Introduced to U.S. shores in 2000, the European-designed Ford Focus became Ford's best-selling passenger car. The U.S. Focus was reworked in 2005. New for 2007 were optional interior trims, two exterior colors, upgraded sound systems, and a powertrain warranty extension to 5 years/100,000 miles.
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline four (based on a highly acclaimed all-aluminum Mazda-designed 2.3-liter four) producing 136 hp - unless you live in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, or Maine, in which case you get the super-clean 2.0-liter 130 hp four-cylinder. A 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve high-performance inline four producing 151 hp powers only the ST trim and pairs with a 5-speed manual transmission. Other trims offer the 5-speed manual as standard, with a 4-speed automatic optional.
Reviewers find the Focus to be a relatively economical car when equipped with the standard engine - the EPA rates it at 27/37 mpg with the manual and 27/34 mpg with the automatic. The Focus Wagon is rated at 23/31 mpg with the automatic transmission and 24/33 mpg with the manual. The ST's high-performance engine rates 22/32 mpg. While all are respectable, Honda's Fit racks up 4 to 7 more mpg, much better standard safety equipment, and higher reliability ratings.
The Focus offers three body styles: a three-door hatchback (ZX3), a five-door hatchback (ZX5), a four-door sedan (ZX4), and a wagon (ZXW). A number of trim lines are offered.
The entry-level S trims are basic, with 15-inch steel wheels, spartan exterior trim, CD/radio/MP3, and a manual height-adjustable seat.
The midlevel SE trims add air-conditioning, dual power mirrors, power windows and locks, an overhead console, and remote keyless entry.
Luxury SES trims add fog lamps, a tachometer, a 6-CD changer, a leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The wagon comes only in SE and SES trims.
The high-performance ST trim comes only in the four-door sedan body and adds the 2.3-liter engine, sport-tuned exhaust, sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with traction control and unique 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear deck spoiler and lower body moldings, chrome-tipped exhaust, and a host of other trim features.
Reviewers unanimously find the Focus a fun car to drive. While the ST is noticeably quicker, the base 2.0-liter engine is adequate for normal driving. The ride is smooth and handling above average. Quick and responsive steering gives good road feedback. According to reviewers, the handling is decidedly European in firmness and response.
As befits a compact economy car, the interior has a "clean and stylish look" with a well-arranged dashboard with clearly labeled controls and easy-to-read instruments. Generously padded seats, front and back, are comfortable, with three-point seat belts for five in the roomy interior. The rear seats are 60/40-split folding. The sedan offers a 14.8-cubic-foot trunk, and the hatchback has 17.6 cubic feet; fold the seats, and nearly 40 cubic feet are available. The wagon offers 73.7 cubic feet of cargo room, better than most small SUVs. Some reviews complain of "unimpressive" material quality, but leather is available at the higher trim levels, and Consumer Guide found "good cabin materials and workmanship for the price."
Standard safety features are a bit of a disappointment, with no back seat head restraints, side-impact airbags, ABS, or traction control on the base trim levels. Front disc/rear drum brakes are the standard setup, and only the ST gets ABS and traction control as standard equipment. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awarded the Focus four stars in the frontal test and three and a half in side tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, without side airbags, resulted in the worst ("Poor") rating and a median ("Acceptable") rating for rear impacts.
Reviewers regard the Focus as an inexpensive but dated fun car for the daily commute.
