2007 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2007 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $13,535 -$17,550
- Invoice: $12,812 -$16,331
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Our road test for the 2007 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2007 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
ST's 151-hp engine has adequate low-rpm power, immediate throttle response. Engine in other models has only adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap. Manual transmission has smooth shift/clutch action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Test ST averaged 20.5 mpg in strictly city driving. No opportunity to measure with other models.
RIDE QUALITY
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
ST's sport suspension gives firm, but impressively compliant, ride. Other models somewhat softer, thump less over bumps, but also feel less stable at highway speed. No opportunity to evaluate with 15-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
ST and SES variants have communicative steering, plus well-controlled body lean and good grip in fast turns. Braking strong, stable. Other models, with their softer suspensions, are a shade less nimble.
QUIETNESS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
ST exhibits little road rumble, but tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges. Sporty exhaust note is loud in high-rpm driving. All models exhibit noticeable wind rush around front side windows.
CONTROLS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Well-arranged dashboard has easy-read gauges and mostly intuitive, handy minor controls. Good cabin materials and workmanship for the price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Comfortable, supportive seats stand chair-height, yet head room outstanding. Leg space fine for class. ST and SES models include tilt/telescope steering wheel for extra measure of driver comfort. Large door openings ease entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Better head and leg room than most compacts, though sunroof's housing trims head space for tall riders. Entry/exit a squeeze on ZX3s, much easier on 4-dr models, though their rear doors should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 3 | 4.8 |
Sedan's trunklid uses space-saving strut-type hinges. All models have generous cargo holds with low liftovers, plus split folding rear seatbacks for versatility. Available premium-stereo subwoofer eats up space, however. Abundant interior storage includes six-CD holder in dash and ceiling console in nonsunroof models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Focus is fun to drive in any form, though it lacks the refinement of the Volkswagen Jetta and the outright sportiness of the Mazda 3. It's also an aging design that makes do with head-protecting front side airbags rather than the curtain side airbags that are the norm in newer compacts. But Focus is priced to sell, and an array of body styles and useful options earn it Recommended status.
Total Score
| ZX3 SES, auto. | ZX5 SES, man. | ZX4 ST | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 56 | 53 | 52.8 |
Total Score: 54
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