2009 Ford Focus

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Focus' engine gets good reviews while its handling gets even better ones. Altogether, the overwhelming opinion in auto reviews is that Ford's car is a competent performer, but lacks personality.

• "The Focus has given up its enthusiast notions, but is fun to drive for a price-point machine." -- Motor Trend
• "Where the old car was bouncy and playful, the new one is a bit more mature and buttoned down, yet still involving and enjoyable." -- About.com
• "Those looking for engaging handling and a premium ownership experience will want to look elsewhere. The Mazda 3, for example, is a much more engaging car to drive (though markedly thirstier). The Honda Civic is slightly more expensive, but it's a much better all-around performer." -- Edmunds
• "The redeisgned Ford Focus offers decent handling and miserly fuel economy." -- New Car Test Drive

Acceleration and Power

Although the 2009 Ford Focus' four-cylinder engine isn't an upstart by any stretched standards, test drivers find it is sufficiently powerful for most small-car drivers' needs. Just like most cars, the Focus' manual transmission is preferred for sportier driving, but most say the four-speed automatic should fulfill drivers' passing and merging needs. The EPA rates the 2009 Focus at 24/35 mpg city/highway with a manual transmission, and 24/33 mpg with an automatic.

• "Power is adequate, and the engine rarely calls any negative attention to itself." -- Car and Driver
• "The four-cylinder engine was sufficiently, competitively powerful, though not a standout technologically, and a bit boomy sounding under hard throttle." -- USA Today
• "With automatic transmission, Focus has just adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. The automatic provides timely downshifts. Manual-transmission models feel snappier, with better performance overall." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

Reviewers find the Focus' recently modified suspension provides a better ride and handling than earlier models, but spend little time comparing the Focus' dynamics to other small cars.

• "The car rides with suppleness it lacked before." -- Motor Trend
• "I did take it through the bends at a pretty good clip and was impressed by how well it clung to the road." -- About.com
• "Steering benefitted from being among [Ford's] priorities. Responsive but not twitchy. Strong on-center feel but not dead or numb. Just about right." -- USA Today
• "Focus brakes have been improved ... The brake pedal allowed smooth stops because it wasn't touchy." -- MSN