2006 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2006 Focus is available in four body styles: A two-door hatch (ZX3), a four-door sedan (ZX4), a four-door hatch (ZX5), and a four-door wagon (ZXW). It's a sharp-edged, modern design that the hatchbacks wear particularly well. Their high-mount taillights and sloping roof cut an aerodynamic, swoopy profile. The sedan and wagon are kind of dowdy, but not if you order the sport version of the sedan, the ST. Otherwise, all 2006 Focus models continue with the refreshed styling that Ford introduced for 2005, such as small changes to the headlights and grille.

The Focus's interior is not as inviting as its outside. Compared to the version sold in European markets, the North American Focus feels plainer and notably duller. There are few flourishes and nothing as dynamic as the hatchback's striking exterior.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine makes power specs of 136 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque, and the powertrain sends power to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain via a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The ZX4 ST comes only with a stick and a larger 2.3-litre engine that increases output to 151 hp and 154 lb-ft. That model also comes with a retuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. It makes less power and can't grip as well as the former SVT from 2004, but the car is still plenty of fun.

Then again, all Focus variants share what the ST cranks up: Excellent steering, superb body control, and the ride quality of a larger car. Ford developed a unique independent rear suspension at a time when most economy cars use a torsion beam setup. Engineers figured out how to minimize the suspension's intrusion into the cabin space, and as a result, the Focus is easily the best-handling compact car of this era—maybe more so than a Volkswagen Golf. While the automatic transmission can be sluggish, it's a joy to run through the manual's gears.

Fuel economy is estimated at 9.0 to 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.4 to 6.8 on the highway, depending on whether you choose the manual transmission or the automatic. The ST offers fuel efficiency of 10.6 L/100 km city and 6.9 highway.

Ford advertised the 2006 Focus as having "Command Seating," which means you'll sit up higher than you might expect to in a car this small. There is a manual height adjustment for the driver and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The seat is firm but supportive over long drives.

You'll find two cupholders in the centre console, but no bigger cutouts for bottles in the door pockets. A sunglasses case in the overhead console and a pull-down cubby to the left of the steering wheel offer more storage. Gauges are legible and all controls are simple to use.

Don't try fitting two people in the back of a Focus hatch for too long, as headroom and legroom are sparse. The sedan is roomier, and the wagon more so, with 1,019 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,095 litres when folded. Both hatch models have 509 and 1,132 litres, respectively. The sedan's trunk measures 419 litres and the seats fold.

New car prices on the Focus for the 2006 model year start at $16,799 in Canada for the base ZX4 S trim level and go up to $18,499 for a ZX4 SE, $19,299 for a ZX3 SE, or $19,599 for a ZXW SE. Top trim prices are $21,799 for a ZX4 SES or ZX5 SES or $22,599 for a Ford Focus SES wagon (ZXW). A Ford Focus ZX4 ST costs $22,999 before fees. You'll want to spend on safety options and conveniences that only the SE and SES can offer. Avoid the base S and you'll be satisfied with this small car's blend of style and performance.

Note: Images show a US model.