2013 Ford Focus SE Hatch Review, Walkaround, Start Up, Test Drive 

Got a 2013 ford focus titanium hatchback for my first car, i love it, its a beautiful car and feels fast, and overall is a good reliable car

I've had my 2014 SE up to 80,000 miles now, no transmission problems, worked on it a bit adding my own stuff, honestly the car is amazing and reliable don't know about all of you.

I drive this car for work and I have to say I'm impressed with the direct injection in this motor, u can feel the power and it responds quickly.

I bought this car in May with the 5 speed transmission. I love it, consistently get 35-38 mpg and the car is very fun to drive for a 2.0 4 cyl. I'm glad i bought it, plan to keep it for a long time.

got a used 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback in August of 2020, 18,000 miles and a great price. I love driving it.

The shutter/lag when pulling away is normal. It's the characteristic of the Power Shift transmission which is not a traditional automatic with a torque converter. Instead, think of it as a manual with 2 clutches that shift automatically for you. It's designed to give you quicker shifts and it puts less drag on the engine vs a regular automatic.

I really like your reviews because you analyze intermediate versions of cars. Most of the times the reviews in RU-vid are about the top of the equipment.

Had transmission shakes but it's covered under warranty. They replaced the seals at the dealer, no questions asked. It runs great.

The back seats do fold down all the way flat, you have to lift up the seat part first and then fold them down.

If you say sel one more time lol

Have a 2000 Focus when they first came out. She has 90,689 miles. Not even broke in yet and can peel rubber if you know how. Looks brand new. Metallic Fort Knox Gold.

I like how you review cars! It's more of you talking to your viewers rather than selling a car to a customer

rear disc brakes [ Customers "surprisingly' care about?? Hmm.... I'll never have a car with drum brakes EVER again!! This is because drum brakes don't stay adjusted and when they're out of adjustment, the front brakes get hotter and the rotors warp. Additionally, disc brakes stop better compared to drums. Drum brakes shouldn't even be offered on cars anymore.

Car & Driver Data: Focus ST 0-60: 5.9 secs Civic Si: 6.5 secs

i bought this same car in black and it feels so good, i really love the wheels and it behaves great in cornering

I had a 2012 Ford Focus titanium it had around 200,000 miles when I traded it I loved that car I regret selling it

I got my 2014 focus in July of 2015 with 6,558 miles and by the time I had put 15,000 miles I had to take it in for horrible shuddering problems when driving at low speeds. It ended up needing a new clutch which was on back order for 8-10 weeks nationwide. However ever since getting it fixed it drives like a new car and Ford has extended the warranty on the transmissions since there have been so many issues. I would also keep in mind the car actually has a cvt transmission which causes some of the issues you hear about but all in all its a great car for the money which really is a ton of fun to drive

Thanks for posting this comment. I'm shopping for a 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatch and, after reading your post, I went back to the dealer to test it. They don't lie ENTIRELY flat in the SE hatch, but it's pretty dang close -- certainly closer than just laying them down on the seat cushion. Appreciate it!

I bought a Ford Focus SE 2013. It is the worst car I have ever owned. I have the "transmission problem" package. It has been to the shop 4 times and the transmission still does not work correctly.

What’s that deal with people saying that the DCT is a bad transmission? I’ve not had any of the problems I’ve been hearing about and my car was one of the first ones built. I love my eight year old 210k miles Focus SEL. Really the only problems I’ve had is the infotainment system and the recently recalled EVAP system that might stall the car if it’s low on gas.

I hated the look of the focus until this style came out.

I drove both back to back yesterday, and road/wind noise is significantly quieter in the focus. However, the exhaust is a bit louder, but does not drone, and is deeper and more pleasing to the ear. It drives tighter, and the interior is SIGNIFICANTLY better.

We think the Powershift transmission has been improved greatly from the earlier 2012 models, however, we still prefer the manual, but the automatic is still better than the 4AT in the corolla, or the slow reacting 6AT in the cruze, it's just a transmission that you have to get used to.

Wow, very nice eye catching that detail, looks like they just took out the label for the increments of 10, they are still there but just aren't labeled anymore

i'm used to driving stick, and been driving for more than 20 years ... on my last 2 cars however, i've already opted for automatic transmission ... i agree that stick is more fun to drive and very responsive especially out on the highway, but in my case I live in Manila and traffic is almost always horrible during weekday rush hours - believe me you'll hate stick driving in these conditions

Ford has been on a winning streak since 2008. The Focus is great, do everyone well vehicle, fun yet functional.

That was edmunds, their times are often slower than everyone else's.

That's a good way to put it. After driving a manually for my past two cars I don't ever want to go back to an autotragic.

We agree, the upper trims get pricey but they have the tech to show for it. If you skip the upper trims and expensive options, the price is right where all its competitors fall.

Ammon Hanson I have this exact car with the powershift, and I would steer clear of it if I were you. Almost every focus has major transmission issues by 40k miles. And Fords dealer network and warranty people are a nightmare to deal with. Other then the transmission issues (which are basically the worst around town its great on the highway) its a great car.

Nice review -- I like your comparison of the SE with the 201A and the SEL. I wonder how rough the ST rides compared to the SE -- I'll find out shortly after a test drive. I rented an SE for a 3000-mile/9-day trip and completely fell in love. Ford has done one heck of a job.

I'm sure someone has mentioned this, the seat do indeed fold flat in the back, you have to lift./flip the bottom part of the seat out of the way, then drop the back. BTW the truck is HUGE when you do this. I carried a go cart in the back of mine.

Both are great cars and offer their own strengths and weaknesses. The Civic does have a better reputation for reliability but the Focus offers more premium features and the hatchback body style. Both are fun to drive but the Ford is a bit quicker and quieter on the highway. As far as cost, the Civic is more expensive after you factor in the rebates Ford offers on the Focus.We'd have a hard time choosing ourselves ;)

I just bought this car (2014 Focus SE Hatchback). After previously owning a Dodge Avenger I say nothing could be worse than that crap! I bought the Automatic as thats all they had left (It was 3 months ago when purchased new). So far Ive put on 4 thousand miles (only having 6 miles rolling off the lot) and the car is great I average between 31 and 33 mixed mpg driving. This was the main reason I bought it to save gas and refills are so cheap! The transmission is a little clunky and takes some getting used to but its not perfect. I didn't buy this car thinking it would be perfect like so many others have and complain about the transmission. And since it technically was on clearance i saved 5 thousand dollars (paying 15 thousand) as they were making room for '15 models. I wish mine was a manual as i know id toss it around like a go cart but the automatic is just as fun as it handles so great. This car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and hopefully i will keep it for as long as it runs!

I get you. I went used simple because I could get more car than I could get new. I got my focus july 5 and love every minute of it. the EPA numbers are spot on. I am averaging 26mpg city right now and that is with my daily commute being low spends with allot of lights. Also allot of people complain about the dual clutch transmission but for me it is just fine.

Yes, that combination is available

The ST rides a tad stiffer bc of the 18" rims but it's not punishing at all. If you have rid in a GTI both vehicles ride very similarly. The Speed3 has the most punishing ride of the 3 vehicles while the Civic Si has the softest ride.

I'm having the hardest time choosing between this and the new Dodge Dart. I drove them both on the weekend, I liked the feel of the steering wheel and interior better on the Focus, but I prefer the styling and customization options better on the Dart. They both drive the same to me. What do you guys think?

My parents are thinking about getting me a 2014 focus hatch as a graduation gift. I really like the hatch version.

I love mine. It was the most bottom line and it is really comfortable and you cant beat the price:16987

Yes, the Focus is still quieter than even the 2013 Civic

Yes, it is limited to the Sedan only

Hey the price list on the car is that how you have them in the yard because thats a pretty great way of advertising the cars features with out having to tell people everything and compared to how cars are in yards here in Australia thats a hell of a lot easier to look at read.

The SE now has the same center console as the Titanium (which I dont like), and it comes standard with the silver door handles. Fog lights are no longer standard on the SE, but alloys are.

I'm sorry , but the SEL is still available , because the car that I'm buying is an SEL and its the 2013 model

Lots of options avaliable on these cars. I don't mind one, it seems like a well rounded car. But I'd rather take a Mazda 3. Good video

I think this car was very nice I am very disappointed with the soft touch thing there is not much...I hate to be picky but I wanted to know if you may be able to do a video on a Chrysler Pacifica maybe 2005 or up...if so...great thank you

I'm from Croatia, on our highways you're allowed to drive 156 km/h, or 97 mph. So most people drive like that, but some go much faster, because realistically you could drive 200 mph on those roads. They're almost completely new highways, one of the best in Europe. And in Germany on some pieces of autobahn if you drive 100 mph, you have to move to slow lane.

Rear seats actually do fold down flat (most people don't know this, even my dealer didn't know) have to pull the seat bottoms forward then the seats will fold flat. Depending on how far the front seats are back you might also have to remove the headrests for the rear seats. Cheers!

Back seats do fold flat when you flip up the bottom seat and take out the head rests.

Dear @2theredline . Can you do an in depth and test dive review for the new 2014 civic si coupe? I test drove it and i must say it's a really fun car to toss around. In addition, honda have noticeable updates in the car that you might want to check out.

Thanks man, I will try to find a road with less speed tracking cameras, I will let you know. Since it is not harmful for the engine I don't bother anymore because other than grinding sound the car ride very nice and fun.

The seats do fold completely flat, you just have to lift up the seat bottom cushions and then fold the back seats down, kind of like the old Escape.

Great review, the only thing I would say is that the rear seats do fold flat. The seat bottoms lift up and the headrest can be removed to fold the seats flat, i'm considering getting another focus and this would have turned me off if it didn't do this

The car in the video doesn't actually have the appearance package on it. I have a decked out SE hatchback and the Appearance Package is suppose to have a black spoiler and black rims. I also notice you don't have a touch screen in yours and I do. But then, mine was $2000 more but I got a good price on it because of the incentives just after Hurricane Sandy hit. Also got the ten speaker Sony surround sound. All for $23000 before taxes at my dealer. Competition was a prius but this is much better.

for some reason, i like the looks of the manual climate control better then the dual zone.....

Looks funny, comfy and roomy. but I'd expect more from the DCT I'd stick for a manual..

Hi, Whats up? So far it is running very well and impressive gas millage, had some fun with manual shift it has pretty good acceleration, I am totally satisfied with this car :)

we have two up already

Those wheels are a great upgrade.

I want this...minus the sunroof. Shame about the soft touch door panels and electronic climate controls though.

My fathers company BMW 730d with 245hp, which weighs 1,9tons has 30-35 mpg AVERAGE over the last year or so. And that car is driven mostly on highways at speeds over 100mph, and trough cities. And he drives A LOT, the car is 3 years old and has 250 000 km's on it already. And he does not drive carefuly to consume fuel, since he doesn't pay for fuel. :P

ST if course, it has 51 more hp than the Si and 100 more ft lbs of torque

The least expensive SE Hatch with an Auto is around $20,000. You can get a Sedan for $18,000 or around the same price as a Civic LX Auto... make sure you are comparing apples to apples here

My mum has a 2015 fusion se luxury package wich has my ford touch and heated and cooled leather seats along with all leather so it’s basically a platinum but with a 10k less price tag

It was the 2012 model they really had problems with. The 2013 have some problems but no where near the issues .I suggest you join the focusfanaticsdotcom and join. It's free and if you have continuous problems there is a resident Ford customer service rep that monitors that site and she can help you with any issues but be patient because I am positive it will be OK. Find a stretch of road that has no traffic and do a few full throttle starts form a dead stop. this wil help. I did and it helped.

True, however; the Altima is much more practical at hauling people. Sure you can't move big bulky items with it, but the Altima has more than enough space for your average consumer.

I like your reviews. You speak at a nice pace and go over relevant details vs. spending 5 minutes testing something superficial, like 0-60 times, which other reviewers seem to suffer from. One question--with all other things being equal, which would you go for? A 2013 Civic (maybe EX) or a Ford Focus SE? They are very similar in price, and I've test drove them both and prefer the Ford. However, I still have the bias that Honda = more reliable. I'm torn. :(

i have a 2005 focus zx4...It has defenately changed a lot.

I really want an ST, hopefully you'll do a video on it sometime.

Keep in mind a GTI does not compete with this car. Compare this car to the Golf TDI and they are roughly the same price and get nearly the same MPG

You're wrong about the SEL. I have an '18 SEL hatchback.

I'm averaging 34 mpg and love mine

I love your review videos, but I have yet to find a Ford Focus Titanium video.

Yea you can't even notice its a diesel by sound anymore. And VW / Audi diesels that are in VW's in US market are old models I think, not the newest common rail injection models, and they are pretty loud and rough compared to some others, such as Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, BMW, Alfa...they're smooth as butter and you never notice its a diesel, until you put your foot down and it slams you into the seat in 4th gear at 2000 rpm lol.

Sofyan, I didn't see leather seating listed under the 201 upgrade package when you showed us the car spec sheets on the window. I'm in Canada and I'm thinking of buying the 2013 focus se. This one here doesn't have leather!

they're not easy to find because they have to be ordered. I just tried to look for one.

They are also making a feista turbo, and a 100+mpg Focus

Yeah, that's true. I think Ford will have a tough time selling these top of the line Focuses though, there are a ton of great cars out there for $25,000

I had a GTI.. they're fun and all, if you can keep up with the maintenance costs and insurance. as I'm sure it may be the same deal with the ST.

Especially with the 1.0 EcoBoost, you can't even hear that it's switched on at idle.

Just rode in one today. The ride is great and quiet, but the back seat is a lil' small. I also found it weird that you can only lock/unlock the doors from the button in the middle.

The max speed limit in the USA is about 85mph. And in some states (like where I am) 65mph. City stop and go is usually 25-45mph, "b-roads" 45-60mph, and highways 45-85mph. Most gas (petrol) powered stuff here is lucky to do above 30mpg at 60mph. And I want to go 100 on highways! Where are you from, exactly?

do a videos off a 2015 ford focus se

I just bought a used focus SEL hatch a couple of days ago and even I had to tell the sales guy that the seats do lay flat. It seems Ford didn't do a very good job making it well known you can do that.

You should get an ST. that'd be SICK! I love that model :D

My point was that the car can be bought brand new for the amount he is pointing out. He was making it seem like the ST cost tons more than the GTI.

He's a good reviewer, but I really hate his Honda bias.

Did you remove the head rests? Also try taking a look at a used focus, I got my 2012 SEL with leather seats, fog lamps, dual zone climate control, parking sensors, moon roof and sweet 17 inch wheels for $17,000 at carmax. You can get a nice deal on a gently used Focus rather than loosing money buying new.

The car/hill button is likely your overdrive button. Cant help you with the other ?. I'm looking at getting one of these.

I had a friend's grandmother buy a diesel VW for that very reason. Didn't even know it was a diesel until we told her it was one.

I have this car right now..,and while I enjoy the ride,,I'm still getting use to the fact that the engine revs up from a stop and takes awhile to switch gears....something that bothers me but I'm aware that is the design of the car. I am almost certain my next car will either be an Escape or an Edge.

A few friends though has got to an automatic because they don't like driving one in heavy traffic. though someone else i know has a automatic car and a manual. mostly the manual is driven on the weekends.

I have got a 2013 S

would you rather have this or a honda fit, from a drivers perspective?

Do you think they will eventually offer the DCT on the Focus ST

I have the SEL with the touch infotainment screen. If you see one with a manual go for it. Automatic is really not worth it....

8;03 seriously? that civic in front of Sofyan looks EXACTLY like my dad's 1999 civic EX coupe.

Hey Soyfan Bey. I am looking for a Focus 2013 but I´m a little bit concerned about the reliability of this vehicles. Do you know something about it?

Depends on when you buy. I was able to get a new one for much less than the used ones were going for.