The Ford Focus stands out among compact cars, with a sporty chassis and updated styling.

For the better part of the 1990s, Ford participated in the compact car market, but that was the best you could say about it. The Ford Escort represented modest motoring that put thrift above all else. Some years and trims offered a bit of styling flair, but by-and-large, the Escort was nothing to write home about.

Then, for the 2000 model year, Ford upped its game, with an all-new compact offering that it called the Focus. This small car, available as a sedan, a 3-door hatchback, wagon, and later a five-door hatchback, put Ford back on the map in the compact car segment. For 2005, the Focus receives several updates, including new styling, updated trim selection, and a new performance edition, called the ST.