Ford Focus
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Focus delivers a fun ride for a small car that's practical in design and price. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you should also consider the Honda Civic or the Honda Fit.
Automotive reviewers find the 2007 Ford Focus is a practical choice for drivers on a budget. Buyers enjoy a smooth ride with comfortable seating and easy-to-reach controls. However, many say that an upgrade in design materials is necessary for the Focus to keep up with its class. Nevertheless, Kelley Blue Book reports that while the Focus is "aging," it is still strong enough to "deserves a place on small-car shopping lists."
A Consumer Guide "Recommended" car, the 2007 Ford Focus "is fun to drive in any form," and although it lacks the refinement or cutting-edge design of some of its competitors, "Focus is priced to sell, and an array of body styles and useful options earn it Recommended status." Automobile Magazine also recommends the Focus, as it "made a name for itself among economy cars with its superior chassis tuning, which provides a much better than expected driving experience, and its rather tall body, which creates a roomy interior. Five years later, these key character traits remain."
Car and Driver expresses reviewers' opinion best by saying the 2007 Ford Focus is "designed to deliver solid, reliable, fuel-thrifty transportation at the most affordable end of the price spectrum." However, IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Ford Focus a rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.
The 2007 Ford Focus comes in three body styles: a three-door "ZX3" hatchback, four-door "ZX4" sedan and a five-door "ZX5" hatchback. A four-door Focus wagon will be discontinued after 2007. The Focus is set to receive a significant redesign for 2008, including the addition of a two-door coupe option.
Focus Performance - 7.6 (Good)
Auto reviewers generally report they enjoy driving the 2007 Ford Focus. Edmunds speaks for the majority, saying "regardless of trim, the Focus offers a smooth ride and above-average handling." continue
Focus Exterior - 6.4 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Ford Focus exterior is a slightly modified version of the 2005 redesign that most reviewers appreciate. Kelley Blue Book says, "The seven-year-old Focus design remains relatively contemporary, especially the distinctive three-door hatchback ... the three other body types are more conventional in looks, but all share the pleasant Focus face of a smiley mesh-pattern grille between clear-lens headlamps wrapping around the corners of the hood." continue
Focus Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Test drivers find generally cozy surroundings and an uncontroversial interior design in the 2007 Ford Focus. But some feel the quality of materials does not compare well with competitors. As Automobile Magazine puts it, "the interior isn't up to snuff compared with a Honda Civic." continue
Focus Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2007 Ford Focus receives good scores in private and government crash tests, but is redeemed by the array of safety features offered to help drivers protect themselves against or in the event of an accident. continue
Focus Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Ford Focus 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 comes with Ford's basic bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
