economy. Ford was offering a discount of $3500 off along with another $1000 Fast Cash. The dealer sold me the car at invoice price with these discounts included. I ended up paying $20,500 for a car that said $26,175 MSRP on the window sticker. I was also looking at Fiesta ST's too but they were more expensive and harder to find. The test drive had me sold on this car. Performance is thrilling in every way. Acceleration, handling and braking are at a level that is way above your average Focus. The six speed manual transmission and clutch are a pleasure to use. The steering is point and shoot with excellent feedback. Hustling down some curvy country roads today, I was amazed at how fast I was taking the curves. Of course I was smiling the entire time while I snicked though the gears. This car pulls hard when you dip into the pedal deep. Turbo lag is almost non-existent. The 270 lb/ft of torque peak is at only 2500 RPM's. This car pulls hard from any speed in every gear if you keep the RPM's around that figure. The performance all season Pirelli's worked well for me. I doubt you would want them on a track but for public road use they are great. The suspension is on the firm side but not jarring. You will hear and feel some bumps and the expansion joints on freeways but it is not annoying to me. First tank of fuel after some mixed highway/city driving came in at 27 MPG! A good portion of that was spirited driving on those curvy roads I just mentioned. For everyday use it is just like any other Focus. You will get slightly less fuel economy but you will leave traffic at the stop lights with ease. Same amount of storage and room which is good on the Focus. Not best in class but good enough. Rear seats are a tad short on leg room. Front row is fine. The ST1 trim gets you the basic Ford Sync system with a 4.2" non-touch center screen (It does have a backup camera with distance and trajectory markings) and a 6 speaker single CD, AM/FM radio, MP3 stereo system without Sirius/XM. You also get manually controlled cloth seats with less aggressive bolstering than the Recaro seats that come with the ST2 and ST3 trim levels. The ST1 cloth seats are comfortable and look nice. I don't think a moonroof option is available on the base ST1 trim level. You also don't get the rear seat armrest and cup holders or the sunglasses holder near the rearview mirror. The ST2 and ST3 trim levels give you more options including leather trimmed (ST2) or full leather Recaro seats (ST3) with aggresive bolstering and power controls on the ST3. The ST2 and ST3 trim levels get heated front seats and side mirrors. The ST3 trim also includes a heated steering wheel. The ST2 and ST3 are both equipped with Ford's Sync 3 system, an 8" touch screen and a Sony sound system with subwoofer and Sirius/XM. Integrated navigation is also available on both the ST2 and ST3. The Ford Focus ST is easily the most fun to drive and one of the fastest front drive only cars you can buy today. In its basic ST1 trim it's a steal if you don't need or want all those options on the much higher priced trim levels (thousands higher for each trim level). Everyday usability, decent fuel economy and when you feel like dipping into the turbo's boost, sport car performance. The ST in basic trim is just an amazing car for only $20,500 but if need more luxuries they are available too. I will be driving my Focus ST for as long as it lasts.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Ford Focus ST
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Available Ford Focus ST 2017 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Trims: Base
Exterior Colors: Shadow Black, Magnetic Metallic, Oxford White, Kona Blue Metallic, Race Red, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Triple Yellow Metallic Tri-Coat, Ingot Silver Metallic, Tangerine Scream Tri-Coat Metallic, Performance Blue Metallic, Blue Metallic, Performance Blue
Interior Colors: Charcoal Black cloth, Smoke Storm leather/cloth, Charcoal Black leather, Charcoal Black w/Tangerine Scream Accent leather/cloth
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Upgraded Stereo, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Power Driver Seat, Apple Carplay/Android Auto
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
