Introduction

The Ford Focus is inexpensive, stylish, practical and fun. We found it more comfortable than some of the other compact cars, with roomy, cushy seats and a nice balance between a soft, smooth ride and responsive handling. It feels more European than Japanese or American in demeanor and refined for the class. Focus comes in three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, sedan, and wagon body styles. That makes it appeal to different types of people and meet their individual needs. The sedans are comfortable and move people efficiently. The three-door hatchback is economical and practical, yet sporty and fun at the same time. The five-door hatchback makes it easier for rear-seat passengers to join in the merriment. The wagons can carry a ton of cargo and are good for dogs. For 2007, the Focus enjoys optional new leather-trimmed sport seats, two new exterior colors and upgrades to the sound systems. In addition, a new interior upgrade package offers exclusive styling treatments inside the Focus' comfy cabin. The Focus is expected to get styling revisions and other upgrades for 2008, so expect deals on the 2007 models. The ZX4 ST is particularly sporting with strong acceleration from its 151-hp engine and sharp handling and precise steering from its sports suspension. We found it fun to drive, though a bit noisy.

Walkaround

The Ford Focus was a head-turner when it was first introduced in 2000. Its styling at the time was fresh and innovative. Styling revisions for 2005 gave it a more refined, more grownup appearance, but it continues with same general theme of sweeping arcs and crisp creases that we've grown accustomed to.

Interior Features

The interior features a traditional, clean and stylish look. The instrument panel is symmetrical with the driver and passenger areas divided by two rectangular climate control registers, the hazard switch and a shallow center stack for the audio and climate controls. For 2007, new sport seats with leather seating surfaces and contrasting leather inserts are available on the ST sedan as well as the SE and SES models (except wagon). This seat treatment is part of the new Interior Upgrade Package ($495), which also includes two-tone, leather-wrapped steering wheel with Charcoal upper and Flint lower to match the seating surfaces; a satin finish on the center stack surround and instrument-panel cluster gauge surround; and black sill plates with exposed Focus in body color. Street Appearance packages are offered for the ST sedan and the ZX3, ZX4 and ZX5 SE and SES models to give the Focus a more sporty, tuner look. The Sport Appearance packages feature spoilers as the focal point, along with unique front fascia and rear bumper treatments and bright exhaust tips. On two-tone models, the lower portions of the instrument panel and door trim panels are finished in a lighter shade for a more open feeling. Cloth and leather upholstery are offered. The ZX4 ST has unique woven fabrics or suede seating surfaces surrounded with leather trim. A standard floor console houses the shifter, two cupholders, the parking brake, and controls for options such as traction control. An overhead console includes a sunglasses holder and a space for a garage door opener. Storage is also provided in the front doors, which feature molded-in bottle holders. A CD player with MP3 capability is standard on all models. Models with the optional six-disc CD changer feature audio controls on the steering wheel.