2009 Ford Focus Review

The Focus, Ford's budget friendly vehicle, got a revision for 2008 and is better than ever. It got a new coupe body style and an interior upgrade, among other changes. The 2009 Ford Focus is available as a sedan or coupe and is offered in four trim levels.  For 2009, Ford has made a few more changes. On the SES trim, Ford throws in a few exclusives, including dark-painted wheels, a new sport exhaust and a shorter final-drive ratio for the automatic transmission, to improve acceleration. The rest of the Focus is pretty much the same, though stability control is now an option.  The Ford Focus has been on the American automotive scene for nearly a decade. The Focus' biggest benefits are its fuel economy, which is better than average, and the Sync interface, which allows voice control of MP3 players and cell phones. The Focus is also priced competitively.  The downsides to it are simply the class it belongs to, the economy class.  Although the Focus is capable and sufficient enough, those looking for engaging handling and a premium ownership experience will want to look elsewhere. The base S model starts at $14,995, Focus SE sedans start at $16,180, SES pricing starts at $17,570. The new top-of-the-line SEL model starts at $17,970. One of the reasons for the long-standing success of the Ford Focus is its reputation of value, fuel economy and fun-to-drive factors. J.D. Power and Associates recently called the Focus the most improved model in the industry, thanks to an 88 index-point increase seen in their 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. APEAL assesses owner satisfaction with style, content, layout and performance after three months of driving.  Competitors include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Focus Power

All Ford Focus models are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 engine. An available option in California and in other designated same-emissions states, this engine is certified as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). It produces low emissions and 132 hp. When mated to the optional four-speed automatic, Focus Sedans get 24/33 mpg, city/highway fuel economy ratings. When matched with the standard five-speed manual, that mileage increases to 35 mpg.  For 2009, coupes receive performance enhancements that give the model 3 more horsepower when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission has been retuned to deliver quicker off-the-line acceleration. The coupe also gets a sporty free-flow exhaust tone. 

Driving the '09

The Focus SES sedan gives a good amount of road feel through the steering wheel.  There is little lean in turns.  All models except the base S now benefit from a rear stabilizer bar for sharper handling.  Good road feel means the ride quality is a bit harder than some might prefer. Still, the Focus is not at all harsh over bumps. Antilock brakes do not come standard, but it is strongly recommended to opt for them, especially with electronic stability control added to the package. The 2.0-liter is competitive with most engines in this class. It has decent power for most needs, but passing maneuvers will require plenty of space. The automatic transmission downshifts quickly to give you what power the engine has. For 2009, Coupe SES automatics come with a 4.2:1 final drive ratio (instead of the standard 3.3:1) for quicker off-the-line acceleration.

Ford Focus Design

The Focus features Ford's now-signature bar-style grille that's also on the front of the Fusion and the Edge. The coupe gets a slightly revised front and rear that loses the Focus' front fender vents and gains restyled fog lamps. The SES coupe features a rear, high-mounted spoiler. The Focus sedan is 175 inches long and 66.7 inches wide, while the coupe is slightly wider. The Cobalt, Civic and Corolla are larger than the Focus. For 2009, the coupe gets its own face, with a darker chrome grille and a single, large opening beneath the bumper that narrows slightly toward the top. Fog lights are tunneled directly into the fascia on either side; above them, the fascia is cut away, almost like a step. It's all a bit more interesting to look at but doesn't reduce the bumper's visual mass.

Lineup in 2009

The Focus is available in the base S model, SE, SES, and top class SEL.  The coupe is available in the SE and SES trim levels. They are largely similar to their sedan counterparts, though you'll find a sport exhaust and 17-inch wheels on the SES coupe. The base S model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilting steering wheel and a four-speaker audio system with a single-CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. Cruise control and satellite radio are on the options list.

The SE adds full power accessories and Sirius Satellite Radio, and options like Sync, an upgraded stereo with a six-CD changer, heated side mirrors, chrome exterior trim, faux-aluminum interior trim, an upgraded driver seat, customizable interior lighting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The SES trim will offers 16-inch alloy wheels and upgraded tires, foglamps and a rear spoiler, along with firmer suspension tuning for better handling. This well-equipped Focus SES also comes standard with much of the SE's optional equipment, including Sync and cruise control.

Top-of-the-line SEL models have all SES features, plus chrome exterior trim and heated leather seats. It includes heated chrome mirrors and door handles, heated, leather-trimmed front seats, plus SYNC. 2009 Focus sedan SEL models also get 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the Focus

The sedan and coupe offer loads of cabin space, at least for this class.  Cargo space in the trunk is 13.8 cubic feet, which is larger than the Civic and about even with the Cobalt and Corolla. All models get a 60/40-split folding rear bench. Standard interior features on all Focus sedan models include four-way manual driver- and two-way manual passenger-adjustable front seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seat backs, Driver-seat comfort is commendable in the Focus, and controls are intuitive and easy to reach. Head- and legroom are ample as are door openings with easy entry and exit. While the center console is roomy, the glovebox is a little on the small side.

Safety Features

Six airbags are standard on all Focus models, including front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for both front- and rear-seat occupants. Antilock brakes and stability control are optional on all trim levels. This year, Focus adds AdvanceTrac electronic stability control as an option. AdvanceTrac helps improve vehicle control on all driving surfaces, including snow, ice and rain. Standard safety systems on the 2009 Focus include Ford's Personal Safety System, thorax side airbags and side curtain airbags for extra protection in front- and side-impact accidents. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also is standard to help you gauge correct tire inflation, which helps with gas mileage. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is another available option featured and packaged with AdvanceTrac.

Summary

The 2009 Ford Focus is impressive for a budget vehicle.  It handles well, has a roomy and comfortable cabin, it includes SYNC technology, and has excellent safety features and ratings.  In government crash tests, the Ford Focus sedan earned four stars (out of a possible five) for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. In the side-impact test, the sedan received five stars for protecting front occupants and four stars for protection of those in the rear.  For another opinion, read a Ford Focus review. The only downsides to the Focus are that its audio display screen is too far from system's buttons and the more powerful engine no longer offered.