STRENGTHS:
Fuel economy; interior comfort; comfortable and quiet ride; SYNC hands-free entertainment system
VALUE:
The Ford Focus features good economy ratings, and when combined with its low base price, the Focus is one of the most frugal commuter vehicles available. Its 2008 redesign gave the Focus a real sense of refinement inside, and the ride is smooth and quiet. SYNC, still a Ford exclusive, allows hands-free control over phones and music devices-well worth the option cost.
WHAT'S NEW:
Following a redesign in 2008 and significant changes in 2009, the Ford Focus heads into 2010 with few updates, though safety features have been enhanced with anti-lock brakes and Ford's Advance Trac with electronic stability control. Ford has announced it will bring the European-spec Focus to the U.S. sometime during the 2010 model year, which will include a direct-injection powerplant and a 6-speed transmission.