2005 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

So Far So Good

Written by: Deesan on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX3 S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I drive 110 miles round trip for work every day, so I needed something that got better gas mileage than my full size Dodge pickup. The price on this car was way too good to pass up so I bought it. Anyway I set the cruise (installed after market) between 75-80 mph and I get 30-32 mpg. I figure that is pretty good for the speed I drive. In the couple of months I have owned the car I have not had any problems (knock on wood). The seats are comfortable and it drives pretty smooth. My only complaints so far are the road noise and the headlights. The noise isn’t too bad but could be quieter. The headlights are terrible, not bright at all.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Brighter headlights. Quiet the road noise

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Great Car!

Written by: indichick88 on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

From buying this car 3 years ago, I've been very pleased. I've never had to take it in for servicing and it's never caused my any major problems. I love how roomy the interior is, and how the car is the perfect size, not too large, and not too small. I've also been able to go on one tank for 2 weeks! Perfect for students and people just looking for an affordable, reliable car. No complaints!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage is wonderful! Very roomy and comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any.

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Found a good one

Written by: drivealot on 04/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned this car for more than a year. Purchased used. The front disc brake rotors need to be turned. They were like this soon after I purchased. Other than that it has only had normal needs; new tires, wiper blades and oil changes, it has been low maintenance and trouble-free. I get 40MPG highway and close to 30 in the city. I drive with fuel economy in mind. Mine has an auto transmission with a overdrive button on the shifter. I use overdrive for any driving over 35 MPH and it helps the in-town fuel consumption a lot.

Favorite Features

MP3 player, sunglasses compartment, easy access to controls, lots of cupholders and stash areas for a salesperson or anyone who has a need for these places.

Suggested Improvements

Allow the mp3 players to accept data DVD format so I can fit a huge amount of tunes in there. Although 120-plus songs on a CD is really good. Much needed rear-seat area lighting.. None at all present. Trunk is unlocked frequently due to my big thumb on autolock/keychain, warn me someway please.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2005 Focus

Written by: Robo on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I leased this car for 3 years. It has been pretty reliable and is good balance between practical and fun. Manual transmission gives good mileage (30mpg mostly highway). Engine has decent power, except when the A/C is on. Road noise is loud. Ride is stiff, but comfortable. Reliability is average. I have had an ABS issue, and a tank/gas cap seal problem. Both covered under warranty. I will warn that I have had major annoyance with engine starting. Sometimes it doesn't start right away and this has happened since I bought the car. It has gotten worse and dealership claims it is a flaw with engine design (this is from Ford, not the dealership)

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage. Lots of cargo space. Love the hatchback with folding rear seats. I can't believe they got rid of the hatchback for 2008! Big mistake.

Suggested Improvements

Ford should be proactive fixing design flaws. It's unacceptable to leave problems unfixed claiming they are design flaws (this is a Ford problem not just the dealership).

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What Happened To Ford's "Quality"?

Written by: Jerry on 02/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The engine and transmission began presenting problems shortly after I bought the car. The engine idles rough, runs rough and stalls when stopping. When the tranny changes, especially up/down from second to third gears, it sounds like pouring a bunch of screws into a metal bucket. Now is is slow going into gear from park. I cannot recommend buying any Ford Focus.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

FMC, put quality back in your product!

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2005 Ford Focus ST

Written by: Shelton on 02/12/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Outside of a water leak and a bad customer service from the dealer at purchase time, spent first 40 of 60 days in their shop trying to fix the water leak, the car has been extremely dependable and excellent to drive on the highway. Very nimble around town, not too many turns this car can not navigate with ease. Not a headturner, but brings some sleepish performance to the table.

Favorite Features

Steering.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the NVH, needs to be in line with it's corporate cousin the Mazda 3.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2005 ZXW SES

Written by: edmar on 02/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZXW SES 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Excellent small all-around car. Long distance use at 30%, short distance at 70%,and good at both. Can easily be used for camping(van-ning) by 2 adults, preferably not over 6' tall. Especially good for long distance motel-ing use. Price is right & repairs can be handled by local shops very adequately. 25 mpg overall avg.

Favorite Features

All-around visibility is the best of any vehicle with very good height. Interior ergonomics are excellent amd keeping smaller size in mind, are equal to those of the Grand Caravans. Shifting gears with the automatic xmsn is almost like using a 5 speed, perhaps better. MPG & engine right in the park.

Suggested Improvements

1.Rear brake noise. 2.Bigger tires. 3.In/Out thermometer-compass-MPG overhead console. 4.Right rear sliding door. 5.Longer rear length. 6.DC'd in '07, Ford should have upgraded like Honda, Subaru, etc.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2005 ZX4 ST

Written by: Felipe on 01/14/2008

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I originally bought this vehicle for my wife and I have now been driving it since we bought an SUV. I haven't had any problems whatsoever with this vehicle.

Favorite Features

2.3L Duratec, I would've preferred a little more HP and less TQ. Front and rear independent suspension.

Suggested Improvements

This car could definitely use a 6th speed. A standard front strut bar would also be nice.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Stick to Imports

Written by: may on 11/06/2007

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZXW SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

this was my first new vehicle. in less than 2 weeks it was in service. then it was in service every other week for one issue or another. my personal vehicle was in service for a rattling noise in rear area; transmission probs; rear hatch not locking; dome light turning on whenever it felt like it... i wont go into my experience with the service department. in short, my car was back at the dealership longer than me driving. filed lemon lawsuit; ford could not buy back- so they issued a settlement check. although it is a spacious vehicle, do not buy- resale value blows; not to mention reliability. if you do buy, make sure you get gap insurance!! many service depts still cant fix hatch probs.

Favorite Features

radio controls on steering wheel; space/ roomy.

Suggested Improvements

make; build; transmission; get rid of the loud relay for the turnsignal; reliability. need i say more.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2005 Focus

Written by: sgallagh on 10/30/2007

Vehicle

2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Not impressed with the cheap tires I had to replace after 25,000 miles. Brakes have been replaced twice within first two years. Just took it in for it's 30,000 mile maintenance and had to pay $600 for the parts and labor. Seems like I'm always needing to take it in to have somthing checked out whether it's alignment or brakes. For a car that was rated well by Consumer Reports, I am not all that impressed by the Focus. I was hesitant to buy a Ford but took the chance. Not sure I'm happy I did. The "fun" aspects of the car don't make up for it's flaws.

Favorite Features

I like my ZX5 hatchback. It's great for taking my dog in the car. The stereo upgrade I have is also nice, as is the stereo control on the steering wheel.

Suggested Improvements

I don't like the cupholders. They are difficult to put tall cups in. The ride is noisy too, which makes talking and listening to music difficult. The A/C isn't that great and neither is the mileage.

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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