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2005 Ford Focus Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2005 Ford Focus Review:
2005 Ford Focus Review
Ford's smallest car is revamped for 2005, getting more power and revised styling inside and out. Focus comes as a 2-dr hatchback called the ZX3, and with four doors as the ZX4 sedan, ZX5 hatchback, and ZXW wagon. All have a 2.0-liter 4-cyl except the ZX4 ST version of the sedan, which has a 2.3-liter 4-cyl. The 2.3-liter has 151 hp vs. 145 for 2004. The others have 136 hp, up from 110 or 130, depending on model. The ZX4 ST comes with sport suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and mandatory manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine offers manual or automatic transmission. Wheel diameters are 16 inches for SES and ZX4 ST models, 15 elsewhere. ABS is standard on ZX4 ST, optional otherwise. ZX4 ST also comes with traction control, which is optional on SE and SES trim levels. Head and torso front side airbags are optional on all models. Available features include sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Standard on all are a height-adjustable driver seat and split folding rear seatbacks.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
Ford has given up on "world cars" because they literally don't pay in some markets. That's why the North American Focus is merely updated for '05 while Europe gets clean-sheet models. And that's apparently how things will stay. According to Detroit insiders, the North American Focus gets a substantial makeover for 2008, but on the current "C170" platform rather than the newer Euro-market "C1" design. Alas, no word yet on specifics for '08 or possible changes before then.
But Ford has confirmed the addition of a smaller, less-expensive vehicle to supplement Focus in the bargain-wheels market. The company is, so far, mum on what it will be and when it's due, but sources expect the newcomer for 2007 or '08 as a spinoff of the Brazilian-built EcoSport, a compact crossover-style SUV based on Ford's European Fiesta small car. Mazda, Ford's Japanese affiliate, is said to be in charge of the next-generation Fiesta and, by extension, the new U.S. model.
But Ford has confirmed the addition of a smaller, less-expensive vehicle to supplement Focus in the bargain-wheels market. The company is, so far, mum on what it will be and when it's due, but sources expect the newcomer for 2007 or '08 as a spinoff of the Brazilian-built EcoSport, a compact crossover-style SUV based on Ford's European Fiesta small car. Mazda, Ford's Japanese affiliate, is said to be in charge of the next-generation Fiesta and, by extension, the new U.S. model.
2005 Ford Focus Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Control layout | Acceleration (exc. ZX4 ST) |
| Handling/roadholding | Engine noise |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit (ZX3) |
| Cargo room (wagon) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2005 Ford Focus Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/06/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| ZX3 S 2-door hatchback | $13,465 | $12,558 | $545 |
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| ZX4 S 4-door sedan | $14,075 | $13,113 | $545 |
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| ZX5 S 4-door hatchback | $14,780 | $13,754 | $545 |
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| ZX3 SE 2-door hatchback | $14,985 | $13,942 | $545 |
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| ZX4 SE 4-door sedan | $15,590 | $14,492 | $545 |
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| ZX5 SE 4-door hatchback | $16,300 | $15,138 | $545 |
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| ZXW SE 4-door wagon | $17,310 | $16,057 | $545 |
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| ZX3 SES 2-door hatchback | $16,095 | $14,952 | $545 |
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| ZX4 SES 4-door sedan | $16,700 | $15,502 | $545 |
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| ZX5 SES 4-door hatchback | $17,410 | $16,148 | $545 |
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| ZXW SES 4-door wagon | $18,420 | $17,068 | $545 |
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| ZX4 ST 4-door sedan | $18,220 | $16,886 | $545 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ZX3/4/5 S
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer (hatchback), front floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
ZX3/4/5, ZXW SE adds to ZX3/4/5 S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear wiper/washer (wagon), rear floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon).
ZX3/4/5, ZXW SES adds to ZX3/4/5, ZXW SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, tachometer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (sedan, 4-door hatchback), fog lights, 205/50R16 tires, alloy wheels.
ZX4 ST adds to ZX3/4/5, ZXW SES:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Group
|
||
|
SE
|
$525
|
$468
|
|
Tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control.
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Weather Pkg.
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SES
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$175
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$156
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Heated front seats and mirrors.
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Sport Group
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SE
|
$475
|
$423
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel, tachometer, fog lights, alloy wheels.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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ZX3/ZX4 S, SE, SES
|
$815
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$725
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Traction control
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SE, SES
|
$115
|
$102
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SE includes tachometer. Requires antilock brakes.
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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ZX3/4/5 S, ZX3/4/5, ZXW SE, ZX3/4/5, ZXW SES
|
$400
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$356
|
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Std. ST.
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Front side airbags
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ZX3/4/5 S, ZX3/4/5, ZXW SE, ZX3/4/5, ZXW SES, ZX4 ST
|
$350
|
$312
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Air conditioning
|
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S
|
$910
|
$810
|
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Power sunroof
|
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SE, SES, ST
|
$625
|
$557
|
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Leather upholstery
|
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SES, ST
|
$695
|
$619
|
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Heated front seats
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ST
|
$115
|
$102
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
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SE
|
$340
|
$302
|
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Audiophile Pkg.
|
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SE
|
$795
|
$708
|
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SES, ST
|
$455
|
$405
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (SE), upgraded sound system. NA ZXW.
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Cargo cover
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hatchback, wagon
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$65
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$58
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
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SE, SES, ST
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$125
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$112
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Bodyside moldings
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S
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$45
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$40
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2005 Ford Focus Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Focus 2-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door sedan | Ford Focus 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.0 | 103.0 | 103.0 | 103.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.5 | 168.5 | 175.2 | 178.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.9 | 66.9 | 66.9 | 66.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | 56.3 | 56.3 | 56.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2614 | 2693 | 2643 | 2790 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 28.0 | 28.0 | 14.0 | 73.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.1 | 14.1 | 14.1 | 14.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 | 40.7 | 40.7 | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 | 38.6 | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.3 /138 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 136 @ 6000 | 151 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 133 @ 4500 | 154 @ 4250 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 26/35 | 22/31 |
| 4-speed automatic | 26/32 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Focus 2-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door sedan | Ford Focus 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA | 5 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA | 5 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | NA | 3 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | NA | 4 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid battery pack. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Ford Focus Review:
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