Is the Ford Focus ST Worth Buying? A Comprehensive Review

The Ford Focus ST has been a popular choice for drivers seeking a combination of sportiness and reliability. Many enthusiasts and regular buyers have found this model to be an excellent choice, making it a must-consider option when exploring economy sports cars. This article delves into the performance, reliability, and overall experience of the Ford Focus ST, offering insights for potential buyers who are weighing the pros and cons of this well-regarded vehicle.

Historical Overview and Personal Experiences

Over the years, the Ford Focus ST has garnered a great deal of positive attention for its performance and reliability. Interestingly, many people who have owned a Focus ST have found it to be a highly enjoyable and reliable vehicle. Take, for instance, a 2013 Focus ST with 35,000 miles that was driven for six years and accumulated another 90,000 miles. This car maintained its reliability and provided a fun driving experience. The owner even modified the vehicle with a big intercooler and a Cobb stage two tune, achieving impressive fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

While the 2014 Focus ST may not be the first choice for everyone, it has been well-received. The owner of this car noted that it was comparable, if not better, to the Volkswagen GTI, which has been a benchmark in the economy sports car market for over three decades. The owner consulted with a brother-in-law who is a Ford Master Mechanic, and even though he is a huge VW fan, he strongly recommended the Focus ST, especially for those considering a model year other than the first 2014 model.

Personal Experience and Modifications

Luckily for me, the 2014 Focus ST became my latest purchase, and I have been a devoted owner of this car for some time now. The car exceeded my expectations with impressive performance and practicality. It delivered good gas mileage despite its powerful engine, capable of chirping through the first four gears. The handling and braking were outstanding, delivering a sporty yet comfortable ride.

For enthusiasts looking to further enhance the performance of the ST, the car is quite easy to modify. I myself made some modifications, adding a big intercooler and a Cobb stage two tune, which resulted in around 280 horsepower and almost 400 foot-pounds of torque, as confirmed by a dynamometer. However, it's important to note that at speeds above 90-95 mph, the stock turbocharger began to struggle, unable to produce meaningful gains. Nonetheless, the car handled any abuse thrown at it remarkably well during my drives.

Considerations for Buyers

If you are considering a 2014 Focus ST, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car fits a family with ease if you have the budget. While the Focus ST is quite enjoyable, it may not be the best choice for a family with young children, as the car does not offer the same level of spaciousness and comfort typical of larger family vehicles. The ST3 option pack provided additional customization and enhancement options that added value to the car.

For enthusiasts and regular owners, the ST1 and ST2 models were found to be too plain and did not provide the same level of customization. However, the ST3 option pack was well-received, offering a more refined experience for those who want to further enhance their driving dynamics.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the 2014 Ford Focus ST is an excellent option for drivers who want a combination of sportiness, reliability, and practicality. Whether you have wanted to own one for years or are considering it for the first time, the Focus ST is worth a serious look. While it may not be the car for everyone, especially those looking for travel comfort with family, the car's performance and reliability alone make it a formidable choice. If you can overlook the limitations at higher speeds and appreciate the driving dynamics, the Ford Focus ST is a car you won't regret owning.