2011 Ford Focus

The 2011 Ford Focus (Base MSRP: $16,640 to $19,670) is a decent sedan, but its fundamental underpinnings are close to a decade old, and it shows. There are many newer alternatives that experts prefer such as the 2011 Honda Civic (Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490) and 2011 Mazda3 (Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010). The Focus still offers good ride quality and can be equipped with Ford's optional Sync infotainment system that allows users to control many functions with voice commands.

The omission of a coupe variant is the only significant change for the Focus in the 2011 model year. The new 2012 model will have a coupe variant in the form of a two-door hatchback.

The Focus gets 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined fuel-economy ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, and gets one mile per gallon less on the highway and combined cycles when equipped with the four-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, front and rear head airbags, stability control and traction control.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Focus the highest occupancy-protection rating of Good for front, side and rear crashes. The 2011 Ford Focus isn't listed as a Top Safety Pick because it has not yet been tested for roof strength. Many of the Focus' direct competitors are ranked as IIHS Top Safety Picks, however, including well reviewed models like the 2011 Honda Civic (Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490), the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (Base MSRP: $16,275 to $22,225)and the 2011 Volkswagen Golf (Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not provide federal front or side crash-protection results for the 2011 Focus, though it does give the car 4 out of 5 stars for rollover accident protection.

All-new 2012 Focus is now in showrooms

One will find more to like in this car's replacement, the all-new 2012 Ford Focus (Base MSRP: $16,270 to $22,765), which is a complete redesign and is already gaining status as one of the best new economy car sedans available due to its sharp looks, sophisticated driving manners and high-quality interior. The new 2012 Ford Focus is a global design and is already on sale in the U.S. It has received very favorable reviews based on first impressions.