11th Place: Ford Focus

Overview:

The 2007 Focus was a consistent top IFCAR scorer, and the partially redesigned 2008 model is near the back of the economy sedan group. Is this because, as some reviewers have suggested, the car got worse? No. The redesign turned the Focus from a budget-priced car that combined a spacious interior with a comfortable ride and very nimble handling into a pricier car with more of a comfort edge than before. And while that's not necessarily a worse thing, there is tougher competition among pricier, comfort-focused cars than the Focus had to face before. The comfortable and quiet ride is nice, but not as unique as the older Focus's top-notch handling. The interior is still roomy, but the seats aren't as comfortable as before, and more competitors have matched its space in recent years. Its sharp steering remains, and the car is still reasonably agile, but it isn't outright fun to drive as it was once. And the interior, though thoroughly redesigned, still feels very cheap. With either steeper discounts (which the Focus was previously selling with, even after its redesign) or sharper handling, the Focus would be more of a class standout. As it is, it's just another decent economy car.

Driving the Focus:

The Focus has a very comfortable ride for a small car, that absorbs bumps well and never feels unsettled. But this comfort was achieved by softening the suspension, which adds to body roll in cornering. The Focus is still agile overall at least, and the steering is still sharp and responsive. The engine is a bit weak, especially off the line, and could be quieter under acceleration. Coarse pavement causes excess road noise as well. The Focus gets very good gas mileage.

Inside the Focus:

The Focus's front seats are high, large, and spacious, but too flat. The rear is mounted high and comfortable overall, but there is less headroom than before, and the seat isn't as well-shaped. The interior exudes cheapness, built from slabs of hard plastic that don't always fit together properly. The gauges are too small and light up with many distracting colors, but the instruments are well laid out. Ford's SYNC audio and cell phone system includes some voice-activated controls, which work well. Drivers sit comfortably enough, though a telescoping steering column is no longer offered, and have good visibility. Entry/exit is easy to the front seats, but the lack of head clearance complicates rear access. The trunk is roomy and well-shaped.

Focus pricing:

The Focus is not inexpensive, at $16,960. Although the model has for years seen generous rebates, the cash-back deals have shrunk in recent months, leaving the car more expensive than many competitors. However, at that price, it is very well-equipped by this group's standards. (Options packaging leaves little middle ground between underequipped and lavishly, expensively optioned.) The Focus includes Ford's exclusive SYNC system, which includes special digital media player controls, voice activated stereo features, and a voice-activated hands-free cell phone link. It also includes alloy wheels, a satellite radio receiver, and traction control.

Conclusion:

The new Focus is one of many comfortable and fuel-efficient economy cars on the market. Not many have such good steering feel, but also few feel cheaper inside. It's worth a look for its solid driving dynamics and spiffy electronics, but it's no longer as fun to drive or priced to sell as it once was. You can probably do better now.

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