Ford Focus 2.0 ST 170 3dr Review

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Ford Focus 2.0 ST 170 3dr
4.1 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.1 out of 5

From 17 ratings and 25 reviews

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PhilST's Review of Ford Focus 2.0 ST 170 3dr

27th Aug 2005

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 months
  • Performance
    4.5 stars
  • Reliability
    4 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2002
  • Doors
    5
  • Practicality
    5 stars
Good Points

Handling, stability, practicality


Bad Points

None


General Comments

To clear up a common misconception, the Ford Focus ST170 is quick - I can leave BMW 325's hands down. Its reputation for being sluggish probably comes from the linear power curve; the Focus just dosn't FEEL quick. It's not quite as spicy as an Impreza WRX or a Civic Type R, but damn close.

Handling is where the Focus really shines, the ST has even more grip than standard models and isn't easliy unsettled by lumps in the road. It outhandles Civic Type R's (i've driven both) and i've yet to come across a car that the Focus can't match. Also, with the traction control switched on rain is suddenly a much smaller issue than for most cars.

Practicality is as good as any other focus in the 5 door; i've not driven a 3 door. Airbags are stationed at the front and sides and the car comes with most of little semi-pointless toys that are found on the Ghia. Also, being a ford, insurance is not as painful as it could be despite the group 15 rating. Reliability has been fine so far despite a couple of minor niggles (tapping nuts etc) that have been cleared up under the warranty.

Overall I'm extremely pleased with the car, especially since realising that the fuel economy is amazingly good for the power of the engine - its worthwhile putting 98ron down the filler.

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Members' Comments onPhilST's Review

  • nickuk7 on 1st Nov 2005

    hi,phil id love a 172 focus but am really taken by a clio 182, is it true the clio 182 would leave a focus 172 standing? surely the performance must be similar?

  • car man on 14th Nov 2005

    Hi I'm interested in buying a Focus ST but I need to know if it's quicker than a Golf 1.8 Turbo

  • PhilST Rank: Lance Corporal on 30th Nov 2005

    Hi, the Clio will be quicker in a straight line (from the top of my head). The Foci has the extra grip and speed in the corners however and won't torque steer you into a tree. And even if it did, you'll find the Focus is far more solidly built ;-)

  • skank01 on 1st May 2006

    the focus st 170 is a joke i eat them for dinner, always trying to race me, grow up and buy another car. the new one is okay but still eat it.

  • Blackballs Rank: Lance Corporal on 2nd Jun 2006

    St is 170Bhp. So its quick but not that quick. I wonder if the Beemer boy was trying? Be good to tune it/turbo it and get 250+ Bhp then it would be a great car.

  • rubblegum Rank: Captain on 2nd Jun 2006

    Nice car but the comment about not finding anything to beat it is just plain silly. The ST has 170Bhp which is good for a mass market car but nothing special in terms of real performance. Wait till you meet a BMW M5 (mine) with 400Bhp or a Merc C65 AMG at 500Bhp. Humbler cars will also see it out of sight. Herself's Honda S2000 and my old Fiat Coupe will also eat it. Nice but don't let the ego cloud reality.