2009 Ford Focus Quality Review

The latest comfort and quality trend has been decidedly positive for Ford, and the same holds true with the new 2009 Ford Focus. While the current generation holds many improvements over previous Ford Focus models, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com still, however, cite some elements worthy of criticism.

Inside the 2009 Ford Focus, Car and Driver reviewers find that "the front seats are flat and firm but offer little bolstering." For daily drivers, though, Cars.com says that "the seats offered plenty of support on long commutes." Consumer Guide notes that the Ford Focus' "legroom is quite good for the class, and headroom is outstanding in models that don't have the sunroof." The rear seats don't fare quite so well, though, as Consumer Guide reports that "headroom and legroom n the sedan are decent for the class," but "in the coupe, smaller adults will fit in the back [only] for short trips." Car and Driver also warns prospective buyers that "climbing back [to the rear seats] is a gymnastic feat, because the front seats don't automatically slide forward and there's a hanging seatbelt you'll have to battle your way past."

When it comes to overall utility, the 2009 Ford Focus is just average. While Kelley Blue Book praises the "improved storage spaces," reviewers at Consumer Guide grumble that "interior storage is merely okay. The glovebox is skimpy, as are the front-door map pockets." As for the trunk, Cars.com reports it is "plenty big for the class," and while "the rear seats fold flat to expand the cargo area," they also note "not much will be able to make its way through the narrow opening they leave. This feature could work for golfers or other athletes with oddly shaped gear, but it probably won't help those with bulky luggage."

The Ford Focus 2009's interior materials are certainly improved compared to previous models, but that doesn't mean they are near the top of the class. Car and Driver feels that "too many surfaces are cheesy—notably the faux aluminum trim, the hard-plastic door inserts and the flimsy trunk carpeting." Consumer Guide adds that the "interior materials disappoint overall," and even the "dashboard on the SES model is dominated by dull, silvery plastic trim, which reeks of cost cutting." Cars.com also points out that "the quality of the leather was passable" on their seats, "though nothing spectacular." Car and Driver isn't so kind, noting that "there are vinyl interiors that look better than the Focus's leather."

Despite the many gripes concerning quality on the 2009 Ford Focus, road noise doesn't appear to be a cause for concern. Edmunds reviewers find that the "interior remains quiet on the highway, as there's little wind or engine noise," and Automobile Magazine calls the Ford Focus 2009 "surprisingly quiet." However, the hard-to-please testers at Consumer Guide feel that "road rumble is marked, and the tires thump over expansion joints."