The Ford Focus ST had been one of the sportiest offerings in the compact hatchback lineup. With the 2018 model launched for a base MSRP of $26,045, the Focus ST managed to tick most of the boxes for gearheads who do not want to compromise on versatility and performance. This made it a compelling proposition when it was on sale, making it a perfect choice in the used car market even today.

UPDATE: 2023/10/20 08:29 EST BY RON FP

It has been half a decade since Ford discontinued the Focus line in the US market. However, the performance-oriented Ford Focus ST trim is still quite in demand, as it is one of the few modern hot hatch models that can still be found on the used car market.

Using cross-referenced vehicle specifications, performance, maintenance, and pricing information from manufacturer websites, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), J.D. Power, Consumer Reports (CR), Edmunds, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we've updated this article to give you more information that you need before buying a used Ford Focus ST.

Coming with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a modern suspension setup, this hot hatch from Ford was a hoot to drive. The interior is adequately spacious, and the fuel efficiency is better than those of some competitors. You could also get a used Focus ST for around the $13,000 mark, making it pretty value for money. Before making the purchase decision, here are 10 things you need to know about the Ford Focus ST.

10 The Ford Focus ST Is A Very Sporty Hatchback

The design language of the last US-spec Ford Focus ST is based on the 3rd-generation Ford Focus (2012 - 2020), and it gels well with the overall sporty characteristics of the ride. This does help it to go head-to-head with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Subaru WRX. The exterior proportions of the Fiesta ST are similar to that of the regular Fiestas out there, however, Ford has managed to pull out many subtle changes to help it stand out.

The dual stripes in contrasting colors go all the way from the front bumper to the rear. Other elements like 18" Rado gray painted aluminum alloy wheels, wing spoiler, LED headlights with LED DRLs, subtle fender flares, and dual exhaust system are onboard too.

2018 Ford Focus ST Dimensions And Weight

9 The Ford Focus ST Can Ba A Decent Family Car

If you are looking for a spacious family hauler, the Ford Focus ST isn't going to fit the bill perfectly. Even though it is a 2-row hatchback, the Ford Focus ST's rear seat space isn't one of its fortes. The legroom and shoulder room for the rear seat passengers are much lower than the likes of the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza.

There is no central armrest at the rear and the headroom of 37.2" is going to make it a bit tight for the taller folks. However, the front seats are on par with the rivals in terms of overall space. There are enough cubbyholes and storage spaces on the inside as well. The cargo capacity of 23.8 cu ft is decent, too.

2018 Ford Focus ST Interior Dimensions And Capacities

8 Ford Focus ST Came With A Potent Powertrain

Ford Focus ST Engine Specs

Is The Ford Focus RS Or ST Faster?

The Ford Focus ST is a hot hatch that punches well above the standard Focus variants. However, the Focus ST is slower than the Focus RS. Using a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection I4 engine, the Ford Focus ST boasts 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual and an FWD drivetrain.

7 Reliability Is Not The Ford Focus ST's Strong Point

The Ford Focus ST can deliver impressive performance and aesthetic points. However, reliability is not the Ford Focus ST's strong point. Although RepairPal gave the entire 2018 Ford Focus lineup a 4.5/5 reliability rating, the hot hatch received dismal reliability scores from both JD Power (76/100) and Consumer Reports (1/5).

2018 Ford Focus ST Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual maintenance cost: $429 - $524 (RepairPal)
• JD Power quality and reliability score: 76/100
• Consumer Reports reliability verdict: 1/5
• RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5/5
• KBB Consumer review score: 3.7/5
• Edmunds rating: 7.7/10
• Recalls: 2
• Worst model year to buy used: 2012 Ford Focus ST (58/100 JD Power reliability score, 10 recalls, 3,649 NHTSA complaints)

6 Ford Focus ST Has Many Interior And Exterior Features As Standard

The Ford Focus ST was in production for the US market till the end of 2018 and that makes it not too old. This is also reflected in the features list that it comes with as standard. Get inside the Fiesta ST and you are not going to feel short-charged due to the lack of many important features.

The standard interior features include a 60/40 split rear seat, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, cloth sport seats with ST logo, SYNC communication system, 6-speaker audio system, and turn-by-turn navigation. The exterior features include 18" alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a spoiler, a blacked-out grille, and LED fog lights.

5 Ford Focus ST's Infotainment System Is Mediocre At Best

The infotainment system on offer with the Ford Focus ST is nothing much to write about. It lacks many of the essential connectivity and entertainment features one might expect in this day and age, and this is going to be a huge bummer for many of the folks out there.

The Focus ST's SYNC infotainment system comes loaded with a 4.2" LCD that is present in the center of the dashboard. This system offers a few features like voice recognition, 911 Assist, app link, Bluetooth, steering-mounted audio controls, USB ports, and AUX connectivity. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not available.

4 What Mods Should I Do To My Focus ST?

There is a huge petrolhead community that has managed to do some impressive mods on the Ford Focus ST. Some of the common mods include upgraded suspension, high-performance brake pads & rotors, performance tunes, and cold air intakes.

You could get the tunes from the brands like Cobb Accesssport and SCT X4, and it is one of the cheapest ways to extract an additional 50 horses. Upgraded downpipes and de-catting are very common among enthusiasts as well. If you want your entire setup to be a bit more powerful and reliable, many enthusiasts would also recommend upgrading the intercooler.

3 Ford Focus ST Offers Tight Handling

Handling has to be one of the most important factors that enthusiasts would look for before buying a car from the hot hatch segment. Thankfully, the Ford Focus ST comes with a modern suspension system, making it a fun-to-drive hatchback from the factory.

The front end comes with strut suspension with coil springs and the rear end gets short and long arm suspension with coil springs. The suspension is sport-tuned as well. There is a brake-actuated limited slip differential which helps to put the power down comfortably.

2 The Ford Focus ST Offers Top-Notch Braking Performance

The Focus ST's braking hardware has seen an upgrade from the regular Ford Focus and that shows in the stopping performance. The Focus ST's 4-wheel disc brake setup with 12.6" front rotors and 10.7" rear rotors coupled with the fat 235 section Y-rated tires helps in braking considerably.

The Ford Focus ST's 60-0 MPH braking takes 120 feet and this is considerably lower than those of the segment rivals. The braking features like brake assist, ABS with EBD, front ventilated rotors, and hill hold control are standard too.

1 A Ford Focus ST Is Still Affordable

If you are planning to get a hot hatch with European vibes from the used market, the Ford Focus ST makes quite a lot of sense. Even though the used car pricing has gone off the roof owing to the chip shortage and long waiting period for cars, the Focus ST is still attainable.

You could get a clean example with not-so-high miles and no accident history for around the $14,000 mark and that is quite a lot of value for such a powerful little car. The cheap parts and easy customizability are plus points too.

Ford Focus ST Pricing