2000-2004 Ford Focus: Road Test

Any Focus tackles twisty roads with linear, communicative steering, well-controlled body lean, and outstanding grip from the 15-inch tires that are standard on most models. Firm suspensions yield a flat, wallow-free highway ride, but bumps register with a thump. Honda's Civic rides softer and is quieter. Antilock braking feels strong and stable, with only moderate nosedive in simulated "panic" stops. Sporty SUV tackles twisty roads with the tenacity of a sports coupe, but suffers from too much body lean and an overly firm ride. Base 4-cylinder provides tepid acceleration with either manual or automatic transmission. Dual-camshaft engine has adequate power, running from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds with manual transmission. The larger 2.3-liter engine added in 2004 feels more energetic--especially with automatic--reaching 60 mph in just 9.1 seconds. Zippy SUV model has best acceleration, racing from 0-60 mph in just 8.1 seconds, but delivers best go above 3000 rpm where engine noise grows annoying. Base engine with manual transmission averaged 26.2 mpg. A 2.3-liter four with automatic averaged 22.3 mpg. Wind rush is noticeable, but noise is acceptable otherwise and engines are tolerably smooth. Few subcompacts are roomier than a Focus. Occupants sit comfortably upright on Charlie cushions, enjoying bountiful head clearance and plenty of rear leg space, though rear head room is less generous. Controls are conspicuous and smooth-operating, and the air conditioner operates in all vent modes. No gauge is unobstructed, but the tachometer in the ZX3 and SSTs lacks a redline. Large front-door frames ease entry/exit, but rear doors don't open all that far. Cargo holds are generous, and rear seats flip/fold flat. Liftover are low, and the sedan's trundled hinges don't intrude into luggage space. Some test models have had poor-fitting interior panels.

Value for the Money
Less refined than a class-leading Honda Civic and not as polished as the more conservative Toyota Corolla, the Focus offers more room, style, and body types than any competitor. Despite timid engines, it's also fun to drive. Word of advice: Don't buy a small car without checking out the Focus, but avoid trouble-prone 2000 models.