Driving Impressions

The Ford Focus is notable for its spirited driving dynamics. The 136-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the base engine for most of the country. In California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, the Focus comes standard with a super-clean, 130-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Fuel economy is good: The base engine earns an EPA rating of 27/37 mpg City/Highway with the five-speed manual, 27/34 mpg with the four-speed automatic. It puts out much lower emissions so it meets California's PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards. The Focus ZX4 ST is fun to drive. Ford borrowed suspension pieces from the European-market Focus and the 2004 Focus SVT to give the ZX4 ST sharper handling. The ZX4 ST comes with unique 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Pirelli all-season radials. The package provides sharp handling response, precise steering and generally an enjoyable connection with the road. We found the higher horsepower engine in the Focus ZX4 ST delivered strong acceleration performance and cruised easily on the highway. The only complaint with the engine was noise. Despite efforts by Ford engineers to quiet the cabin, the ZX4 ST was noisy even when cruising at highway speeds. The 151-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder that goes in the ZX4 ST gets an EPA-rated 23/32 mpg.

Final Word

The Ford Focus is inexpensive, stylish, practical and fun, and it appears Ford has fixed the quality problems that plagued the earlier models in the life cycle of the car in 2000 and 2001. The Focus boasts an extra-long powertrain warranty of five years or 100,000 miles and the improvements have boosted its quality ratings. Michelle Krebs filed the original report, with New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.