Compact Car Review: The Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is the Ford Motor Company's entry into the current compact car market. The Focus is styled and marketed to younger generations, and features a sporty look and a fuel efficient engine. This article will review the Ford Focus.

Size of vehicle

As a compact car, the Ford Focus competes in a class full of a variety of cars. Included in this class are the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Madza3 and Chevy Cobalt. The Focus is available in a variety of configurations, the smallest being the 3 door hatchback. Also offered are the 4 door sedan, a 5 door wagon and a 5 door hatchback. The Focus features a large amount of front legroom, but lacks somewhat in headroom, with most people over 6 feet tall sitting uncomfortably close to the roof. Room in the rear of the 4 and 5 door models is very comparable to other cars of the class.

Cost

A brand new 3 door Focus, sitting on the dealership lot will have a minimum sticker price of just over $13,500. Base prices for the 4 and 5 door models push up into the low 14's. A well equipped Focus runs around $15,000 and a fully loaded Focus sticker price is just north of $18,000. A high mile, used Focus can cost as little as $8,000 and a nicely equipped low mile Focus will run a buyer right around $12,500.

Fuel Consumption

One of the significant advantages of a compact car is their fuel economy, and the Focus is no exception to the rule. EPA estimates for the Focus vary from 25 to 28 miles per gallon in the city, and 35 to 38 on the highway, depending on the engine and transmission combinations. Remember, EPA estimates are often a little lower than actual consumption seen by non-aggressive drivers on the streets.

Safety

In general the Ford Focus is a safe car. Like 99 percent of cars built today, driver and passenger front airbags are standard equipment. Side impact airbags are an option, but at $350 they may be a welcome addition to this value latent car. Traction control is also an available option on a new Ford Focus. Remember, all compact cars sit relatively low to the ground, so some cars and all trucks and SUVs are going to look significantly higher than you on the road.

Creature Comforts

A base model Focus isn't designed to look, feel or drive like a BMW. They are called base for a reason, they have few features. Power windows, locks and mirrors are nice to have, and add to the value of the vehicle. Leather seats are an option, as well a quality sound system, featuring a 5 speaker system. The Focus is certainly a sporty car, but it isn't going to blow away cars at the track. 4 adult passengers can fit within the car comfortably, but may not be idle for long distance travel. Some people report that there is significant wind noise while driving on the highway, but this could be fixed by adding to the insulation of the car. Everything that should be expected on such a car is an option to the consumer.

In general, the Ford Focus is a great car all-around car. With a very sporty look, and a light on the pocketbook purchase price, the Ford Focus should defiantly be included in your car search.