The Last Ford Focus RS: Is This Worth Buying Over A Subaru STI Or A Honda Civic Type R?

Today I drive and review my new Ford Focus RS!
Second Channel: / @thebenhardyshow
Instagram: ben_hardypl
Facebook: @benhardycar

[@azzurrin889]

Focus RS sounds SO MUCH better than the Civic Type R.

[@carguyns4348]

Of course, the Civic Type R sound more like a commuter car rather than a performance car

[@mpresto15]

I really like this car but wtf happened to them? I have not seen one in over a year in California

[@joebidenn11]

@@mpresto15 they were discontinued because of how unsafe they were

[@mastafa4517]

I agree! The Civic Type R is FWD only and the Focus RS is AWD. Good if you live where it snows.

[@davidjunca6]

@@joebidenn11 wtf are you talking about "discontinued because they're unsafe" buddy? The RS was discontinued because of new emission laws. Ford had no choice but to scrap the Focus completely, it was either they stopped producing the mustang or the focus. Ford also got tired of making sedans and little compact cars because the real money is in trucks and SUV's. The Focus RS was never discontinued because of safety concerns.

[@O2TG]

This car's been out for years now everyone knows it's worth the hype.

[@bennypacheco9064]

The chinese market with aftermarket parts is cheap even the autos faulty transmissiom parts are being sold ridiculously cheap from china. Plus the mods are infinite and gas hasnt been cheap at all. In my area all small compact sedans and hatchback cars have shot up in price compared to the full size sedans.

[@alpine_pro5814]

I was so close to buying one to replace my Audi A3. But I decided against it for now. RS is the best hot hatch for how hard you can push it, and fun factor.

[@Akorba.]

I would really get a rs. They will only get more rare. Rn they are at the lowest price they will probably be in a long time.

[@DR4WZ]

2017 RS owner here. Bought it new and now have almost 70000 miles. Still love this car and cannot imagine not owning it! Really no major issues. Just got the B7 upgrade (upgraded intercooler, recirc valve, higher flow intake, COBB access port, etc.) done at Mountune in California. The difference is absolutely insane! It goes from being quick to being fast.

[@christiantrujillo5092]

looking at a 2016 one with 70k miles but kinda skeptical due to the mileage, any issues you have with yours ?

[@DR4WZ]

@@christiantrujillo5092 nothing too concerning. I'm having to replace my Body Control Module next week which is about $500. Everything else I've had to do up until now has been typical maintenance stuff.

[@wowwow7777777]

How much $ for the upgrades you did through Mountune?

[@DR4WZ]

@@wowwow7777777 If I'm remembering correctly, it was around $2500 for all the parts, and I had them install which was maybe another $500.

[@MyAyeNusHurtz]

When you buy a 40k car and have to upgrade the power

[@byunism]

You can hit the ok button on the steering wheel when changing modes. For immediate changes instead of waiting.

[@carlosmorris4510]

I think it is... 350hp/350tq is practically the same power as an '04 Pontiac GTO!... That's definitely premium. And this is AWD. A great burbly sounding 4-cylinder. It's pretty much iconic, imo. My problem with the Subarus and Hondas is that they're so common; lacking any distinctiveness, realistically... 😒 Not so with the RS!

[@dizzykincade7831]

I’ve owned 2 ‘05 GTOs. Second was black with the full SAP. I’ve never seen one with the full package outside of mine. Dumped about 5k of Pedders suspension parts. Then new brakes, wheels, and connectors. That car was awesome. FF to a STI, then (some rando garbage) to the RS. I like the RS most. Just wish I had an extra 1k rpm.

[@AspireGMD]

I like quite a few JDM cars but damn do they consistently lack in design, this looks so much better than the civic type r and also the golf r.

[@harrybhalbag9924]

Nice vid! Small tip on selecting drive mode: Once the button on the center console is pressed, you can then use the control panel on the steering wheel to move right and left in the menu and select the desired mode instead of waiting for it.

[@Dom96734]

The “what are those?!?!” made me holler and got you a sub

[@anjelosanez427]

I just got my RS for $36k. 31k miles. My thought process is.. a new STI is $40k+ but the RS is better in all ways possible (I’m a subie fan). Also when will you ever drive an RS again?

[@poker_18rs92]

As of today, there are a few 2018s listed for over MSRP, which is beyond ridiculous If you buy a 2016 or early 2017, make sure the head gasket was replaced.

[@Riceonrice]

Yup paid over Msrp for mine

[@poker_18rs92]

@@Riceonrice Lol same here! Bought a 2018 back in November. I monitored prices for around 8 months & every low mileage, one-owner car was $40k+ & prices were seemingly going up. Waiting until after COVID hit cost me an additional 6-7k. It’s whatever.... at least I finally got one. Congrats on your purchase as well.

[@Riceonrice]

@@poker_18rs92 did you get an se ?

[@Akira300]

Now I have a 2017 Nitrous Blue Ford Focus RS and it's still the best car I have ever owned. I've owned a 2004 350z, 2006 WRX, 2008 WRX, 2015 Limited STi and this car beats them all. In my opinion of course.

[@AraeEntity]

Hey how’s your focus going?

[@Alejandro_Diazd]

Great video Ben I think the Focus RS is worth the price

[@AdamKaiser.]

I did a de-badge on mine it's a great sleeper surprised many people 🤣

[@JohnDeBrino]

I used to have an RS. The car is fun as hell, but mine kept breaking and the ride was not compatible with New England roads.

[@sierra283blue5]

Damn that car pulls like a European car. I’ll tell you I’ve never been a fan of hot hatch vehicles because I love the V8 rumble but 350hp smooth rowing gears would be a blast on winding roads. Congrats on the purchase!!!!! Definitely seems like a fun hatch. I’d switch the shifter to a nice cue ball shifter to match the car. That weight to horsepower ratio has to really make this hatch a blast.

[@weatherwatchmore381]

It sounds better then the Type R but decent to the WRX STI and WRX

[@CarlosHernandez-gc6no]

Is it worth buying a used RS? Or buying a newer 2021 type R. I wish Ford kept making them:/

[@mrhawk1924]

New Type R or N Verloster.. I have one on my channel

[@peterpan1435]

If you get lots of rain or snow get the 4WD RS.

[@mrhawk1924]

@@peterpan1435 lalmao

[@peterpan1435]

@@mrhawk1924 kindly translate if you would.

[@mrhawk1924]

@@peterpan1435 your name PP is Michael's favorite Character / i was just LMAO 🤣

[@mikew3605]

Yeah, I want to see more content. I've seen them around but not seen much on them.

[@christiaaanmr-7978]

is my dream car, when i was 16 I have one in nfs ( the game )and I fall in Love, here in Puerto Rico I just go to meets and things like Car shows just to see this master pice, I hope one day I can aford one 🖤

[@poker_18rs92]

Buy a Focus ST. It's half the price & 50% of what an RS is + it's still a manual.

[@christiaaanmr-7978]

@@poker_18rs92 i know that Bro, i Gm ti a dealer and See and drive a Focus st 2017 but i can pay the monthly payment it was 651$ 🤣 i just go to wait when i finally finish my college career and See what i can do

[@shawn14isme]

Im so mad that i got into the car world late. I didnt even know the focus RS or ST were even things that existed until a month ago. I missed out big time.

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

There are still low mileage versions of both out there. My bro has the ST and I have the RS. Each has pros and cons. You can’t go wrong with either one. The ST with Ford Performance shifter and light Koenig wheels is seriously fun, almost as fun as an RS.

[@leedanielson7452]

That’s a peppy little thing!😝👍

[@abcd-fx9bw]

How is the weather in Florida, yesterday the mercury touched 39 degree Celsius in India.

[@briangarcia4409]

@@abcd-fx9bw he’s in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, I do live in Florida, Miami to be exact and weather is great lol beach and boats all weekend!

[@abcd-fx9bw]

@@briangarcia4409 I was talking about Loran Danielson who lives in Orlando.

[@leedanielson7452]

@@abcd-fx9bw Hello! It’s been around 90 degrees Fahrenheit the last few days! Wow pretty hot in India!!!!!!

[@abcd-fx9bw]

@@leedanielson7452 Actually 100 degree farenhiet doesn't feel that hot in India as its not a tropical region and the Sun is way too far away, which Florida is teopical region and the Sun is closer.

[@j.r.f8381]

I bought a 2017 RS back in 2017 and only had it for a few months. I liked the car but the problem was the seats. I’m 6’2 and 190 lbs and absolutely did not fit in the seats. It was actually painful for me to drive because of that. Otherwise it was an awesome car.

[@bigdinner9712]

With the stock seats or the recaros? 6’2 230 lookin at em for a daily

[@j.r.f8381]

@@bigdinner9712 the Recaros in the Ford. You’re will not fit in those seats.

[@spectre3492]

Recaros are horrible

[@JacobyAldrich]

Weird I'm 6'3 210 lbs and fit good. Took a couple days to dial in a good seating position and the seats to kinda "break in" a little. I bought mine used with 55k miles so maybe brand new would have been way tighter but just like any leather boot or shoe uncomfortable at first just gotta break them in for the perfect fit

[@bigrivercatfishingfun2366]

I have the 2017 Limited Edition in blue. It;s a very fun car to drive. I love it. I had the Ford Performance Borla exhaust installed. It pops more than factory. Other than that, its stock. I have 75k on it.

[@MarshaunLugo]

Do you daily it? Because I have a type R and I’m looking for an RS to daily because we get a lot of snow and rain in nyc. I love the type R for spring through fall seasons but I really feel the RS would be great a fun daily car. Any tips or pointers for when it comes to looking for an RS?

[@bigrivercatfishingfun2366]

@@MarshaunLugo I do. Lately with Covid the daily hasn't been daily. Except for a short run to the post office or to town to get milk and bread. Not sure the RS would be any good in snow. It's very low to the ground and would act more like a plow. The cost for them has held it valve pretty well and the lower the miles would be better and if you could find one from an older driver would be even better. Us older guys tend to take better care of our stuff.

[@MarshaunLugo]

@@bigrivercatfishingfun2366 Thanks a ton, and I didn't even notice how low the RS is, that surprised me. Yeah I will 100% be taken my time and looking for older guys to buy it off of. That's true you guys do take care of your cars for the long term.

[@Hawkman6788]

Dude this is in Utah! Right next to brighton and snowbird!

[@anjelosanez427]

Instead of pressing the Drive Mode. You can press the Traction Control off and it automatically goes into sport mode.

[@jrodthegreat1]

On the seats… I am 5’9” and 230 lbs my back and shoulders are quite wide.I’d say I have a hard working man’s build. I just drove my fiesta ST with the Ricaros from Seattle to San Diego, like 20 hrs of driving(I did the California leg of Highway 101) and no soreness. I’m extremely surprised on the comfort. I did the drive in my 2013 Silverado and I had to put a pillow on my lower back because of the lack of support.

[@Parallax62]

Great video! I have my 2017 and still enjoying the ride in all modes. Very enjoyable. Swapped out the exhaust to AWE Track Edition...OMG it is nice. I haven't turned on my stereo since lol.

[@silaselliott6482]

how's the reliability it's the only things i'm scared about with the car cause i have heard much on it

[@Parallax62]

@@silaselliott6482 Hello, I've had my RS since April 2017. No issues what so ever. Just your regular oil changes and things. Only time I really had to take to dealership was for the recall/Head gasket check. Replaced and all is well. I once in a while drive it hard on the back roads/that's what it was built for😎. City driving is fine too. I love my baby beast! Also built in Germany.

[@Pokefan000000]

I have 2018 Ford Focus se hatchback and I pretend it’s an rs 😂

[@ChokolateSushi23]

As a die hard Ford fan, and somebody who traded in their S550 Mustang GT for the current car I drive today, I ended up passing on the Focus RS. Really loved them when they first came out, and still do to some extent, but I ended up getting a Civic Type R instead, and I’m somebody who is soo anti-Honda. I hear the RS’ rides very rough, stiff, & harsh, which was a huge turn off for me as I drive my car daily. There are some pro’s & cons to each car, but I do agree that the RS sounds much better than the Type R, and the AWD is a plus.

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

A daily a 2016 RS in LA and put about 25-75 miles a day on it. The ride doesn’t feel stiff unless the road is seriously bumpy. The Recaros do a great job of absorbing bumps, so you’ll feel the bumps through your extremities more than your body. That said, I have owned hatchbacks almost exclusively since I first learned to drive, so I am used to cars with a stiffer ride than sedans, luxury cars, etc. Ford did revise the dampers for the 2018 model year, though, which softened the ride and improved handling. The dampers can be installed on the 2016 -17 cars as well. I have thought about it but the ride doesn’t bother me and the grip is already beyond my skill level lol

[@rolandocb2038]

Thinking about selling my mustang GT 2013 manual and get a RS, what do you think?

[@anotherhairlessapewithanop7455]

@@rolandocb2038 yes

[@f.stopperrmedia1606]

do you have back problems? Are you 65 or older? If no, it's not an issue. People complain about the ride because its the common thing to do. However the road feel and feedback you get through the steering wheel and chassis overall is unmatched. You can feel more, but that is a good thing, it's a weapon on track

[@iked4421]

I love my 17 st I drive the hell out of it probably 100+ miles a day it's my daily I think next in 3-4 years I'll get a RS if they aren't too crazy priced or clapped out

[@knightmareseer1045]

That exhaust hell yeah

[@btzemat210]

Amazing AWD turbo car.

[@NaRrSyStIc]

The fact I know exactly not just the neighborhood you're cruising through, but also the canyon kinda freaks me out but also what up neighbor!

[@Rakonus]

I still love mine, but it really needs a tune to wake it up.

[@SHAFLOXKSS]

Well yes, it has drift mode so yes

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Love your car

[@malcolmh5736]

I got the 2018 RS new in Race Red right when the mark-up came down and I absolutely love it. It’s now at 37k miles and it’s been 100% reliable thus far and it drives like the day I bought it. It also has held value super well, in fact, I think it’s actually bumped back up to MSRP or even maybe appreciated over past several months or so.

[@mengx94]

I would expect no issues at 37k miles..

[@billydessibourg4263]

Hello, do you still have the focus rs mk3? Are you satisfied with it? I am in Europe, I own the focus rs mk2 and a subaru wrx sti 2011, I am thinking of buying a new sports car in this segment, I am hesitating with the focus rs mk3,subaru wrx sti 2016, honda civic type r fk8 or focus st mk4.5 track pack. THANKS

[@jamessmith84240]

I'm currently driving a BMW M140i but looking at maybe getting a Focus RS as the BMW can't use all of it's power safely on damp British roads. The interior of this car just looks so shabby compared to the BMW though 🙁

[@mrhawk1924]

I drive a hatchback Veloster Turbo on my channel

[@goodnewsmusic.5638]

Nice car! But I still think that the standard rims look best on the RS. But that is just my opinion 😅👍🏼Thanks for the video. Well done. God bless 🙏🏼

[@BryceCzirr-jz7ju]

No. Get a Golf R. The MK8 R is an absolute beast and very very nice.

[@Mediayourway]

You have a TRX and you’re driving a focus ?...

[@Ivor67]

dude did you really title this video is the ford focus rs better than a sti or civic, what kind of question is that ofcourse its better civic and subarus are wack

[@manofbeard]

The mk3 is good but not as much fun to drive than the mk2.

[@Flytrev]

where do you live? that's beautiful

[@FL-Kman]

I had a built 2012 wrx, iag swap 390hp 420lb tq.. boar ran into it one night On my way home. I sold what was left and got a 2017 fiesta st, it was stock but i fucking loved that car. I just sold that and now im thinking a 2017 rs

[@issavibez394]

Even a rs makes way more power than most regular cars on market even more than a 335i or 340i from bmw i just think people dont give ford credit where its due they do have some good cars

[@colinrobson1979]

Just bought a '17 RS with tons of upgrades. Lots of carbon bits, wheels and exhaust. So far I love it, faster than my stage 3 COBB tuned Fiesta ST of course. Haven't played with the modes really yet. I have a 'custom' mode too.

[@Supanikaa89]

Hey update? How’s it going common problems etc etc

[@trevorgilbert7284]

I would buy it, it would be a very good investment as it will be a future classic.

[@charliemontero5217]

Ben make a video doing drifting in this car

[@coopermoreton6993]

1min 17sec that engine noise is loud ?do yall think idk?wdy think lmk I want one but it seemed like loud engine noise

[@kenmccune8843]

Ben your Ford focus is cool color looks awesome sounds good

[@coreymennis155]

Whenever I see one of these on the road I can't help but laugh 😆.......it's a ford!!!!!!

[@jakekelley5502]

I thought this looked like Sandy, Utah, then I saw Wasatch Blvd! Haha.

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

Rs, sti, or type r.... the three horsemen of the head gasket issues

[@vmxg8052]

The RS problem was the wrong head gasket was installed from the factory. They were using the one for the Mustang 2.3 instead of the one designed for the RS. This is no longer an issue.

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

@@vmxg8052 I understand that and that is no excuse for lack of QA from Ford. You’d still have to have the RO from the dealership to know or have them pull vehicle/warranty history. Even if you took it in and They pressure tested it and it passed... you keep the old head gasket as part of the recall. So with that being said..... it’s still an issue unless you have documentation that it’s been fixed, and if it had, then did they just slap a new gasket on or replace/machine the cylinder head?

[@vmxg8052]

@@larsgibsonsmelker1365 I explained what the problem was. The Mustang 2.3 cooling passages are different than on the 2.3 RS. The Mustang gasket was put on, in error, for a few months. It only affects a small build number of RS vehicles. Try some research www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a14510137/ford-focus-rs-head-gasket-issues/

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

@@vmxg8052 I get that and you too should do some research as it could also still Not fail and be the effected head gasket. I think before you start stroking the keys telling someone to do their research, you should probably do the same. I don’t care if you’re an owner or if you think you know something because you’re a tech or even if you are just a know it all. I worked in corporate OE world for a number of years as an area manager brotato. Unless it falls into the box of issues, no need to fix. The end. Even if it is a effected unit.

[@vmxg8052]

@@larsgibsonsmelker1365 Its "affected" not "effected" Effective means executed, or brought about. Plus you contradict yourself . First you say the head gaskets are an issue, now you're saying they may not be. I'm sure the only work you did in the corporate world is as a janitor.

[@speedfiend925]

If I just bought a vehicle and it started hailing I would be FREAKING OUT! YIKES! 😨

[@AzraelIgnis]

It sucks to see what dealers did to this car to make it go away like the dinosaurs. Glad to see Toyota bringing back a great hot hatch to replace it.

[@punisherlol4368]

Why did Ford stopped making the st and rs

[@peterpan1435]

Still make the ST but no longer the RS. Rumours are that an all electric RS coming in a couple of years.

[@FratAsh]

Ford stopped making cars in 2018. They make only trucks and SUVs. They still make some cars in non American markets.

[@darkfire8615]

Him: gets 18.4 mpg on focus rs Me: gets 9.4 mpg on an edge

[@thearcadeventures]

First Comment. Amazing Review. And the exhaust sounds amazing. Stay Healthy and stay safe :)

[@asdf51501]

I thought it sounded good from inside the car (not sure how fake that is), but outside the car when he started it up and revved it? Nope.

[@MyAyeNusHurtz]

Would honestly rather pay half the price and find a 2008GT500

[@jacobhoffman927]

I will be trading my 17 scat pack challenger for a 17 rs2 rs I'm hoping it'll turn out to be a good decision

[@lanemorrow7417]

I've been laughing at these fools drooling over this new basically $45K Toyota Corolla GR the last few days. This is so much more car, it sounds better, goes better, it has a real engine. Night and day comparison. Yes I know they don't bring them to the US anymore which is a good thing for Toyota because that $45k Corolla to me is a joke

[@RisitasKEKW]

Focus RS > all hot hatch

[@sficlassic]

I bought and still drive a 2018 limited edition RS. I get asked what I get for MPG. I don't care. It's SPM...Smiles Per Mile.

[@eyecontrol4900]

I used to get around 18mpg on my old Focus RS, even with filling up on 93octane, but that was mostly city driving.

[@cpkay33]

Car aside those views are amazing. Where was this filmed at?

[@dizzykincade7831]

‘17 Focus RS. Mods... Matching front lip and side skirts. Rear spoiler extension. Flappys. ETS fmic with upgraded plumbing on both sides. AWE carback Black. Cobb stg 1. Have an intake, throttle body spacer and a bov. Will prob go stage 2 then and line up my Stratified Tune. The car is awesome. The exhaust is insane. Absolutely insane. Gunshots.

[@coopercoleb]

Great video man! You're not one of the annoying youtubers haha. Thanks!

[@Cmentarek]

trx keys

[@pollux2825]

the RS is discontinued and the car is worth about 45k

[@brunosalinas4604]

nice

[@KeithGinseng]

Did that hail trigger anyone else's OCD tendencies? 😭

[@e.risner1904]

How would it be for someone with back issues? 🤔

[@JustinJP2010]

I would like to compare the Veloster N and this.

[@grantserrels2093]

What year is this?

[@GokuPlaysUK]

Subaru lol imagine putting the RS in the same sentence , subaru is for middle aged men who have saved up there benefits for 15 years to buy one they were cool like 20 years ago

[@DavidTMSN]

How is this able to push so much power?

[@paulkauss9346]

I have a se and it handles like a go kart, good .

[@andrewbryant4259]

Is it snowing and my man out here wearing shorts?

[@BenHardyCars]

Yes and yes

[@joshuangoje9363]

I wont fit in small cars like ben has its still cool i would buy a pickup truck

[@BenHardyCars]

I’m taller than the average person, but not too tall to fit in stuff hahah

[@abcd-fx9bw]

I am only 16 and 6 ft 1 inch tall I am not able to fit my fathers Toyota innova.

[@9cop]

What year is this?

[@9cop]

Nvm 2017

[@ddbulley3]

Love the little transitions with the light changes at the beginning 😂

[@hvacrmike]

I’ve got RS2 seat covers for sale phoenix craigslist. I bought for spares, but traded mine in.

[@BenHardyCars]

How much? Message me on Instagram

[@bradc2632]

Dump it Ford sucks.

[@TineEdong]

Nice Jerusalem Cruisers!

[@adamgarcia3092]

Trade for my magnum rt 08

[@ralphpeiris5996]

Get the AWE exhaust. Will sound better

[@martinbarrios1004]

How tall are you to fit in the rs?

[@benjackson9685]

Is the oil pressure supposed to be that low ?

[@spooks2111]

I want one so bad...

[@a3onx280]

good car gay vid

[@Got_Boost]

Simple answer…yes!

[@jaypatel7424]

Sup Ben it’s yours truly

[@Lucas-dd5rv]

LOL! WHAT ARE THOOOOSE!

[@m.wilson2624]

How's the ride? I've seen multiple videos where people complain how stiff it is.

[@poker_18rs92]

At the end of the day..... does it really matter what others say? Go drive one for yourself & see what you think.

[@m.wilson2624]

@@poker_18rs92 true

[@eyecontrol4900]

@@m.wilson2624 its an amazing drive on flat highways and race tracks, but it's very jumpy and rattles a lot on bumpy roads. Depends how good or bad the roads are in your area, and how much highway driving you do.

[@danut05]

Yes. Next.

[@adamgriffin6172]

good car man 👍

[@gregoryschwarz2730]

Shame the seats seats aren’t for larger people, we would’ve bought one.

[@BenHardyCars]

Agreed

[@swells1]

Rules it out for me too. Thanks for pointing that out

[@Admin-uc7sf]

Slow af

[@jamespisano1164]

Sweet ride.