EDMUNDS.COM 2005 FORD FOCUS
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Focus is a wonderful small car that''s fun to drive, frugal with fuel and offered in such a wide variety of configurations it would be hard not to find one that suits your needs.
Pros
Spacious and comfortable interior, fun-to-drive character, sharp steering, smooth ride, impressive selection of body configurations and features.
Cons
Generic interior styling, performance-bargain 2.3-liter engine now limited to ST sedan, can''t match competitors'' records for quality and reliability.
What''s New for 2005
The new model year ushers in some significant changes for the Focus. Exteriors have been updated with revised fascias and trim, and the car''s oddball interior design has been replaced by more sedate and sophisticated furnishings. Last year''s diverse engine lineup has been scrapped in favor of an all-new PZEV-rated 2.0-liter power plant good for 136 horsepower. A performance-oriented ST sedan has been added to take the place of the discontinued SVT Focus hatchbacks; it features a 151-hp incarnation of last year''s excellent 2.3-liter PZEV engine. The 2.3-liter loses its squeaky-clean PZEV rating, however. In other news, the typically confusing array of trim levels and packages has been organized into logical and consistent trim lines, standardized across all body styles. New audio systems, increased interior storage and tweaked suspension tuning round out this year''s midcycle makeover.
Overview
Introduction:
"Smart design and spirited driving" were the guiding forces behind the development of the Focus. It debuted in 2000 with "New Edge" styling, a roomy interior and excellent road manners. Although the car was plagued with minor recalls in its first couple years, most of the nagging problems have been ironed out. Designed as a "world car" that would appeal to drivers in countries around the globe, the Focus has a little bit of everything. Unlike many compact cars, it doesn''t seem cheap behind the wheel as there''s plenty of road feel through its sharp steering and tightly controlled suspension. The standard four-cylinder engine feels more powerful than its numbers would suggest -- a trait that makes the Focus a great car for stop-and-go city driving. With a lineup that includes four body styles, the Focus has a configuration to fit just about any buyer''s needs. The three-door ZX3 is a sporty, fun-to-drive hatchback that has more room than you might expect. For easier access to the rear seats, there''s also a four-door hatch called the ZX5. Traditional sedan and wagon models are also available for maximum passenger and cargo space. Gone is last year''s unusually styled love-it-or-hate-it interior. While the new digs are certainly more comfortable and offer better storage, the overall feel is more generic and bland. The dash looks like it would be at home in a Taurus, and seems at odds with the edgy exterior styling. Of course, Ford softened the exterior a bit, too, in an effort to give the car more mainstream appeal. The new engine lineup this year is a bit of a conundrum. We''re certainly not sad to see the gruff 110-hp and 130-hp engines go in favor of a new 136-hp PZEV-rated engine. But last year''s 145-hp PZEV-rated 2.3-liter, which was optional across the board (and standard in California emissions states), is now only available in the new sporty ST sedan -- less the PZEV certification and with 151 hp. The low-entry price of the Focus, combined with its balanced handling dynamics and functional design, makes it an economy car worth considering. It may not have the refinement that some economy car buyers are looking for, but for those who want an inexpensive car that doesn''t look or drive like every other economy car on the road, the Focus is a worthwhile alternative.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Ford offers the Focus in four body styles: a three-door ZX3 hatchback, a five-door ZX5 hatchback, a ZX4 sedan and a ZXW wagon. The hatchbacks and sedan come in three basic trim levels -- S, SE and SES -- while the wagon is available in SE and SES trims only. Additionally, an ST sedan is available for buyers seeking a sportier Focus. The S includes basics like a CD player, 15-inch steel wheels and black exterior trim. The SE adds upgraded suspension tuning; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; air conditioning; a CD/MP3 player; and an overhead console. The uplevel SES includes 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, body-color exterior trim, a CD/MP3 changer, cruise control, tachometer and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The top-line ST sedan adds four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, a performance-tuned suspension, sport seats and distinctive trim inside and out.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard drivetrain in hatchbacks, wagons and all sedans except the ST is a refined 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated for 136 hp (130 in California emissions states). The ST sedan features a 2.3-liter four good for 151 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard across the line, and a four-speed automatic is optional on all but the base S ZX3 hatchback and the ST sedan. Fuel economy is average for this class, as both engines have EPA mileage ratings in the mid-to-upper 20s for city driving and mid-30s for highway travel.
Safety:
All models come with advanced dual-stage front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners for front occupants and three-point belts in all five seating positions. Optional safety equipment includes side airbags, antilock brakes and traction control (standard on the ST). In NHTSA crash testing, both the hatchback and sedan did well in all tests with the exception of rear side impacts where the ZX3 received only one star. In frontal offset testing (conducted by the IIHS), the Focus earned a "Good" score, the highest possible.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
he Focus is roomy for its class, offering generous accommodations for its front and rear passengers, even in three-door ZX3 models. Though ergonomically sound, the interior design in the 2005 version lacks the panache of previous Focus models. Buyers seeking a more sedate cabin environment may find it to their liking, however. Sound quality from the stock sound systems is surprisingly good, and downright exceptional with the optional Audiophile system. The ST''s sport seats are quite comfy, and the unique interior trim is certainly eye-catching.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Regardless of trim, the Focus offers a smooth ride quality and above-average handling ability. Although the four-wheel fully independent suspension allows for noticeable body roll while cornering, the Focus stays planted and inspires confidence. The steering system is surprisingly quick, fluid and responsive, always providing plenty of feedback from the road surface. If you''re looking for a comfortable economy car that still knows how to have a good time, you might be surprised by how well the Focus satisfies your needs.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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