Used 2005 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews
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ford focus
When my husband present this vehicle to me, I was very reluctant. I love my ford focus. Not only the performance but the overall look of the vehicle. I am very please with gas mileage per gallon. They way the vehicle hug the curves. Again I am very happy with my focus.
Good buy for the money
I bought this car back in February of 2005, when the car I was driving at the time suddenly dropped dead. I'm a little upset that I didn't get in on the "family deal" & get a few thousand dollars off of the car. But I had no choice. I needed a car. I went to the dealership and pretty much looked for the cheapest cars they had. I was very surprised at what I got for my money. Actually a great little car. Great sound system, very fast pickup, pretty good gas mileage (except when you run the air conditioner -- it sucks up the gas). Huge trunk, back seats fold down. Had to talk the salesman into giving me an ashtray out of another car.
- ZX4 SES SedanMSRP: $4,995174 mi away
- ZX3 S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,999184 mi away
- ZX4 S SedanMSRP: $6,050318 mi away
Sports car feel/economy price
The 5-speed manual transmission gives this car a muscle car-like acceleration. It's the most fun-to-drive car I've owned since my '79 Turbo Mustang was new. It actually has a quicker feel than that Mustang had. Handling is superb. The car easily accomodates my 6 ft 1 in 280 lb body. My 6'3" son is a frequent back seat rider and he never complains about the space he has. The hatchback easily holds my cart golf bag, and it would easily hold two smaller bags. Mileage is great. I'm getting 29-31 average around town, doing a mix of 70mph freeway driving and stop and go in-town driving. I have a stripped version. My only complaint is that the manual windows feel like they operate backwards.
Fun Little Car!
I love my little car! It's super to drive in the city and comfortable to ride in on longer trips. I can drive for two weeks straight without having to go to the gas station, and for a single person, it is the perfect size. It has enough power that I can run the AC with minimal affect to the engine or gas tank. It has plenty of room for three people to sit comfortably, four being a little tight, but it is possible. It has been very reliable with only the 3000 mile check-ups bringing me to the dealer. It does well in both hot and cold weather and handles well in wet weather as well. As it doesn't snow in Savannah, GA., I can't comment on that. The stereo is wonderful. It's a fun car.
Fun to Drive - Cheap to Own
I put a lot of mileage on this car commuting over 150 miles a day usually. I was going to get another little economy car or truck like I often do - but they do not make small little 4 cylinder trucks much anymore and when I test drove the Focus, I was sold - and I was able to lease the ST cheaper than some of the other models (including high mileage - I only keep cars for 2 years, btw). I drive in northern and southern Ontario - lots of winter driving in bad conditions. Car reminds me of my '88 BMW M3; just really fun to drive and toss around and mix it up a bit. Also really surprise some people. Needs a bit more power - but keep the 4 cylinder engine.
Fantastic economical ride
For a compact car, the Focus Sedan has an extremely roomy interior. The backseat easily fits one car seat and two adults with no loss of "oomph" from the engine. Throw in miles of trunk space for a stroller or two and you have a great economy family car.
Outstanding small car.
Great all around carl good driver vision in all directions. The automatic is spot on. Gas mileage averages 30 mpg. Easy to park. Changed the tires to Pirelli Nero Zero's. Now it is a better ride with less tire noise. This car is a GREAT BARGAIN wiith the rebates and low financing rates. If something happened to this one, I would purchase another.
Excellent Car
I love my Focus as a supplemental car to my Ford Ranger. It is probably the best investment I could have made to run around in. I would definitely recommend this car.
I Still Can't Believe It
I drive 500+ miles a week in my commute. I got rid of my Neon a few years back because I was sick of being crammed into an econobox. Now with 170,000 on my Intrepid ES, I decided to head back down tin can alley. I found a refined, extreeeemely impressive economy car. This car has got options that would not be available on other economy cars in its class. The 6-disc, in dash, with auto-sound quieting, steering wheel stereo and cruise controls -- I am becoming more convinced daily that this thing can't be beat for the money. I got my SES in the Blazing Copper. It gets looks and comments everywhere I go.
Focus on fun
The Ford Focus ST experience has been a good one. The car is small, a virtue in my situation, handles very well, is very comfortable, and has all sorts of creature comforts one wouldn't expect at the price. I don't see many ads for this car ... Ford doesn't need to advertise it heavily because word of mouth from satisfied owners do the trick. I have had the car for ~9 months and have ~5900 miles on the car. It has never missed a beat! All features; cruise control, 6-disk CD player, skid control (in Iowa we occasionally need this sort of thing), 4-wheel disk brakes. Everything works. Heating, cooling ... no problems. It's reliable and I enjoy driving it.
Zip Zip
I bought the 05 Focus ST, and I tell you I am surprised with how much I like this car. I didn't like the styling very much of the previous model, but '05 I think gives it a better look, inside, and out. The ride is great, power great. Content for just under 19 grand is excellent, has everything I wanted, and a few I didnt know I wanted. I would recommend to anyone that told me they were looking at one.
I love this car
I never have had a "small" car that I really love to drive as much as this one. It is French blue with a spoiler, and it is beautiful. You wouldn't believe how many "I love your car" comments I have received in just 2 weeks.
Ford Focus ZX4 SE
This car wasn't even what my wife and I were originally looking for. However when we saw the gas mileage, exterior style, and heard about the safety features we decided to buy it. I was hesitant about buying a Ford, however we have put 28000 miles on it in one year and drove from CA to TX. The car is still doing good. It's got a few down sides but over all it's a 9 out of 10.
Love my Focus!
I used to own a Honda civic. When I got rid of that my husband brought me a Focus from the dealership he worked at. I drove it the first time and realized what better pick up it has and better get up and go for going up hills. The Honda seemed to struggle with hills but not my Focus! More comfortable for my long legs. Being 6 foot tall, it's hard to find a comfortable car. The Focus fits me well with room behind me for somebody to sit.
Never thought I would buy a FORD
Well this an update for what I wrote last time. Ok I have 6k on the car. I have had the car 6 months. I have issues with the paint 4 times; not too happy. The paint had been bubbling up on the doors and hood and also the trunk. Brand new car and had to have them paint these parts 4 times. Ford really needs to do better quality checks before sending vehicles off the assembly line. Also had the CD player replaced; was skipping all my CDs. That problem has been solved. Still have the paint issues though. But in all fairness the cars has been great. No other issues, if so I will write again.
Focus Saleen
This car is so much fun.I am getting decent mileage but had hoped for better. The interior is tops and the exterior gets looks everywhere I go. Bigger drink holders would have been nice but may have lost some of the look. This thing hugs the road and acceleration is amazing.
Great for the price!
Leasing the '05 ST. Good car, fun to drive. Sure there are better cars out there, but none with a lease as good as Fords.
Love my "Cloud 9" Focus!
I'm a former Ford Owner ('94 Escort). At first I was anxious to try a sedan again after driving a pickup for 5 years. From the first test drive of my Focus I fell in love with this roomier than expected interior. Being that I am in a warmer southern climate and running the air often, there still is good fuel economy which greatly surpassed my 2000 Mazda truck. Though the sound system is not Bose quality, it gives ample range with the CD that are comfortable for driving. Also like the hood placement giving a virtually total windshield view without obstruction.
Focus on a very good car
I am very impressed with the reliability of my Focus. I like the acceleration, and the easy handling. And of course in this day and age the gas mileage. I would buy it again in a heart beat.
zoom-zoom this....
Very comfortable, easy driving, very smooth shifting, great sound system, easy to operate features, specialy on steering controls for the stereo, great handling. fun...fun....fun.....the best handling, fun and economical compact car on the market for the value hands down!!!!very reliable several of family and friends own a focus never had any problems.....
Great basic car
My 2002 Focus 4dr SE had no problems during its 53,000 miles. When the lease was up, I purchased the 2005 SES 4 door. This is a great basic car with good handling, good acceleration, and suprisingly comfortable on a long trip. I would rather own a Vette, but I need the Focus and it is a great value.
Great Car
I traded in an Explorer for this to get better gas mileage. This is a great, fun little car. I enjoy the handling, the Sony Stereo system and the overall performance of this econobox. I have noticed that the clutch is especially sensitive, so be ready for that. Also, I wish it had more front leg room. Other than that, I have no complaints for this vehicle.
AFTER 1 WEEK, LUV IT!
Got this fully loaded great on gas, peppy, responsive car for under $11,000 with Ford's Family Plan and cash back incentives and a $1,250 trade-in vehicle. Never thought I would buy a Ford Focus, but so far so good. Moving to Spain so need a smaller dependable inexpensive car. Still has lots of trunk space and leg room is not too shabby. Nice sound system. Pirelli tires. I would recommend. Great value for the price!
My focus on my Focus
The '05 version of the Focus is 100 times greater than its' previous year models. All the kinks are worked out and Ford has added new perks to make this version fun to drive and inexpensive to own. Plus, if you factor in all of Ford rebates, this car is a steal!!!
Watch Out!
I bought this car new in 2004 to replace my ailing 94 S-10 with 240k miles. I am less than happy with my car. Things that went wrong under warranty. CD Player - dead within weeks, replaced. Heater Core - dead within 18 months and leaked all over interior. Replaced part but not interior. Wobbling - found no problems, but I paid to rebalance, still wobbles. Unfixed issues - starting, the car just sometimes will not start. AC - varies from cold to warm randomly. Interior stinks, as one person mentioned "rattlebox". Engine seems loud, and I've been told it's just injector pulse. Interior can get loud on highway. Currently, blower on level 3 does not work. No leg room, tilt wheel stinks.
Love this new car!
I had to trade in my 2003 Mustang for something that would hold a car seat and all of the baby gear. This car does not make me regret that trade. While it isn't as meaty, it has some pick up and feels light and easy to maneuver down the road. This has been a great car so far.
Good All-round Value
The Focus ST is a good compromise on a sporty and fun to drive car with features, practicality and value. Visually it suggests performance, and it does perform well, but the high seating position and competent but long-throw shifter will disappoint if you are looking to maximize that aspect. There's a lot to like: power, torque, no-brainer heated leather seats, spacious, a lot of car for the money after incentives. On the minus side gas mileage could be better, highway noise could be lower, rear sight lines could be better, needs light for rear seats, upshift from 2nd to 3rd is notchy, all season tires poor in snow even with traction control, large trunk with small opening.
darn good so far
Just bought this car a few days ago and I am impressed with the ride and handling. Great price with rebates. Ford employee pricing $17,600 Canadian. Not getting great mileage yet but will see when engine gets broken in. Love interior space and a lot of bang for the buck. Civic and Corolla can't match price and financing rates are twice as high. Figured with rebates and financing costs the Focus was about $5500 cheaper than Civic or Corolla.
Great car for the price!
I just bought this vehicle and I love it. The price was great in part to the new family pricing the plan. The interior is larger than it appears. Great car!
Bear's Focus
For the price, an excellent commuter car. I love my Focus, drive it to work 6 days a week, gets great mileage, is comfortable, even for my 260 pounds. Not good for car pooling or long family trips.
Great Kid Car
Bought this car for our 17 year old. Chose a new low cost car vs used few year old car. Really is fun to drive, great on gas and yes, very reliable for those "I'll be home when the mall closes" evenings. Found we all use the car for that quick trip down to the store.
I HATE this car
I have had my car for 7 months now and I have had so many problems with this vehicle. There's no power locks and the brake are already bad. This was my first car so I REALLY had no idea what I was getting in to.
"The Nipster"
Overall very very happy with my Focus, fun to drive, quick on it's feet, unobtrusive but capable of surprising the go quicker crowd.
Poor gas mileage
Am getting 26 miles per gallon and don't think that is acceptable for such a small car. Have had it checked and am told it is in the acceptable range and there is nothing that can be done. Am very dissatisfied with the mileage. Would never buy another one for that reason.
2005 ZX4 ST
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.
Factors on the Focus
All around a cool car. More knee room would make the back seat more comfortable. The leather seats are very comfortable. The standard radio is good quality, especially the volume control when speeding up or slowing down. Fun to drive. Trunk space is exceptional. One touch button to open the moonroof is convenient.
New Focus
I just traded my 2002 Focus SE for the new 2005 Focus SE zx3 and I love the Focus no matter what you call it.
First Time Focus Driver
A fun car to drive. Very sensitive steering. This is a nice zippy car, especially when it has most of the options. I am a new driver and this car is easy to learn.
Not What We Hoped For
When we purchased this Focus new, we were hoping to get a car that was fun to drive, great fuel economy, and reliability. Only one of those hopes has been realized. It is fun to drive, but it sure doesn't get the MPG's like most 4-cylinder cars. About 20-22 mpg city is all we can get. The replaceable parts like tires, brakes/rotors, and battery are definitely inferior. All had to be replaced within the first 3 years. And the cost of tires and brakes is outrageous since Ford has to different. Rotors=$75 each, when a comparable Chevy rotor is only $25. Now were getting a strut problem fixed after 43,000 miles. After this experience, we'd be hard pressed to buy another Ford.
Nice
I like this car because it is fun to drive and it is amazing on gas mileage. I drove 50 miles on a full tank and I used hardly any gas. Only draw back is that the interior is fairly plain. With less controls though less can go wrong with the car. Great for a starting out car. This car is great especially if you want more of an European idea of a car.
Best car, Best price
This is a great vehicle, everyone that drives it says it has a better ride than most $20,000 cars. And it has a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty! I shopped A LOT, no better deal!
new owner
I just downsized to my new Ford Focus from -- get this -- an Expedition. What a change. The gas mileage is fantastic and the car is very roomy. I have 3 (bigger) kids to tote around town from school to appointments and the little Focus gets the job done for a fraction of the cost. It is peppy and very fun to drive. It fits in so many small spaces. I have owned it for 1 month now and would recommend it to anyone.
Focus plus
Great for starter car for students. Carries 5 people (good for carpooling) and has plenty of room for equipment if your child plays sports.
My Fo is Super!
We bought a 2005 Focus SE hatchback for work and now we drive it more than our minivan! We fight over who gets to drive because this car is one fun machine. Fast pick up getting on and navigating the freeways. Just love it. Very minor issues when we first bought it - slight front end adjustment and tweaking of the idle. That has been it so far for 13,000 miles. We look forward to many happy miles with this car. Our Fo!
good; but not a Honda
Good inexpensive car. I don't think it will prove to be as dependable or have the same quality or resale value as the 3 Japanese imports of Nissan, Toyota, or Honda.
Ford of Germany Design is Great!
Ford finally got its small car design right by letting its German design team build the entire car. Handling is best in class - the Germans know how to design steering and suspensions; much more solid feeling than the Civic or Corolla. Excellent interior space and comfort for 4 adults. Cruises easily on the freeway and still has the horses to accelerate as traffic requires. I imagine that this FOCUS is what BMW would offer if it ever sold an economy compact car.
My first car
At twenty-one, buying your first car is a major decision ... especially when you can only afford a sixty month lease, so you'll be driving that vehicle every day for six years before it is paid off. After much research, I settled on this car, based on its aesthetically pleasing design, the "cute" look, its sensitive handling, and fuel economy. I work one mile from home, so my mileage isn't intense, but using this car for pleasure as well, I only refuel about once every ten days, sometimes less often. This car is wonderful for a first-time buyer, or a family car. Insurance for any new car will be very high, though, so be warned ... especially if you're under 25.
Love my new Focus!
I would have never thought to look at a Focus, but I spotted this one on a lot while looking at Mustangs. I decided to take it for a drive, and was very impressed with the power this little car has. Needless to say, I started the paperwork on it immediately. I got it for around $14,400 with the family plan, it was too good of a deal to pass up. I am used to driving a truck, but became very accustomed to this car quickly. It handles well, has lots of power, and gets tons of looks, especially in black. The sound system could be better, but that's a cheap fix for me. I have no real complaints on this car. My sister has an '03, and she has had zero problems unlike the '00-'02s.
After a year of driving
Really a great car for a 5-speed manual. I drive 30 miles each way to and from work. Handles great on the freeway as well as in town in those hard to park spots.
the beast
Over all I love this car. Its faster than I thought great on gas. Dont know about more than 2 people as I always drive alone.