2006 Ford Focus Reviews, Full Information & Pricing
Pricing
$13995 to $18040
ORIGINAL MSRP
$4045 to $5021
PRICE RANGE
$4797 to $4976
AVERAGE PRICE
$4462 to $4794
YOY PRICE CHANGE
Pros
Fun-to-Drive Handling The 2006 Ford Focus is known for its responsive steering and agile handling, delivering a dynamic driving experience. Its well-tuned suspension ensures a smooth ride, making it enjoyable for city commutes and highway trips alike. Fuel Efficiency Offering impressive fuel economy, the 2006 Focus is an economical choice for daily driving. Its efficient engine options make it an ideal vehicle for those looking to save on gas without sacrificing performance. Variety of Configurations With 23 different variants available, the 2006 Ford Focus caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. From sporty hatchbacks to practical sedans, there’s a model to suit every driver’s personality and lifestyle. Spacious and Comfortable Interior Despite its compact size, the 2006 Focus boasts a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The ergonomic design of the seats and controls enhances comfort during long drives. Affordable Pricing The 2006 Ford Focus is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its competitive pricing, combined with low maintenance costs, provides great value for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective compact car.
Cons
The 2006 Ford Focus Outdated Interior Design The interior of the 2006 Ford Focus feels dated, with materials and styling that don’t quite match the refinement of newer competitors. This may disappoint buyers looking for a more modern aesthetic. Lack of Advanced Safety Features While reliable, the 2006 Focus lacks many modern safety features such as side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver-assist systems, which are now standard in many vehicles. Road and Cabin Noise The cabin of the 2006 Ford Focus can be noisy, especially at higher speeds. Road and wind noise may detract from the overall driving experience, particularly on long highway trips. Limited Engine Power While the Focus delivers decent performance for daily driving, its engine options may feel underpowered for those seeking a more spirited drive or for handling heavier loads. Mediocre Build Quality Some owners have noted issues with the build quality of the 2006 Focus, including wear and tear on interior components and inconsistent fit and finish. This could impact the vehicle's long-term durability.
2006 Ford Focus: A Fun-to-Drive Compact Car Built for Everyone
The 2006 Ford Focus builds on its reputation as one of the most enjoyable and practical compact cars on the market. Designed to deliver a dynamic driving experience without compromising efficiency, this first-generation model remains a favorite for drivers seeking both fun and versatility.
With a total of 23 variants, the Ford Focus caters to a wide range of preferences and needs, making it easy to find a perfect match for your lifestyle. New for 2006, the Street Performance Package adds a sporty touch to the ST model, appealing to those who love an extra dose of style and performance. Whether you're after practicality or personality, the 2006 Ford Focus delivers a winning combination of features and value.
3.2
out of 5EXPERT REVIEW
Look & feel
Performance
Form & function
Technology
Safety
Cost-effectiveness
2006 Ford Focus: Modern Design and Sporty Options
The 2006 Ford Focus is available in four versatile body styles: a 2-door hatchback (ZX3), a 4-door sedan (ZX4), a 4-door hatchback (ZX5), and a 4-door wagon (ZXW). The sharp, aerodynamic design of the hatchbacks, with high-mounted taillights and a sleek, sloping roofline, exudes modernity and style. While the sedan and wagon are more understated, the sporty ST version transforms their look with the optional Street Performance Package. This Fast and Furious-inspired body kit includes a prominent rear wing, aggressive bumper and grille updates, and bold fender modifications, giving the Focus a striking, dynamic appearance.
All 2006 Focus models carry over the refreshed styling introduced in 2005, featuring subtle updates to the headlights and grille for a cleaner, contemporary look. However, the interior design doesn't match the exterior's flair. Compared to its European counterpart, the American Focus feels simpler and less exciting, with minimal interior accents and a plainer overall aesthetic. While functional, the cabin lacks the vibrancy and appeal of the hatchback's bold exterior design.
2006 Ford Focus: A Compact Car with Superior Performance
The 2006 Ford Focus features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 136 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. It powers the front wheels via a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with an optional 4-speed automatic available. For those seeking more performance, the ZX4 ST comes exclusively with a manual transmission and a 2.3-liter engine, boosting output to 151 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. Alongside its retuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels, the ZX4 ST provides a sportier driving experience, even if it doesn't quite match the grip or power of the 2004 SVT model. Still, its engaging ride makes it a joy to drive.
All 2006 Focus variants benefit from precise steering, excellent body control, and a suspension system that delivers the comfort of a larger car. Ford's independent rear suspension design, rare in economy cars at the time, enhances both cabin space and handling, positioning the Focus as one of the best-driving compact cars—perhaps even outperforming the Volkswagen Golf. While the automatic transmission may feel sluggish, the manual option offers an engaging and smooth experience for drivers who enjoy shifting gears.
Fuel efficiency is another highlight of the 2006 Ford Focus. With the manual transmission, the EPA estimates 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Opting for the automatic brings slightly lower figures at 22/29/25, while the ZX4 ST offers 20/28/23. This balance of performance, efficiency, and ride quality makes the 2006 Ford Focus a standout in its class.
Ford Focus: A Closer Look at Its Features and Comfort
The Ford Focus stands out with its unique "Command Seating" design, allowing drivers to sit higher than expected in a compact car. This setup includes a manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel for added comfort and adaptability. The seats are firm yet supportive, making long drives an enjoyable experience.
Storage options in the Ford Focus are thoughtfully designed. The center console includes two standard cupholders, while the overhead console features a convenient sunglasses case. A pull-down cubby to the left of the steering wheel provides additional storage. However, door pockets lack larger cutouts for bottles. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with clearly legible gauges and user-friendly controls.
When it comes to space, the Ford Focus offers flexibility. The hatchback models provide 18 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 40 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. For more room, the sedan boasts a 15-cubic-foot trunk with foldable seats, while the wagon excels with 36 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 74 cubic feet when folded. Although backseat space in the hatchback may feel tight for two adults on longer trips, the sedan and wagon models offer a more spacious alternative.
Ford Focus Trim Levels: Features and Options
Base S Model
The entry-level S trim of the Ford Focus keeps things simple with a basic CD player for entertainment. While it’s minimal in features, it offers reliable functionality for budget-conscious drivers.
SE Trim: Enhanced Convenience
The SE trim elevates the experience with added conveniences like air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, and power mirrors. Additionally, the CD player in this model supports MP3 playback, making it a practical choice for modern needs.
SES Trim: Premium Upgrades
For those seeking more, the SES trim offers a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, integrated stereo controls, a six-disc CD changer, a tachometer, and fog lights for improved visibility. Optional features include luxury upgrades like leather seats, a moonroof, heated front seats, an alarm system, and a premium Sony stereo with a subwoofer.
2006 Ford Focus Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Safety Features Overview
The 2006 Ford Focus offers limited standard safety features, with traction control, anti-lock brakes, and front side airbags available only as optional upgrades. The base S trim lacks several of these features entirely. Advanced safety options like head curtain airbags and stability control are not available across any trim level. Additionally, rear passengers do not benefit from head restraints, which may impact rear-seat safety in certain situations.
Crash Test Performance
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2006 Focus received a Poor rating in side-impact testing. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Focus three out of five stars for driver safety in side-impact tests. However, the frontal crash performance showed variation between models. The sedan achieved the highest rating of Good in IIHS testing and five stars for driver safety from the NHTSA. In contrast, the hatchback received four stars in NHTSA frontal crash tests, indicating slightly lower protection for the driver.
2006 Ford Focus: Pricing and Trim Levels
Base Pricing
The 2006 Ford Focus offers affordability and versatility, with prices starting at $13,995 for the ZX3 S and reaching up to $18,040 for the top-tier ZXW SES. While the base S trim provides a budget-friendly option, it lacks many of the safety and convenience features found in higher trims.
Best Value Trims
For a more satisfying blend of style, safety, and performance, consider the SE or SES trims. These models include valuable upgrades that enhance the driving experience, such as additional safety options and convenience features. Avoid the base S trim if you’re looking for a more complete package that delivers both comfort and practicality.
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Last Updated On Jan, 18-2025
For the money, it's one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the market. The first-generation Ford Focus continues into 2006 with minimal changes to its winning formula of fun, practicality, and efficiency. A new Street Performance Package dresses up the ST, while buyers of all stripes can choose from 23 variants to match their personality and needs.