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 Exteriors have been updated with revised fascias and trim, and the car's oddball interior design has been replaced by more sedate and sophisticated furnishings.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 1 through 10 of 310.00

• 

  Good handling, peppy, and cheap! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Justin - December 28 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this focus so I could gift my 2005 Mercury Mariner to my wife to haul the kids around. It is my third focus and I have loved all of them. The worst part would be the cheap interior materials and the layout of the armrest and cup holders leaves a bit to be desired however.....the engine and 5 speed make those issues simply minor annoyances. Its a 2.3 and it feels faster than it is. It grips the road well and goes where you want it to. I know its boundaries like any car so I have a lot of fun driving it and its a cheap reliable car. I bought it with 119k miles over a year ago and I currently have 141k and the only problem I have had to change was the front brakes, rear wheel bearing, and the alternator. All these things are normal especially a car its age so I dont count those as faults. I would love to upgrade to the Focus ST or wait and get the RS but financially I will stick to my little silver bullet.

• 

  Satisfied Ford Owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By riraho - May 7 - 10:58 am

  I bought this car used in December 2007 at approx. 32k miles and traded it in today at 72k miles. I found this car to be very reliable for the 7 years I had it. I had no major repairs performed over that time, only small wear and tear repairs.

• 

  Awesome Value - 2005 Ford Focus
  By scandalon68 - September 10 - 3:04 pm

  This was by far the best care I have ever owned. It was running great with over 210K until it was totaled. Great mileage.

• 

  Average car, but will not buy again - 2005 Ford Focus
  By magastratus - July 10 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this car in 2007 with 30k miles, and had to replace transmission before it hit 70k set me back about $1200. Previous reviews about the interior being especially noisy are accurate. Gas mileage is lower than what I expected. A lot of minor things go wrong with this car. The vent selector switch broke, so it is stuck on blowing air on my feet. I have yet to get this fixed, so I am uncertain what it will cost. Armrest was also flimsy and broke within 6 months. It also takes a very long time to warm up during the winter, and will sometimes have issues starting cold. It will always eventually start, but not without some hassle. Not terrible, but buy something better if you have the $$.

• 

  safe and reliable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mesm - March 21 - 2:46 pm

  I got into a head on collision with a drunk driver in a GMC Yukon while driving my 05 Ford Focus and walked away with nothing but whiplash and a few cuts and bruises. The entire front of the car was flattened, but all of the built in safety features worked and saved both mine and my passengers lives. In another car, we could have easily died. The gas mileage could have been better, but this is a great car if youre looking for something safe, reliable, and sturdy.

• 

  Great and Fun little Car!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By gbowen3553 - July 10 - 2:17 pm

  I bought my 05 Focus, used, three years ago. I was looking for dependable, cheap transportation for my Daughter. 90k miles later, I am Not dissapointed! Extreemly Dependable, low maintenance cost, high gas mileage (31 MPG in City), ang plenty of get up and go for a 4 Cyl. Very smooth Automatic, with overdrive, The interior and the Trunk are Huge, especially for a small car. Plenty of Grocery Room. Road noise is very noticeable, but what small car doesnt have that? Overall an outstanding little car and YES, I would purchase another!!

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By colorsendinink - June 2 - 11:02 pm

  My family bought this car new in 2004, and its given us very few problems since then. After making the mistake of buying a 1996 cavalier ( died after 4 months of driving with 78000 total miles)...me and my dad made a deal where i would make the down payment on his new car, and i would get his 2005 focus. best descion ive made. since 2004, weve only replaced the brakes once, which was last year, replaced sway links, and we had a minor electrical problem with the windows. the car works great in our buffalo winters, and currently has 150,000 miles and still drives great.

• 

  Fifi - 2005 Ford Focus
  By djd7241 - April 12 - 8:51 am

  I named her Fifi. Its short for Felicia Ford Focus. For a car that I am so often complimenting, she needed a name. Pushing 77000 miles and my only only problem EVER was an air bag light that came on and was fixed under warranty. Ive gone through a couple sets of tires though. Its a respectable looking car but nothing exciting. Its a little louder than some other cars out there, but nothing unbearable. Its got some serious pep and corners amazingly. Took a 1200 mile trip this past may, cruise set at 90-95, A/C on full blast and pretty much everything I own in the back seat and trunk, I still got close to 29mpg. It may not seem great, but I was sure impressed. Great Auto Trans.

• 

  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).

• 

  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.