Item: Used Ford Focus Saloon 2004 - 2011
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Saloon

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FOCUS

The Focus saloon pretty much does it all - if you don't need a hatch

Ford Focus Saloon 2004 - 2011

The beauty of the Focus is that, because of the numbers sold new and the relatively undesirable badge, its stiff depreciation makes it a bargain used buy.

It's also easy to shop around and find a good price - although Focus saloons are less easy to find than hatches. Best of all, once it's more than a year old, it has already suffered the biggest hit, so any future loss in value will be no worse than on its rivals.

Other running costs will be no problem, either. You should see at least 40mpg from any of the petrol engines - our favourite 113bhp 1.6 returns 43.8 mpg on the combined cycle - and 50mpg from the diesels.

Service and repair costs are good, too, and figures from Warranty Direct show that, in the independent sector, Ford maintenance rates are among the lowest. Similarly, insurance costs are perfectly acceptable, and on a par with those for the Focus's rivals.

Used Ford Focus Saloon 2004 - 2011

The Focus saloon pretty much does it all - if you don't need a hatch


There's a wide range of engines, but there's no need to look beyond the 113bhp 1.6 petrol. It gives the car a respectable turn of speed and 40mpg fuel economy.

It's certainly worth paying more for this rather than one of the less powerful engines. Equally, it makes the 2.0-litre engine look a pointless expense.

The diesel engines have a fine blend of flexibility and fuel economy, but they're expensive, and, unless you do high mileages, not worth the extra.

The saloon range is smaller than the hatchback's, and concentrated on the more luxurious trims, so all models have very good equipment levels. Remote central locking, split-fold rear seats and electric front windows are standard across the range.

Ghia emphasises comfort, while the more expensive Titanium makes the car a little sportier. For our money, Ghia makes the most sensible buy.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

The previous-generation Focus has long been renowned as a very tough car; Warranty Direct gives it an exceptionally good Reliability Index, while the 2005 JD Power survey rated it as the best Ford. We see no reason why this model should not follow in its predecessor's wheeltracks, especially as there has been a noticeable step up in quality.

Certainly, initial reports from owners are predominantly positive. Most love the way the car drives, and are impressed with the car's quality. The only problem to appear with any frequency was a complaint of a nasty, 'rotten egg' smell apparently coming from the clutch.

The only recall to affect the vehicle so far concerns the fuel return pipe, which could degrade and cause fuel leakage. Only cars built up to the end of February 2005 were affected.

There's more than enough room inside the airy cabin for four six-foot adults, while the boot is well shaped and generous. However, by its very nature, this saloon is less practical than the hatchback version.

Height adjustment on the driver's seat, along with reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel, means drivers of all shapes and sizes should find an excellent driving position, while the dash is a lesson to other manufacturers for its clarity and ease of use. It's all put together with a quality to rival the very best in the class.

However, it's the way the Focus drives that really sets it apart - think sports car rather than small family car. It has a wonderful blend of sharp handling, generally smooth ride and excellent composure through the bends, all topped off by fine refinement at motorway speeds.

If there is a slight complaint, it's that the price you pay for the sharp handling is a firm low-speed ride

Used Ford Focus Saloon 2004 - 2011 review

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