2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe: Sporty And Fun-to-Drive

What’s New

Ford first introduced the compact-sized Focus in 1999, after retiring the popular Escort. Initially, the Focus was available as a sedan, hatchback and wagon. However, the second generation redesigned 2009 Focus dropped the hatchback and wagon, adding a coupe to the line up.

Must Have Goodies:

The new boxy looking angular-styled coupe we reviewed was available in two trim levels. If you’re buying the coupe, we recommend stepping up to the SES package, which includes the fun-to-drive and fuel efficient five-speed manual transmission (an automatic is available), 17-inch wheels, fog lights, chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler incorporated into the design of the roof as opposed to the trunk.

The Focus was also packaged with two safety features to maintain better control in dicey driving situations: ABS and Electronic Stability Braking system. Furthermore, for music lovers, you should opt for Ford’s Moon and Tune package, which includes a 6-disc CD player and MP3 player with audiophiles and a power roof.

And if cloth seats don’t tickle your fancy, you can opt to fork out $810 for the fancy looking heated bucket seats. In fact, we found the seats in the compact-sized Focus to be extremely comfortable and offer more support than both the mid-sized Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

What We Like:

The 17-inch tire and wheel package makes the Ford Focus coupe one of the best riding small cars on the market. Added to that, Ford’s industry exclusive SYNC technology makes this car a winner. While SYNC was standard in our SES trim package, it is a $395 option in the base SE trim package. With SYNC, drivers can use a hands-free voice activated system, which plays music, podcasts, audio books, make calls and answers texts, while you’re driving. SYNC, which works in conjunction with Bluetooth, cost less than most high-tech mobile phones. And there isn’t another compact on the road today offering this type of technology.

What We Hated:

While we like the compact Ford we reviewed, at $20,615 the price is steep. In fact, the vehicle pricing goes head-to-head with larger vehicles like the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry. One of the ways Ford could help cut the cost of the Focus is by eliminating such needless features like one of the three adjustable headrests in the rear seat. Also for this price point, automatic headlights should be a standard feature on the Focus.

Any Juice:

The Focus we reviewed was equipped with a peppy 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder engine, which produces 140 horses.

The Verdict:

If you’re in the market for a roomy and reliable compact sports coupe, offering high-end technology, the Focus could be the perfect vehicle for you. The Focus is available in a variety of trim package, as either a coupe or sedan, with an automatic or manual transmission. While a fully equipped Focus goes-to-head with larger vehicles, consumers can opt for a moderate equipped vehicle to get a better deal. Pricing for a base Focus starts at $15,500 and can easily rise to $21,800. Ford usually offers rebates and cut rate financing on the vehicle.

Coupe Competition:

Chevy Cobalt, Honda Civic and Kia Koup

To configure a Focus or another vehicle, visit our New-Vehicle Pricing Guide, which is located in the Car-Buying Toolbox.