2005 Ford Focus Wagon

Ford has declared 2005 “The Year of the Car.”
The declaration stems from Ford’s introduction of the all-new Five Hundred flagship sedan, the much-anticipated revised Mustang, the formidable 550-horse GT and updates to its perky, economical Focus. Guess which one I got?

Even if I don’t get to start at the top of the lineup – or even in the middle – I can’t complain about the Focus. It has been one of the brighter spots on the domestic economy scene since its inception. The ’05 revisions promise more of what made it shine. My Focus was a wagon, a ZXW SES. In plainspeak, it’s the fanciest Focus wagon there is. That, for now, is all the consolation I get.

The good news
Those following Ford’s global adjustments closely know Europe gets an all-new Focus for ’05. This American version is not that model. This is simply a makeover with “major design and engineering improvements,” according to Ford. But, as I said, the Focus was good news like it was, so “improvements” mean it only gets better.

Outside, the Focus gets a nose job to better resemble the family, the family being modeled on the new Five Hundred sedan. The Focus looks softer, less space-age angular. Ford calls it “expressive.” Okeydokey.

The rest of the wagon’s exterior looks much the same, a neat little package that affords surprisingly good room inside and isn’t likely to attract much attention outside. If you’re prone to carry expensive cargo, this can be a plus.

The interior gets a more thorough redesign. Clean, modern styling and quality materials are the declared trademarks of all Ford’s new interiors. The concept provides a welcome departure from the previous Focus’ rather jumbled dash layout. This one looks good, responds logically and works. Definitely an improvement.

Passengers find reasonable room at all stations, and cargo capacity spreads out 35.6 cubic feet of space with rear seats up, 73.7 with them folded forward. It’s handy.

Increasing power and fuel economy and decreasing emissions are other goals of this ’05 lineup. Ford trumpets Focus strides in all categories, but it’s a little misleading. This year a Partially Zero Emissions Vehicle joins the Focus lineup to be sold in California, New York, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. It skews the green factor considerably. But there’s no fudging the news in power and fuel economy. My wagon was equipped with a hearty new 136-horsepower 2.0-liter Duratec 20 twin cam in-line 4 cylinder engine. This is standard equipment on ’05 Focuses (Foci?), replacing both the previous 110-horse and 130-horse four-cylinder powerplants. Mine came with a manual 5-speed, again standard issue. A 4-speed automatic is optional.

The combination of horsepower and manual tranny make this wagon fun to drive. The 5-speed finds each gear with a nice, solid click. Acceleration moves out with surprising authority. Front-wheel-drive handling tracks precisely. Nothing pokey about this perky little ride. It gets right on down the road.

Meanwhile, fuel consumption sips 26 mpg city/35 highway. That represents a slight increase over last year’s Focus wagon and real good news in light of gas prices.

The bad news
My only complaint – and it’s not a large one – surfaces vis-à-vis the competition. As much as I compliment this Wagon’s build quality, road quiet and lack of vibration, it doesn’t quite match the superlatives of its Japanese competition. Here, there’s more engine noise, less pristine level of fit and finish.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $17,905;
Price as tested, $20,065

Is it worth it?
For $20,000, my Focus Wagon included power moonroof, perimeter alarm, antilock brakes, traction control and side impact airbags. A reasonable list of other conveniences come standard on the SES trim package.

All things considered, I think this Focus Wagon more than earns its price. Not only do you get wagon versatility, you get a well-equipped, fuel-efficient car that’s delightful to drive. And if I like the Focus Wagon this much, just think how I’m going to feel when I get my hands on the GT.

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.