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2012 Ford Focus consumer reviews

$16,500 starting MSRP
side view of 2012 Focus Ford
(406 reviews)
63% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.9
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 3.5
  • Value 3.6
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 3.5
Explore the 2012 Ford Focus
Shop the 2012 Ford Focus

Don't buy SEL model!!!

The Ford Focus SEL model has a transmission control module recall, and even after having it "fixed" the car shifts into neutral when driving at regular speeds! EXTREMELY dangerous! They told me to make sure to push the lock button on the key fob until the car horn beeped to make sure that the car computer completely shuts the computer down so it doesn't drain the battery and cause the unintentional shifting. HA! Even after doing that (after the "fix"), it continued to shift. NOT A SAFE VEHICLE!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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Horrible

This vehicle has been nothing but a huge headache from the faulty transmission that ford refuses to fix to the window motors that have been replaced the ac compressor and the interior is horrible do not spill any water on the seats or your seat will be stained I bought a brand new car so that I could not have to worry about this stuff this is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE!!!!

Not only transmission problems but a/c compressor, molding on doors, power windows, and thats only naming a few! And I only have 43000 miles on it!! WORST CAR EVER!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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The most fun commuter car I have ever owned.

This 2012 Focus Se Hatchback was purchased used with 46,000 miles on it. I replaced the overflow tank due to a leak that began loosing coolant. Other than that , I have great gas mileage and a dependable car. I went in for a recall on the transmission and the new programming makes it shift better than before. Like the car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliable Car

This is the first car I purchased that I walked away with feeling great about the decision I made. Ford is reliable! This car is the perfect size, not too small and not too large. The gas mileage is outstanding! I love the look of it as being a Hatchback it has an SUV look about it. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Solid Simplicity

My wife has enjoyed her 2012 Focus,with the recalls being the only annoyance.When I sold my favorite car due to horrendous, costly, frequent repairs I picked up a 2012 basic Focus as an interim car. Since the only expense has been brake pads and wipers over the year's use,I've become accustomed to the car. Since I've remarried I seldom drive over 120 anyway. If you can tolerate a car that is reliable and reasonably priced this one is for you!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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power steering $$$ slam

Went into dealership $1775 gear replacement to repair power power steering , why electrical and not a pump . Good job Ford! going back to anything other than Ford

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Thank you for doing your research! AVOID this car!

I was bought this vehicle as a gift for graduating from college. I loved the vehicle and was extremely excited to have it. It had a small shutter when shifting but nothing that bothered me too much. Soon after, I received a letter for a recall of the Transmission Control Module, and seals. I had this problem fixed twice and then one day my transmission dropped and the car stopped dead at only 70,000 miles. It was covered under warranty and was fixed but from what I have read this issue will happen again and will not be fixed for long...I am now trying to trade it in and am getting low offers because of the recall. Really wish that I would have done my research beforehand. Do not buy this car if you are looking for something bug free. Very disappointed in Ford.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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AVOID THIS CAR @ ALL COST, or YOU WILL PAY

After driving this car as a Rental out of state I was determined this car was a must have due to its sporty feel and gas efficiency. However, my experience was much more than I anticipated when I purchased my own Ford Focus SEL 2012. During this summer I was forced to replace the 1st Gear of the Transmission after the car began stalling and broke down. Ironically, this mechanical incident occurred only 2,000 miles after the extended warranty for the transmission. This repair cost me well over $2,500 just to replace the 1st gear. I was informed by my local dealership the cost to replace the entire transmission would cost $7k. Needless to say I had to go the less expensive route and was not able or willing to trade in due to still owing a substantial amount on the car. Now, the car is experiencing electrical issues where it states, "Batter Low", "Transmission Malfunction", and "Engine Malfunction". At times the car will not lock when key is removed. I have had enough with this car and plan to take a loss and put my money into something a little less stressful. BUYERS BEWARE!!!! AVOID AT ALL COST. Thank me later. FORD has always been my preferred brand, but after their lack of willingness to address this issue, despite multiple complaints from consumers, they have lost another customer.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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terrible!!

I've had this car for a little under two years and its given me nothing but issues! the first few months were okay but i would not recommend this car. From the time i got it i thought something was just a little off but i kept telling myself that it was just because it was a 4-cyl,i have a heavy foot and i drive a lot. Recently its been acting up especially the transmission,this car really isn't the way to go. every review i have read matches what I've dealt with!! It looks nice but it is not worth dealing with.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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