2009 Ford Focus 2-Door Coupe

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At the end of a week of test driving the new Ford Focus, I was reasonably satisfied with the quality and the $17,500 price. Even when leather seats, electronic stability control, fog lamps, and true value package, including 6-CD/mp3 audiophile, and moon roof with shade had increased the cost to about $20,000.

What I liked, I mean really liked, was the 38 mpg in the city and highway that I got—even better than the 24-mpg city and 33-highway mpg EPA estimated by the manufacturer.

For a coupe, the Focus had more than enough shoulder and legroom for driver and passenger. Admittedly, the rear space appeared too small for seating of two adults comfortably, especially when I placed the driver’s seat as far back as I could.

Large knobs and easy to read labels in ice blue made adjustments for AM/FM radio stereo and Sirius satellite radio, and the instrument panel visibility keen and accommodating. Gauges and controls, also backlit in ice blue, help make the Focus cockpit refreshing to view as well as facilitate these tired old eyes of mine.

An acoustic glass windshield reduces engine and window noise, and ambient lighting helps to control the special LED effects of the foot wells and cup holders.

The Focus was outfitted with SYNC, an award-winning, class exclusive, standard for communication and entertainment. The voice activated, customizable, media system integrates the Focus with most digital media players. It took an instant to load up and plug in. After that, you simply press a button on the steering wheel. Voice commands allow you to set it to search or track. Although my car didn’t have the Bluetooth mobile phone feature, I can see how both systems will complement one another.

The Focus is packed with technology. The week I tested the vehicle, I insisted on the family referring to me as Captain Kirk. The Focus became my Enterprise.

The multifunctional computer precisely displayed real-time fuel economy, and kept up-to-the-minute tabs on temperature and direction. Tonight, the Texas temperature will drop 40 degrees in 30 minutes as another cold front blows in from the Panhandle. Heated front seats will help me survive the climate change on the way from the ballpark, where today, the Rangers held their season opener. The warm seats helped late yesterday afternoon as well, as I was returning from a Maverick’s game.

I drive with the seat as far back as it will go, and because the door pull is so far forward, it was hard to reach and close the driver’s door. I know this is my opinion about design, but even my wife had difficulty closing her passenger door because of the door pull design. Closing it requires wrist strength as opposed to arm strength needed when the door pull is placed more centrally on the door.

Durhl Caussey writes an auto review column that is published around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .

Last Updated
Apr 17, 2009