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2012 Ford Focus review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Ford Focus highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Agile on-road experience
  • Stylish and refined interior
  • Quiet ride

Cons

  • Infotainment controls can be tricky to learn
  • Limited legroom in the back
  • Clumsy automatic transmission

Mileage (EPA estimate)

26 city, 36 highway, 30 combined

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All Ford Focus years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Focus generation from 2012 to 2018

5 reasons to buy the 2012 Ford Focus

1. Plenty of character

The 2012 Ford Focus is fun to drive and also highly practical, balancing the sensible choices you make for your vehicle with the indulgences that truly connect you to it. Look for the two body styles to find the one that best suits you. Pick the Focus sedan for its slick style and aerodynamic shape, or the Focus hatchback for five doors and exceptional cargo versatility. Whichever 2012 Focus suits you and your crew, all models benefit from responsive road handling and an ergonomic, low-riding cockpit for a sporty edge.

2. A stunning spectrum of color accents

The 2012 Ford Focus uses color beautifully both inside and out. Want to impress people at your new job? Look for one of the monochrome exterior paint shades for an executive edge, or shine like a star with tropical shades like Yellow Blaze or Red Candy Metallic. Ambient interior lighting is standard on SEL and Titanium trims, and it's a light show you don't want to miss. Switch up the cabin accent lights through a bright color spectrum to reflect your mood, match your outfit, or show off your team colors.

3. Smart SYNC technology

Staying in touch needn't stop once you step into your vehicle. Thanks to the available SYNC® and MyFord® infotainment technology suite, the 2012 Focus can take care of all your connectivity needs. Getting ready to go cross-country? Bluetooth® functionality allows you to pair any compatible smartphone with your vehicle infotainment system. From there, you can access your contacts, stream music, and communicate with the Focus navigation system, all via the SYNC voice command feature.

4. Thrifty performance

When more miles matter, the 2012 Focus steps up. Two powertrain options are available to take you farther between fill-ups or charging sessions. The new-for-2012 Ford Focus Electric is powered by an onboard electric motor and 23 kWh battery pack. When new and fully charged, it's good for an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe.

 Prefer gas power? The standard 160-hp 2.0L engine is no slouch. The base S trim with FWD and manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined fuel economy.

5. Active park assist

Maybe you're renting a downtown apartment with no private parking spot, or you're running family errands around town with only roadside parking available. Either way, there's no escaping the dreaded parallel park maneuver. Enter the hero—the 2012 Ford Focus with available active park assist, a feature that parallel parks for you. While you remain in control at all times, ultrasonic sensors identify a suitable spot and then steer you in like a pro.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

87 customer reviews
The 2012 Ford Focus offers excellent fuel economy, sporty styling, and responsive handling, making it an attractive choice for economical shoppers. While buyers enjoy its technology and features, such as auto-parking, some note issues with transmission performance and cabin noise. Rear seats are compact for taller passengers.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Focus an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Focus 22nd out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Focus

Ford Focus features and specs

Curious how Ford Focus trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Titanium 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Sync System
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Sony Sound System

Optional Features

  • Automated Parking
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Manual Transmission
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sync System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

160

Torque (ft-lbs)

146

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

12.4

Wheelbase

104.3"

Overall length

171.6"

Width

71.8"

Height

57.7"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 43.7"

Head room

F 38.3"/R 37.9"

Front tires

P215/55R17

Rear tires

P215/55R17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Ford Focus FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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