Used 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used Focus for sale
Solid, fun little car
dan397, 01/04/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
I recently took a new job involving a long commute, and decided to look at the Focus and VW Golf TDI as commuter cars. Coming from a BMW 335i, I have high standards and the Focus (so far) has lived up to them. It's no BMW, but it's a fun car to drive and has enough bells and whistles that it doesn't feel like a penalty box even when compared to a far more expensive vehicle. The engine, chassis, and tranny aren't quite as refined as the Golf, but the car is still very solid and fun to drive with a good trade-off between handling and comfort. The Focus blows the Golf away in feature content, and both have very nice interiors for the price.
I Love This Car!
Joseph, 11/07/2015
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
I read the reviews about the 2012 Focus before I bought it and I admit that some of the reviews about the auto tranny with the dual clutch had me worried. But when I drive this car, that dual-clutch transmission is what makes the car so peppy. For does a nice job converting the 160 horsepower into an incredibly amount of acceleration for a 4 banger. When I need to move out into traffic, I shift the auto into SPORT mode and give it gas and I am *never disappointed with how quickly this car accelerates, even at highway speeds. I'm not leaving any Mustangs or Corvettes in my dust, but I am making the Hyundai Elantra owners wonder if they made the right choice as they view the beautiful styling of my focus from behind in traffic as I pull away. And if you are worried about the transmission issues that *some people have reported (a minority of owners, not all), then take comfort in the fact that Ford's drive train warranty is 5 years and 60 thousand miles and that warranty transfers with the car. So if you buy it used, you have the warranty. Also, Ford extended the warranty on the part of the transmission that has been troublesome to 100,000 miles. If you like the car, buy it. Don't listen to the naysayers. This is my third Ford and I have enjoyed each one and had good experiences with them all.
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I'm Still Happy
Jim, 07/20/2015
updated 07/20/2018
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
First off, let me say that this car has a dual-clutch PowerShift Transmission. It's not an automatic transmission where you have a torque convertor and you simply step on the gas and go. You have to learn to drive this car with your right foot. It's not rocket science, and keeping the car in the right RPM range for the task at hand is pretty simple. I can't help but think that a lot of the folks who have problems with the way it drives have 2 skills: Stomp on the gas or stomp on the brakes. After 42,000 miles the car drives just fine, and with a little right foot control can be a lot of fun to drive. I'm getting 30 MPG in mixed driving, and other than oil changes and keeping the tires inflated to the proper pressure ( the original tires are still in good shape at this juncture) have had zero problems with the car. I like the interior, I like the way the car looks, and I like the way it drives. Guess I'm just lucky. Update: 6 years, 75,000 miles. Daily driver, 30+ mpg, Still Happy.
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way to go Ford
aenigmatic, 06/02/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have recently purchased my first domestic auto (other than my mom's buick I had in HS) in this new Focus and I am really impressed. There are so many features it is easier to ask what it doesn't have than what it does have. More importantly, these features work well, all the way down to the rain-sensing wipers (!). The steering is responsive, the engine sounds great, and the fuel efficiency is best of breed. I have owned VW, Honda, Acura, Toyota, Nissan, Saab, BMW and Buick. I can truthfully say that this is the nicest car I have ever had, and no one will ever accuse me of being a snob for driving it.
2012 Focus has Transmission issues
psheldon, 09/15/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Been reading reviews. Yes, I know it's an automated dual clutch and am familiar with the technology. It's a good design. However, the computer setting is dubious and our dealer covered up. Shifting was jerky and we were told it was "normal" or due to being an early model. Then recently it revved to 4000 and more in shifting - sounded a mess and engine light came on. Normal -- or who's lying? Heard it was adjusting itself and a computer upgrade was needed. Have been told it was "Normal" "Battery problem" "Get the regular computer update," How insulting can your service department be? Asked for computer printout -- "Delayed shift" Fully fine now (for now?) with new computer setting.