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Quick Summary
It was already one of our top-rated sedans in the compact class, and now the 2015 Ford Focus gets updated styling, a smoother ride and an improved automatic transmission. If you're shopping for a car in this class, the Focus is definitely worth a test-drive.
What Is It?
For 2015, the Ford Focus receives a slight makeover that brings this compact sedan and hatchback up to date with its corporate siblings. In addition to the styling updates, the previously clunky automatic transmission has been improved, as has the ride quality, courtesy of a retuned suspension.
The base Focus S trim starts at $17,995 and is only available in sedan form. Feature highlights include power front windows, air-conditioning, a rearview camera and Ford's Sync voice activation system. Our test vehicle in midrange sedan SE trim benefits from alloy wheels, rear power windows, cruise control and an upgraded audio system for an additional $1,290. Adding the optional six-speed automatic transmission; SE Sport package (17-inch wheels, sporty body enhancements, foglights, rear disc brakes and paddle shifters); power-adjustable driver seat and rear parking sensors pushed the as-tested price to $21,970. For shoppers seeking more creature comforts and technology, the range-topping Titanium trim will set you back $23,995.
Other Focus variants include a slightly more fuel-efficient 1.0-liter three-cylinder SE EcoBoost model, a pricey all-electric version with a 76-mile range, and the performance-oriented Focus ST.
How Does It Drive?
With the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, our 2015 Ford Focus sedan required 9.0 seconds to reach 60 mph. This is slower than competitors and even the last Focus we tested, but still adequate when merging onto highways.
In previous years, the Focus' finicky automated manual transmission would allow the car to roll backward on hill starts and hesitate when creeping forward at very low speeds. Improvements to the transmission eliminate these issues, making it feel more like a conventional automatic.
With light pressure on the pedal, the Focus gathers speed smoothly but leisurely. An aggressive stomp results in a responsive initial launch, followed by rather slow gearchanges. In these conditions, acceleration is predictable, but moderate pedal application has a tendency to produce unexpected lurches and power surges. When passing slower traffic, the transmission is slow to react but eventually drops to lower gears.
The brake pedal is reassuringly firm and predictable no matter the speed. In Edmunds panic brake tests, the Focus came to a stop from 60 mph in a class-average 120 feet, and these distances remained remarkably consistent after several passes.
"Consistent" and "predictable" also aptly describe the Focus' handling characteristics. There is a noticeable amount of body roll when cornering, but no residual rebounding once the car is eased into a bend. The tires howl quite loudly long before the limits are reached and even in this middle-of-the-road model, it can be somewhat entertaining to drive quickly.
Is It Comfortable?
Whether on a long stretch of open highway or rutted city pavement, the 2015 Ford Focus does an admirable job of isolating its occupants from the environment. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over with little acknowledgement. The fact that there's very little wind and road noise further reduces fatigue on long road trips.
Its front seats provide ample support, and there's enough adjustment range to accommodate small and large drivers alike, and after several hours behind the wheel the cloth seats never feel stifling. Of the few comfort-related complaints we have, the thinly padded door armrests and hard plastic center console can create some bothersome pressure points on the elbows and knees.
The rear seats are accommodating enough for adults, and the elevated cushions afford a decent view forward over the front passengers' shoulders.
How Well Designed Is the Interior?
Materials quality throughout the Focus' cabin is as good or better than average for the class, though there was a pervasive and sour "new car" chemical smell. The overall design of the interior is very similar to the previous model, but there are some noteworthy improvements.
The audio controls now feature a more logical layout and fewer buttons for easier operation. The color display is quite small, but its placement atop the dash and clear resolution allow the driver to read the contents in a quick glance. Sound quality from the midlevel system is clean and powerful enough to satisfy most listeners.
The split-folding rear seats are also new for 2015, replacing the previous single seatback for added flexibility. Trunk capacity tops out at 13.2 cubic feet, which is about average among rivals, but the wide opening makes loading bulkier items much easier. The rear seats don't quite fold flat to accommodate longer objects, and care should be taken to avoid the bare metal stampings between the cargo and passenger areas. Interior storage is limited to a handful of small bins and pockets, which are just big enough to carry some personal effects.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Does It Get?
The 2015 Focus with the automatic transmission and the 2.0-liter engine is rated by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg combined (26 city/38 highway), which is an average figure for cars in the class. Our results support these estimates, as we averaged 29.4 mpg in its time with us. On our highway-heavy evaluation loop, we managed to exceed expectations with a 42-mpg average over 115 miles.
What Safety Features Are Available?
Focus models in S and SE trims come with front antilock disc and rear drum brakes. The more effective rear disc brakes are optional. Standard on all Focus models are stability control, a driver knee airbag, a rearview camera and emergency telematics through compatible and paired cell phones. Also included is Ford's MyKey system that allows parents to set speed and audio volume limits for teen drivers, encourages seatbelt usage with more aggressive warnings and disallows the deactivation of safety features.
The top-of-the-line Titanium trim is eligible for additional options that include a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alerts and a lane departure warning system with intervention.
What Are Its Closest Competitors?
Honda Civic: The stalwart Civic benefits from its reputation for reliability and economy, but in terms of performance, it's comparable to the Focus. While the Honda still receives high marks overall, its unconventional infotainment controls may take some getting used to.
Kia Forte: It's hard to beat the Kia Forte when it comes to standard and available features, affordability and its generous warranty coverage. Fuel economy is similar to the Focus, but the Kia's stiffer ride quality may have undesirable effects on comfort.
Mazda 3: As one of the top-rated vehicles in the compact sedan category, the Mazda 3 delivers more standard features for the price, slightly better fuel economy and more engaging driving dynamics.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Is the 2015 Ford Focus a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2015 Ford Focus and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2015 Focus featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2015 Ford Focus?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2015 Ford Focus and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2015 Focus 2.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2015 Focus.
Review
After owning the Audi for less than 2 years, I decided that I didn't want to own it when the warranty ran out. I tested Toyotas, Mazda, and Kia. I was more impressed with the Focus than any of these, but still a bit hesitant to go from an Audi to a Ford. Well, I couldn't be happier. While it doesn't have all the pep of the turbo on the A5, it handles just as well, is actually quieter riding, and has better navigation. Added benefits are regular gas, better mileage, and a lower car payment!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2015 Ford Focus
How can Edmunds help?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2015 Ford Focus safe?
The 2015 Ford Focus earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.5 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2015 Ford Focus?
Available Ford Focus 2015 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe, Electric, Wagon, SVT
Available Trims: SE, Titanium, S, SEL, SES, Electric, ZX4 SES, ZX4 S, ZX4 SE, ZTS, ZX3, LX, ZX3 S, ZXW SE, ZTW, ZX5 SE, SE Comfort, ZX3 SE, ZX5, ZX5 Premium, ZX5 S, SVT, ZX5 SES, ZXW SES
Exterior Colors: Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Magnetic Metallic, Shadow Black, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Sterling Grey Metallic, Race Red, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic (Late Availability), Kona Blue Metallic, Blue Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, White Gold, Blue Candy Metallic, Performance Blue Metallic, Ebony Clearcoat, CD Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Tectonic Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tricoat, Sangria Red Clearcoat Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat, Blue Flame Clearcoat Metallic, Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Pitch Black Clearcoat, Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Ingot Silver Clearcoat Metallic, White Suede Clearcoat, Sterling Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Blue Flame Metallic, Frosted Glass Metallic, Infra-Red Clearcoat, Cloud 9 White Clearcoat, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Sangria Red Metallic, French Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Light Tundra Clearcoat Metallic, Lightning Blue Metallic, Liquid Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Pueblo Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Atlantic Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Ebony, Sonic Blue Clearcoat, Vermillion Red Clearcoat, Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic, Grabber Green Clearcoat Metallic, Jackpot Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Malibu Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Natural Neutral Clearcoat Metallic, Twilight Blue Clearcoat Metallic, White Gold Metallic, Yellow Blaze Metallic Tri-Coat, Amber Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Aqua Blue Clearcoat Metallic, CD Silver Clear Coat Metallic, Cloud 9 Clear Coat, Fort Knox Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal Black Insert w/Warm Steel Surround cloth, Charcoal Black leather, Charcoal Black Surround w/Charcoal Black Insert leather, Warm Steel Surround w/Charcoal Black Insert cloth, Medium Light Stone cloth, Medium Dark Stone Surround w/Medium Light Stone Insert cloth, Charcoal Black w/Metal Gray Surround cloth, Medium Soft Ceramic leather, Medium Light Stone w/Medium Dark Stone Surround cloth, Tuscany Red Surround w/Charcoal Black Insert leather, Charcoal Black cloth, Medium Stone cloth, Medium Light Stone leather, Charcoal Black w/Warm Steel Surround cloth, Medium Stone leather, Medium Parchment, Metal Gray/Charcoal Black Surround w/Charcoal Black Insert premium cloth, Light Stone leather, Medium Graphite, Charcoal Black Surround w/Arctic White Insert leather, Tuscany Red w/Charcoal Black Insert leather, Charcoal Upper/Charcoal Lower leather, Dark Charcoal, Dark Pebble Upper/Light Pebble Lower, Arctic White w/Charcoal Black Surround leather, Charcoal Upper/Charcoal Lower cloth, Charcoal Upper/Light Flint Lower leather, Dark Flint Upper/Light Flint Lower, Dark Pebble Upper/Light Pebble Lower cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Stability Control, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Post-collision safety system, Alarm, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Parking sensors, Heated seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Power Driver Seat, Leather Seats, Remote Start, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Engine, Navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo, Mobile Internet
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 3 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, AUTOMATIC, MANUAL, DIRECT_DRIVE
Fuel Types: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), regular unleaded, electric, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
