How is the transmission of the Focus?
3 Answers
Ford models use AT transmissions developed in-house. The three series of 6AT transmissions, categorized by power transmission capacity, are the 6F35 series, 6F50 series, and 6F55 series. The user experience is relatively good. Below is a detailed introduction about automotive transmissions: 1. Overview: A transmission is a device that changes the speed ratio and direction of motion, typically located between the clutch and the central drive. It can alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. Gear-driven transmissions generally consist of a housing and several gears. 2. Classification: Automatic transmissions have become mainstream internationally, mainly including AT, AMT, CVT, and DCT types. Early AT transmission systems were primarily 4AT. AT transmissions achieve automatic shifting through an electronically controlled automatic operating system. CVT is a true continuously variable transmission with fewer parts and a compact size. DCT has two clutches.
I've driven three Focus models, mainly as my daily commuter, and the transmission has been decent. When driving the manual Focus, the gear shifts were smooth and responsive, especially in stop-and-go city traffic where stalling was rare—it was quite easy to handle. However, I tried a friend’s automatic version with a dual-clutch transmission, and there was some minor jerkiness, like a few hiccups during acceleration, which is more common in older models. Overall, the Focus’s transmission does well in fuel efficiency—I only burn a little over 7 liters per 100 km, which is pretty hassle-free. But if opting for an automatic, I’d recommend choosing a newer model year, as post-2018 versions reportedly fixed many issues. Regular fluid checks and maintenance help prolong its lifespan—I always pay extra attention to this during servicing, and my car has run smoothly for five years without major issues.
When it comes to the Focus transmission, I've driven models from different years and found some issues with the automatic versions. The early models' dual-clutch transmissions were indeed prone to problems. When I drove a 2014 model, I experienced transmission shuddering and inconsistent acceleration. After taking it to a repair shop, it turned out the clutch plates were worn out. After spending a bit to replace them, the performance improved significantly. Later, I heard Ford issued several recalls to address jerking and overheating issues. The manual transmission is much more hassle-free, with direct shifting and responsive handling, making it effortless even on highways. Overall, if you prioritize smooth driving, the manual is the better choice. For automatics, opt for newer models and consider a maintenance package to mitigate risks. From my personal experience, the Focus offers good value for money, but the transmission depends on the version and maintenance history.
