Standard Features
2.0 L Inline 4-cylinder
6-speed Automated Manual
27/38 mpg
160 hp
0-60 8.7 Seconds
12.4 Gallon fuel tank
Cargo Capacity all seats up 23.8 cu.ft.
Cargo Capacity 2nd row down 44.8 cu.ft.
AM/FM CD with Bluetooth, AUX and USB NO SXM
6 total speakers
4 way manual cloth front seats
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Pros
Real world MPG
Spacious cargo capacity for Hatchback
Quiet, competent ride

Cons
Annoying Sync issues
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear leg room is tight

Summary: One of the best mid size cars in the fleet, and better than some FCAR's.



We were needing a car for a family of four, 2 adults and 2 small kids, for a 2,000 mile road trip. We were looking for something that did great on gas, but did not sacrifice space. We were thrilled to see the Focus hatchback, and the car did not disappoint.

The Focus in SE trim, lowest trim level for hatchback, comes nicely equipped with Bluetooth, auto headlights, and cruise control. Unfortunately SiriusXM, is not standard on SE trim. The Focus has many of the same packages has its larger Fusion sibling, such as the Appearance package, which adds leather and SiriusXM, among others.



The Focus comes equipped with an inline 2.0L engine, and is the only one offered. Like many small engines, it is a little buzzy on acceleration, but quiet at highway speeds. 0-60 speed is average for its class. The transmission is an automatic manual, so it will act like a standard transmission at times, such as rolling backwards.

One of the big plusses for the Focus is the real world MPG. At 70 mph with the AC on, we averaged 37.5 MPG for a 400 mile stretch. When we increased the speed to 75, MPG went down about a MPG. At those MPG's the range for the Focus is a little over 400 miles.



The car handled wonderfully during the trip. It has a firm suspension, and tight steering. It handles like a European sports car, which is unfortunate as we were driving to North Dakota, and had lots of flat, straight roads. Hopefully on the way back, I can find some windy roads to give it a good test.

The material quality is surprisingly high. The steering wheel is a soft squish able material. There are lots of soft materials on the dash, but harder plastics on the door. The seats are slightly better than average, as are the headrests, but you will long for the seats from the Fusion Titanium.



The six speaker system is better than average, with lots of volume, but lacking the depth of sound a higher end system would provide. It has the usual Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. The SiriusXM is not standard, and was missed on this trip. The Sync has one really annoying feature. Every time you start the car and it connects to the phone, a message pops up, and an audible voice tells you the phone has connected.

The Focus hatchback starts at $19,115, and had the power moonroof ($895), automatic transmission ($1,095), SE sports package ($995), for an as rented price of $22,040, which includes destination fee and some discounts. The SE Sports package adds 16" painted aluminum wheels with 215/55R16 black sidewall tires; Sport cloth seats; Rear disc brakes; Rear spoiler; Front fog lamps; Leather-wrapped steering wheel.



We had four of us, two adults and two toddlers. The car was the perfect size for us. The backseat had enough room for the toddlers, but not much else. The rear leg room is tight, and I would not put more than two adults in the back, and not for a long time.

How much did I enjoy the car? I'm seriously considering buying one, though I would either buy the Titanium trim, or at the lest the SE with the appearance package (Equipment Group 201A). That adds Ambient lighting (7 colors, front and rear-door map pockets, release handles, front and rear foot wells, console storage and front cupholders); 60/40 split rear-seat; Fog lamps with chrome bezels; Leather steering wheel and shifter; 17" dark stainless painted alloy wheels; Leather seats with 6-way power driver seat; Perimeter alarm; Rear center armrest; Overhead console; Rear disc brakes; SiriusXM satellite radio with 6 month prepaid subscription. Then there is the Sony and My ford touch package (MyFord Touch with 8.0" screen; Sony brand sound system with 10 speakers; Navigation system; Dual automatic climate control), you can buy the Titanium trim and get all that included.