4 Star Reviews for 2005 Ford Focus

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.47/5 Average
310 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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 Exteriors have been updated with revised fascias and trim, and the car's oddball interior design has been replaced by more sedate and sophisticated furnishings.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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 310.00
  • Great for Price - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    Im pretty critical of vehicles myself, but overall i was very pleased with the vehicle. Unfortunately it is not for the die-hard performance fan. Granted it definitely has the potential. No major problems with the car but it does rev too high between shifts, clutch is not as responsive as the engine needs, the engine does not lose rpms fast enough for serious performance use and takes most of the fun out of it, corners well, accelerates rather well, but cannot use the torque of the engine to drift in corners because the engine does not wind down. But for under $20,000 we shouldnt expect it to handle like a Porsche

  • Great Car for all around use - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    Traded down to Focus from an SUV. The Focus performs well and acceleration is not affected by the number of people in the car like other small cars. I truely enjoy the gas economy. Interior is roomy, seats provide the support and the being able to raise or lower the driverss seat is a good touch. The SES provids most of the nice buttons that are normally not standard in this price class of vehicle. Ride noise is minimal compared to other small cars Ive owned. Handling and ride qualilty are outstanding.

  • Ford Focus SVT 2 door - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    I really like this car because its fast, cute, and is a 6 speed! The only complaint I have is the gas mileage; not good. I get 90 miles each quarter of a tank city, and about 95 each quarter of a tank highway. Other than that its an awesome car.

  • GREAT Commuter - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    I bought the car for $8900 with Ford rebate. I was to use it as a commuter, expecting it to be a weak performer. The steering, brakes and ease of driving is great! Considering my other car was a 500hp monster with modified everything! While not as fun, its still very fun and reliable while getting 29-37mpg, wisper quiet interior, great AC, super stereo and its a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for the green people. I like it a lot!

  • Not a bad buy at all - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    I initially got some bad advice from people about buying a Ford. Although Ive had the car for only a couple of months, I find those complaints to be unfounded. Its not the most comfortable car in the world for long drives, but it definitely allows for a fun drive. The steering is very nice, the sound system is very good, and the fuel economy leaves nothing to be desired. All around, a great buy for the money.

  • The real mileage is 18.7 mpg, not 26 mpg! - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    I bought this new 05 Focus in Nov. 2004. The performance and comfort are good. However, the claimed city driving of 26 is a dream. I constantly get 17-19 mpg for city driving. I dont use air conditioning, dont press the gas hard, nor brake hard. I dont drive with windows open. I dont drive with lights on in daytime. However, I can never get higher mileage. If I had known it uses this much gas, I would not buy it at all.

  • 2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    So far so good. The ride is really rough but I guess that is to be expected from a compact car. Overall, excellent car for the money.

  • Good Basic Car - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    We owned a 2003 Focus, and we traded for the 2005. We now have 3500 miles on the Focus. The 2005 is fun to drive, but it seems that I have to readjust the wheel for each bump I hit. It may be because of the low-profile tires. Im surprised at only 21-22 mpg city which isnt good for a 4 cylinder. The dealer reflashed the PCM to see if that helps. One downgrade is cheaper quality interior materials. Also, the door and quarter panels arent flush which is a build quality issue. This Focus has been to the dealer for a minor issue of rough morning idle. Despite the negatives, driving a 2004 Cavalier left me wanting my Focus back.

  • 05 SES Focus wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    This car is very roomy and easy to get in and out of. I am average build and over 6 foot tall and am comfortable in front and back seats. My parents have a new full size 4 door Jaguar which has significantly less head/leg room and is more challenging to enter and exit. Focus wagons cargo area is very impressive for a car of this size. Visibility and ease of driving are very good. ItÂ’s fairly quiet and good riding. Pickup is good, but not like a sports car, but definitely adequate for merging onto freeways, etc.

  • Missing my Escort - 2005 Ford Focus
    By -

    Interesting drive. At first I thought it will roll-over at cornering, but got used to it. For this particular car they should eliminate the word "economy" in "fuel economy": 22.4 mpg on the highway, 20.5 mpg in town. My Escort was close to 40 mpg. Dealer just doesnt want to fix it.

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