2006 Ford Focus ZX5 Review

Visibility


		» Introduction » Performance » Handling » Visibility » Fun to Drive » Front Comfort » Rear Comfort » Interior Noise » Loading Cargo » Build Quality » Materials Quality » Styling » Storage » Infotainment Controls » Climate Controls » Secondary Controls » Specifications » Second Opinions


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TO THE POINT What's New? New paint colors, new option packages, new trim packages, and that's about it. Ditto for 2007, though the powertrain warranty has been upgraded and there are new leather sport seats with contrasting inserts are available on the SE and SES hatchback and sedan models.
Selling Points: Fun to drive, low emissions engine, great outward visibility, hatchback utility, simple design
Deal Breakers: Front seat comfort, rear seat cushion doesn't split 60/40, no rear headrests, no center console storage, average quality

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Thanks to a tall seating position, a large windshield, a dashboard mounted low and out of the way, and thin front roof pillars, the Ford Focus offers outstanding forward visibility. We easily carved through thick traffic in our test car, mainly because it was so easy to see the path of least resistance through the morass of brake lights. Rear visibility is good too, because the Focus doesn't come with rear headrests. Of course, that means whiplash for any rear seat occupants in a wreck, but at least the driver will be able to see the wreck coming thanks to a clear view through the back window. The rear roof pillars are somewhat thick, but small quarter windows help nicely when reversing from slanted parking spaces. If there is a visibility nit to pick, it's with the thin, teardrop-shaped side mirrors, which take some getting used to.