2007 Ford Focus Wagon
Ford Focus Wagon
Overall Score - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The Focus Wagon delivers an affordable, spacious and smooth-handling ride on a budget, but can't match the safety and standard interior features of others in its class.
Reviewers generally agree the 2007 Ford Focus Wagon is an affordable, roomy and enjoyable way to transport up to five people and their cargo. Newsday says "...if you're one of an apparently declining number of people who'd prefer to drive a car than a truck and who think a station wagon is a good compromise between the two, Ford's Focus wagon is well worth considering."
First introduced in 2000, the Ford Focus is also available in three other body styles: a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door hatchback. The wagon saw minor changes in 2005, and new for 2007 is a standard single-disc CD audio system. However, reviewers point out downsides, including a general lack of safety features and a noisy interior.
Reviewers overwhelmingly see the Focus as a good bargain. The Detroit Free Press calls it "a best bet for the frugal buyer who wants a modern take on the station wagon" and compares it to refined competition such as the Audi S4 Avant, noting "...none offers more bang for the buck than the Ford Focus SE Wagon." Edmunds also makes note of the competition, commenting, "The problem is that many competitors are equally entertaining to drive and offer higher-quality interiors with more feature content. The Focus costs less than some of these cars, though, and it's definitely worth a look if the out-the-door price is a primary consideration and you're willing to give up some refinement."
Though the Focus Wagon is very affordable, IntelliChoice gives the base model a value rating of just "average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to others in its class. On the plus side, the Focus Wagon is an IntelliChoice Best in Class winner in several categories, including Lowest Fuel Costs, Operating Costs, Ownership Costs and Repair Costs. On the resale side, Kelley Blue Book predicts five-year residual values at just 29 percent for the Focus sedan, "versus 28 percent for the Cobalt, 44 percent for the Corolla and 46 percent for the Civic."
The Focus Wagon's two trims, the base SE and the SES, offer one single engine but differ in their exterior and interior features. Buyers may want to keep in mind that both the wagon and the hatchback versions of the Focus will be discontinued after this year, and a restyled Focus, available only as a four-door sedan and two-door coupe, is expected for 2008.
Focus Wagon Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
Most test drivers say the 2007 Ford Focus Wagon offers a smooth ride and above-average, enjoyable handling. "The Focus has been fun to drive since its arrival as a 2000 model," says the Chicago Sun-Times. "Ride and handling were tuned by Ford's European operation so it has quick steering, sharp handling, solid braking and a firm-but-supple ride." continue
Focus Wagon Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Auto writers don't have much to say about the 2007 Ford Focus Wagon's exterior, but those that do find it pleasing, even if it's a little boring. The Detroit Free Press summarizes "The Ford Focus wagon is as practical as the station wagons of yore. Yet its fresh styling ensures you won't feel like Ward or June Cleaver when it's parked in your driveway." continue
Focus Wagon Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Reviewers generally see the 2007 Ford Focus Wagon's five-seat interior as spacious with high-quality materials for such an affordable car, even if some find it a bit sparse on standard features. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says, "Inside, the wagon is roomy and comfortable, certainly one that accommodates four moderate-sized adults and their luggage." continue
Focus Wagon Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
The federal government has not tested recent models of the Ford Focus Wagon, but gave the 2004 model good scores in crash tests. The 2007 wagon also includes less safety equipment than other cars in its class, with no available electronic stability control, and side impact air bags and anti-lock brakes offered only as extra-cost options. continue
Focus Wagon Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Ford Focus Wagon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Focus Wagon comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
