New for 2006The 2006 Ford Focus offers a Street Appearance Package for the ZX4 (ZX3 and ZX5 later in model year) for a more aggressive, custom look. All 2006 Ford Focus trim levels offer an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system standard. Six-disc audio systems now include steering wheel controls and new exterior colors choices include Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic, Pueblo Gold Clearcoat Metallic and Screaming Yellow Clearcoat.
The Focus benefited from extensive upgrades inside and out for 2005 so there are relatively few changes for the 2006 models. New options for 2006 include a package that bundles popular safety and convenience features. A new Street Appearance Package adds a unique face, foglamps, lower air deflector, rear bumper and spoiler designed to give the Focus the look of a tuner car.
Gas milage is good avg 30-33 Mpg Greate handling. Also handles good in the snow. Roomy enough for my 63" body
Interior
The most dramatic design departure is the revamped interior, partly because Ford is concentrating on making interiors look better. The all-new instrument panel is symmetrical; the driver and front passenger areas are divided by two rectangular climate control registers, hazard switch and a shallow center stack for the climate and audio control systems.
The interior still needs more flair, although improved materials are used for it.
A standard floor console houses the shifter, two cupholders, the parking brake, and controls for options such as traction control. An overhead console includes a sunglasses holder and a space for a garage door opener. Storage is also provided in the front doors, which feature molded-in bottle holders.
A CD player with MP3 capability is standard on all models. Models with the optional six-disc CD changer feature audio controls on the steering wheel.
New Engine
Ford mainly dropped the SVT because it has replaced the Zetec 4-cylinder engine used in the Focus since its arrival here in 2000 with an economical 4-cylinder "Duratec" engine developed by Mazda, in which Ford has a controlling interest.
The new 2-liter 4-cylinder Duratec engine with 136 horsepower replaces the old base 2-liter 4-cylinder, which generated 110 and 130 horsepower.
The ZX4 ST gets a 2.3-liter Duratec 4-cylinder with 151 horsepower. It lets the ZX4 ST hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds with its 5-speed manual gearbox, which is the only one offered for this version. The engine drones a bit during highway cruising, and a downshift to fourth gear is needed for the best 65-75 mph passing time.
Other Focus trim levels can be had with the manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox shifts easily and works with a nice clutch thats not a pain in stop-and-go traffic, although the extra torque of the ZX4 ST engine makes lots of shifting unnecessary.
The new 2-liter Focus engine calls for additional shifting. The $815 automatic transmission shifts crisply, but saps some power.
Driving Impressions
The Focus ZX4 ST is fun to drive. Ford borrowed pieces of the suspension from the European-market Focus and the 2004 Focus SVT to make the ZX4 ST more performance oriented than the other models. It borrows the front struts and rear shocks from those models, and they are 50 percent stiffer than the ones on the SE and SES versions. The ZX4 ST comes with unique 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Pirelli all-season radials. The package provides sharp handling response, precise steering and generally an enjoyable connection with the road.
I drive really long distances and make alot of miles, 13000 miles in 6 months. No problem, very low on fuel! Good quality and performance. Ford has done a good job and I can recommend this car so much. No need for a Toy.
Pros:
Ive driven several cars in my short life. The Focus is one of the best. Amazing list of features for a car in this price range. Spacious cabin, capable of handling four people of 6 or taller with ease. Piping hot/Wintery cold heat/AC. Very comfy captains seat. A very pleasing optional instrument cluster. Gorgeous color (maroon/deep red). Very responsive acceleration (deceptively quick, considering the engine size) and great braking. Hums along on the freeway with minimal noise. Sporty alloy wheels look good. Very sleek design and smooth lines. And, last but certainly not least, very functional cup holders near the shifter. Past cars have had them, but theyve sucked horribly.
Cons:
Dont have head rest in the back. It is noisy inside when you accelerate. Does not have indicators for the transmission position in the dashboard..(D, P, N, 1, 2...). The plastic in some part of the car seems cheep or not to strong for last, but it is really an appreciation.
Overall Review:
The MSN review sold me this car. I used to have a 2005 Chevy Cavalier, no ABS, and was shocked to find out that it had the lowest side-impact crash ratings. The pro reviews of the 2006 Focus also clinched it for me. I was also surprised to have a $2,000 rebate which I applied as part of the down payment. Harris Ford in Lynnwood, WA, wiped out the second sticker saving me nearly $5,000 in negative equity. I was looking at Mustangs, but now even the bottom end Mustang is 30 grand, and not so miserly on the gas. The Focus ZX-4 satisfied both my want and need for safe, reliable transportation, as cool lines, styling and fantastic handling. The payments are a little higher, but it is time that I stopped settling for the bottom end of the car I drive. Right now, I cant think of another car Id like to own that also got such high reviews. Performance wise, Im not looking to race everyone, but the Ford Focus is an excellent alternative to the overrated and overpriced Honda Civic. :)