2005 Ford Focus consumer reviews

My 2005 ZX3 is one of best small cars I've ever driven let alone owned. I loved my 2000 ZX3 so much, that I bought another one! It's roomy enough for passengers in the back (even my 6'1" husband can sit back there comfortably) unlike so many other hatchbacks. The back seat can also lay down flat to allow for packing large/awkward items in the trunk more easily. All of the controls are within easy reach of the driver, although I am lucky enough to also have the radio/cd controls on the steering wheel stick. Five cupholders are also very conveniently located for the commuter driver or someone with children. The car handles nicely, but don't expect a BMW ride. I personally find the performance fine for my daily driving, although my husband dislikes the "lack of power" produced by the 136hp inline 4. It's also great on gas - I average 28 combined mileage, with 34-35 on the highway.

Pros: 82,000 miles in 27 months just standard maintainance and a new set of tires I still have about 40% of the break pads left (5 speed) The engine still sounds very smooth and loves to rev. Cons: Now The fuel pump whines when I start it up. and occasionally takes a few seconds to start. Otherwise I can't come up with any reason why I need to buy another car - except that the Milan looks nicer

ford Focus really good car. sucks gas like private jet. 27 mpg horrible. otherwise good, like colors, features and all sorts of other things. we got as rental car.

I currently own a 2005 ZXW SES, it is my second Focus and is just as good as my first (2002 Sedan). The only thing I didn't like about my original was the lack of room. Just recently, I brought home a bath vanity, double hung window unit, laminate flooring, weed eater, and two suitcases, and still had the front passenger seat empty. Performance is fine for me, I bought this for economy not racing. Handles highway speeds just fine thank-you. SLightly louder than my sedan, but I expected that with the whole back end open. Gripes? With the roof rack standard, it would have nice to have the crossbars included, and since I got the SES model I would have liked it to have the cargo cover.

Okay, yes there is low resale value. But that means I purchased used at a good price. Bought an '05 in 7/06. I absolutely love the 'Euro' styling over the Asian imports. I would also take to task a 'dislike' in the professional review about performance. I can punch this thing up to 65 to get on the freeway with no fear. Also can pass the real Euro cars feeling a big smug. Oh well, I don't seem to get the stated MPG (wonder why...). One weird thing--the air filter is NOT removable. Mechanics tried to 'remove' the filter, did not connect it back up properly, and the OBDC (or whatever) had to be rebooted since the ENGINE LIGHT was on. READ YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL! So far so good.

I originally purchased an '05 Focus SE - traded it in a month later for an '05 Focus SES because I concluded that I really wanted the additional options - aluminum wheels, 6-disk mp3/cd, tach, and a few other things, that were standard on the SES. I bought the car in July/August of '04. It is a very good deal - particularly after rebates. I get a consistent 32 mpg - worst average of 29 and on a good week 33. I have a 33 mile each way commute to work and find myself frequently trapped in bumper to bumper traffic on the BW/Washington Parkway. The car currently has 43,000 miles on it. Reliability is excellent, the only problem I've had was a bit of wiring that stripped and shorted the turn signals - a repair covered under warranty. If I were to do it again, I would insist on the side airbags and ABS. I recommend the ST if you don't mind giving up a few mpg. The heated leather seats, premium sound system, traction control, abs, and few extra hp make the car much more enjoyable. All in all, the Focus 5-speed with the 2.0l duratec may not be the newest, shiniest, or most powerful car (or even economy car) out there, but it is very likely the most bang for the buck, handling is consistent, ride is fair, and reliability is excellent. Power is very adequate with the 5-speed.

Only issues I have are that the bench seat in the back is not split. If you want to fold down (flat) the seat back you have to raise the bench which means you can not have anyone sitting. The seat back is split. You have to buy the cross bars for the cargo rack.

cruise control on 70 going down the interstate, going up a slight incline....downshift. every freakin time. very annoying because its so frequent. fairly good room, but not for long distances. drivers seat is comfortable but passanger seats leave much to be desired. 27 mpg with city and highway driving very conservitave, i expected more then that from a 2005 4 cylinder that's underpowered, but all the downshifting i'm sure sucks a good bit of go go juice in my 10 mile drive to work. but all in all, not a single problem out of it.

Good performace of the Focus. It reveals itself mainly in the car?s crisp cornering ability and its roomy, upright, ergonomically oriented interior. Hatchback models look sharper than the sedans and are practical for carrying cargo