2009 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

Good fuel economy with power

Written by: andrewnali on 11/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle offers good fuel economy with enough power to enter the freeway. So many times with small 4cyl you feel as if you're going to be run over when merging onto the freeway. Not with the focus. Lots of niceties that we are still finding. I am a large man 6' and the small car still feels roomy. My wife 5' can adjust the seat and see over the steering wheel. The small things that the design engineers have incorporated into the car are very pleasing for longer road trips ie sync hands free phone and radio. You can set up the car to email you when the oil needs to be changed. Only complaint is the lower quality upholstery. You should consider and definitely test drive one.

Favorite Features

Sync, Steering wheel radio control, Safety:abs, traction control. ambient lighting height adjust driver seat

Suggested Improvements

Improve the upholstery quality 5,000 miles and wear is beginning to show on driver seat and floor mats.

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Solid Little Runner

Written by: Gary in WI on 10/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased a new SEL with two options (ABS/ESC and Auto Tranny). I now have 3000 miles on the odometer and the car has performed flawlessly. Gas mileage has been good - 35 mph and getting better. I bought this car as a daily commuter, putting on 75 miles per day and in this regard, it has been ideal. I looked at Madza 3 and the Mini Cooper, but the price-point and simplicity of the Focus appealed to me. Also, having rented many small cars, I have had better-than-average experiences with the Focus. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and would do it again.

Favorite Features

Rides "bigger" than its actual size. I also like the high seating position

Suggested Improvements

I'm a tough critic and these are are minor,but need to be pointed out. 1) No rear seat dome light (it's like a cave at night). 2) No dash truck release 3)The SEL's fake fender vents are UGLY. 4)Center armrest should be higher & more forward. 5) Compass/ temp should be std. Told you, I'm tough!

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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12K mile report: 2009 Focus SES Coupe

Written by: Bo on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SES 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Very satisfying driving experience! 36 tank fills of 50/50 mixed driving and I'm averaging 31 MPG actual (on-board computer says 32.1). Amazingly no rattles. Fit & finish very good, but door & cup holder plastic scratches easily. Dark blue metallic paint gets frequent compliments. Only maintenance: oil change/tire rotation! I added a 3- piece Curt Hitch (used for bikes, not towing) which is a perfect fit & well hidden behind bumper. The German built 5-speed manual is precise. The care appears tall for its width, but the looks will grow on you...mostly because the coupe is distinctive. Stereo should satisfy most listeners. A perfect commuting car. Only wish it was a hatch and seats folded flat

Favorite Features

Still steeply discounted: Leather heated seats & cruise for ~$16K...Wow! 17" wheels/tires look great and signifiacntly improve handling, but decrease MPGs a bit. Sync is outstanding. IPod interface works well. Large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

Car needs folding mirrors & better rear lighting. Coupe best for 1-2 people, due to difficult rear access. Heated seats need hi/lo setting (slow to warm/heat inconsistent). Leather looks plain; needs a little contrast to dress it up. Move interior door-pull back for better leverage/wind will grab!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Get more than you think

Written by: Jim on 09/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought the SEL because of the leather int, and fuel mileage. I average 33mpg overall city/highway. Because I live in a pzev state (maine) if you want power out if the engine it needs to be around 2500 rpm. Sync is good, stereo is good seats good, arm rest well placed at least for me (tall thin) seems the late model 09 have the trunk release inside and temp and compass. I drive on not the best secondary roads most the time so other than short wheelbase issues no real complaints.

Favorite Features

easy clean interior......dog fur sync foglights on secondary roads better than advertised fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

better lighting inside at night a true antitheft system

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my car.

Written by: dan on 09/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SES 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car rides great, pretty stiff suspension that handles bumps very well, and its very responsive and tight. It was mainly Sync that got my attention when it came to finding a new car. I do come from a family that has owned quite a lot of fords, because they made pretty decent cars. Take the build quality up a bit, and you get a new Ford. The car feels like its built very well. With only a 140hp engine, it does struggle to get up most hills. paired up with the 4 speed auto and no torque, driving on hilly roads isn't pleasant. I've only put 2500 miles on my car so far, but it seems to be pretty great.

Favorite Features

Sync, Ambient lighting, sporty look, sporty suspension.

Suggested Improvements

More power, a 5 or 6 speed auto) would be very nice, especially with a little more power.

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Big improvemnet over previous Ford C car

Written by: peter on 08/28/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Big improvement in driving dynamics and nvh over previous foci. Well equipped for price. exterior styling is a hit or miss affair. I would prefer something a little less daring. Not crazy about squarish look on front bumper cover and hood line seems a little contrived. Haven't had car for long but NVH seems good and based on past experience with Ford don't expect many service issues. Good gas mileage for a "heavy" C car. Ford has spent a lot of effort to tweak gas mileage performance.

Favorite Features

Good blend between gas mileage and performance. Good handling. Doors have a solid feel on closing. Well equipped for price. $2-3k price diff vs corolla or civic. Very spacious interior for a c class car although rear leg room is tight. Excellent sided mirrors. high rear trunk makes backing up iffy

Suggested Improvements

Interior material quality is a bit cheap. Rear door insert is plastic while the front door insert is cloth. Seat material could stand upgrade. Need 5 or 6 sp auto trans. front seats don't fold down enough to approximate level floor for cargo. interior gas release handle would be nice.

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Beat our Civic

Written by: alwaysyodeling on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We have been long time drivers of the Honda Civic which is a nice small car. Our FORD Focus has been a delight and we think a big improvement over the Civic. Nice tight fit,good pep,easy handling, fun, mileage 36-37 on highway driving usually at 75mph. Feels roomier inside and when I had to put four adults and baby seat in there was no problem. We had a Ford Escort 1995 that is still going for friends at 200,000 miles. The Focus feels like that kind of solid but more jazz... Oh yeah nice SYNC.

Favorite Features

Turning radius beats Civic. Ride is nice but don't forget you are in a small car so you will feel the road.

Suggested Improvements

Aerial, could it be built into the window?

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I hate this car

Written by: mbrice03 on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

It's way too small and has no power at all. It seems to be drinking fuel, and the transmission seems to be slipping. I hate everything about this car!

Favorite Features

It starts and goes

Suggested Improvements

A more fuel efficient and more solidly built car would be nice.

0 out 25 people found this review helpful

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Super-Fine Focus!

Written by: Jay on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The Focus has been all we could have hoped for, and MORE! The MPG is better than advertised; the "fit" is perfect; the Sirius radio is a great feature; the roominess, including a very large trunk, is wonderful. I would HIGHLY recommend it to any friend who was looking for a similar- sized car.

Favorite Features

See above!

Suggested Improvements

That they make the Sirius radio a 12 month feature.

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awesome coupe

Written by: Dennis F on 08/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Focus SE 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned several gti, 3 series, and mazda products. This is a killer coupe for the money and makes the Cobalt and Civic feel like econo rattle traps

Favorite Features

atellite radio, shifter

Suggested Improvements

none

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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