2012 Ford Focus vs. Its Competition

8.8

/ 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

Mar 24, 2011

A decade ago, the benchmark in this segment was the Toyota Corolla, but today’s Corolla is outclassed.

The Chevrolet Cruze—from Ford’s crosstown rivals at Chevy—is to some the top rival to the Focus.

Compared to the Focus, the Cruze feels a little roomier yet with a rather soft ride and bland styling inside and out, it’s not nearly as exciting.

For those who want a sporty driving feel, the Mazda3 is still one of the best bets; trouble is, the 3 just has too much harshness and road noise inside.

The Hyundai Elantra is the new leader in this segment, with a stylish interior and exterior, good ride comfort, and an excellent 40-mpg highway rating for all versions.

The Volkswagen Jetta became a step blander last year—with a lackluster base four-cylinder engine and unimpressive fuel economy—but otherwise it’s a decent value.

Honda’s Civic has also been refreshed this year, with an upgraded interior and a somewhat new look.

2012 Ford Focus Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Honda Civic Browse Used Listings	2011 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings	2011 Mazda MAZDA3 Browse Used Listings	2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.8 / 10 TCC Rating With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped.	7.2 / 10 TCC Rating The 2011 Honda Civic is still a standout for its perky driving feel and responsiveness, but in most other respects it's no longer so impressive.	8.2 / 10 TCC Rating 38 mpg; a sleek, sophisticated look; and even more value for the money confirm that this little sedan has officially left the Corolla in the dust.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2011 Mazda3 provides more driving enjoyment than most other small-car models, along with a stylish, racy look; but with a tight, noisy cabin, it’s not without compromise.	7.8 / 10 TCC Rating The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta steps back in tech time and lowers its German street cred—but still delivers a better driving feel and more back-seat room than many other compact sedans.
MSRP From
$16,500	$15,805	$14,945	$15,800	$15,365
Gas Mileage
26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Mid-Size	Compact	Compact
Style Name
4-Door Sedan S	4-Door Manual DX	4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) Ltd Avail	4-Door Sedan Manual i SV	4-Door Manual
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	4	N/A	4
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual