The 2005 Ford Focus is the entry-level vehicle class in
the Ford family. I say this because it is really several
cars in one. Sedan, wagon and hatchback models are available.
Hatchback editions come in 2 or 4-door, in the bottom three
trims, 2 wagon versions are available, in the middle two
trims, while the sedan comes in four different trim options.
This year Ford has simplified the offering with only two
engine choices to replace the previous four, and they have
actually come up with fewer trims to come up with the series
line-up. However, despite the changes, one thing remains,
the Focus is a ticket to Ford reliability and value with
a relatively small bite out of the bank balance.
Since its inception, the Ford Focus has been known as a
versatile, fun-to-drive car that has a fresh perspective
on what it takes to please customers. Chosen as one of Car
and Driver magazine's 10 best cars for four straight years,
it must be doing something right.
Available Models
The 2005 Ford Focus is available in the following trims:
ZX3 (2-door hatchback) S, SE and SES
ZX4 (4-door sedan) S, SE, SES and ST
ZX5 (4-door hatchback) S, SE and SES, and
ZXW (Wagon) SE and SES
Interior Features
This is a big line-up but really there are three basic trim
levels, as the top level ST sedan is mostly distinguished
by some performance features while the Wagon just adds roof
rails.
Focus S models have cloth upholstery on front bucket and
split bench rear seats, a height adjustable driver side
and an AM/FM/CD player. SE models upgrade to power windows,
doors, mirrors, MP3 capable audio and variable wipers while
SES models add cruise control, an in-dash 6CD player and
a tachometer.
A plethora of options is available. Some come in groups
and some stand alone. A six-disc in-dash CD changer, an
audiophile system with subwoofer, leather seating surfaces,
a power moonroof and heated seats and mirrors are all offered.
Exterior Features
The 2005 Ford Focus had an exterior redesign this year;
including new headlamps with reshaped clear lenses, a larger
grille with a new diamond pattern ringed in chrome and a
new fascia with wider, lower air intake. Round fog lamps
add to the contemporary styling.
Performance
The three main trims, S, SE and SES, come with a single
new engine choice. The 2.0-liter Duratec 20 dohc 4-cylinder
engine is used across the board. More powerful than last
year, it produces 136 horsepower at 6000rpm and 133 lb-ft
of torque at 4500 and is linked to either 4-speed automatic
or 5-speed manual transmissions. Stepping up to the ST trim
upgrades the power to the performance-tuned 151-horsepower
2.3-liter Duratec 23 DOHC I-4 engine. This choice is for
those with a bit more interest in the driving experience
and is not available with an automatic transmission. Both
Focus engine choices get decent mileage with highway ratings
of up to 35 mpg. However, this drops to 22mpg for the bigger
engine, for city driving.
Safety and Security
The 2005 Ford Focus uses a safety cell body that features
body structure areas designed to absorb and spread impact
forces. The ST comes with antilock brakes and traction control,
features available as options on other models. Front side
airbags are available as optional extras.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$13,775
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Engine |
2.0L I4
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2.3L I4
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Horsepower |
136 @ 6000
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151 @ 5750
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Transmission |
5-speed manual
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4-speed auto
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
26 / 35
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23 / 32
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