2001 Ford Focus Review
Add your own review or comments

By John Matras

Overview

Introduced last year, the Ford Focus is one of the most enjoyable compacts in its price range. It's fun, it's practical, and it's safer than most, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wild New Edge styling helps it stand out from the crowd.

An available twin-cam engine give the ZX3 hatchback, ZTS sedan and SE wagon enthusiastic response. Yet all models deliver good fuel economy.

Model Lineup

Ford Focus comes in three body styles: three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and five-door wagon.

Two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available (a 110-horsepower single overhead-cam and a 130-horsepower double overhead-cam Zetec). There's also a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The sedan comprises the bulk of Focus sales and is available in three trim levels, an entry level LX ($12,385), an upgrade SE ($14,040), and the fully-equipped ZTS ($15,260). ZTS comes with the more powerful twin-cam Zetec engine.

The hatchback is available as one model, the ZX3 ($12,125). This is a sport compact, and comes with all the requisite hardware: a more powerful 130-horsepower twin-cam engine, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and fog lights. Its wild styling makes the hatchback look sportier and even more distinctive than the sedan. Power windows, mirrors and locks, and keyless entry are now available ($740), along with optional cruise control.

The wagon is available only in the SE trim level ($16,235) and offers the largest cargo capacity in its class. For 2001, it comes standard with the 130-horsepower dohc Zetec engine. Also new, is the availability of the 5-speed manual transmission in addition to the automatic.

For 2001, Ford has added its AdvanceTrac ($1225) vehicle dynamics system to the option list. Described below, AdvanceTrac includes rear disc brakes and traction control, but requires ordering the optional anti-lock brakes ($400).

Other optional safety equipment includes side-impact air bags ($350). Cruise control, which was not available last year, has been added to the options list.