Great styling; solid handling; extensive features; impressive fuel economy
Automatic transmission should be smoother; cramped back seat
The 2015 Focus gets an exterior makeover, minor interior tweaks, an available fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engine, a standard rearview camera, upgraded safety and infotainment technologies, and revised driving dynamics.
The best bang for the buck comes from the Focus SE. For about $19,000 to start, this model gives you everything you need, plus enough electronic toys to make long road trips fly by.
The 2015 Ford Focus is offered in S, SE, Titanium, ST and Electric trim levels as either a sedan or a 4-door hatchback.
The sedan-only Focus S ($17,995) comes with basic features such as 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, power accessories, manual driver's-seat height adjustment, air conditioning, Bluetooth with voice controls and a 4-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. Unusually for a base model, it also includes a rearview camera and a 4.2-in display.
The SE ($19,285) adds 16-in aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, a 6-speaker audio system and cruise control. The hatchback version of the SE boasts a rear spoiler.
The Titanium ($23,995) throws in such upgrades as 17-in aluminum wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, keyless entry/start, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, the MyFord Touch infotainment system with an 8-in touchscreen and a configurable gauge cluster, and a premium Sony audio system.
The hatchback-only ST ($25,195) treats you to 18-in wheels, LED signature lighting, a high-performance turbocharged engine, a uniquely racy exterior, a performance-tuned suspension, various sporty styling cues, sport gauges, Sony audio, a flat-bottom steering wheel and available RECARO sport seats.
The hatchback-only Focus Electric ($29,995) features a battery-powered electric motor, smartphone connectivity with remote vehicle functions, hybrid-specific displays, eco-friendly cloth upholstery and many of the Titanium model's standard items.
Some of the higher trims' standard features are offered on lesser trims as options. Other extras include a sunroof and a self-parking system.
Rear-passenger space is a lowlight in the Focus, unfortunately, with knee-room at a particular premium. In brighter news, the Focus sedan has average-plus trunk space, checking in at 13.2 cu ft., while the hatchback is much more generous at 23.8 cu ft. behind the rear seats and 44.8 cu ft. with the seatbacks folded forward.
| Hatchback | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus 5dr HB SE | $18,960 / N/A | 3 Cylinder Turbo / 4 Cylinder | 160 | N/A | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Focus 5dr HB ST | $24,370 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual | FWD |
| Focus 5dr HB Titanium | $23,670 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 160 | 26 / 38 | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Focus Electric 5dr HB | $29,170 / N/A | Electric | 143 | N/A | Automatic | FWD |
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus 4dr Sdn S | $17,170 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 160 | N/A | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Focus 4dr Sdn SE | $18,460 / N/A | 3 Cylinder Turbo / 4 Cylinder | 160 | N/A | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Focus 4dr Sdn Titanium | $23,170 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 160 | 26 / 38 | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
The Focus comes standard with anti-lock brakes, but only the Titanium, ST and Electric include 4-wheel discs; the S has mandatory rear drums (an older, simpler design), while the SE offers the rear discs as an extra-cost option. Traction control, stability control and six airbags (front, front-side and full-length side-curtain) are standard on every Focus. A lane-keeping assist system and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert are available on fancier models.
In government crash-testing, the Focus scored five out of five stars, including four stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
2015 Honda Civic -- The Civic has a well-earned reputation for quality and strong resale value, though the latest generation lacks the Focus's high-tech, fun-to-drive character.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta -- The Jetta is less sporty than the Focus, but it has a bigger interior and offers a powerful, fuel-efficient diesel option. If you need a hatchback, try the excellent Golf.
2015 Mazda3 -- The sleek Mazda's handling is a match for the Ford's, and its fuel economy is compelling, as well.
Used Ford Escape -- The Escape may be a crossover SUV, but it's a compact one that's actually based on the Focus. The driving experience is quite similar, so if you'd prefer a crossover, a pre-owned Escape is a no-brainer upgrade.
These hatchbacks offer loads of fun and impressive practicality, all under $15,000.
