2007 Ford Focus Wagon Performance Review
Ford Focus Wagon Performance Review
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."
U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman is also impressed with the driving experience, pointing out that "lots of inexpensive cars do away with any pretense of performance; after all, that's an ideal way to cut costs and keep the price down. The Focus isn't so compromising." Newman is also impressed with the powertrain and concludes, "Ford has put its money where it matters to driving purists -- under the hood."
Acceleration and Power
Both Focus Wagon trims feature a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder Duratec engine capable of 136 horsepower (or 130 hp in states that have adopted California emissions standards). It's paired standard with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic is optional.
Edmunds feels "Most Ford Focus buyers will be content" with the 2.0-liter engine, "which offers a more usable power band than its modest horsepower rating would indicate." U.S. News' Rick Newman is also impressed, commenting that the Focus "offers the kind of acceleration and handling I'd expect from a price range a notch or two higher. The 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine is spunky and smooth." The Orlando Sentinel concedes "This car isn't a pocket rocket, but it does move with a lively spirit." But another group of reviewers are left disappointed. The Chicago Tribune says "Unless you live in the flatlands, you'll find, as we did, trying to zip through the mountains here in an SE sedan with the base engine, that it's several horses shy of carrying the load when the road rises."
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy for the Focus Wagon at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway with the automatic transmission, and 24/33 city/highway with the manual - numbers Edmunds calls above-average for this class.
A manual transmission is standard. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel prefers the manual over the optional automatic, noting, "With a five-speed manual, even the 130-horse engine seems pretty powerful, but hooked to an automatic it's less satisfying." Reviewers have mixed reviews on the optional automatic transmission. The Detroit Free Press says it "operates smoothly but does hesitate a bit on downshifts." But Edmunds is more critical, referring to the automatic transmission as "the greatest fault of the wagon" and finding it "sluggish on both the upshifts and downshifts, both accompanied by an aurally offensive engine whine."
Handling and Braking
U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman refers to the Ford Focus Wagon's handling as "a high point, with better cornering than you'd expect for the price," and most reviewers agree. The Orlando Sentinel echoes "the real pleasure comes in the handling" and describes how the wagon "took to mountain twisties with gusto, feeling like a European car in many of its road manners. There was a stability and confidence-inspiring feel that wasn't expected."
Reviewers are also complimentary of the wagon's independent front and rear suspensions with stabilizer bars, which the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says "give Focus a sporty and fun feel that most small cars can't match." U.S. News' Rick Newman finds the frame "just stiff enough to provide a sporting feel on curves." But a few others take a more critical stance, with Edmunds complaining "we regret to inform you that all was not well in suspension land. Our test vehicle suffered flawed performance in terms of weight management over dips and bridges."
The power rack-and-pinion steering, on the other hand, is a definite high point, with almost all reviewers saying good things. Edmunds says it's "quick and responsive, always providing plenty of feedback from the road surface." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says steering "delivers a more precise feel than other small cars," while the Orlando Sentinel reviewer was pleasantly surprised "with its quick response. It seemed I barely moved the steering wheel and the car was headed in the direction I wanted."
Performance from the wagon's power front disc/rear drum brakes also pleases most reviewers. Edmunds finds it "better than most" and the Chicago Sun-Times says, "The brakes also stop the car with authority." Anti-lock brakes are optional as part of the Safety Package, which also includes side impact air bags.
