DecodedCars2006 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Zx3 2dr Hatch FWD, Zx4 4dr Sedan FWD, Zx5 4dr Hatch FWD, Zxw 4dr Wagon FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 168.1–178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,606–2,782 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2006 compact car (22.2 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 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 169 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,606 lb (Zx3 2dr Hatch FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 17% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 5.9 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Focus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zx3 2dr Hatch FWD | 168.9 in | 66.9 in | 58.7 in | 103.1 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,606 lb | 61/39 |
| Zx4 4dr Sedan FWD | 174.8 in | 66.9 in | 58.7 in | 103.1 in | 57.9 / 57.9 in | 2,637 lb | 61/39 |
| Zx5 4dr Hatch FWD | 168.1 in | 66.9 in | 58.7 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.9 in | 2,610 lb | 61/39 |
| Zxw 4dr Wagon FWD | 178.3 in | 66.9 in | 61.4 in | 103.1 in | 57.9 / 57.9 in | 2,782 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +17% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Focus Station Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +28% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Focus | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +13% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Focus Station Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +23% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Focus | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Focus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Focus (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Focus.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,487 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 837 |
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2016 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,194 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2013 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,759 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2009 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 85 |
| 2008 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 104 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →