2005 Used Ford Focus Buying Guide
If you spend a lot of time on the road, one thing you’re going to see are plenty of Ford Focus models zipping by. The focus has 12 different configurations, with two different engine choices, four classes of sedan (ZX4 S, SE, SES and ST), two-door and four-door hatchbacks in three different trims (ZX3 and ZX5 S, SE and SES) and a 4-door wagon in two trim levels ZXW SE and SES.
However, they must be doing something right as these entry-level Fords are selling well making Car and Drivers top-ten 4 years in a row.
The 2005 Ford Focus has seen some big changes including an exterior redesign, a reduction and simplification of the many configurations, an all-new audio line-up and, perhaps most significant, two engine choices, both of them new and more powerful than those in use in 2004.
Under the Hood
The standard engine, offered with automatic and manual transmission, is a 2.0-liter Duratec 20 dohc 4-cylinder engine. It is more powerful than last year, with 136 horsepower at 6000rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque at 4500.
For more power, choose the performance-tuned, sport-suspension equipped ZX4 ST. This 4-door sedan comes with a 151-horsepower 2.3-liter Duratec 23 DOHC I-4 engine linked to a manual transmission only. Antilock brakes and traction control are standard on the ST, optional for other models (base S excepted for the traction control).
Both Focus engine choices get reasonable mileage with highway ratings of 35 mpg for the 2.0-litre while the 2.3 gets 22mpg in the city.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Regardless of whether you choose the two-door hatchback, four-door hatchback, four-door sedan or wagon, all Focus models will seat five on two front buckets and a split-bench rear seat. The wagon rounds in with the most total cargo volume at an even 73 cubic feet.
Really, despite the many choices, for interior amenity there are only three basic trims, S, SE and SES, as the ST is mostly about improved performance. Base S models are just that with power steering, cloth upholstery on front bucket seats (including a height-adjustable driver seat), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock and so on. The SE, the next level up adds air conditioning, power mirrors, windows and door locks, a remote entry system and an MP3 compatible audio system while the SES includes an in-dash 6-CD changer and some other features.
Many options and options packs are available for the 2005 Focus, including leather upholstery, a power sunroof and, for STs, heated front seats.
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