2006 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

Fuel economy disappointing

Written by: Don on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Like the car overall except the city fuel mileage stinks. Not using the A/C 21 is tops and in heat of summer using the A/C anywhere from 16-18 mpg. Have gotten 32 on highway, but seldom take trips so mostly the mileage is bad. Also has annoying "feature" when accelerating the A/C compressor shuts down momentarily (Ford claims this is normal for performance reasons which is nothing but a crock.). This is annoying when it's 110 or more outside in this stinking Arizona desert heat. Like 99% of the newer cars today, the design is rather ugly. Small wonder I drool over the classic car shows and their displays. I think Ford needs to make 4 cyl. cars that give decent mileage.

Favorite Features

Performance is good for a 4 cylinder automatic. Fun to drive and reasonably comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate cutting out of A/C compressor upon acceleration and improve in town fuel mileage.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Still makes me smile

Written by: GK on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had my Focus ZX4 ST for almost 2 years now, and I still really have no complaints. My parking brake relase button cracked, but was replaced no problem under warranty. Many people seem to think the A/C shutoff under acceleration is a huge deal. I lived in Las Vegas for the majority of the time I have had this car, and it was not a big deal. Most people just need to not accelerate so much. MPG varies, but can easily achieve 27 city mpg in FL, and have achieved as high as 34mpg highway. It's really a good buy. The car is kind of a sleeper. Drive it normal or give it hell and it will respond. Very fun to drive. Too bad they got rid of the ST option and the 2.3 I4..

Favorite Features

5-speed, stereo, seats, wheels.Very good car for the price.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders are just in the wrong place for driver/passenger. Still usable, you just have to be creative. Steering wheel is ugly but car is definitely worth the buy

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Focus Follow-up

Written by: Focus follow-up on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After having the car a little over 1 1/2 months, 3000 miles and in the Texas heat of 95 deg here are my observations: 1) the A/C interuption during accellerations is annoying, especially if you just got in the car and it is not already pre cooled. 2) gas mileage averages 28-29.5 mpg with 50/50 driving type. More if A/C not used. 3) all else I'm pretty happy with so far. The A/C deal was not a make or break for me when I was deciding whether to buy or not. The many other advantages out weigh this flaw.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Convinced, happy owner

Written by: dimes4slim on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Being that our other cars are luxury or sport vehicles, I wasn't sure how I would adapt to my new commuter car. Two and a half years into my ownership, I have had zero problems. The Focus is reliable, very comfortable, handles well and gets a consistent 28 mpg in normal driving. It may not have been so fashionable when I bought it, but now that gas is $4+ per gallon, it is the envy of all of many SUV owners. The seats are great on long trips, and the 5 speed manual puts a smile on my face. With the rear seats folded down, there is a credible amount of hauling space. Simple, sporty, reliable, and economical, with great handling as a bonus. I'm convinced that the Focus was a wise choice.

Favorite Features

Super optional Sony sound system with subwoofer in trunk. Second, the precise handling and confidence of the 4 wheel ABS disc brakes.

Suggested Improvements

For what it is, I think they have done a great job for the price.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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06 Focus S Sedan

Written by: sk69 on 05/26/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Have a Focus S Sedan (auto, a/c) since early 2006. Car is lots of fun to drive due to great handling and responsive engine. Had it at the dealership once for squeaking noise (parking brake cables), which got fixed on warranty. Fuel economy is bad for a car this size (approx. 60% city/40% hwy in New England: get 19-20 mpg in winter, 22-24 mpg in summer). Car is starting to rust now (many small spots doors, door frames).

Favorite Features

Handling. Performance

Suggested Improvements

Rust proofing. Fuel economy

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Herman

Written by: hatin11r on 05/15/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

With the price of gas going through the roof, I found this car with 5400 mi. and still under warranty. It really did belong to a"little old man who just drove it on errands". After reading all the reviews I decided to buy this car. So far I am more than satisfied. With a 50/50 even split of hwy.and local, I am getting 29 mpg.with a hwy speed of approx.65 mph. I have noticed the a/c interuption during rapid acceleration as previously stated. I even did this during the test drive to see if this was a big issue. Even though I live in the TX heat, I don't feel this will be a problem. Time will tell.

Favorite Features

Big trunk & fold down rear seats, lots of cup holders, dash trunk release button, automatic front seat airbag de- activation for children. Great Burgandy color.

Suggested Improvements

Regular profile tires instead of low profile, quieter door locks when car put into motion, outside temp.gauge and locking gas access door for this model.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Would Buy Again

Written by: ralphaw on 04/25/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX3 S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have been pleased with both performance and reliability of this car, especially the gas mileage. My job requires a lot of driving so comfort is a big plus. The seating height is also appreciated compared to other compacts I have been in.

Favorite Features

Seating height/comfort and gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the ZX3 in the new line.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Never Again

Written by: Theresa Bradburn on 04/19/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I will never buy another one of these. We got it because my husband needed something reliable to drive to a not so good neighborhood for work. Over the last two years the brakes have just fell apart. The door handles stick like no tomorrow, and the fuel mileage is awful. It was also at ford for three days with some started problem that we never did figure out for sure. Just that after six changed parts it quit doing it. So like I said never again.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Unsafe

Written by: Dorf on 02/15/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 ST 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I absolutely loved driving this vehicle. The quick acceleration, smooth ride, and exceptional sound system made my hour long commute to work enjoyable. Unfortunately, the car was totaled when I hydroplaned in a heavy storm and went off the road. My concern is that the air bag did not deploy. I dropped six feet off the road and slammed into a group of trees at approximately 45 mph. The engine was pushed up off the engine block, both tires were out of the wheel wells, and the hood nearly crashed through the windshield. The crumple zones worked as designed, but I seriously question the alignment of the impact points in this vehicle. Current owners, please have your air bags checked!

Favorite Features

Quick acceleration, 6 CD changer with sub-woofer in trunk, and heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Safety features

10 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Update on my Focus

Written by: Don Arthur on 11/14/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

With a bit over 4300 miles on the clock the fuel mileage seems to be a little higher. This is an automatic and in-town mileage has improved from 18 using the A/C and 20-21 not using A/C to around 23. Highway mileage has been 32 in the past, no recent long trips to see how that is doing. Using the A/C in town seems to really bring fuel mileage down. Overall, the Focus has been a reliable car, good acceleration, comfortable and fun to drive. I'm a senior citizen and don't put on many miles a year.

Favorite Features

Acceleration when you need it, handling and overall comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Redesign rear exterior to give better visbibility when backing up. Also, do away with A/C compressor shutting down on acceleration. This is bad here in the Arizona desert heat of summer with warm air blowing until the compressor comes back on.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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