2018 Ford Focus ST Review

Name: 2018 Ford Focus ST Review
Brand: Ford

Price Range: $16,500 - $23,590

Ford Focus ST Base 4dr Hatchback Exterior Exterior

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$17,938 avg. price

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.}

Pros

Quick acceleration from strong turbocharged engine
Sharp and playful handling with responsive steering
Civilized ride quality for a performance car
No advanced safety tech available

Cons

No automatic transmission option
Optional Recaro seats may be too confining
Smaller back seat and cargo area than rivals

What’s new

There are no significant changes for the 2018 Focus ST.

Vehicle overview

There's something to be said for power and charisma. The 2018 Ford Focus ST may be just as old as the regular Focus, sharing most of the same elements that have made that car lose much of its appeal as newer competitors came along. It's certainly not the newest and hottest thing around anymore. Yet the Focus ST remains just as much fun as ever, delivering exactly the same mix of performance, practicality and pizzazz that first drew us to it five years ago. It's a cool car and always will be.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2018 Ford Focus ST
Base 4dr Hatchback
$20,590
fair price
- 55,002 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl manual
- Carvana - Dallas (287 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Dallas, TX
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FADP3L99JL233082
Stock: 2003410564
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-06-2025
2018 Ford Focus ST
Base 4dr Hatchback
$23,590
- 34,664 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl manual
- Carvana - Dallas (287 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Dallas, TX
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FADP3L96JL331924
Stock: 2003507339
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-19-2025

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First and foremost, its 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine continues to be a hoot, thrusting you into the ST's Recaro sport seats to the tune of a deep warble. All that power goes through the front wheels only, making it a bit unruly at times, but that's all part of the fun. We also love the six-speed manual transmission, though acknowledge that the availability of a dual-clutch automatic (such as Volkswagen's DSG transmission) would widen its audience. Then there's the ST's entertaining steering and handling. Yes, it's fun to go quickly in a straight line, but the ST has corners licked, too.

As for downsides, the ST's relate mostly to those inherent to the regular Focus' design. The rear seating is cramped, and the base tech interface is behind the times. Cabin quality also isn't as impressive as it once was and is overshadowed by the Volkswagen and Honda competition. Those grippy Recaro seats may also be too confining for drivers of above-average size.

In total, though, the 2018 Focus ST needs to be on the shopping list for anyone looking for a powerful, charismatic car with plenty of practicality at a reasonable price. It was great five years ago and it's still great today.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.7 / 10

The 2018 Ford Focus ST has all the qualities you want from a hot hatch, including strong performance, entertaining handling, attractive styling and cargo-carrying utility. We think it needs to be on the shopping list for anyone looking for a charismatic car at a reasonable price.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Ford Focus ST (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Focus ST is now available with Ford's latest Sync 3 infotainment system (replacing the old MyFord Touch touchscreen), which we have sampled in other Ford vehicles. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Focus ST.

Scorecard

Overall	7.7 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	6.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.5

Driving

8.5

An all-around solid performer. Quick acceleration paired with genuinely capable handling and rewarding steering. It's getting on in age, but it's still an excellent choice in a small segment.

Acceleration

7.5

Boost builds quickly in the ST, and you'll rarely catch the engine lagging. Sixty mph arrives from a standstill in 6.4 seconds. Gear spacing is good, though you'll shift twice to hit 60.

Braking

8.0

A softer pedal than we'd prefer, but power and fade resistance are ample. Consistent braking runs with good stability during full-ABS panic stops. It stops in 109 feet from 60 mph.

Steering

8.0

Quick, responsive and direct. Very accurate. Solid ally for countersteering, too, which you'll do a lot here if you drive hard. The ST is not a car for beginners.

Handling

10.0

The ST is more fun than anything else in the class if you like flamboyant driving. Rotates off throttle, but balances back to neutral quickly and controllably with throttle application. The stability control calibration is superb.

Drivability

8.0

It's very easy to drive with manageable clutch and shifter. Even novices should learn the ST's nuances quickly. Rapid, responsive and accompanied by terrific sounds. To be fair, there is no automatic option.

Comfort

6.0

Some comfort compromises are obvious in the ST. Ride quality isn't as smooth as in most non-performance-oriented compacts, but it is good relative to direct rivals. Overall, a good ride-handling balance. The optional Recaro seats can be confining.

Seat comfort

7.0

The optional Recaro seats are comfortable and supportive, but they will make entry and exit more challenging than it would be otherwise. The huge bolsters hold passengers securely but also consume elbow room. Larger drivers probably will find them too confining.

Ride comfort

6.0

Depends on how you look at it. The Focus ST's ride is busy relative to the ride in a base Focus. Expansion joints can be jarring, but the ride is generally acceptable and even impressive given the ST's abilities.

Noise & vibration

5.5

Superb intake note at wide-open throttle that's not present during normal driving. Noticeable wind noise intrusion in certain instances. Otherwise, levels of road and tire noise are livable for the segment.

Interior

7.5

You won't confuse the ST's interior with that of a standard Focus. Body-colored accents, available Recaro seats, additional instrumentation and a thick-rimmed wheel set it apart. But the design is starting to look and feel dated.

Utility

6.5

Hatchback usability is a plus. Good rear cargo space. The split and folding rear seats don't fold completely flat, and the thick Recaro seats compromise cargo space marginally.

Technology

Sync 3 is one of the easiest touchscreen tech interfaces to use. We like the clear touchscreen graphics, quick response times and the easily navigable menus. The Focus' base system is pretty archaic and frustrating, so getting Sync 3 is highly recommended.

2018 Ford Focus ST models

The 2018 Ford Focus ST is a performance-oriented version of the Focus four-door hatchback. There is no sedan version. Both the regular Focus and the even hotter Focus RS are reviewed separately. Every Focus ST comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. There is no automatic variant available. There's only one trim level, though a variety of equipment packages bolster the standard feature content.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, performance brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, hill start assist, automatic headlights, foglights, LED daytime running lights, an integrated blind-spot mirror, keyless entry and ignition, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, front sport seats (with driver height adjustment), 60/40-split folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, MyKey parental controls, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch central display, Bluetooth, Sync voice controls, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port.

The ST2 package (aka the 401A Equipment Group) adds xenon headlights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth and leather upholstery, Recaro front sport seats, the Sync 3 infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration, and a 10-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio, a CD player, satellite radio and dual USB ports.

The ST3 package (aka the 402A Equipment Group) adds all ST2 items but also tacks on heated mirrors, a keyless entry keypad, full leather upholstery, heated front Recaro seats (with eight-way power adjustments for the driver), a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, multicolor ambient interior lighting, carbon-fiber interior accents and a navigation system.

Stand-alone options include dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels with red-painted brake calipers, high-performance all-season tires and the navigation system (requires the ST2 package).

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arkansas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Arkansas

$173/mo

$145/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Ford Focus ST Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

43 reviews

5(63%)

4(28%)

3(7%)

2(0%)

1(2%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The ride I have always wanted

Doug Failor, 11/02/2015

2016 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Brand new car. No initial purchase issues and not driven long enough to have reliability or service issues. This is more a first impression that a long term ownership review. The Focus ST is a niche car. It is aimed (noticed how I didn't say focused ;-) ) at someone who wants a fun and exciting car that is also practical and affordable. I don't believe everything I read, … especially in advertising, but this car delivers. I am surprised at how well it delivers. The acceleration is quick, the steering is quick, and the braking is quick. There are 5 other cars and a pickup in my driveway, but there is only one car you would chose if you said to yourself "I just feel like going out for a drive". There is great power delivery even down low and when the turbo kicks in you feel it push you back in the seat. Gearbox is smooth. You can row back and forth through the six gears if you want, but the powerband is broad enough that downshifts are not nearly as necessary as some manuals I have owned. The tires and suspension let you feel all the road imperfections, but it is not harsh and handling always feels connected instead of busy or mushy. Torque steer? It is there if you push it in first or second. Not hard to control, but can be surprising when the car decides it doesn't want to accelerate in a straight line like you expected. Overall the car is reasonably quiet. You do hear the engine 'power symposer' when you accelerate, but not even loud enough to drown out a normal conversation. I have yet to hear the turbo whistle at all. Didn't get the Recaro seats. The base seats fit me much better. My ST1 has the base Ford Sync, so I can't comment on Sync 3, either. Although this is my daily driver, in no way is it just an average commuter car. It is for people who enjoy cars and want something that involves them in driving. Choosing an ST is a personal statement. I think it is a mistake by Ford to offer it only in the ST1/2/3 packages. I would have liked to pick and chose exactly which options fit me. A marketing decision I am sure. I don't challenge Mustangs, Camaros and Chargers at the stop lights. I don't wait to ambush BMW's and Vettes on twisty roads. I don't look for 2 miles of straight road where I can wind it out (but I do admit, on ramps have become lots of fun all of a sudden). There are bigger cars and faster cars and smoother cars and easier cars to drive. My ST is an every day driver that puts a smile on my face. It knew it was what I wanted as soon as I drove it.

Special Transportation

Marty Weiner, 02/06/2016

2016 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

This is not your father's daily driver. I was looking for a replacement hatchback for my beloved 2002 Honda Si (251,000mi). I had recently rented a 2015 Focus sedan and was surprisingly impressed by it's "big car" characteristics. I have never owned a Ford automobile. Since Honda didn't have a replacement Si available I went to test drive a basic 5spd Focus hatchback. Looking around the …

Poor man's sports car with four doors and a hatch

MN ST Owner, 07/30/2017

2017 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I just bought mine recently in the base ST1 trim. The only options on my ST has are the polished rims with black pockets that include red painted brake calipers and the performance all season Pirelli tires instead of the summer only Goodyear tires. Hopefully the Pirelli's are good enough for winter here in Minnesota (Twin Cities metro area). I have always been interested in this car and … after driving many economical cars that got great fuel economy, I was getting tired of the lack of performance that comes with that economy. Ford was offering a discount of $3500 off along with another $1000 Fast Cash. The dealer sold me the car at invoice price with these discounts included. I ended up paying $20,500 for a car that said $26,175 MSRP on the window sticker. I was also looking at Fiesta ST's too but they were more expensive and harder to find. The test drive had me sold on this car. Performance is thrilling in every way. Acceleration, handling and braking are at a level that is way above your average Focus. The six speed manual transmission and clutch are a pleasure to use. The steering is point and shoot with excellent feedback. Hustling down some curvy country roads today, I was amazed at how fast I was taking the curves. Of course I was smiling the entire time while I snicked though the gears. This car pulls hard when you dip into the pedal deep. Turbo lag is almost non-existent. The 270 lb/ft of torque peak is at only 2500 RPM's. This car pulls hard from any speed in every gear if you keep the RPM's around that figure. The performance all season Pirelli's worked well for me. I doubt you would want them on a track but for public road use they are great. The suspension is on the firm side but not jarring. You will hear and feel some bumps and the expansion joints on freeways but it is not annoying to me. First tank of fuel after some mixed highway/city driving came in at 27 MPG! A good portion of that was spirited driving on those curvy roads I just mentioned. For everyday use it is just like any other Focus. You will get slightly less fuel economy but you will leave traffic at the stop lights with ease. Same amount of storage and room which is good on the Focus. Not best in class but good enough. Rear seats are a tad short on leg room. Front row is fine. The ST1 trim gets you the basic Ford Sync system with a 4.2" non-touch center screen (It does have a backup camera with distance and trajectory markings) and a 6 speaker single CD, AM/FM radio, MP3 stereo system without Sirius/XM. You also get manually controlled cloth seats with less aggressive bolstering than the Recaro seats that come with the ST2 and ST3 trim levels. The ST1 cloth seats are comfortable and look nice. I don't think a moonroof option is available on the base ST1 trim level. You also don't get the rear seat armrest and cup holders or the sunglasses holder near the rearview mirror. The ST2 and ST3 trim levels give you more options including leather trimmed (ST2) or full leather Recaro seats (ST3) with aggresive bolstering and power controls on the ST3. The ST2 and ST3 trim levels get heated front seats and side mirrors. The ST3 trim also includes a heated steering wheel. The ST2 and ST3 are both equipped with Ford's Sync 3 system, an 8" touch screen and a Sony sound system with subwoofer and Sirius/XM. Integrated navigation is also available on both the ST2 and ST3. The Ford Focus ST is easily the most fun to drive and one of the fastest front drive only cars you can buy today. In its basic ST1 trim it's a steal if you don't need or want all those options on the much higher priced trim levels (thousands higher for each trim level). Everyday usability, decent fuel economy and when you feel like dipping into the turbo's boost, sport car performance. The ST in basic trim is just an amazing car for only $20,500 but if need more luxuries they are available too. I will be driving my Focus ST for as long as it lasts.

1st ST was so much fun, I traded it for another!

Myron Rhodes Jr, 12/15/2018

2018 Ford Focus ST 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I special ordered a 2013 ST in Jan '13. I put 100k miles in that car in 5 years. Never a serious problem. Only needed oil changes, one set of brakes, and some tires. More fun than the Mustang GTs I owned in years past primarily due to the superb handling. I love the Recaros, the 6 speed manual, and the way the engine pulls all the way to top speed. This car will do the 150 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Focus ST, so we've included reviews for other years of the Focus ST since its last redesign.

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2018 Focus ST Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,170
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$173/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Focus ST models:

911 Assist: Uses your cellphone to automatically call 911 should the airbags deploy.
MyKey: Allows owners, and specifically parents, to set vehicle speed, radio volume and other parameters for teen drivers or valets.
Integrated Blind-Spot Mirror: Provides a clear, expanded view of your blind spots. A simple, yet effective solution.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.6%