2013 Ford Focus ST Long Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2013 Ford Focus ST Long Term Road Test

Read daily updates on our long-term road test of the 2013 Ford Focus ST and follow along as our editors live with this car for a year.

Read the full story here

jederino

The interior looks appealing, if dark, in these photos. I like the idea of this car. I love my 2005 G35 for rear drive and interesting dynamics, but the weak point is the steering which lacks feel at legal speeds. I wonder if I'd be happy with ST coming from a rear drive car?

nedmundo

Jederino, with the industry-wide migration to electric steering assist, which usually means a huge loss in road feel, I'm not sure many new cars will offer better steering feel than your G35. Even the BMW 3 Series is afflicted with numb steering, but at least it's linear and precise. I've tested the Focus ST twice, and rented a regular Focus, and their EPS is among the best IMO. I actually prefer it to the 328i's steering. It does not offer lots of feedback, but unlike most EPS systems, it provides solid on center feel, which produces a satisfying "locked in" sensation. It is a little artificial, but effective nonetheless.

pjm75

Love the fact that it is a wolf in sheep's clothing, when I'm out on the highway. We've taken several trips from PA to KY and the car is a joy to drive. Getting up to speed on access ramps or around slow-pokes is so effortless. But the rural back roads is where this car will really shine at about 8/10's, it won't get floaty and lose it's composure. Great all-around vehicle.

jederino

Nedmundo, that's good to know. I read about the new C7 switching to EPS, and the lead engineer was honest in saying it is a couple generations away from providing the same feedback as the best hydraulic systems. But, he also suggested in the C7 they could improve on what the 911 had. Brash words.