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2012 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus

April 25, 2011 / By Joe Lorio / Photos by Regis Lefebure
 
2012 Ford Focus specs

Price Range: $39,200

Base Engine: 143 hp /L ELEC

MPG Range: 110 city / 99 hwy

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2012 Ford Focus Front In Motion

2012 Ford Focus SE hatchback
Base price: $18,785
Price as tested: $21,945

Standard equipment: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, air-conditioning, power windows, 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, tilt/telescoping steering column, automatic headlamps, fog lights

Options on this vehicle: Rapid Spec 203A (convenience package, cruise control, perimeter alarm, MyFord & Sync package, MyFord Tech/6-speaker stereo/Sirius satellite radio, Snyc voice-activated system); SE Sport Package (16" painted aluminum wheels, piano black grille, rear disc brakes, rear spoiler, cloth sport seats, metallic interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob); Winter Package (heated seats, power/heated mirrors, turn signal mirrors)

Key options not on vehicle: automatic transmission, power moonroof, SFE super fuel economy package, leather seats

Fuel economy:
26/36/30 mpg (city/highway/combined)

Engine:
2.0L I-4
Horsepower: 160 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm

Drive:
Front-wheel

Transmission:
5-speed manual

Curb weight: 2920 lb

Wheels/tires:
215/50R17 Continental ContiProContact

  • 2012 Ford Focus Rear Three Quarter In Motion
  • 2012 Ford Focus Front End 3
  • 2012 Ford Focus Front Three Quarters 2
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tonkatoytruck Commented on 05/06/11 at: 1:57 AM I have been leaning towards the Hyundai based on price, gas mileage, and features. The Honda keeps reminding me that reliability is also very important. The Elantra warranty makes the jump a little less frightful. The Focus does not have as good a price, reliability, or gas mielage until 2012. The Cruze Eco comes as a manual only (WAF) so that is out. Toyota is just too dull. I will try to post more after my Honda test drive.
timhood Commented on 28/04/11 at: 4:08 PM It looks like the Ford is the better driver's car, and if you want some more fuel economy, go with the auto (dual-clutch). The five-door is also the best looking by a significant margin. You'll have to pay a little more than the Hyundai feature-for-feature, but what price happiness? In TCO terms, the difference isn't much. Besides, if the GLS Elantra doesn't have all the features you want, you might be able to spec out a Focus the way you want for less than the Elantra's Limited model.

Notice I forgot to mention the Civic. That's Honda's fault. It's all but forgotten in the new, competitive field. Honda, prodigal son, thou hast lost thine way. You're welcome back whenever you are ready.
pxr911 Commented on 26/04/11 at: 11:11 AM Although the Civic has an edge on the handling over the Elantra--I would think the Elantra wins over the Civic as it is $2000 cheaper, offers more features (back up camera,6 speed auto, automatic headlights, proximity key,start stop button, heated rear seats, and of course a superior warranty to the Civic. I think most informed buyer would chose the Elantra over the Civic as it is clearly the better buy.

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