As Karl and I have both stated in the past, we don't mind taking the Focus during the work week. When you're resigned to traveling 5-20 mph all the way home on L.A.'s infamous 10 "trapped-way" as I am (thankfully I'm only 6 miles from the office), things like the Focus' handy Sync system count for a lot more than class-leading 0-to-60 mph or slalom times.
Though I love Sync, it has one very annoying characteristic -- it greets you in a rather rude fashion.
After you hop in the car and then call it into action (via the steering wheel-mounted controls) it lets you know it's ready with a "ding"-like sound followed by a synthesized woman's voice. Fine, except the default volume for that is set at an AC/DC concert level. As that jarring blast of decibels hits my ears, I frantically thumb the volume button down. Makes me wonder if someone in Ford's vehicle electronics department has an evil sense of humor.
And yes, I've checked the manual and saw no way to change its default setting, though you can silence the voice prompts altogether.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 11,585 miles.
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If you're stuck in traffic it seems like Sync wouldn't matter that much.
That is annoying that the default setting is so loud. The default setting ought to be adjustable. Inexcusable flaw that could be easily fixed.
Good sync voice. How does the synth'd woman sound? Sometimes, those voices can be really annoying.
It's not really a woman. It's Bill Gates on helium.
stov,
I'll often use the time spent in that mindless slog making hands-free calls via the Sync system.
doug,
"Her" voice sounds natural, actually. It's just that loud volume setting that annoys me.