Acceleration
"ST 2.3-liter has adequate low-rpm power, immediate throttle response. Base 2.0 has only adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap. Manual transmission has smooth shift/clutch action."

Value
"Focus is fun to drive in any form, though it lacks the refinement of the Volkswagen Jetta and the outright sportiness of the Mazda 3. But it's priced to sell, and an array of body styles and useful options give it broad appeal and help Focus clinch a Recommended ribbon."

Ride
"ST's sport suspension gives firm, but impressively compliant, ride. Other models somewhat softer, thump less over bumps, but also feel less stable at highway speed. No opportunity to evaluate with 15-inch wheels."

Economy
Test ST averaged 20.5 mpg in strictly city driving. No opportunity to measure with 2.0-liter engine.

Noise
"ST exhibits little road rumble, but tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges. Sporty exhaust note is loud in high-rpm driving. All models exhibit noticeable wind rush around front side windows."

Comfort - Front
"Comfortable, supportive seats stand chair-height, yet head room outstanding. Leg space fine for class. ST and SES models include tilt/telescope steering wheel for extra measure of driver comfort. Large door openings ease entry/exit."

Comfort - Rear
"Better head and leg room than most compacts, though sunroof's housing trims head space for tall riders. Entry/exit a squeeze on ZX3s, much easier on 4-dr models, though their rear doors should open wider."

Controls
"Well-arranged dashboard has easy-read gauges and mostly intuitive, handy minor controls. Good cabin materials and workmanship for the price."

Cargo Room
"Sedan's trunklid uses space-saving strut-type hinges. All models have generous cargo holds with low liftovers, plus split folding rear seatbacks for versatility; available premium-stereo subwoofer eats up space. Abundant interior storage includes 6-CD holder in dash and ceiling console in nonsunroof models."