The Good: Driving dynamics, diesel pull, versatile
The Bad: Less room, flimsy interior, 6-speed MT not traffic friendly
The Say: An outstanding hatchback, despite the less roomy interior and cheesy interior.
Go For: 1.8 Sport
Avoid: 2.0 Sport gas
Price Range: P300,000-P780,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Ford Focus (2005-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Ford Focus Hatchback
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2005-2008
2008-2012
Vehicle Overview
Depending on what part of the globe you live in, the Focus replaced the Escort for European and North American markets in 1998 while Asia and Oceania got this one to replace the Laser later on. The Philippine market got this one in late 2005 as a successor to the Lynx line, which was first sold in 1999. Similar to its replacement, the Focus is assembled locally and is exported to our ASEAN neighbors.
Hatchback models are initially available with a 2.0 gasoline engine but later models gain a 1.8 gasoline and 2.0 diesel engines. All of these models accelerate fine but choosing the 2.0 models, regardless of fuel type, gives you more power on tap. Despite sharing a platform with the Mazda 3, the Focus is heavy which gives it a more comfortable feeling inside (at the expense of fuel economy) while being an enjoyable vehicle to drive since it glides and slides gracefully.
Interior-wise, the color scheme is a black/beige motif with touches of chrome and wood. Similar with its platform-mates, the Focus also suffers from a cramped interior.
What Should I Get
From 2005 until October 2008, the Focus hatchback is available in three variants starting with the basic model which is the 1.8 Trend, made available in October 2007 that gets the 123hp 1.8, all power features, CD player with auxiliary jack, alarm, keyless entry, ABS brakes, immobilizer, rear folding seat, and rear aircon vents. The original model is the 2.0 Sport that was first launched with a 143hp 2.0 gasoline engine and adds front airbags, reverse parking sensors, front fog lamps, leather seats, body kits, power driver seat, and sun roof (last three items removed in August 2007). Introduced in 2010 is a diesel version of the Sport which gets a 134hp 2.0 diesel engine but only available with a manual transmission (the only variant in the hatchback range to have one).
An update in November 2008 resulted in several equipment changes from previous models while retaining the same variant designations. First is the Trend that has the 1.8 engine, driver airbag, ABS brakes, 60/40 fold rear seat, all power features, CD player with auxiliary jack, front fog lamps, rear aircon vents, alarm, keyless entry, and immobilizer with a passenger airbag added in July 2010. Going for the Sport gives you an option between a 143hp 2.0 gasoline or a 134hp 2.0 diesel engine but all models gain reverse parking sensors, power driver's seat, automatic climate control, and steering wheel audio controls with rain sensing wipers and auto on/off headlamps added in July 2010. The only difference between them is that gasoline models get fabric seats and an ordinary automatic transmission while diesel ones have leather seats and a powershift transmission.
If you want this car, stick to the lower engine models since the 2.0 gas is costly to fill up while the diesel will require you to travel more to recoup your expenses.
How Much Would It Cost Me
We will tell you this one straight: this vehicle has a gas guzzling (except perhaps for the diesel) nature even for the lower engine displacement models. Parts availability, despite being locally assembled, isn't that widespread like those of the Japanese competition. Do take note of the following problem points: air-conditioning, alternator, power door locks, and for the diesel, the powershift transmission.
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