2009 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,995 to $17,970

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(29 reviews)
2009 Ford Focus Preview summaryImage

The 2009 Ford Focus packs a lot of fun and agile handling into an essentially economy compact. Since last year's refresh, sales have skyrocketed 88% due to its affordability, interior space, and agile ride. A big complaint, its bland exterior looks, especially compared to the revamped Honda Civic, have been partially addressed for 2009. The coupe gets a sporty facelift, while the sedan waits in the wings.

Available in both sedan and coupe forms, the front-wheel-drive 2009 Ford Focus comes in three trim levels: Base S, SE, and sporty SES. For 2009 the coupe drops the S trim. One engine powers the entire lineup. The 2.0-liter DOHC inline four puts out 140 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque with the standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. The coupe's new sport-tuned exhaust adds 3 horsepower, for a total of 143 hp, but maintains the sedan's 24/35 mpg rating. A partial-emissions version of the 2.0 rates 130 hp. Engine noise at high speeds is noticeable, a common trait among four-cylinders.

The 2009 Focus coupe's redesign, partially inspired by customer feedback, concentrates on exterior updates. A new front fascia incorporates a larger, lower air intake, rounder bumper, integrated foglights (now standard on all trims), and darkened bronzed chrome, for a subtler, more elegant look. The top-of-the-line SES rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels and adds a new roof spoiler. Also new for the 2009 Focus coupe is optional electronic stability control, for extra traction security. On all other trims, dual front-side and side curtain airbags are standard, with the option to add ABS brakes and traction control.

A roomy and comfortable front row, in addition to a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk, continues to earn high marks for the compact Focus. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 for extra cargo space, and front legroom reaches nearly 42 inches, while rear legroom is a spacious 36 inches. Despite the use of cheap plastic materials, the interior feels comfortable and well laid out. The Base S comes with few accessories beyond the CD/MP3 player, but the SE adds power features, remote entry, and a trip computer. The sportier SES features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and the SYNC entertainment and communication interface. An interesting option is Ambient Lighting, which offers seven lighting choices for gauges and footwells.

Potentially due out in 2009, but only in Europe, the Ford Focus RS uses a five-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine to hit 296 hp, with 0-60 times under 6 seconds. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The performance-oriented RS concept, based on the defunct ST, is set to debut at the London Auto Show in mid-2008, but early pictures show off its extensive chrome trim, wide stance, engorged wheel wells, distinctive grille, and Recaro sport seats. Its future in the U.S. remains uncertain and, as of now, unlikely.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Ford Focus

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User rating:
by Gianna D
Feb 06, 2024
Comfortable to drive, reliable, good on gas but still fun for a dailyFeb 06, 2024
by The K
Oct 26, 2022
This car is considered great because it doesnt burn that much gas and its easy to park Oct 26, 2022
by Anonymous
May 29, 2022
Good I really like it that much is May 29, 2022

2009 Ford Focus Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,995 to $17,970
Price range
$4,662 to $5,268
Average price on CG
$4,662
YoY price change
$5,268 to $4,662

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio and cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio and cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Stability and Traction

Stability control: electronic

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)