The Focus has sporty handling and is fun to drive. Its supple and controlled ride, low noise levels, and solid interior make it feel substantial. The 160-hp four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration. Both the hatchback and sedan versions got 28 mpg overall; the SFE returned 31 mpg overall. Despite software updates, the PowerShift automatic is not smooth at very low speeds. The rear seat is tight even by small-car standards, and some controls are needlessly complex. First-year reliability is well below average. The sporty ST is a wickedly fun performance hatchback with a strong turbo engine. We think the EV is the nicest affordable electric. It can go about 80 miles on a charge, and charges relatively quickly.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Ford Blog Content
2014 Subaru Forester is the first small SUV to ace tough new crash test
The redesigned Subaru Forester is the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both the Forester and...
For sale: Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i test cars
Does Tesla envy have you pining for an affordable electric car? Well, we just happen to have two test cars that we need to sell to make room, and funds, for new cars. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is one of the...
Safest, least expensive mom-friendly cars
Quality, safety, and value are the top factors for new-car buyers and are certainly not lost on moms looking to buy the right family car. Hitting all these attributes in a vehicle that is also kid friendly can be a...
Best SUVs for third-row seating space
Automakers tout the size of their SUV's third-row seats claiming they are accessible and usable. And while SUVs are pitched as a hipper alternative to the minivan, they still can't rival the big people movers. We took a look at...
Small cars don't always deliver the best fuel economy. Here's what does...
You don't have to cram into a compact car to get good gas mileage. In fact, three popular midsized sedans we've recently tested get the same or better mileage than any non-hybrid, non-diesel small car. Despite attractive sticker prices, econoboxes...
