2005 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2005 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $13,465 -$18,420
- Invoice: $12,558 -$17,068
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Our road test for the 2005 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2005 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
ST 2.3-liter has adequate low-rpm power, immediate throttle response. Standard 2.0-liter has only adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap. Manual transmission has smooth clutch, shifter action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test ST averaged 20.5 mpg in exclusively city use, 26.7 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. No opportunity to measure with 2.0-liter engine.
RIDE QUALITY
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
ST's sport suspension gives firm but impressively compliant ride. Other models somewhat softer than ST, with less thumping over bumps, but also less stable feel at highway speed. No opportunity to evaluate with 15-inch wheels.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
ST has communicative steering, well-controlled body lean in fast turns, good grip. Braking strong, stable. Other models, with their softer suspensions, are a shade less agile.
QUIETNESS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
ST exhibits little road rumble, but tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges. Sporty exhaust note is loud under acceleration. All models exhibit noticeable wind rush around front side windows.
CONTROLS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Redesigned '05 dashboard more conventional in layout; retains fine functionality. Gauges easy to read. Controls fall readily to hand. Cabin materials, workmanship good for the price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Comfortably upright seating on supportive chairlike cushions. Outstanding head room. ST and SES trim levels get tilt/telescope steering wheel for extra measure of driver comfort. Large door openings assist entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Better head and leg room than most compacts, though sunroof's housing reduces head room. 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
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3 | 3.9 |
Sedan's trunklid uses strut-type hinges that don't intrude into luggage area. All body types, wagons and hatchbacks in particular, have generous cargo holds with low liftovers, though available premium stereo subwoofer eats up trunk space. Standard split folding rear seatbacks a nice feature. Plenty of useful interior storage, including 6-CD holder in dash, and roof console on nonsunroof models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.8 |
Focus is fun to drive, especially in ST trim. Though it's not as refined as a Volkswagen Jetta or as outright sporty as a Mazda 3, Focus measures up well overall, and is very competitively priced. An array of body styles and useful options cement its Recommended status.
Total Score
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 55 | 54 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 54
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