
- Good fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Respectable handling
- Sync music/Bluetooth system
- Dull exterior styling
- Low-grade interior materials
- Average performance
- Road and engine noise
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.
Our Sources
1. Car and DriverDetails/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
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
Economy Cars Runners Up:
6 picks including: About.com, Car and Driver…
6 picks including: Automobile.com, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: About.com, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book…
4 picks including: About.com, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book…
3 picks including: Cars.com, Edmunds.com…
3 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…
3 picks including: Edmunds.com, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety…
2 picks including: Cars.com, Edmunds.com…
2 picks including: Car and Driver, Edmunds.com…
2 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.

