2003 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2003 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $12,820 -$19,085
- Invoice: $12,035 -$17,799
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Our road test for the 2003 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2003 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The 110- and 130-hp engines provide only adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. With manual transmission, test ZX5 did 9.3 sec 0-60 mph, ZTS 9.4. Automatic dulls off-the-line snap, but is no big detriment in everyday use. SVT's 170-hp engine furnishes lively power, but works best over 3000 rpm; test SVT 4-dr did 8.1 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Extended-use-test ZTS averaged 26.5 mpg over 12,037 mi. ZX5 averaged 25.1 mpg with slightly more city driving. Both had manual transmission. With automatic transmission, test ZTS averaged 23.2, SE wagon 24.1, ZX3 24.4. SVT 4 dr averaged 19.8 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Test 2-dr SVT averaged 21.7 mpg. Ford recommends premium fuel for SVT, regular for other Focus models.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
All versions have a firm suspension, stable highway ride. Bumps register with a thump, as in many European cars, but their impact seldom disturbs. Models with 14- and 15-inch tires ride softest, though SVTs are surprisingly absorbent.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Impressive, especially in sporty SVT. Linear, communicative steering, well-controlled body lean, good grip. Braking stable, fairly swift. Kudos to Ford for making ABS and traction control reasonably priced options. Designed to prevent sideways skids by automatically applying braking to individual wheels, the antiskid system provides added control and is rare in this class. We recommend it despite its hefty tab on an "economy" car.
QUIETNESS
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Less road rumble than before, but tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges. Noticeable wind rush around front side windows. Ragged engine note at high rpm.
CONTROLS
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Unusual dashboard shape, but gauges easy to read and controls fall readily to hand, though don't move with Honda-grade precision. Cabin materials and workmanship generally good, though some test cars suffered poor-fitting interior panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Comfortably upright seating on chairlike cushions and outstanding head room. Upper-line models get tilt/telescope steering wheel, though some testers annoyed that driver seat not aligned squarely with wheel. Large door openings assist entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Better head and leg room than in most subcompacts. Two-door models have difficult rear-seat entry/exit; it's easier on 4-dr models, though their rear doors should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 3.8 |
All body types, wagons and hatchbacks in particular, have generous cargo holds with low liftovers. Sedan's trunklid uses strut-type hinges that don't intrude into luggage area. Standard split folding rear seatbacks a nice feature, and wagons and hatchbacks have corresponding split seat cushions. Sedan's one-piece rear-seat cushion means folding either seatback section requires the entire cushion to be flopped forward, limiting passenger-carrying ability.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5.4 |
Though not as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, Focus is very competitively priced. Generous subcompact passenger and cargo room and an array of useful options enhance value. And it's fun to drive, despite timid engines in non-SVT versions. The SVT is pricey compared to mainstream Focuses, but it costs about the same as rival automakers' sporty subcompacts. Note that Focus now comes with a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty--Ford's response to recalls that reflected poorly on Focus quality.
Total Score
| SE sdn, auto. | SE wgn, auto. | ZTS, man. | ZX3, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 58 | 58 | 54 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 56
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