Overview & Reviews

The new model year ushers in some significant changes for the 2005 Ford Focus. Exteriors have been updated with revised fascias and trim, and the car's oddball interior design has been replaced by more sedate and sophisticated furnishings. Last year's diverse engine lineup has been scrapped in favor of an all-new PZEV-rated 2.0-liter power plant good for 136 horsepower. A performance-oriented ST sedan has been added to take the place of the discontinued SVT Focus hatchbacks; it features a 151-hp incarnation of last year's excellent 2.3-liter PZEV engine. The 2.3-liter loses its squeaky-clean PZEV rating, however. In other news, the typically confusing array of trim levels and packages has been organized into logical and consistent trim lines, standardized across all body styles. New audio systems, increased interior storage and tweaked suspension tuning round out this year's midcycle makeover.

• Spacious and comfortable interior, fun-to-drive character, sharp steering, smooth ride, impressive selection of body configurations and features.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 310.00

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  Great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dbay - August 17 - 3:51 pm

  This car is actually my wifes car. She bought it nearly new and has done little maintenance and received so much more in return. Just replaced factory brakes at 90,000. No major repairs to date. Handles great in the snow and gets about 34-36 mpg. We love it.

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  Fuel pump trouble - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rurba546 - August 14 - 11:56 am

  Bought this car used with 40,000 miles. Drove it to 45,000 and found the factory battery needed to be replaced. It also started to die when it got below 1/4 tank. I replaced the fuel filter and that seemed to help, to be safe I kept it above 1/4 tank whenever possible. A month went by and the trouble returned stranding me half way through a 150 mile trip. Turns out the fuel pump was shot as I feared. Expensive repair due to the fact that the gas tank had to be removed to get to the fuel pump. I hope this is the last major repair for awhile. I like the car a lot otherwise so far. But, doesnt come close to my last car, a 1996 Chevy Cavalier that was awesome and gave me almost no trouble!

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  Meh - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joey - June 24 - 8:02 am

  Coming from a Grand Prix GT (3.8 V6) I am getting the same mileage in the city as I am in the SLOWcus (~23 mpg city). Seems to be reliable though. Trunk unlock is a PITA. Lifetime air filter. Sporty kinda. Get blinker & steering wheel controls confused. Ceiling compartment (sunshades, garage door) blocks part of view from rear view mirror if your tall (6 ft).

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  An Often Overlooked Performer - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Michael Mo - May 17 - 6:18 pm

  The ST is really a hidden gem in the Focus family. With 151 hp its not exactly a "hot hatch" like the SVT but its no slouch either. Its very well designed Im six feet tall and I have enough head/leg room, more than in some mid size cars. The front buckets are very comfortable and five years on its been a model of reliability. In heavy city driving mileage has been about 22, not too bad given the car never feels short on power above 3000 rpm. The dash is pretty cheap, the lack of rear headrests annoys and one cant call this a quiet car. Every time I drive something else though I always miss my Focuss driving position and driver connectivity. For me thats worth the STs minor faults.

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  Great little Wagon, Very Dependable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dantomfin - March 28 - 6:59 pm

  Had it new since 05. Zippy, handles well, decent gas mileage (around 20 in the city, better than 30 on the highway). Have had NO breakdowns or any mechanical issues - an EXTREMELY dependable car. Good points -Front seats are very comfortable. Lots of pep. Brakes smoothly and the brake replacement intervals are quite long. Heat and A/C work great. Good cargo space in the back, especially for a small wagon. Decent in the snow. Stock sound system is okay. Bad points - not much room in the back seat. Cloth seats stain easily. Some body creaks that drive me nuts. Build quality could be better. Tail and brake light sockets distorted from light bulb heat.

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  Ford Focus 2005 Automatic transmission - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Veva - March 12 - 7:08 am

  Nothing but problems with the automatic transmission, I have put approx. $3000.00 in transmission, today the car will not go in drive over 10 mph. I can drive the car in 2nd gear not over 30 mph. I am today trying to find a garage to have my car towed to. This car is not paid off and I am constantly putting money into. And making a monthly payment, I have had this Ford for 4 years and it has made me a nervous wreck to drive. The throttle cable catches all the time, the worst part with the transmission is you are traveling at 50 mph and the transmission will go into low gear, or neutral when someone behind you is going 50 mph. Not safe on the interstate

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  bad transmissions - 2005 Ford Focus
  By moses - March 7 - 7:59 pm

  I bought my 2005 focus ZX4 2 years ago. i read the car-fax report and it was good. Then i started to notice certain problems such as: Tire wear quickly, alignment off for no reason, and now transmission and transaxle problem. Mind you, the warranty was up the 5th of march this year the tranny and or transaxle went out the 7th of march this year. Now the car will not roll backwards in neutral if you try to push it. The back wheel seem to be lock when trying to push it backward in neutral. There were no warning of this problem what so ever.I think that FORD should take responsibility for their product. I have now seen over 120 complaints about the same thing in the same car.

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  Comfortable car, fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By WOODVILLENURSE - March 3 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car wrecked with no warranty with only 20,000 miles. Went to Alaska and back putting over 10,000 miles on it I was having trouble with it dying when I slowed down and sped up the time a bit, then the check engine light came on saying it was revved up too high. Slowed it back down, changed the brain, and every other part that has to do with smooth running, nothing helped. Now, it is skipping when Im cruising about 50mph, I was told it might be the ignition coil, but changed them out and that wasnt the case. If anybody has any idea what the problem is, please let me know. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car and if I had it to do over again, I would buy it. It is fun to drive!

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  Regret Selling It!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Diaur - February 23 - 10:34 am

  I bought my Focus ZX5 brand new in May 2005. It was such a fun and sporty car. It is excellent drive and has great fuel economy. I sold the car to CarMax in 2007 as I bought another car. It is one of the worst decisions Ive made in my life! I regret selling it!

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  Love my Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By llb2010 - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 a few months ago, and I must admit, I LOVE it! It runs great, gets awesome gas mileage (almost 35 to the gallon highway, about 28 city), and is very cute! Im seventeen and wanted to buy a car (yes- I paid for it myself!) that would last throughout college and I think Ive found the one! It has plenty of legroom for me (6 feet tall). It gets great pickup and I find it very easy to drive- even in the snow and ice. I havent had any problems with the car (knock on wood) and would recommend it to anyone. My parents may be Toyota and Honda owners, but Im a Ford girl for life!