MotorMouths

The Focus ST is, well, pretty amazing. It appears to fulfill the promise of the affordable daily-driver performance car. We can say with certainty that the Focus ST should be on any car enthusiast’s shopping list.

The Focus ST is not exactly a world-beater in terms of refinement, handling balance, or ergonomics. But it does offer a lot of car and performance for the money, it scores an undisputed ten on the entertainment scale, and it won’t fall apart when pushed to the limit.

Ford’s first truly global performance product exceeds our expectations, if not just in 0-to-60-mph times, then for the how little said 0-60 will cost you. For now, the car to beat in the compact hot-hatch segment for all-around value and performance is the 2013 Ford Focus ST, hands down.

If you’re seeking style, performance, handling, refinement, and everyday practicality all in same car, the Focus ST hatchback isn’t approached by anything else under $30,000, and it isn’t often matched above this level.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST is quite simply the best front-wheel driver’s car to date. Achieving this blend of performance, comfort and refinement is unheard of in this segment. But above all, it’s just plain fun.

The Focus ST impresses. Its chassis dynamics and throttle response sharpen the car’s dull points. And if you need or want the practicality of a four-door hatch with a useable rear seat, you’ll need to add the Ford Focus ST to your consideration list.

We love that you can get into a Focus ST for less than $25,000, and our tester felt like a comprehensive, high-quality package for just a couple grand more. It appears Ford really put some thought and effort into the ST. There are a lot of other hot hatches out there, but the ST truly has a personality all its own.

A very rewarding car to drive, the 2013 Ford Focus ST will satisfy enthusiasts on weekend runs and the daily commute, but the cabin tech is a mixed bag.

The Focus ST is the most mature entry in its segment – fast, well-equipped, solid, attractive, sensibly priced. It’s the most car for the money.

When I’ll need a car with four doors for a family or something, the Focus ST is my first choice outside of the obvious more expensive luxury cars in this class. Why? 270 lb-ft of torque, four doors, Recaro seats, and really well tuned suspension.

It’s been a while, but Ford is finally back with a world-class hot hatch. The 2013 Ford Focus ST can run with the best in the segment from Mazda and Volkswagen.

Using technology to deliver everything from power, to handling, to refinement, this Focus lives up to its ST badge.