2009 Ford Focus Review

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2009 Ford Focus - Ford listened.

By: Ira Siegel

Ford gave its Focus a new look last year and for 2009 Ford made additional tweaks to the Coupe to make it sportier and more desirable. The Focus Coupe was all-new last year and some criticized its exterior styling and sluggish performance. Ford listened and spent a lot of time talking to small-car customers. The result is a Focus Coupe with new front and rear fascias, a new roofline spoiler, a bit more horsepower on fivespeed manual versions and quicker acceleration (thanks to a new final drive ratio) on models with the optional four-speed automatic transmission. I like what I see. Say goodbye to those fake fender vents. Say hello to a sleeker-looking coupe that now includes standard fog lamps. The signature two-bar chrome grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added contrast. Don't expect the Focus to be as nimble and quick as more expensive models, but the 2009 model looks better than its predecessor and it provides a comfortable ride. Offered as a sedan or coupe, the Focus is a little car that offers a big bang for the buck. For 2009, Ford has simplified the Focus lineup. The sedan comes in one of four trim levels (S, SE, SES and SEL) with an entry price just less than $16,000. The coupe now comes in just two trim levels (SE and SES) with a starting price of just more than $16,000. All models feature a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 143 horsepower when mated to the standard five-speed manual gearbox and 140 horsepower when teamed with the optional four-speed automatic. I found the engine in my 2009 Ford Focus Coupe SES tester to be peppy and economical. You won't be thrown back in your seat when pushing the pedal down hard, but the 2.0 provides enough power to easily pull out into traffic or comfortably merge onto the highway. My tester came with the five-speed manual gearbox, which made it a bit more fun to drive. Plus, my tester was rated at 24/35 mpg and I believe I averaged better than 35 mpg while on the highway. I have to say, though, my favorite Focus feature is the available SYNC system. SYNC is Ford's exclusive fully integrated in-vehicle, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that allows drivers to use their Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and digital media players. This phenomenal system is optional and comes standard on Focus SES. Inside, my Focus Coupe tester provided plenty of room for me up front. It should come as no surprise, though, that there isn't much rear legroom when the front seats are pushed back.

I like the ice blue lighting on the instrument cluster, center console, steering wheel and door switches. It's easy on the eyes when driving at night. I also like the available color-configurable interior ambient lighting system. This system can change the light inside the cup holders and in the front and rear foot wells. There are seven colors to choose from including red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow. The Focus Coupe has a surprisingly spacious cargo area, too. Focus comes well-equipped and you can even step up to options like heated leather seats and a nice moon and tune package. Ford's Focus is a crowd pleaser. 2009 FORD FOCUS COUPE SES ENGINE: 143-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4 TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive FUEL ECONOMY: 24 city/35 highway BASE PRICE: $17,570 AS TESTED: $20,615 (including $695 for destination) WEB SITE: www.ford.com