Compact car; Built in USA |
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Good condition price range: $4,000 – $7,500* |
2006 Ford Focus
2006 Ford Focus
2006 Ford Focus
2006 Ford Focus
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Cons: |
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Focus is fun to drive in any form, but especially in enthusiast-oriented ST trim. Though it’s not as refined as a Volkswagen Jetta or as outright sporty as Mazda 3, Focus measures up well overall, and has been very competitively priced. An array of body styles and useful options (if installed) can enhance its appeal. Still, it’s an aging design that makes do with head-protecting front side airbags rather than the curtain airbags that have become the norm on newer compacts.
Overview
Ford’s smallest car was revamped for 2005, getting more power and revised styling, inside and out. A front-wheel-drive compact, Focus came as a two-door hatchback called the ZX3, and with four doors as the ZX4 sedan, ZX5 hatchback, and ZXW wagon.
All models had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, except for the ZX4 ST version of the sedan, which used a 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The 2.3-liter delivered 151 horsepower, versus 145 in 2004 models. Others were rated 136 horsepower, up from 110 or 130 (depending on model) in 2004. The ZX4 ST replaced the sporty SVT hatchbacks and came with sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and mandatory manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine could work with either a manual or automatic transmission.
Wheel diameters were 16 inches for SES and ZX4 ST versions, but 15 inches elsewhere. Antilock braking was standard on the ZX4 ST, but optional otherwise. The ZX4 ST also came with traction control, which was optional on SE and SES trim levels.
Head-and-torso front side airbags were optional on all models. Available features included a sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Standard on all were a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and split folding rear seatbacks. Rivals included the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda 3.
Yearly Updates
2006 Focus A Street Appearance Package became available for 2006, aimed at young “tuner” performance enthusiasts. A rear spoiler and modified front/rear fascias were finished in body color, complemented by fog lights and a chrome exhaust tip. Otherwise, changes were minor for the 2006 model year. |
2007 Focus Ford’s smallest car was largely unchanged for 2007. |