2012 Ford Focus vs. Its Competition
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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 FocusGet FREE Price Quote |  2011 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2011 Volkswagen Jetta SedanBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||||
| Meta 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 Man DX | 4-Door Sedan Man GLS (Alabama Plant) *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan Man 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 |
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