2006 Ford Focus ZX5 Review

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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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When it comes to small cars, few match the utility afforded by a five-door configuration. We used our Ford Focus ZX5 test car for a day trip to the beach, and it easily swallowed a tall beach umbrella, blankets, chairs, a cooler, backpacks, and one of the great inventions of modern history – Match Light barbecue charcoal – with the rear seats folded down. The Focus has a wide hatch opening and a low liftover height, making it even easier to stuff the car full of stuff. There is a problem with the design, however. To fold the rear seatbacks flat, the bottom cushion must be flipped up. The seatbacks are a 60/40 split design, the bottom cushion is not. This design precludes expanding the cargo space with a flat load floor while carrying a third passenger in comfort – an arrangement we needed after that day at the beach.