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2005 Ford Focus

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Ford Focus
Pictured: 2018 Ford Focus ST-Line X 1.0. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan LX/Se/Se Sport/Zts, 4dr Wagon Se/Se Sport/Ztw, Zx3 2dr Hatch FWD, Zx5 4dr Hatch FWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
Length
168.1–178.3 in
Curb weight
2,551–2,723 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.3L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,564 lb (4dr Sedan LX/Se/Se Sport/Zts).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 12% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan LX/Se/Se Sport/Zts174.8 in66.9 in56.3 in103.1 in57.9 / 57.9 in2,564 lb61/39
4dr Wagon Se/Se Sport/Ztw178.3 in66.9 in57.1 in103.1 in57.9 / 57.9 in2,723 lb59/41
Zx3 2dr Hatch FWD168.9 in66.9 in56.3 in103.1 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,551 lb61/39
Zx5 4dr Hatch FWD168.1 in66.9 in56.3 in102.8 in57.9 / 57.9 in2,551 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Focus2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+12%$2,600342
Focus Station Wagon2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+27%$2,600342
Focus2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+7%$2,700355
Focus Station Wagon2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+22%$2,700355
Focus2.3L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-1%$2,900386
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2005 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Ford Focus under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Ford Focus (this car)26 MPGNot rated0
2005 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2005 Honda Civic41 MPGNot rated8
2005 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2005 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI35 MPGNot rated0
2005 Hyundai Elantra26 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Focus.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

84Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
105,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System17
Unknown Or Other10
Vehicle Speed Control10
Structure › Body10
Power Train9
Air Bags9
Exterior Lighting6
Engine6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/11: 417/12: 218/02: 218/03: 218/06: 118/09: 118/11: 118/12: 119/01: 119/02: 119/04: 219/07: 219/09: 119/10: 119/11: 120/01: 120/02: 120/04: 120/06: 120/10: 121/03: 122/09: 123/11: 126/08: 117/1118/0318/1119/0219/0920/0120/0622/09max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Ford Focus buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Vehicle Speed Control — 10 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Structure › Body — 10 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Focus years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2018 Focus34171.7 in★★★★★7837
2017 Focus34171.7 in★★★★★10907
2016 Focus34171.7 inNot rated111,194
2015 Focus34171.7 inNot rated111,034
2014 Focus32171.7 inNot rated142,496
2013 Focus32171.7 inNot rated141,759
2012 Focus32171.7 inNot rated103,147
2011 Focus29175.2 inNot rated073
2010 Focus28175.2 inNot rated0139
2009 Focus28175.2 inNot rated085
2008 Focus28175.2 inNot rated0104
2007 Focus27168.9 inNot rated0105

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →