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Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Jan 2005 Class: Medium cars
New price: £15,540 - £27,560 Used price: From £3,695
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
★★★★
★★★★★
Reliability:
★★
Total score:
71%
Good to drive, with sharp steering and powerful brakes.
Spacious and practical. Affordable to run. Poor reliability - especially diesels.
Some wind noise at speed. Three-door layout is awkward. Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model
1.6 Zetec S 5dr
New price: £16,740
Used price: £8,575
Fastest Model
2.5 RS500 3dr
New price: Used price: £29,750
5.4 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model
1.6 TDCi Econetic 5dr [110] [DPF] [Start Stop]
New price: £17,345
Used price: £10,250
Combined fuel economy:
74.2 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new
1.6 Style 5dr
New price:
Overview
The popularity of Ford’s family hatch means huge numbers of second-hand examples to
choose from. However, reliability is no better than average. The Ford Focus has been a perennial top seller in the UK ever since it was first launched in
1998 - and the version made from 2005 to 2011 continued that tradition. It comes in three- and
five-door hatchback versions, as well as an estate - see our Ford Focus Estate review.
There are loads of engine options too - including 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols (the 113bhp
version is best) and diesel options of the same sizes. There’s also the 2.5-litre RS version,
which is a (very) hot hatch.
The Focus received a detailed facelift and general upgrade in 2008 before being replaced
by an all-new Focus in 2011. It’s popularity on the used car market remains, thanks to its decent
driving dynamics and versatility to cope with family life. While it doesn’t have the refinement to
match more upmarket rivals like the VW Golf and Audi A3, it shouldn’t be overlooked for the
value for money it represents. Better than the equivalent Vauxhall Astra in every department;
there’s good reason for it being the best-selling medium car in the UK.
The medium hatchback department is vast and populated by some strong contenders.
The Audi aforementioned VW Golf and Audi A3 are rivals, alongside the Astra, Renault
Megane, Peugeot 307/308, Skoda Octavia and Mazda 3.
Read reviews of all the medium car rivals
Millions of buyers can’t be wrong - the Focus is only as popular as it is because it’s a great
car. As a second-hand choice, it remains a Best Buy.
£15,540
Cheapest Model to buy used
1.6 LX 5dr Auto
Used price:
£3,695
Cheapest Model to Run (new)
1.6 TDCi Econetic 5dr
New price: £16,680
Running costs: £14,760
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owner’s View
Looks nice inside and out,
fairly economical for 2.0
litres. Cheap to service and
maintain. You get a lot of
extras that you would pay
way more money for from
other manufacturers.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
On the road
How we test
Handling is important in this sector - medium cars must be nimble enough for nipping around
town, agile along winding country lanes and quietly capable on motorways. The Focus meets
most of these criteria, although it is a little noisy at speed.
Performance
★★★★
The smallest 1.6-litre petrol engine offers adequate but not exceptional performance. It can
achieve a reasonable top speed, but it takes an age in this heavy car. Pay extra for a 1.8 or 2.0
model, with extra get-up-and-go and increased confidence for overtaking. The gear change is
very smooth and easy for all five forward gears, but there’s a noticeable crunch if you rush to
find reverse.
Model tested
Acceleration (37-62mph)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door 7.1 secs
(2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005) 9.1 secs
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006) 7.2 secs
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005) 5.6 secs
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 5.2 secs
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009) 5.2 secs
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
12.0 secs
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
7.1 secs
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 7.1 secs
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Ride comfort
★★★★
Rating
We use the sophisticated electronic timing
equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
★★★★
The suspension is fairly stiff but responds well to lumps and bumps, and there’s no loss of
composure, even at higher speeds.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Performance
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
★★★★
Handling
The precise, accurate steering gives the driver good positive feedback. It holds its line well,
and the slight understeer gives a fairly confidence-inspiring feel, even for less experienced
drivers. Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
Brakes
Perhaps rather surprisingly, the lower-powered versions come with rear drum brakes - cheaper
to make, but generally likely to be less efficient. All estate versions, plus 2.0 and 2.5 petrol
models and the 2.0 diesel are fitted with rear discs. However, in our tests, even models with
the rear drum brakes stopped the car quickly. ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution are
standard on all models; both help you maintain control in an emergency stop. Stability control
has been standard across the range since early 2008, though it was only an option in upperlevel versions before then. Model tested
Braking distance (62-0mph)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door 40.0m
(2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005) 37.5m
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006) 39.5m
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005) 40.0m
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 36.5m
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009) 36.5m
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
7.9m
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
36.5m
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 36.5m
Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Refinement and noise
★★★★
★★★★
The 1.6 engine is fairly refined and quiet at low speeds. You can hear the engine in the 2.0
diesel but it isn’t intrusively noisy. However, at higher speeds in both models, wind noise can
become pretty wearing, and hard going on a long journey.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Cruising noise
72dB
71dB
68dB
69dB
69dB
69dB
72dB
69dB
69dB
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
On-the-limit handling is explored well
away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Brakes
The Which? Car braking test measures
stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
The Which? Car experts use a decibel
meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
★★★★
Cabin and controls
Most of the switches are logically positioned and fall easily to hand, but you must push the
control stalk to operate the washer-wipers: we think pulling it would be more logical. The
steering column is easy to adjust for height and reach, and the electrically-controlled mirrors
(standard on all except Studio trim) are easy to position. The instruments are large and clearly
marked and there are places in the front to store bits and bobs.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
Visibility and parking
The back pillars are very thick, but we found rear visibility tolerable, aided by retractable head
restraints and the low level of the bottom of the rear screen. Optional reversing sensors are
available for most models. Forward visibility isn’t too bad either, but the steeply-raked bonnet means it’s impossible
to see the front of the car from the driver’s seat, so you’ll need to learn to judge this when
parking. When driving at night, the filaments for the (optional) heated front screen can create
dazzle in the headlights of oncoming cars.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Turning circle
11.1m
11.4m
11.2m
11.4m
11.2m
11.1m
11.2m
11.4m
11.4m
Rating
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★
★★★
★★★
We penalise cars with difficult controls,
and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Visibility and parking
Visibility is a major issue for motorists
today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Comfort and practicality
How we test
There’s reasonable space in the Focus, particularly in the front. The boot’s a handy size too,
but for more than two rear passengers, it’s a bit cramped in the back.
Getting in and out
Getting in and out
★★★★
The front doors are quite large and offer good access, as long as you aren’t parked too closely
next to other cars, when you won’t be able to open them fully. Getting in the rear of the threedoor model is quite easy but getting out again is a little more difficult — especially if you’re on a
hill, as the front doors tend to slam shut.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Seat space and comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
The front feels spacious, with generous knee-room and interior width. The driver’s seat is
easy to adjust to accommodate taller drivers. The front seats are firm and comfortable, but
lumbar and lateral support is quite poor. The rear seat will accommodate two passengers and
provides good back and thigh support. It will fit three adults at a squeeze, but it’s too narrow to
be comfortable on a long journey.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
We take measurements all around the
driver and passenger’s door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars don’t require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
We assess seat comfort subjectively,
using our road testers’ expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
Boot and storage
★★★★
The boot is pretty big — at 360 litres, it’s larger than the boot in a Vauxhall Astra or Volkswagen
Golf. But if you opt for the full-sized spare wheel, this will eat up a lot of the space. Folding
the rear seats down more than doubles the load space, while the tailgate opens easily and
very wide. There are enough storage trays and a large glove box in the front, but there are no
holders for large water bottles.
Model tested
Boot space (seats up/down)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door 360 litres / 745 litres
(2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005) 360 litres / 735 litres
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006) 490 litres / litres
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005) 360 litres / 745 litres
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 360 litres / 745 litres
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009) 360 litres / 745 litres
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
360 litres / 745 litres
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
360 litres / 745 litres
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 360 litres / 745 litres
Heating and ventilation
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
The heater works well, raising both front and rear cabin temperatures quickly and evenly on
really cold winter mornings. Lower-spec Studio models don’t have air-conditioning; automatic
climate control is available in Ghia and Titanium versions and standard in ST-2 and ST-3.
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Rating
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Carmakers give official stats for boot
space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and won’t
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm
each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The Focus is a little dearer to buy than a comparable Vauxhall Astra but cheaper than a
Volkswagen Golf; it won’t hold its value as well as the Golf, but it does better than the Astra
when it comes to resale time.
The 1.4 petrol versions (now discontinued) are cheapest to insure, starting in group 4,
but insurance groups rise to group 10 for the top-spec 2.0 petrol models and even higher for
the very quick ST versions. In general, Ford servicing costs are reasonable as the company
depends on a large amount of fleet business. Fuel consumption
Ford claims an impressive 58.9mpg combined fuel consumption figure for the 107bhp 1.6 TDCi
Focus, though the model we tested fell well short of the manufacturer’s figures — we managed
only 47.1mpg, though this is still better than average for the class. We also tested the 98bhp
1.6 petrol model, which Ford says should return 42.2mpg, but we averaged 37.2mpg – again,
better than average for this size and class of car. Models badged Econetic are specifically tuned for high economy and low carbon dioxide
emissions; the 1.6 TDCi Econetic returns 70.6mpg, and 74.2mpg when the optional stop-start
system is added.
Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
30.1 mpg - 44.1 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
48.6 mpg - 74.2 mpg
Fuel consumption
We test fuel economy under strict lab
conditions – using realistic test cycles – to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Urban (claimed/tested)
51.3 mpg/41.5 mpg
45.6 mpg/46.3 mpg
45.6 mpg/46.3 mpg
38.2 mpg/38.7 mpg
38.2 mpg/40.4 mpg
40.3 mpg/40.4 mpg
32.5 mpg/31.7 mpg
29.1 mpg/29.1 mpg
29.4 mpg/29.1 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Extra urban (claimed/tested)
78.3 mpg/57.6 mpg
70.6 mpg/68.9 mpg
70.7 mpg/70.6 mpg
61.4 mpg/60.1 mpg
61.4 mpg/62.8 mpg
62.7 mpg/62.8 mpg
51.4 mpg/52.3 mpg
49.6 mpg/47.9 mpg
50.4 mpg/47.9 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Motorway (measured)
49.6 mpg
44.1 mpg
47.9 mpg
42.8 mpg
42.2 mpg
42.2 mpg
30.7 mpg
34.0 mpg
34.0 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) Econetic manual 5-door (2008)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
diesel 1.6TDCi (109bhp) manual 4-door (2006)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.0TDCi (136bhp) manual 5-door (2009)
petrol 1.6 (100bhp) manual 3-door (2005)
petrol 1.8 (125bhp) manual 3-door (2007)
petrol-FFV 1.8 (125bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
Combined (claimed/tested)
65.6 mpg/49.6 mpg
58.9 mpg/52.3 mpg
58.9 mpg/54.3 mpg
50.4 mpg/46.3 mpg
50.4 mpg/48.7 mpg
51.3 mpg/48.7 mpg
42.2 mpg/37.2 mpg
39.8 mpg/37.2 mpg
40.3 mpg/37.2 mpg
While testing fuel economy, we also
collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP
crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test – after
all, it’s far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
Security scores come from the security
experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s biggest and best reliability and owner satisfaction survey.
In 2013, drivers told us about 57,182 cars, covering more than 450 million miles in the previous
12 months (that’s equivalent to driving 18,398 times around the world). This unique feedback
allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages shown
under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem in the
past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 5,409 people
Ford ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Sample size: 945 people
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Driving enjoyment
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
In-car technology
Styling
Build quality
Practicality
Value for money
Everyone who takes part in the Which?
Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brand’s reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
★★★
★★★
Dealer Sales Service
Model: Ford Focus (2005-2011)
77%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car
in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective –
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
– but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
73%
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
Owner’s View
A good solid vehicle,
reliable, reasonably
economical, plenty of room,
good to drive.
Owner’s View
It’s fun to drive because
it goes well and holds the
road well. It’s practical and
economical.
Which? Car review
Ford Focus (2005-2011)
Medium cars
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey
Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
★★★
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Up to 3 years old
3-8 years old
★★★
4%
£23
★★★★
3%
£14
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-
-
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months
Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
ECU (P) Other Minor
Central locking
Non-Engine electrics - Other
In-car-entertainment
5%
4%
2%
2%
2%
3-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
Want to know what’s most likely to go
wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.