Used 2018 Ford Focus ST Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Focus ST, so we've included reviews for other years of the Focus ST since its last redesign.
Ford has Finally Brought This Winner to the USA!
bigbmc26, 03/30/2016
2016 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Everything you've read about the car is true, it's just simply a blast to drive. I've had it for a week now, and I find myself having to pay more attention to my speed as the car wants you to open it up. I cross shopped the WRX, Focus ST, & GTI. They all drove great, but for the money, Ford come out on top. The Recaro seats take a minute to get used to, but after driving daily, I love them. I'm 5'7", 215 lbs and they fit like a glove now. I do wish it offered more internal storage, but other than that, no complaints. If you're looking for some utility with a lot of fun, don't skip driving this car. You won't regret it. Will update review with reliability, maintenance cost, etc. after owing for a year or so.
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Europe's Favorite Hot Hatch Made In America
Richard Reed, 02/21/2019
updated 02/27/2020
2018 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
After retiring, I wanted a performance hatchback, mostly for fun, but also for utility, room for my three grandsons, and acceptable gas mileage. I settled on the Focus ST base model (ST1), for the following reasons: PRICE - great bang for the buck. Everything I needed. SEATS - I tried the Recaro seats in an ST2, and no way. Ford must think an "average driver" is 5' 6" and weighs less than 110 pounds. So, that meant the ST1 base package. I really wanted heated seats, but unless I move to Minnesota, the cloth trim of the base seats are cozy enough. WEIGHT - all the items in the extra packages, especially the sunroof, add weight and don't enhance the performance. Even though I am over 65 years old, track days are part of my retirement. TECHNOLOGY - As I said, I am over 65, and can remember car radios that had vacuum tubes that required warming up. The ST1's entertainment system is easy to use and easily hooks up to my phone and playlist. One disappointment is for 2018, Ford deleted the CD player. I sometimes really want to know who (or what) Ford has for marketing research. What was the cost-benefit analysis result that dictated deleting the CD player for one more year, and thus sticking a finger in every Boomer's eye, was A Good Thing. Remember, after 2018 there are no more Foci in the U.S. PERFORMANCE: After 6000 miles the car makes me grin every time I get in it. Tor---------que steer? What torque st----------eer? Admittedly, as this was my first-ever front wheel drive car, the torque steer was a little alarming, but after getting used to it, I love it. And I now know how to use it. My wife and I took a road trip down the coast and she enjoyed the comfort, and got a few giggles when we shot by slow-movers on two-lane roads. STYLE - I like the looks of the car, and get the impression that even after a decade, it will still be an attractive car. Just look at a 2009 Mazdaspeed3 and you will know what I mean. AMERICAN MADE - I'm not necessarily what you would call a flag-waiver, as I shun American motorcycles in favor of those from a small island nation. But, I am an Army veteran, vote in every election, had a career building fighter jets and big transports, and I like that the ST is made right here. Yeah, I know the engine and transmission are from elsewhere, and the electronics are from (I hope) a small island nation, but it's a Ford. True blue oval. I do have to say, though, that if Subaru had still made a hatch version of the WRX, that might have been my first choice. That said, I am completely happy with my purchase.
2018 Ford Focus ST for sale near you
3 of 4 listings
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $18,998In-stock online
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $22,990In-stock online
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $20,590In-stock online
See all 4 listings
The ST1 variant is the best bang for the buck.
William Thomas, 04/05/2016
2016 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
Ford has managed to pack a 252 HP pocket rocket with a top speed of over 150 into a family friendly car that's just as much at home hauling around your brood as it is hauling A**! Make no mistake, this little car is a performance automobile, and while it is soon to be eclipsed by the more track "Focused" RS model, the ST still reins supreme at performance for price. The car is available in three trim levels, ST1 (base), ST2 and ST3. The ST2 and ST3 models include the now "infamous" Recaro seats. It's a shame that Ford could not have optioned the seats separately like they did with the moon roof. The highly bolstered Recaro seats are in a love/hate relationship with certain owners. Some owners find the seats amazingly comfortable, while others find them much too confining and almost abusive on long road trips. So prevalent is this view, there are active threads on ST enthusiast boards requesting seat swapouts with other owners. If you want more cabin refinement (leather interior, power seats, 10 speaker radio, Sirius XM, ambient lighting, etc) then you have no option but to get the Recaro's. If you don't like them, you are stuck giving up some refinement on the base model. Let's not kid ourselves here, though. The base model ST is still hansomely appointed with keyless entry and pushbutton start, a six speaker AM/FM CD system with bluetooth and USB connectivity and hands free phone integration. Air conditioning, power windows and mirrors are also standard, as is the leather trimmed steering wheel and sport pedals and backup camera all standard. From an interior standpoint the ST1 is no slouch, but if you don't want to deal with the Recaro's then your back passengers are going to have to settle with less cupholders and the lack of dual zone climate control. If you do like the Recaro's then the world is your oyster and you can push up the price of this automobile past $30K with the addition of full leather seating, heated drivers seats, ambient lighting, back passenger center console with cup holders and the like. The bottom line is that you should perform an extended test drive with the Recaro's prior to purchasing this car, especially if you tend to tip the scales on the large side as I do. But whatever your choice, you will soon forget about the lack of cup holders when you fire this bad boy up. The car has plenty of acceleration across the entire RPM band, and the six speed gearbox is a joy to use. The ride is a bit more stiff than the standard Focus, but is not what I would call uncomfortable. The fuel economy is not great, but that's to be expected given the type of engine being used. However careful shifting and expressway driving can bring your MPG's up to a respectable 30 MPG. And while driving like a responsible adult may appeal to your practical, it's ability to throw you back in your seat, and grip corners like on rails that will put that permanent smile on your face and turns you back into your inner 12 year old. You'll be fighting over your significant other who gets to take junior to his play date. This car is not for everyone. If you are simply looking for a vehicle to haul your two young kids around town, then you can get a suitable substitute with more room and much less cash. However, if you really appreciate driving, and you want to get behind the wheel of a car that is able to always put a grin on your grill AND haul the little ones, then it's hard to beat this car for bang for your buck.
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Best Bang For Your Horsepower Buck!
Rockinroller, 09/29/2017
2017 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've researched and checked out just about every vehicle under $30,000 that has reasonable power and function and a "fun to drive" factor. I kept coming back to the Focus ST. When Ford recently offered $4500 rebates on the 2017's and learning that the 2018s were not going to change much I pulled the trigger and picked up a base ST1 in Race Red with only the AS tires as an option. I am impressed with the continued quality Ford puts into their vehicles, even at this level. The doors close with a "thud", the interior trim is supple and neat and the dash layout is practical. The center console could be a little longer however. Also I like the large digital speedometer better in the FCA vehicles, compared to the small window Ford provides, between the two analog tach and speed gauges. The front seats are sufficiently bolstered and are much better for my (6'2") frame than the Recaros whose side bolsters uncomfortably cut into both sides of my back. The 6spd trans is nice and tight, with the shifting not notchy. My only regret I guess is that I'll be the only one who can use the ST as my wife can't drive a stick and refuses to learn. I suppose shifting is a pain for many folks who are caught in stop-and-go traffic, or those who want to share time with their various digital devices while driving (or even wanting to drink something while in traffic), but it sure allows you to marry better with the vehicle and its performance. For around $21,000 out the door I couldn't have done better.
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Focus ST is fun and fast with a few negatives.
Kamaka, 05/04/2018
2017 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have a Focus ST ST3 with almost 14k miles on it and it's been great. It's fun and fast. Power is very torque-y and the shifter is smooth. I find the Recaro seats comfortable but you can't slide into them you have to climb in and out. The rear visibility is pinched so the backup camera is essential. I got the all season Pirelli tires and they worked well in the New England Winter. There's no active safety but the Focus ST was cheaper than an identically equipped VW GTi. When I got a flat I was really happy there's a full size spare and I've had no mechanical problems with the car. Sync3 is much better than MyFordTouch and using the AppleCarPlay is great.
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