The 2009 Focus can last over 250,000 miles with only some alignment and general fit & finish issues. At $4,742 – 5,485, it’s an affordable compact car we recommend.
Is the 2009 Ford Focus a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Focus. Owner reviews enjoy the compact size, long-lasting engine, and exterior design.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2008–2011 are good with a surge in problems for 2012.
- Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engine.
- The Focus is reasonably safe for a compact car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 28 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Focus?
- Consumer Reports likes the agile handling, and owner satisfaction scores are average.
- Edmunds gives the Focus a 4.4/5 liking the infotainment system, but disliking the cheap interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Focus 4.6/5 and enjoy the reliable engine, but dislike the dated styling.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Ford Focus Have?
Problems found on the 2009 Focus are fairly minor including uneven tire wear, loose carpet, and door lock failures.
Uneven tire wear is the most common complaint from owners at around 25,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by alignment issues, which cost about $250 to fix.
Loose carpeting is an issue mentioned by owners at around 10,000 miles. The carpet pulls loose from the trim panels, and a lot of owners glue down the peeling edge to solve the issue.
Failing door locks is another problem that shows up at around 60,000 miles. Replacing the door lock actuators fixes the problem, but costs around $500 depending on local labor rates.
There’s only 1 minor recall covering an interlock belt and is not a big concern.
How Long Will the 2009 Ford Focus Last?
A properly maintained 2009 Ford Focus will last around 250,000 miles, similar to a popular competitor like the Hyundai Elantra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, at $459 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.
Most 2009 Focus models will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the knock sensor for $250, oil pan costing $500, and the muffler which costs $525.
It is somewhat reliable. It is a used car and some parts are janky but it runs well for the most part.
It is pretty reliable. There are really no issues with it. There are basic touch ups and service I have to do on it but nothing serious.
My focus is reliable and so far it had not had any major problems just regular maintenance like replace brakes and oil changes.
Yes. I do not have any problems. I find it easy to drive and works well. I really appreciate not having problems with the car.
Motor mounts and starters are known for going out in '09 focuses - both of which I have experienced. Regardless of that, I feel like my car has been extremely reliable over the years.
I have regular maintenance type issues but no real problems. I put a beating on my car and she's never let me down. Best car I have had.
The 2009 ford focus se had been pretty reliable! The only problem I have experienced is with the car key ignition. It gets a bit stuck sometimes; however, I simply have to push my key in a bit harder for it to work, so it is not too big of a problem.
The only problems I've faced have been minor front end issues and the side panels on the front doors rotting from NY weather and road salt.
How Much Is the 2009 Ford Focus Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,742 – 5,485, which makes the Focus about $1,500 less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $15,520 to $18,265. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Focus?
There are four models of the Focus offered. Technology was last updated for the 2008 model year, with a complete redesign coming in 2012.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
SE is a step up adding features such as:
- Power Windows & Locks
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Satellite Radio
SES is next in the lineup and adds:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Rear Spoiler
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Cruise Control
- SYNC Stereo System With Bluetooth Capabilities
SEL is the luxury model and has:
- Unique 16” Euro Style Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Heated Seats
- Upgraded Stereo With Subwoofer
What Engines Come In the Focus?
The engine found in the 2009 Ford Focus is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder making 140 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG combined. Performance is average, taking 8.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Focus Come In?
How Big Is the Focus?
The 2009 Focus is an average sized compact car offered as a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan and is similar in size to the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Passenger room is very good throughout the cabin, with more legroom in the backseats than rivals.
Cargo space is similar to a lot of other compact cars, with 13.8 cubic feet of room in the trunk.
How Does the Focus Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Fusion is a popular rival, which costs about $1,300 more. Passenger space and interior materials are better in the Fusion, but the Focus is more responsive to drive. We recommend the Fusion since the prices and reliability ratings are close and you get a more practical car.
The Mazda3 is another competitor, which costs around $1,400 more. Performance is better in the Mazda3, but the SYNC infotainment system is better in the Focus. We recommend the Mazda3 since they are a higher quality car for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Focus?
Yes, it is a good vehicle. It gets me toy destination and it is good on gas. The longest trip I have done in the car is 2 hours, it runs good.
Yes it is a very nice vehicle. I have had it for 5 years and it is a tough car. It works great and has been through a lot and I will have it for a long time. I love my car.
Yes I feel my ford focus is a great vehicle because it gets great mileage per gallon and is reliable.
It is a good vehicle. I get good mileage. It has good form and function. I really enjoy driving it.
I think so. My car is ten years old and while cosmetically imperfect, I have had very little maintenance that needed to be done outside of routine tasks (oil changes, tire rotation, etc.).
I love my ford focus! It is not as big as Id like but it is such a reliable comfortable car. I refuse to trade it in till the wheels fall off.
I love my 2009 ford focus se! It is a fantastic car and I love driving it every day. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and easy to care for! I love its simplicity as I find it makes the car's functions easier to navigate and use.
It’s a phenomenal vehicle!! Great for a modern family. It seats 5, is great on gas, has a sturdy and reliable under body