2000 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2000 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $12,055 -$15,475
- Invoice: $11,255 -$14,367
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Our road test for the 2000 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2000 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Both engines are merely adequate at highway merging or pulling up long grades, even with manual transmission. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap, but is not a big detriment to everyday performance.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Over its first 2734 miles, our extended-use test ZTS 5-speed is averaging 25 mpg. An automatic ZTX averaged 23.2 in our test.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
All versions have a firm suspension and a flat highway ride. Bumps register with a thump, as in many European cars, but their impact seldom disturbs the cabin.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Focus tackles twisty roads with linear, communicative steering, well-controlled body lean, and outstanding grip from the 15-inch tires standard on most models.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Focus suffers noticeable wind rush around the front side windows and a ragged engine note at high rpm, but noise levels are otherwise unobjectionable.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Controls are conspicuous and smooth-working, air ducts prominent, and the air conditioner operates in all vent modes. The removable radio-station-button panel is a clever theft deterrent.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Occupants sit comfortably upright on chairlike cushions, and get outstanding head room.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2.8 |
Head room is also good in back, and there's more rear leg clearance than in most subcompacts.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3.3 |
All body types, the wagon in particular, have generous cargo holds and rear seats that flip/fold flat. Liftovers are low, and the sedan's trunklid uses strut-type hinges that don't intrude into the luggage area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 4.2 |
Focus is not as refined as the benchmark Civic, but no rival has more room or body types. Ford's newest is fun to drive, too, despite the timid engines, and prices are competitive. Put it on your small-car shopping list.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 54 | 53 | 50 | 41.7 |
Total Score: 52
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