2006 Ford Focus New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Ford Focus?
A new Street Appearance Package for the ZX3, ZX4, and ZX5 lends a customized appearance to the 2006 Ford Focus with unique front and rear fascias and a chrome exhaust tip. A CD/MP3 player is standard on all models, and alloy wheels are now a stand-alone option for S and SE trim levels. Order the in-dash, six-disc CD changer and get auxiliary steering wheel controls. Finally, new colors include Dark Red Toreador metallic, Pueblo Gold metallic, and Screaming Yellow clearcoat.

Advantages of the 2006 Ford Focus:

• Great fun to drive
• Performance-oriented ZX4 ST Sedan
• Clean PZEV motor
• Smooth ride quality
• Entering and exiting is easy
• Expanding and loading cargo is simple
• Useful control design and layout
• Compelling value equation
• Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Objections to the 2006 Ford Focus:

• Uncomfortable front seats
• Interior noise levels
• Base engine is buzzy at speed

Editor's Advice:
Is the Ford Focus one of the most overlooked cars on the market? How else to explain the large rebates on one of the best small cars for sale today? Sure, the Focus stumbled when it was introduced and was the subject of numerous recalls, but today's model has had the bugs worked out. Our only substantial complaints about the 2006 Ford Focus center on seating that we've never found terribly comfortable and high levels of interior noise when traveling down the highway. Otherwise, the Ford Focus is one fun little car, offering exemplary steering, handling and braking while simultaneously providing a smooth ride on often-crumbling urban streets. And for those looking for a cheap thrill, Ford injects some additional fun into the 2006 Focus equation with ZX4 ST performance sedan. The 151-horsepower four-cylinder engine provides plenty of spunk, and the performance-tuned suspension helps carve corners with ease. It's tough to go wrong with the highly recommended 2006 Ford Focus.