Fuel prices are shockingly high in Europe, but motorists there want economy cars that are fun to drive. So it isn't surprising that the designed-in-Europe Ford Focus is one of the most entertaining economy cars sold in America. The fuel-stingy Focus from Ford's overseas operation was named European car of the year by journalists there after its introduction in 1999. It's been popular in America since its debut here as a 2000 model in two-door hatchback, sedan and station wagon forms.
While the situation has improved, U.S. economy cars historically have been marginal vehicles used as a second car or by young drivers as a main car. It costs nearly as much to engineer and make small cars as it does larger, more profitable ones. Thus, with cheap fuel, American automakers considered small cars a necessary evil to mostly grab young customers.
The front-drive subcompact Focus appeals to people of all ages. There are no less than 14 models, with base prices ranging from $12,925 for the entry LX sedan to $17,930 for the sportier new ZTW version of the station wagon. Newly added to the 2002 Focus line is a $15,840 ZX5 hatchback sedan, which has been sold in Europe since the car's introduction.
Ford finally is making the ZX5 available here because hatchbacks are becoming more popular in this country. The second most costly Focus is the new $17,480 hot rod SVT hatchback coupe from Ford's elite Special Vehicle Team; it's built to combat hot rod, youth-oriented Japanese models such as Honda's Civic Si.
Edgy European styling makes the Focus easy to pick out in a crowded parking lot. It has precise steering, sure handling despite some body sway in curves, a very smooth ride from a cleverly designed all-independent suspension, lively performance with its higher-line engines and a generally roomy interior. The brake pedal feels a little soft but has a nice, progressive action.
Even the entry Focus is fairly well equipped, and most Focus models are bought with an under-$16,000 base price. The Focus stands tall, and big doors make it especially easy to get in and out of sedan models. Oversized stirrup-type outside door handles are easily grasped, but the smaller inside door handles look cheap.
Drawbacks include lazy acceleration when the base 2-liter, 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine is hooked to an automatic transmission, tight legroom behind the driver, and noticeable wind noise around front side windows at highway speeds. Power door locks make a clunking sound, and the car could use a larger fuel tank. It's hard to get in and out of the coupe's rear seat area in tight spots.
The 2-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder in higher-line models provides livelier acceleration, but is no fireball despite its dual-overhead-camshaft design. While generally quiet, even this engine is noisy during hard acceleration because it's small and works hard. Fast acceleration is no problem with the new 170-horsepower four-cylinder SVT hatchback coupe, which comes only with a five-speed manual gearbox. Other Focus models are offered with that fairly good transmission or with a crisp-shifting four-speed automatic transmission.
I tested the ZX5 four-door hatchback with the manual transmission, which works with a soft, long-throw clutch. That combination provides an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 on highways. Estimated mpg figures for all Focus models are in the mid- to high 20s in the city and in the low to mid-30s on the highway. The ZTW station wagon has such items as tachometer, leather upholstery and wider tires.
A power moonroof is offered for the first time for all body styles, and improved cupholders accept larger cups. There's also a new, optional six-disc, in-dash CD changer. Newly available on higher-line models is a worthy $1,625 anti-skid system, which comes with anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Also new for the 2002 Focus is Ford's Personal Safety System, which adjusts deployment of air bags to enhance protection for front occupants (depending on a number of factors) with the help of components such as an electronic crash severity sensor. Head and chest side-impact air bags are optional. The versatile ZX5 is one of the best Focus models. It has a big windshield, large ventilation ducts and an interior that is quiet except for excessive wind noise above 60 mph.
There's good room up front in the airy interior, and the decent-size cargo area becomes huge when the split rear seat is folded forward. Occupants sit comfortably upright, and front bucket seats provide excellent support. Gauges can be quickly read in the best European tradition, and the large, well-placed controls work smoothly. The large dual front cupholders are nicely placed at the front of the console, and front door storage pockets are deep.
Standard ZX5 items include the 130-horsepower engine, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with the in-dash CD player, cruise control, tilt-telescoping wheel, remote keyless entry and power windows and door locks. Sporty ZX5 features include a tachometer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights and 16-inch aluminum wheels. While solidly built, the Focus lacks the refinement of rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
But it offers a lot for the money.
FORD FOCUS
Prices
$12,925-$17,930
Likes
Sporty four-door hatchback model added. Fuel-stingy. Roomy. Nimble handling.
Dislikes
Lazy base engine. Wind noise at highway speeds. Tight leg room behind a driver.