I wonder if I am the only one who thinks auto transmissions are incredibly complex.
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They are and some of them have eight speeds now.
But some transmissions work great. Ford, OTOH, knows how to make a really terrible transmission.
Around 2 years ago I began getting either totally free or $2 per year subscriptions to all the car magazines. I haven’t really kept up and was amazed at horsepower and torque they are getting from tiny engines now.
Also a lot of ten gear auto transmissions.
My F-150 has a 10 speed auto. 33K and it works well so far. It is a bit heavier duty than the one in the Focus, I'd guess. I think the same transmission has found its way into the Mustang. But not the F-250, which has a very stout transmission.
Caveat - I've had some "tuning" done aftermarket, and it shifts much more decisively than it did from the factory. Ford, like all automakers, has pushed for that last MPG at the expense of drivability. Including short-shifting and engine-lugging low RPM whenever possible.