2005 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

few minor dings, but overall good shape. No accidents. thumbnail

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$14,010 to $18,965

6.3/10

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Expert review

The Ford Focus stands out among compact cars, with a sporty chassis and updated styling.

For the better part of the 1990s, Ford participated in the compact car market, but that was the best you could say about it. The Ford Escort represented modest motoring that put thrift above all else. Some years and trims offered a bit of styling flair, but, by and large, the Escort was nothing to write home about.

Then, for the 2000 model year, Ford upped its game, with an all-new compact offering that it called the Focus. This small car, available as a sedan, a three-door hatchback, a wagon, and later a five-door hatchback, put Ford back on the map in the compact car segment. For 2005, the Focus receives several updates, including new styling, updated trim selection, and a new performance edition, called the ST.

6.3

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

7/10

The 2005 Focus gains a more pronounced and squared-off grille, as well as new front and rear bumper designs. The taillights still have angular corners, but the border with the trunk is far more upright than the previous design. In all, these subtle tweaks contribute to a more mature overall design.

One of the most notable changes will not be apparent until one enters the 2005 Focus. The previously quirky dash design has been replaced with a far more conventional setup. While it may not be as eye-catching as the older setup, this new cabin look is likely to age better, and it contributes to that design sophistication.

Body styles are denoted by the ZX lettering scheme, with ZX4 as the sedan, ZX3 as the hatchback, ZX5 as the four-door hatchback, and ZXW as the wagon. Trims for the 2005 Focus are S, SE, and SES. Standard features on the 2005 Focus include manually adjustable front seats, a split-fold rear bench seat, manual remote side mirrors, and a four-speaker stereo with AM/FM/CD player.

The Ford Focus SE adds air conditioning, one-touch power windows, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and heated front seats. The range-topping SES adds cruise control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and premium alloy wheels. The ST trim features unique 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and unique interior upholstery with sporty contrast stitching.

Performance

6/10

The base powertrain in the 2005 Ford Focus includes a 2.0-litre inline-four engine making power specs of 136 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. It routes power to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

For 2005, the Ford Focus ZX4 ST replaced the Focus SVT. This performance version of the sedan was outfitted with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, putting out 151 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. This engine can only be found with the five-speed manual transmission, sending power to the front wheels.

The ST features some additional performance upgrades, such as enhanced suspension components, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned exhaust.

Form & function

7/10

The 2005 Focus comes in hatchback, sedan, and wagon body styles, and depending on your needs, one will be more ideal than the others. The sedan has 396 litres of cargo space, while the ZX3 hatchback provides a bit more space, at 509 litres. If you are looking for the most usable cargo space, check out the ZX5 wagon. With the rear seats folded, it boasts a commendable 1,008 litres of cargo space.

It should also be noted that the only trim with a tilt-telescoping steering wheel is the range-topping SES. This is something to consider for very tall or very short drivers.

Technology

4/10

The Focus comes standard with an AM/FM stereo with four speakers and a CD player. For 2005, the actual stereo head unit has been updated and improved for the more modern cabin.

This is a solid setup, but if you’re an audiophile who wants improved sound quality, check out the optional Sony stereo. More than just a brand name on the speaker, this system is a “Sound Design by Sony” approach and even includes an 8-inch subwoofer.

Safety

6/10

Standard safety features for the 2005 Ford Focus include front disc and rear drum brakes, airbags, and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer. Side airbags can be added as an option from the base trim. The SE adds rear door child safety locks, while the range-topping SES adds traction control and fog lights, which will improve visibility in inclement driving. The ST comes with front and rear disc brakes.

As part of the redesigns, the front and rear bumpers are slightly thicker, which should help with low-speed impacts, putting less “bend” in “fender bender.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2005 Focus sedan a five-star rating in its front driver’s side crash test and four or three stars in other tests.

Cost-effectiveness

8/10

The most economical setup from a fuel-consumption standpoint is the base 2.0-litre engine. It returns 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.8 on the highway. The Focus ST, with its 2.3-litre engine and five-speed manual, returns fuel economy of 10.6 L/100 km city and 6.9 highway.

The Focus has finally given Ford a serious competitor against the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. The trade-off on Ford’s part is so-so fit and finish. But the handsome styling, the choice of body styles, and the available performance model all make the Focus an attractive choice among compacts, whether as a new car or a used car.

Note: Images show a US model.

by George Kennedy

Published April 25, 2023

What owners say

AI Summary · 52 reviews

"Overall, owners of the 2005 Ford Focus generally find it to be a reliable and economical car with good handling and gas mileage. Many drivers appreciated its fun-to-drive nature and comfortable interior, making it a suitable option for commuting. However, some noted issues with paint quality and rear legroom, along with its somewhat sluggish acceleration."

4.1

52 reviews

Write a review

by Kyle D

Performance: pretty good performance, really good handling, good braking, decent acceleration for a little 2.0 L Wagon Build Quality: well im just under 100 k and i have only had a little electrical issues with the hatch, other than that no problems Appearance: love it, its the sharpest looking wagon I've seen. love the interior as well. Fun Factor: I love cars so really i find almost any car fun to drive, but i do enjoy this one much more than my Tempo RIP LOL :P

June 10, 2009

by Ian K

Top speed :150mph 5 Star handling 4 Star Safety includes air bags Generous space in front and back of the car

January 18, 2008

by Tom W

The Ford Focus Wagon has been a great car for me. I've successfully transported 3 kayaks and 4 bikes on camping trips. This car has good pick up, is responsive, and is fun to drive. A/C is ice cold!

August 19, 2012