I love cars.  First two cars were Camaros.  Then I got an 04 Focus new in 04 just because I wanted something cheap, reliable, and covered with a warranty when I first joined the Army.  In 08 I picked up a C5 Corvette as a second car... loved it.

In the last year or so I started to feel like it was time for a new car.  Still had the old 04 Focus, now with about 170k miles on it (and nice body damage from other idiots on the road).  This time around I decided for my next 10 year car I wanted something nicer and more fun.  I liked the new Focus, so decided I would get one.. and the fun part I hoped would be covered by getting the ST.

Well, after work last night I went out and got a 2014 Focus ST.  I test drove a couple, but didn't really push it hard since they were new cars with only like 5 miles on them.  

But after my drive home last night.. damn, this car is an incredible amount of fun.  I was shocked at the torque that little 2 liter makes.  I took a long detour to take a spirited spin down my favorite backroad.. damn this car handles great.  

I had always kind of dismissed these hot hatchback cars because I was so used to torquey V8's that I didn't think I'd like the little 4 bangers.  But this ST just crushed all my hesitations about these cars.  I would venture to say it is more fun to tear around in than my old Vette.  Yes, it's slower in every way compared to the Vette, but the fun factor is insane in this car.  The low end torque of the LS1 in the vette was underwhelming.. the low end torque in the ST makes me go "how in the fuck does this engine do that?!" lol

Anyway, here is the only pic I got last night.  Weather is nasty today so no new pics.  Pretty pumped, love this little car, I think it's the best combination of fun and practical for a car.  Don't get me wrong, still want to pick up another vette or similar in a year or two as a second car

If the ST was available when I picked up the FR-S I would have been in a real quandary. They are sweet little rides.

Good choice, those are great rides.

Congrats!

Congrats skeeter,  I own a GTI and I feel the same way.

They are an absolute blast to drive.

Love my 2013 SE, after my Jetta I swore I'd be import from there out. Ford stepped up the game.

Any chance of a 3 door hatchback ST?

The first gen 3 door Focus was/is nice.

would like it more if it were AWD



regardless, neat car and enjoy the ride!

The ST seems pretty awesome. I think if I got a FWD hatch it'd be a GTI. Right now a newer WRX is on my short list.

I really considered the FRS/BRZ as well.  I decided against those just because we get a good bit of snow around here, and the FWD car would be much easier to deal with on an icey road.  The practicality of a hatchback for a daily driver also pushed me to the ST.



I agree.  I actually really wanted a WRX or Evo, but I just didn't want to spend that much money.  An AWD ST would be sick.

Looking for a new "sporty" car in 2016.  I'm hoping that Ford releases an AWD RS 2.3l version then.  Thats the rumors.  If so, it will be on a short list.

I loved my GTI for the same reasons. Recently switched to a WRX due to being tired of spinning the front wheels everywhere I went...  :)

So very much this, I would buy one immediately!

Nice score, OP.

I am green with envy

I have had to talk myself out of an ST Focus a few times, I have convinced myself that I can make it through the winter with my 02 Focus, but as soon as I start seeing signs of a thaw, I will almost certainly not be able to contain myself.

Awesome looking car!

Good deal man.

I chose the Nissan Juke Nismo RS as my hot hatch;  I like it but I wish I would have gone with the focus or a WRX instead at this point.

Ford and Mazda shared a Mazda factory and research that produced these and the Mazda 3 until Ford wanted more say-so in Mazda's plant. I bought the Mazda 3S with 6 speed and big 2500cc engine. What a hot set of wheels it is. The Ford Focus should be designed off the same pan. My Mazda actually has a frame, not some dinky unibody crap.

Focus ST can fit some pretty tall folks too, as long as nobody is sitting behind them. Fun as hell car to drive.

I love mine too.

Yup, love my '13 WRX hatch! Quick, functional, holds value amazingly, looks good, handles great.

A coworker has the ST and really likes it. On the outside, very similar to my WRX but I can't do a Ford or FWD performance car. ymmv

Nice buy, I've always liked those

I think everyone but the US gets one.  

We are supposedly getting an AWD RS version in 2017/2018.

I only bought my GTI because it didn't suffer from the "4door-itus" that seems to have struck all of the small hatchback cars of America, to even include the new MK7 Golf R.

 

Manual or flappy-paddle dual clutch?
If it's got the paddles, we made some aluminum castings for it

I think this is Fiesta ST territory.

I love my 2012.

We have a truck and an SUV.  My wife wants a fucking Challenger.    I want a Focus ST or similar.  I asked her why buy a rolling brick when you can get something that will actually handle and get decent mileage.  Because she likes how it looks is why.

OP: go find your local SCCA chapter. The FoST makes a great autocross car and is classed very favorably.

That said, I'm still not giving up my LS1...

Turbo 4 hatchbacks are awesome.. When I'm not in the 'Vette, I'm usually in our Mazdaspeed 3.  

Ford did a good job on the ST. I bought one about a year and a half ago and really like it. It is a lot of fun to drive. 6 speed manual. Handles very well and has some power + you can throw stuff in the back. Good all around car.

My Golf R was fun but it got old quick. Now in an F-150 and I'll never look back.

I love mine, owned it since June of 2013.  Upgrade the intercooler and drop a tune on it, you'll love it even more!  

ST3 owner here. Do the Free ST Octane Academy at Miller Sports (if it is still being offered), Did it a couple of months ago. The instructors and instruction were top notch. I was mind blown and humbled at the same time.
DD

Here's a pic of mine.