The 2005 Ford Focus is one of the better compact cars in its price range, but it’s not the best. The 2005 Hyundai Elantra does everything the Focus does, but a little better, and a little cheaper. Be that as it may, if you can get a better deal on a 2005 Focus, don’t pass it up.
Is the 2005 Ford Focus a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – A very good, well-rounded compact that doesn’t really do anything wrong.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The Sedan models are roomy enough, but the Wagon models border on compact SUV territory.
- Reliability 8/10 – You’ll probably pass 250,000 miles with the original engine and transmission. A handful of electrical issues are the only major concern here.
- Safety 6/10 – Onboard safety tech is outdated, and Ford hide full airbags and traction control away in the ST trim.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – At 26/35 miles to the gallon, city/highway, there are more efficient 2005 compacts out there but not by a very wide margin.
- Value 8/10 – The 2005 Ford Focus is a very good value, but it’s up against some stiff competition in the form of the 2005 Hyundai Elantra.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2005 Ford Focus?
Consumer Reports praised the 2005 Ford Focus for its smooth ride and strong brakes, they found it agile and fun to drive, with sporty handling and they liked the new engines, but the cheap-feeling interior and mediocre fuel economy earned some red marks.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2005 Ford Focus a solid 88% recommendation, with one driver reporting 245,000 miles on the odometer and calling it the “best bang for the buck.” Drivers praise the reliable engine and crisp handling, but remain split on the quirky visual design with some calling it cute, others ugly.
Edmunds liked the spacious and comfortable interior, they like the sharp handling, smooth suspension, and sporty vibe of the car. They didn’t like the bland interior styling, and note that car’s competitors have a stronger track record for reliability.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Ford Focus Have?
The 2005 Ford Focus has 113 electrical system complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making up about a quarter of the total. Complaints are all over the place, covering everything from blown fuses to seat belt indicators coming on for no reason, but it mostly comes down to worn wiring.
A recall in 2005 addressed faulty back door latches in more than half a million Fords, but the newest complaint for the issue was issued in 2017. Whether recent complaints have to do with VINs not being covered by the recall, or drivers missing the notification, is unclear.
There are 50 airbag complaints on file, mostly having to do with airbag lights going on for no reason, but there are a few reports of airbags failing to deploy in major accidents. Rate of incidence is low, but the problem is concerning.
The 2005 Ford Focus has just 5 recalls and 439 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Both of these numbers are remarkably low for a sedan that’s been on the road for around twenty years.
How Long Will the 2005 Ford Focus Last?
Mileage has been reported in the 300,000 range on the original engine and transmission. This is most likely to occur if you bought the car new and you’ve never skipped an oil change. Buying used, expect a maximum mileage of around 250,000, and consider anything after that a bonus.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of $569, with the most expensive common repair being a new powertrain control module starting at around $791.
It is very reliable and gets me back and forth to work. It has never had any problems since I have owned it.
No a problem at all, was purchased as a second car but soon became as our first choice, the wife and grandkids love it.
It has been very reliable for me. I replaced the battery in July which was in the car for 7 years and was a 4 year battery.
Yes it is very reliable, it takes you everywhere. It gets the job done and I struggle very rarely with it. I love it.
I haven't had any problems with the ford focus besides the windows sometimes do not want to roll down. It is really reliable, barely needs maintenance and has a lifetime air filter.
It is reliable. We've had to replace the tie rods and the a-arms. Other than that, we've obviously had to do the normal maintenance (tires, brakes, etc). But yes, it is pretty reliable.
It has been a very reliable car, very easy to maintain. I have not had to take it to be repaired only once or twice since owning it.
High mileage but still dependable and trustworthy enough to take out of state.. Just recently changed alternator but no other problems ever.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology onboard the 2005 Focus is decent. The higher trim levels are availabel with MP3 players, which wasn’t always a given back in 2005.
Safety features are on the low end of adequate. Lower trim levels are missing full airbags and you need to buy a high-end ST if you want anti-lock brakes. You expect that safety tech is going to be outdated in a 2005 sedan, but Ford were a bit stingy with even those limited features this time.
Is the 2005 Ford Focus a Good Value?
The 2005 Ford Focus is a pretty good value. The base S model sedan typically lists for around $3,939, and the top-of-the-line ST can actually be found for a hundred dollars cheaper than that. These prices are taken from models with around 140,000 miles on the odometer, and a used Focus might double that.
Low cost of ownership sweetens the deal. Most of the car’s major issues are electrical, and major mechanical problems are few and far between, so it’s cheap to fix, and fuel economy is better than you might expect.
What are the Different Models of the 2005 Ford Focus?
The 2005 Ford Focus is offered in five trim levels, from the base S to the high-end ST.
In the entry-level S you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- SecuriLock anti-theft
- CD player with 4 speakers
Next up is the SE, adding:
- MP3 player
- Power windows and door locks
- Manual air conditioning
With the mid-range SES you add:
- Remote keyless entry
- Dual power mirrors
- 6-disc CD player
Finally, the top-of-the-line ST features:
- Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Full airbags
The Sedan (ZX4) is available in all four trim levels, the Hatchback (ZX3/ZX5) is available in everything but ST, and the Wagon (ZXW) is only available in SE and SES.
What Engines Come In the 2005 Ford Focus?
- The base engine in the 2005 Ford Focus is a 2.0L Duratec inline-four delivering 136 horsepower and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic and configured in front wheel drive, and it averages 26/35 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- ST models are sold with a 2.3L Duratec inline-four delivering 151 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed manual and configured in front wheel drive, and it averages 22/31 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2005 Ford Focus Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2005 Ford Focus?
The 2005 Ford Focus offers a smooth ride with firm, supportive seating and 50.7 inches of hiproom in the back. It’s one of the more comfortable compact cars on the market for this model year.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2005 Ford Focus Have?
In the Sedan model you’ve got 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space. That can extend to 35.6 cubic feet in the hatchback, or 73.7 cubic feet with the wagon, if you fold the seats down. This just about puts us into compact SUV territory.
In the cabin you’ve got two cupholders in the front and one in the back, which may have one or two passengers holding their coffee between their knees. But there are plenty of slots and pockets for phones, books, tablets and so on.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2005 was the sixth model year for the 1st Generation Ford Focus, running from 2000 to 2007.
2002: Ford redesigned the suspension for 2002, with stiffer springs and a new anti-roll bar offering a smoother ride.
2003: A cabin redesign toned down the rode noise and upgraded the interior fabrics.
2004: Leather seats were added as an option in the ZX3 hatchback model, but there were no other major changes.
2005: 2005 saw the addition of a new 136 horsepower Duratec engine, and a slight redesign for the exterior.
2006: No big changes in 2006.
2007: Ford added MP3 players as a standard feature in 2007. Beyond this, they were more focused on launching the 2nd Generation model than upgrading the first.
How Does the 2005 Ford Focus Compare to the Competition?
If you want a sporty driving experience, it’s hard to compete with the 2005 Honda Civic Si, but that car usually lists for around two grand more than the Focus.
A 2005 Hyundai Elantra is the preferable option if you want a budget-priced compact, with the entry-level GLS selling at nearly a thousand dollars below the Focus. The high-end GT is priced in the same range as the Focus, and it’s more efficient, roomier, and more luxurious.
The 2005 Ford Focus is a good compact car at a good price, but the Elantra is a better compact car at a better price. If you can get a great deal on a Focus, check it out, but don’t hand any money over until you’ve seen what Hyundai has to offer.
Do Owners Recommend the 2005 Ford Focus?
Yes the ford focus is a great, wonderful, spectacular vehicle. I really enjoy driving it back and forth to work.
Yes it's been a reliable car, always starts and is great on gas I drive 50 miles a day to get to and from work.
Yes it is fun to drive and good on gas. I bought it new and have only put money into it for normal maintenance items. I wish they were still making this model because I would buy another one.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is economical, its long lasting and is smooth running. I have no problems with it.
Yes it gets good gas mileage and just needs basic maintenance every now and then. It is a good family vehicle because it has air bags, side airbags and a ton of trunk space.
It is pretty reliable. We haven't had to do too much work to it over the years that we've had it. I'd say it is a good vehicle.
I have owned my ford 14 years it has been a very reliable car. I like the way it drives the pick up and go. I will research fords when I am ready to buy in the next couple of years.
Excellent runner, and trustworthy,almost 250,000 miles. Only until recently had to do any car service except normal oil changes and some new tires.