So after about 1 year and 15,000 miles, I thought I would jot down a few things about the ST.
- Two warranty issues popped up pretty quickly after delivery.
1. The third brake light on the spoiler wasn't sealed properly and filling with water. It would dry out, but the condensation would stay in there. Forums stated it was pretty common on these cars. After the new light was put in, I filled the area around the screws with RTV sealant since that was where the seal issue came from. Didn't want to go back to the dealer for something like that. No issues came back up.
2. When it got hot outside (80F+) and i drove for a while, the car would make a click-click-click noise when turning the steering wheel all the way left or right at a dead stop. I forget exactly what got changed out, paperwork is filed away, but either way it was fixed.
3. Also, I am pretty glad we picked up the tire and wheel coverage ($350 for 5 years). In one years time I had two tire blow outs and one wheel replaced from pot hole damage. Got to love those low profile tires. : /
- Interior noises that could drive some OCD folk nuts.
Okay, so the interior in the ST is pretty solid. I would say a bit above average for it's class but nothing mind blowing. Most (keyword here being most) materials are of good quality, soft and strong plastics, and nice fitment of everything.
But some areas you notice the cost-cutting. Brittle and cheap plastics seem to be most noticeable for whats used for the air vents, headlight switch module, and certain areas around the dashboard. Maybe I wouldn't notice it if I was in a regular Focus, but the very stiff and hard suspension on this vehicle really brings this out. Windows down, music up, you're golden... but keep it all quiet and go over some rough roads, you'll hear the slight rattles.
- And that's where the cons end for the most part.
Some could argue that the steering is way too sensitive. Don't keep your eyes off the road too long in this thing because any slight move on the wheel will move this car quite a bit.
This also leads up into the driving dynamics and fun factor with the ST though. For 25k, I can't imagine getting much more enjoyment out of something that is such a driver's car yet still very good for packing up the kids and hauling some stuff with the seats down.
The ST has 252hp/270tq and moves out great. You always have power on command and the 2.0 EcoBoost matched with the 6-speed makes you smile whenever you get on it a bit. Handling is superb and you have a ton of confidence around turns in this thing. It really does a lot for a FWD car.
Even though the ST has Electronic Steering, it has a good heavy feel to it through turns. I personally never cared for two things when driving: Overly light steering, and an overly light clutch pedal. The clutch surprised almost everyone I know who drove this ST. Maybe thats not for everyone, but I always felt that driving and engagement was better for me with a heavier feeling ride.
MPG is consistent and solid. In the winter with snow tires we would average 21-23MPG with mixed driving, now with the summers back on it hovers around 24-26MPG. I am impressed with the fuel economy with this thing and a super relaxed highway drive can get you close to 35MPG. The gas tank is painfully small though, so you're constantly filling up which can be a bit of a nuisance.
The paint is very nice on the ST. This one is "Race Red". Not usually a red car person, but this red from Ford really stands out. I always liked it. In direct sun its almost an orange and at night its a very, very deep red.
I am sure I am missing a couple things. Either way the car is a blast and I'd recommend it to most.
- Two warranty issues popped up pretty quickly after delivery.
1. The third brake light on the spoiler wasn't sealed properly and filling with water. It would dry out, but the condensation would stay in there. Forums stated it was pretty common on these cars. After the new light was put in, I filled the area around the screws with RTV sealant since that was where the seal issue came from. Didn't want to go back to the dealer for something like that. No issues came back up.
2. When it got hot outside (80F+) and i drove for a while, the car would make a click-click-click noise when turning the steering wheel all the way left or right at a dead stop. I forget exactly what got changed out, paperwork is filed away, but either way it was fixed.
3. Also, I am pretty glad we picked up the tire and wheel coverage ($350 for 5 years). In one years time I had two tire blow outs and one wheel replaced from pot hole damage. Got to love those low profile tires. : /
- Interior noises that could drive some OCD folk nuts.
Okay, so the interior in the ST is pretty solid. I would say a bit above average for it's class but nothing mind blowing. Most (keyword here being most) materials are of good quality, soft and strong plastics, and nice fitment of everything.
But some areas you notice the cost-cutting. Brittle and cheap plastics seem to be most noticeable for whats used for the air vents, headlight switch module, and certain areas around the dashboard. Maybe I wouldn't notice it if I was in a regular Focus, but the very stiff and hard suspension on this vehicle really brings this out. Windows down, music up, you're golden... but keep it all quiet and go over some rough roads, you'll hear the slight rattles.
- And that's where the cons end for the most part.
Some could argue that the steering is way too sensitive. Don't keep your eyes off the road too long in this thing because any slight move on the wheel will move this car quite a bit.
This also leads up into the driving dynamics and fun factor with the ST though. For 25k, I can't imagine getting much more enjoyment out of something that is such a driver's car yet still very good for packing up the kids and hauling some stuff with the seats down.
The ST has 252hp/270tq and moves out great. You always have power on command and the 2.0 EcoBoost matched with the 6-speed makes you smile whenever you get on it a bit. Handling is superb and you have a ton of confidence around turns in this thing. It really does a lot for a FWD car.
Even though the ST has Electronic Steering, it has a good heavy feel to it through turns. I personally never cared for two things when driving: Overly light steering, and an overly light clutch pedal. The clutch surprised almost everyone I know who drove this ST. Maybe thats not for everyone, but I always felt that driving and engagement was better for me with a heavier feeling ride.
MPG is consistent and solid. In the winter with snow tires we would average 21-23MPG with mixed driving, now with the summers back on it hovers around 24-26MPG. I am impressed with the fuel economy with this thing and a super relaxed highway drive can get you close to 35MPG. The gas tank is painfully small though, so you're constantly filling up which can be a bit of a nuisance.
The paint is very nice on the ST. This one is "Race Red". Not usually a red car person, but this red from Ford really stands out. I always liked it. In direct sun its almost an orange and at night its a very, very deep red.
I am sure I am missing a couple things. Either way the car is a blast and I'd recommend it to most.
