Best economy car, hatchback 2009 Honda Fit *Est. $14750
Best economy car, sedan 2009 Honda Civic *Est. $15305
Sporty compact car 2009 Mini Cooper *Est. $18550
Top fuel economy with a diesel engine 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI *Est. $22270
Cheapest compact car 2009 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2009 Ford Focus

*Est. $14,995 to $18,265

Good fuel economy
Comfortable ride
Respectable handling
Sync music/Bluetooth system

Dull exterior styling
Low-grade interior materials
Average performance
Road and engine noise

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Our Analysis

March 2009. The compact Ford Focus was restyled for 2008, losing its hatchback body styles and emerging as only a sedan or coupe. For 2009, the coupe has already been freshened again in response to criticism in reviews, but testers continue to ding the Focus' exterior styling in either body style. Compared to many competitors, the Ford Focus seems uninspired, say reviewers. Critics also point out that the car's chassis could use some modernization, as the current Ford Focus still rides on a platform that dates from 1999, when the car was first introduced to the North American market. The Ford Focus' interior is much improved over previous models, testers say in reviews, and aside from materials that appear "cheap" to some testers, most were satisfied with the contemporary design, room and general comfort. Of course, the sedan's back seat is easier to access than the rear seat of the coupe. The best cabin feature, according to most reviews, is the optional Ford Sync system -- a sophisticated, voice-activated communications and entertainment interface by Microsoft that some list as a key advantage over other economy cars that are more basically equipped.

The sole engine offered in the Ford Focus is a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Above-average Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy has been a key selling point, with ranges from 24 mpg city to 33-35 mpg highway. Edmunds Inside Line reports that its 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe long-term test car is averaging 26.4 mpg as of a Mar. 2, 2009, update.

Performance is merely adequate, say reviewers, and while the Ford Focus' handling is precise, it's not particularly engaging or fun. The Ford Focus trades sportiness for a more comfortable ride than you'll experience in many other small cars, critics say, although road and engine noise are persistent. In reviews, many testers call the Ford Focus a solid value, but they also suggest better alternatives, such as the class-leading 2009 Honda Civic (*est. $15,305 to $25,190), which has better road manners and styling, or the lower-priced 2009 Nissan Versa (*est. $9,990 to $16,330). The 2009 Hyundai Elantra (*est. $14,120 to $17,020) is also recommended, offering a longer warranty and more standard features than the Focus for less money.

Car and Driver conducts an in-depth comparison test in which the 2009 Ford Focus places last among eight economy cars. Additional comprehensive reviews of the Ford Focus come from Edmunds.com and ConsumerGuide.com, with discussion of some competitors as well as pros and cons. Consumer Reports gives valuable reliability and ownership information along with a test-drive review. Four editors at Automobile Magazine each weigh in with their opinions about the Focus in an editors' notebook. About.com gives a well-rounded review of the Ford Focus SES Coupe. TheCarConnection.com has a well-written review, and Kelley Blue Book gives the Ford Focus its Recommended honor. Cars.com has a critical review based on a test drive of a 2008 model, and links to two newspaper reviews. Edmunds Inside Line chronicles the day-to-day experiences of living with the Focus (an '08 model) in its Long-Term Road Test Blog.

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2009 Ford Focus

Our Sources

1. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Car and Driver's head-to-head comparison pits eight popular compact cars against each other in a comprehensive road evaluation. Models date from 2009 and 2008, with one from 2007, but all are little changed for 2009. The 2008 Ford Focus SE sedan finishes last. Editors call it "a cheap suit that's styled like a cheap suit."

Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus, VW Rabbit, Subaru Impreza, and Four More Economy Cars - Comparison Test, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

2. Edmunds.com

In a comprehensive summary review, Edmunds.com editors call the 2009 Ford Focus a "good value," and praise its "plush ride quality," good fuel economy and competitive pricing. However, they say its handling is competent, but not engaging, and its level of refinement is low. They suggest there are several other compacts that offer more for the money.

Review: 2009 Ford Focus Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

3. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com test drives three versions of the 2009 Ford Focus with manual and automatic transmissions. Positives include front-seat room and comfort, the optional Sync system and affordable pricing. However, editors say the Ford Focus "feels dated and less refined compared with cars such as the Honda Civic and Nissan Versa."

Review: 2009 Ford Focus, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports have a good summary review of the Ford Focus with a road-test evaluation and reliability history as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to access this report.

Review: 2009 Ford Focus, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

5. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

This review gives brief, insightful impressions from four Automobile Magazine staffers on the 2009 Ford Focus. Two editors feel that Ford has made the Focus too plain in its interior and exterior styling compared to previous models. Executive editor Joe DeMatio says, "The suspension tuning is still quite solid, the ride comfort is very good for a small car, and there's some steering feel." Copy editor Rusty Blackwell notes that "import-level refinement isn't quite here."

Review: Editor's Notebook: 2009 Ford Focus Coupe SES, Rusty Blackwell, Phil Floraday, Joe DeMatio, Marc Noordeloos, Aug. 21, 2008

6. About.com

In this brief test-drive review of a Ford Focus SES Coupe, About.com cars guide Aaron Gold says the interior "looks cheap but cheery." However, he is pleased with the car's handling and features, especially the "fantastic Sync system." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe Test Drive, Aaron Gold

7. TheCarConnection.com

TheCarConnection.com provides a good descriptive summary of the Ford Focus based on the writer's test driving as well as other published reviews. Editor Rex Roy calls the Focus a "solid choice" in its price range, and "a roomy car that rides well." Dislikes include "awkward" exterior styling and driving that "doesn't feel very sporty."

Review: 2009 Ford Focus Bottom Line, Rex Roy

8. Kelley Blue Book

The Ford Focus earns a spot on KBB's Recommended list as a "value-oriented American compact." Editors like its "progressive look", driving dynamics and available features, especially the Sync system, which "really sets it apart from all of its competitors."

Review: 2009 Ford Focus Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book

9. Cars.com

Cars.com's review is based on a test drive of a 2008 Ford Focus, although editors provide information on the 2009 model. Staffer David Thomas is disappointed in the car's exterior styling, but feels the interior design is a big improvement over the previous model. He calls the Ford Focus "a solid handler," commenting, "What the Focus lacks in power it makes up for in precision."

Review: 2009 Ford Focus, David Thomas, Nov. 18, 2008

10. Edmunds Inside Line

Edmunds online enthusiast site Inside Line tracks the everyday twists and turns of living with a 2008 Ford Focus SES coupe in its Long-Term Road Test Blog, which gives unique insight into what the Focus is like on a day-to-day basis.

Review: 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe, Inside Line Staff