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Ford Focus - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford Focus ranks 20 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 53 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Focus, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Ford Focus is worth a look for its comfortable front seats, entertainment features and innovative MyKey system. That said, if you’re looking for performance or cargo capacity, there are better options available.

Despite competing in a diverse class, the 2010 Ford Focus is still able to stand out for its popular Sync infotainment system and innovative safety features.  It gets excellent fuel economy for the class and has an interior design that is generally well-received by reviewers. It’s a good choice for those looking for something to get them from point A to point B but who still want the option for a few extra bells and whistles to make things entertaining.

There are a few areas where the Focus could use improvement. Although it has a decent sized trunk, it falls short of class competitors for interior storage spaces. Furthermore, there are seats for five, but reviewers recommend not carrying that many since the rear seat is somewhat cramped. Lastly, this is not a car designed for joy riding. Even simple passing maneuvers can be a bit of a chore in the Focus.  If you need to be able to haul both people and cargo or want a car that is genuinely fun to drive, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

The Kia Forte is considered to be one of the best values in the affordable small car class for the sheer breadth of its standard features list, which includes luxury amenities like Bluetooth and Sirius Satellite Radio. Add that to the fact that its base price is nearly $2,000 less than the Focus and the Forte becomes a formidable opponent. Another car that’s worth a test drive is the Nissan Versa.  The Versa has an impressive 50.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, a genuinely comfortable rear seat and a price tag that is around $2,500 less than the Focus. Finally, for those looking for something that is more fun to drive but is still in the same general price range as the Focus, check out the Mazda 3. It’s a favorite in the automotive press for its excellent handling dynamics and sprightly acceleration.

Ford has added new features for 2010, primarily to help increase safety.  A new four-wheel anti-lock braking system, stability and traction control are now standard on all models.  Also new and standard for 2010 is Ford’s innovative MyKey system which allows parents to implement a number of measures -- like limiting the car’s top speed to 80 mph -- to ensure that their teens are driving safely. Other changes include updates to the Sync navigation system, making remote keyless entry and power locks now standard and the addition of a new SE sedan appearance package.

The Ford Focus comes in both coupe and sedan models. The coupe is available in SE and SES trims while the sedan offers the S, SE, SES and SEL trims. Be sure to check for current Ford Deals that may be available on a new Focus.

• "A progressive look, more refined handling and additional features make the 2010 Ford Focus an even more appealing choice for drivers seeking a value-oriented American compact. However, it's the SYNC system that really sets it apart from all of its competitors, particularly for those who use their cars as mobile offices or entertainment centers. " -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Focus feels dated and less refined compared with cars such as the Honda Civic and Nissan Versa. Still, front-seat room and comfort impress, and pricing is competitive. The top-end SES coupe adds some handling spice without sacrificing good ride control. Sync is a nice feature for the class, despite a few bugs that still need to be sorted. Overall, Focus is worth a look, but be sure to scout the competition as well." -- Consumer Guide
• "A basic grocery getter that has little interest in acting like a sport compact regardless of the zoot suit it's wearing." -- Autoblog
• "The…Ford Focus is a good value, but those in the market for a refined compact sedan or performance-oriented coupe should look elsewhere." -- Edmunds
• "Sure, the new Focus goes down the road with a decent level of refinement, but where did the fun go? Overall, this is a pretty logical car." -- Automobile Magazine

Focus Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2010 Ford Focus probably won’t win many drag races, but most drivers will not be disappointed by this model’s good fuel economy and great handling dynamics. "The Ford Focus has been known as a car that offers good handling since the 2000 model," says New Car Test Drive. "This Focus, though different in appearance, is basically that same car, and it still handles well." Read More

Focus Exterior - 7.1 (Good)

The 2010 Ford Focus probably won’t win any awards for its exterior styling. The design is considered uninteresting and even downright unattractive by most reviewers. Car and Driver doesn’t mince words, saying that the Focus has "somewhat tacky styling." Read More

Focus Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The 2010 Ford Focus’ interior gets mixed reviews from test drivers. Reviewers enjoy the Sync infotainment system, which they find generally easy to use (despite a few issues with voice recognition) as well as the well designed interior.  That said, no one is going to mistake the Focus for a luxury car. Autoblog is straightforward saying, "Overall, the interior is par for the econo-box course." Read More

Focus Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Ford Focus does reasonably well in federal government crash testing.  The insurance industry has not yet had a chance to complete testing on the 2010 Focus, but it named the 2009 model a Top Safety Pick. Reviewers are most excited about Ford’s new MyKey system, which helps give parents a bit more piece of mind while their teens are behind the wheel. Read More

Focus Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 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' bumper-to-bumper warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More