It¹s increasingly hard to advocate automobiles built by the domestic
manufacturers, particularly those at the lower price points. Japanese‹and
now even Korean‹compacts offer increasingly sophisticated packages, while
keeping prices within the entry-level range. Surprisingly, the sub-$20,000
Ford Focus line is a welcome exception to this generalization. It is not
only easy to recommend the Ford Focus lineup, but it represents unusually
good value.

The Focus is available as a coupe, sedan and wagon, but the most unusual
model is a four-door model with a hatchback, called the ZX5. Four-door
hatchbacks with folding rear seats have always been unusual, despite
significant versatility for carrying bulky items. But the ZX5 is heavily
skewed towards offering a high degree of usability to its intended market of
young singles and married couples.

Design: The Focus has been a leader in bringing new ideas to the automotive
market. The exterior of the Focus with its dominate headlights is quite
distinctive, something that one can¹t say about all economy cars. There has
been a strong movement in the last few years towards designing compact
automobiles that are tall and appear somewhat narrow. Designers have begun
to recognize human factors and done a better job of accommodating the human
body¹s need for space by building in more headroom.

The advantage of the Focus¹ height is lots of headroom, and the opportunity
to carry large, bulky items. The Focus seems to exceed the amount of
headroom that most people need. On the other hand, its headroom may
alleviate the sense of claustrophobia I sometimes experience in small cars.
Once inside the Focus, one gets the illusion of a larger car.

In the area of interior design, particularly related to gauges and controls,
economy cars often have an ergonomic advantage when compared to the more
expensive luxury models. Because economy cars offer somewhat limited
functionality, the design of such components as the center control console
can be simple, uncluttered and straightforward. The Focus is a good example.
The audio and heater/air-condition system don¹t cover a lot of space and are
simply displayed with functions clearly marked. Sometimes less is more.

Engine and Transmission: Ford¹s Zetec four cylinder is the more powerful of
the two engines offered in the Focus. Given the vehicle¹s modest weight
(around 2,600 lbs.), the 130 horses don¹t have to work that hard to deliver
good performance for an economy car. It accelerates smartly and easily
reaches and maintains a comfortable cruising speed. It even is able to
accelerate going uphill with a moderate load on board. And gas mileage is
respectable for its size. The only disadvantage to the little four-cylinder
engine is that when it pulls hard, like going up a long incline, it buzzes
loudly. But noise and vibration are endemic with four-cylinder engines, a
condition that is seldom overcome in the Focus¹ price range.

Ride and Handling: The Focus ZX5 is equipped with standard 16-inch wheels
and tires and a relatively sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. It
provides tight, responsive handling, although there is some body-lean in
corners. The ride quality is stiff, but not to the point of discomfort, at
least by import economy-car standards. All in all, the Focus is one of the
most enjoyable cars in its category, particularly on challenging country
roads. 

Safety: For a vehicle with a list price under $20,000 our Focus has some
impressive equipment intended to provide peace of mind. Start with the
optional Advance Trac coupled with anti-lock brakes. The system incorporates
sophisticated yaw-control technology that can apply braking force
individually to any of the four wheels to defeat a skid. Our test Focus also
was equipped with optional side-impact air bags, a bargain at $312.

Value:With a sticker price of $19,620, our Focus represents good value. It
performs smartly and with the optional $695 leather option, there is a touch
of luxury as well. The optional advanced safety options offer systems that
were previously reserved for high-end luxury cars.
 

 

Vehicle: Ford Focus XZ5

Price as tested: $19,620

Engine:

         Type: 2.0-liter, inline 4 cylinder

         Horsepower: 130 @ 5,300 rpm

         Torque: 135 ft. lbs. @ 4,500 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 26 mpg

         Highway - 32 mpg

Curb Weight: 2,600 lbs.