Ford Taurus Review

Scorecard

Overall:	8.8
Performance:	8.0
Exterior:	8.1
Interior:	9.2
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Awards

• 2012 Best Affordable Large Car for the Money
• 2012 Best Full-Size Car for Families

Pros and Cons

• Stylish design
• Excellent cabin electronics
• Affordable price within the class
• Balanced ride

• Higher trim levels are expensive

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Research Other Years

• 2011 Ford Taurus
• 2010 Ford Taurus
• 2009 Ford Taurus
• 2008 Ford Taurus

Search Dealer InventorySpecial OffersBuild & PriceRequest a QuoteThe 2012 Ford Taurus ranks 1 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Taurus, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.Among the many reasons why critics love the 2012 Ford Taurus are its good performance, stylish design and excellent cabin electronics.

The Ford Taurus gave the class of affordable large cars a much-needed shot of adrenaline when it was introduced in 2010. Along with recently updated rivals such as the Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300, the Taurus continues to stand out for its comfortable and spacious cabin, excellent interior tech, balanced ride and low base price: just a few of the reasons why we named it the 2012 Best Affordable Large Car for the Money.

But the Ford Taurus isn't just a great value. Its strong crash test ratings and Ford’s MyKey system – which lets parents set speed limits to help keep new drivers safe – make the Taurus a strong choice for families who have kids in car seats as well as teens. Thanks to these safety features, we named the Ford Taurus the 2012 Best Full-Size Car for Families.

For 2012, the Taurus continues to earn the respect of auto critics. “Ford's Taurus has a lot going for it,” writes Consumer Guide. “This large sedan is smooth, quiet, refined, and is surprisingly engaging to drive.” Additionally, a number of standout optional features build on the Taurus’ base trim. These include available all-wheel drive and Ford’s widely-praised Sync infotainment system.

With its sharp styling and easy-to drive nature, it’s easy to see why the automotive press loves the 2012 Ford Taurus.

Other Cars to Consider

While reviewers say that there’s a lot to like about the 2012 Ford Taurus, shoppers who’ve got a little bit more money to spend may also want to check out the Toyota Avalon. Although the Avalon is significantly pricier than the Taurus, many reviewers note that its cabin is just as roomy. Additionally, the Avalon’s above-average fuel economy, excellent reliability ratings and good resale value make it a top choice among affordable large cars.

However, if neither the Avalon nor the Taurus floats your boat, don’t overlook the Buick LaCrosse. While the LaCrosse also has a higher base price than the Taurus, it’s not nearly as expensive as the Avalon. Plus, it now features standard USB and Bluetooth connectivity and comes with the choice of two distinct drivetrains: the fuel-sipping eAssist or the more-powerful V6. While the LaCrosse has slightly less passenger space than the Taurus, car reviewers say it’s an excellent value thanks to its quiet, luxurious interior and longer warranty.

Ford Taurus: The Details 

The 2012 Ford Taurus is available in SE, more upscale SEL, near-luxury Limited and high-performance SHO trims. The Ford Taurus SHO is reviewed separately. Changes for the 2012 model year are minimal, including the addition of standard integrated blind spot mirrors and one new exterior color.

If you’re ready to buy a Taurus, check out this month's Best Ford Deals, where you’ll find Ford’s best discounts and incentives.

• "With its roomy, comfortable interior and large trunk, the 2011 Ford Taurus is an appealing reinvention of the classic full-size American sedan." -- Edmunds 
• "The Taurus delivers a good balance of comfort and responsive handling, but buyers who favor comfort above all might prefer something like the softly sprung Toyota Avalon." -- Kelley Blue Book 
• "A thoroughly refined large family sedan embodying the latest in contemporary safety technology. Attractive inside and out. Roomy. Solid. Quiet. Exemplary fit and finish." -- Car and Driver
• "From an engineering and design standpoint, the Taurus is a success. It is stylish, contemporary, and functional." -- Fortune
• "The new Taurus may not ignite the marrow in our enthusiast bones, but make no mistake - it is a very, very good car, and we can see its considerable attributes fitting the bill for a wide swath of consumers." -- Autoblog

U.S. News Scores

Taurus Performance: 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2012 Ford Taurus is a competent performer. While it’s no sports sedan, most reviewers say it offers a smooth driving experience with excellent acceleration and comfortable handling. Read More»

Taurus Exterior: 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2012 Ford Taurus stands out as an affordable large car with an athletic stance. Most reviewers love its long, low lines and sharply creased sheet metal. View Photos»

Taurus Interior: 9.2 (Excellent)

Reviewers only see one problem with the cabin of the 2012 Ford Taurus: they think it may be a little too nice. While that’s great news for Taurus shoppers, some reviewers wonder if the Taurus will steal sales from its luxury-oriented cousin, the Lincoln MKS. Read More»

Taurus Safety: 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2012 Ford Taurus earned four out of five stars overall in federal government crash tests. Additionally, the 2012 Taurus earned top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More»

Taurus Reliability: 4.5 of 5

The 2012 Ford Taurus reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. The 2012 Ford Taurus comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. Read More»

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Ford Fiesta Review

The 2012 Ford Fiesta ranks 2 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fiesta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a well-rounded small car that offers good driving dynamics, a comfortable interior and competitive interior tech for the class.

The Ford Fiesta hit the market in 2010, and for 2012, reviewers are still impressed with the 2012 Fiesta’s nearly perfect package. They say thisaffordable small car offers cute looks, fun color options, a quality interior, fun driving dynamics, upscale tech and good fuel economy ratings for the class.

That said, there are a few caveats consumers should know. In advertisements, Ford says the Fiesta gets 29/40 mpg city/highway. That’s with the Fiesta’s Super Fuel Economy package that’s optional on SE trims and higher, which means you pay more for good mileage. And, even though the Fiesta is available as a hatchback, it is not the most utilitarian five-door in the class. That honor is reserved for the Honda Fit, which has a standard Magic Seat and up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space. 

But that doesn’t stop the Fiesta sedan and hatchback from being the Best Subcompact Car and Hatchback for the Money thanks to their stylish looks, available tech and fun performance.

Other Cars to Consider

There are two new affordable small cars that are challenging the Ford Fiesta: the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. Previously, the automotive press condemned these models for their bad performance, cheap interiors and few standard safety features. For 2012, both of these models are redesigned and the automotive press is raving about their 138-horsepower engines and attractive exteriors. What’s more, both of these models top the base Fiesta’s fuel economy ratings and get 29/40 mpg city/highway.

If practicality is your main concern, you should check out the Honda Fit. Some reviewers say it isn't as much fun as the Fiesta, but it does a lot of things the Fiesta can’t thanks to its standard Magic Seat. The Magic Seat has four modes (people, utility, long and tall), which means you can fit five adults comfortably, pack 57.3 cubic feet worth of stuff, tote a surf board or haul a tall plant. The Fit does trail the Fiesta in terms of fuel economy, but if practicality is your primary concern, the Honda Fit tops the Fiesta.

Details: Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta sedan and five-door hatchback come in four trims: the base S, SE, SEL and SES. The base S is available only as a sedan, and the sedan is not available in the SES trim. The hatch isn't available in the SEL, though the two trims are nearly identical in terms of features and options.

The Ford Fiesta is in its second year of production, and there are few changes to the model. In response to critiques from the automotive press, Ford has added a center arm rest and blind spot sideview mirrors. The automaker has also added new interior style packages.

• "The Fiesta is a substantial, grown-up car. If Ford can keep pricing for the U.S. model, due here next spring, within range of the spunkier but less well-mannered Honda Fit, it will have a rare commodity: a car suited to both Facebook and the real world." -- Automobile Magazine
• “Fiesta doesn't have near the passenger room and cargo versatility of most competitors, but counters with the availability of several unexpected class features, such as heated seats and leather upholstery. If practicality is secondary to style and substance in your book, then Fiesta should be on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
• "Ford would be happy with best in class. And we think that's where the Fiesta may very well rank when it reaches the United States." -- Car and Driver
• "Against more familiar models--the Chevrolet Aveo, the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris--the Fiesta rises above this competition and every other segment." -- AutoWeek
• "Want a small, cheap, fun-to-drive, economical, practical car? Right now there's not many choices at all and none if you want to buy American. The Ford Fiesta will change that." -- Jalopnik
• "The Fiesta marks Ford's attempt to market the same basic car here that is sold in Europe at higher prices, by standardizing the basics and making optional some upscale features, including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button engine start. Some of these features have never been seen in this price class." -- Cars.com

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Ford Fiesta Review "2012 Best Cars for the Your Money"

2012 Best Cars for the Money

Ford Fiesta Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Ford Fiesta ranks 2 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fiesta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a well-rounded small car that offers good driving dynamics, a comfortable interior and competitive interior tech for the class.

The Ford Fiesta hit the market in 2010, and for 2012, reviewers are still impressed with the 2012 Fiesta’s nearly perfect package. They say thisaffordable small car offers cute looks, fun color options, a quality interior, fun driving dynamics, upscale tech and good fuel economy ratings for the class.

That said, there are a few caveats consumers should know. In advertisements, Ford says the Fiesta gets 29/40 mpg city/highway. That’s with the Fiesta’s Super Fuel Economy package that’s optional on SE trims and higher, which means you pay more for good mileage. And, even though the Fiesta is available as a hatchback, it is not the most utilitarian five-door in the class. That honor is reserved for the Honda Fit, which has a standard Magic Seat and up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space. 

But that doesn’t stop the Fiesta sedan and hatchback from being theBest Subcompact Car and Hatchback for the Money thanks to their stylish looks, available tech and fun performance.

Other Cars to Consider

There are two new affordable small cars that are challenging the Ford Fiesta: the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. Previously, the automotive press condemned these models for their bad performance, cheap interiors and few standard safety features. For 2012, both of these models are redesigned and the automotive press is raving about their 138-horsepower engines and attractive exteriors. What’s more, both of these models top the base Fiesta’s fuel economy ratings and get 29/40 mpg city/highway.

If practicality is your main concern, you should check out the Honda Fit. Some reviewers say it isn't as much fun as the Fiesta, but it does a lot of things the Fiesta can’t thanks to its standard Magic Seat. The Magic Seat has four modes (people, utility, long and tall), which means you can fit five adults comfortably, pack 57.3 cubic feet worth of stuff, tote a surf board or haul a tall plant. The Fit does trail the Fiesta in terms of fuel economy, but if practicality is your primary concern, the Honda Fit tops the Fiesta.

Details: Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta sedan and five-door hatchback come in four trims: the base S, SE, SEL and SES. The base S is available only as a sedan, and the sedan is not available in the SES trim. The hatch isn't available in the SEL, though the two trims are nearly identical in terms of features and options.

The Ford Fiesta is in its second year of production, and there are few changes to the model. In response to critiques from the automotive press, Ford has added a center arm rest and blind spot sideview mirrors. The automaker has also added new interior style packages.

• "The Fiesta is a substantial, grown-up car. If Ford can keep pricing for the U.S. model, due here next spring, within range of the spunkier but less well-mannered Honda Fit, it will have a rare commodity: a car suited to both Facebook and the real world." -- Automobile Magazine
• “Fiesta doesn't have near the passenger room and cargo versatility of most competitors, but counters with the availability of several unexpected class features, such as heated seats and leather upholstery. If practicality is secondary to style and substance in your book, then Fiesta should be on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
• "Ford would be happy with best in class. And we think that's where the Fiesta may very well rank when it reaches the United States." -- Car and Driver
• "Against more familiar models--the Chevrolet Aveo, the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris--the Fiesta rises above this competition and every other segment." -- AutoWeek
• "Want a small, cheap, fun-to-drive, economical, practical car? Right now there's not many choices at all and none if you want to buy American. The Ford Fiesta will change that." -- Jalopnik
• "The Fiesta marks Ford's attempt to market the same basic car here that is sold in Europe at higher prices, by standardizing the basics and making optional some upscale features, including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button engine start. Some of these features have never been seen in this price class." -- Cars.com

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Ford Mustang Review

As household a name as Folgers, Marlboro or Kraft Mac 'n Cheese, the Ford Mustang is the longest surviving of the affordable breed of classic American muscle cars. Sold always in coupe and most times in convertible and 2+2 fastback forms as well since its 1964 introduction, the Ford Mustang is the only one of the original pony cars to enjoy an uninterrupted production run. It hasn't been easy, either, as oil crises, tightening emissions standards and corporate budget cuts have put the Mustang's future in doubt on more than one occasion. Ultimately, though, its iconic status within the Ford lineup and popularity with consumers has seen it through.

2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Shown

There have been many great Mustangs over the decades: Most revered as collector cars are the 1965-'70 Shelby Mustangs and the '69 and '70 Boss 302 and 429, while the '69 and '70 Mach 1, 1984-'86 turbocharged SVOs, 2000 Cobra R and '03 and '04 supercharged SVT Cobra are also coveted. Most Mustangs have had far more pedestrian credentials, of course, but with at least one V8 in the lineup for virtually all of the car's lifespan, the Mustang has long been the choice of consumers seeking power and style in a rear-wheel-drive coupe, fastback or convertible. The current-generation Ford Mustang is easily the best ever from the standpoints of performance, refinement and day-to-day livability.

Completely redesigned for 2005, the Mustang moved to an all-new chassis after a 25-year run on the late-'70s-era Fox-body platform. Ford's pony car still uses rear-wheel drive and a fairly basic solid-axle rear suspension, but ride quality and handling are more precisely controlled than on any previous Mustang.

Most noticeable is the car's styling, which pays homage to the famed Mustangs of the 1960s: With its big grille, round headlights, high-mounted foglights and fastback roof line, the current Mustang GT coupe is a throwback to the muscle car heyday. The classic motif continues inside where an old-school dash, steering wheel and instrumentation are integrated into a modern, ergonomically friendly design. Some materials are low in quality, however, as Ford sought to keep the price tag low as well.

Indeed, value remains one of the Ford Mustang's strengths. For about $20,000, you can get into a Mustang coupe with a healthy, 4.0-liter V6 good for 210 horsepower. For about five grand more, you can get a convertible or opt for the GT coupe, which packs a 300-hp, 4.6-liter V8 complete with burbling exhaust note. Fully loaded Mustang GT convertibles top out in the mid-$30K range.

For those who find the GT too tame, an elite Mustang called the Shelby GT500 debuted in coupe and convertible form for 2007. It's much pricier than regular Mustangs, but the payoff is a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 good for 500 hp, and a thoroughly reworked chassis.

There have been eight previous generations of the Ford Mustang, and given the car's sustained popularity over the years, older models are relatively easy to find on the used market. Still, most specimens you're likely to find will be from the eighth generation, sold from 1999-2004. This is the best of the Fox-body Mustangs, and like the current car, it offered a good blend of performance, fun and affordability. Downsides included rather crude handling characteristics (a consequence of the aged platform) and a cheap interior with an awkward driving position.

If you're shopping for an eighth-gen Mustang, our pick would be a GT from any year, as it offered a healthy 260-hp V8. If you're seeking something faster and rarer, consider the limited-edition Mach 1 (305-hp V8) or supercharged SVT Cobra (390-hp V8), which were sold in 2003 and 2004. The Cobra is the only Ford Mustang ever fitted with an independent rear suspension; it was also sold in '99 and 2000 but wasn't supercharged. Even rarer is the 2000 Cobra R, a race-ready, 385-hp Mustang coupe stripped of its rear seats and air-conditioning.

You'll also encounter plenty of seventh-generation Mustang coupes and convertibles, sold from 1994-'98. This car is very similar mechanically to the eighth-gen Mustang; the main difference is exterior styling. If you're thinking of buying one, 1996-'98 GT and SVT Cobra models might be preferable, as the '96 model year brought a new 4.6-liter, SOHC V8 that was much smoother than the outgoing 5.0-liter V8. Although horsepower held steady in the GT, the Cobra jumped from 240 to 305. The most collectible Mustang of this period is the '95 Cobra R, a 300-hp coupe without a backseat.

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2009 Ford GT Edo Competition

The Ford GT features many new and unique technologies, including super-plastic-formed aluminum body panels, roll-bonded floor panels, a friction-stir welded center tunnel, a “ship-in-a-bottle” gas tank, a capless fuel filler system, one-piece door panels and an aluminum engine cover with a one-piece carbon-fiber inner panel.

Brakes are four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers with cross-drilled and vented rotors at all four corners. When the rear canopy is opened, the rear suspension components and engine are visible.

The 5.4L Modular V8 powerplant is all-aluminum and fed by a Lysholm twin screw-type supercharger. It features a forged rotating assembly housed in an aluminum block designed specifically for the GT program. A dry sump oiling system is employed, allowing the engine to sit very low in the frame. The DOHC 4-valve heads are a revision of the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R cylinder heads (with slightly increased wall casting thickness in the exhaust port). The camshafts have unique specifications, with more lift and duration than those found in the Shelby GT500 or 2003–2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. Power output is 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 500 foot-pounds force (680 N·m) of torque. A Ricardo six-speed manual transmission is fitted featuring a helical limited-slip differential.

Performance:

* 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h): 3.3 seconds
* 0–100 mph (0–160 km/h): 7.4 seconds
* Standing 1/4 mile: 11.2 seconds @ 131.2 mph (211.1 km/h)
* Top speed: 205 mph (electronically limited)

The Ford GT is a mid-engined supercar. It was built by Ford Motor Company from 2003 to 2006. It began as a concept car designed in anticipation of Ford's centennial year and as part of its drive to showcase and revive its "heritage" names such as Mustang and Thunderbird. Camilo Pardo, the head of Ford's "Living Legends" studio, is credited as the chief designer of the GT and worked under the guidance of J Mays. The designers drew inspiration from Ford's classic GT40 race cars of the 1960s and the GT is sometimes mistaken for its 1960s counterpart.

Positive response on the auto show circuit in 2002 helped persuade the company to produce the car in limited quantities, and the first production versions appeared in 2005. It is a very high-performance, two-seater vehicle with a strong styling resemblance to its racing ancestor and performance to match. The powerplant is a mid-mounted supercharged 5.4 litre V8, producing 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 500 foot-pounds force (680 N·m). Top speed is 212 mph (341 km/h).

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Ford Shelby GT500 Review

If you're a driving enthusiast, you owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Ford Mustang. Once that pony car hit the market in 1964, affordable and stylish performance was finally in reach for the average American. Even though early versions weren't exceptionally fast, it didn't take long for Ford to pump the car up with some real muscle. Shortly after the first 'Stang hit the streets, Ford teamed up with racing legend Carroll Shelby to produce the high-performance GT350. Two years later, the fierce Ford Shelby GT500 showed up, equipped with a 428-cubic-inch big-block V8.

2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

Only a few thousand of the original Ford Shelby GT500s were built from 1965-'70, and they've remained very popular with Mustang enthusiasts and collectors. (Although it was disfigured with a modern body kit, one of the more visible vintage GT500s was the silver replica Nicolas Cage drove in the remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds.) Hoping to build on this heritage, Ford recently introduced a new Shelby GT500. It's based on the ninth-generation Mustang and is the most capable production version ever built.

Current Ford Shelby GT500

The new Ford Shelby GT500 debuted for the 2007 model year. Under its hood is a supercharged 5.4-liter, iron block, aluminum-head V8 that makes 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. A Tremec six-speed manual gearbox routes all that through a limited-slip solid rear axle. No automatic transmission is available. At the test track, we recorded a 4.6-second 0-60 run and a quarter-mile time of just 12.8 seconds.

If there's a downside to this drivetrain, it's poundage. The Ford Shelby GT500 weighs close to 2 tons, which is about 400 pounds more than a Mustang GT. Much of that bulk comes from the drivetrain. This also means the weight gain is largely on the front half of the car, suggesting front-end flabbiness compared to the base Mustang's nimble character. In testing, however, we've found that Ford's engineers have done a good job of keeping the car reasonably nimble. Changes to the GT500 include a stiffened suspension and chassis, as well as more powerful brakes.

There's one trim level only, but coupe and convertible bodies are offered. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear F1 tires, a domed hood with functional heat extractors, a front air splitter and a ducktail-style rear spoiler. Both the coupe and convertible have a "GT500" stripe on the lower part of each side just like the original Mustang GT, and coupes add two large stripes down the middle -- an option on early GTs.

Inside, standard equipment includes air-conditioning, leather-upholstered sport bucket seats with Cobra logos, six-way power adjustments for the driver, a 500-watt stereo with an in-dash CD changer, cruise control and full power accessories. A choice of all black or black and red interior is available.

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Ford Focus Review

The Ford Focus has been Ford's entry-level car since the start of the new millennium. This front-wheel-drive model is far from luxurious but nonetheless displays a surprising amount of character from behind the wheel. Its affordable price, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles have all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.

2008 Ford Focus SE Coupe Shown


Introduced for the 2000 model year, the Ford Focus was designed to be a "world car," meaning it has been sold around the world in the same basic form as the car sold in the United States. In order to appeal to European buyers, the Focus was tuned to provide responsive handling and communicative steering.

Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce a second-generation Focus for European markets. America's Focus, however, has continued on without a full redesign. As such, it hasn't been a top-tier choice for an economy car in recent years. Ford did perform a significant refresh for the current 2008 model, however, and it's been effective enough to keep the Focus a still-viable choice for a new economy car, particularly for shoppers focused mainly on value. As a used vehicle, the Focus represents a solid pick, especially since its lower resale value compared to import-brand competitors typically translates to lower purchase prices.

Current Ford Focus

Compared to models sold for 2007 and earlier, the current Ford Focus is more up-to-date thanks to a significant refresh. Changes include revised interior and exterior styling, altered engine and body-style lineups and additional safety equipment.

The Focus is currently available as a coupe and as a sedan, and both body styles come in three trims: base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES. All Focus models are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that offers 140 horsepower. Cars sold in California-level emission states have a cleaner version of this engine that is PZEV-certified; it's good for 130 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option.

Within its cabin, the Focus offers a reasonably attractive environment. Still, the Focus' interior doesn't measure up to the cabins offered by some of its competitors, both in terms of materials quality and design aesthetic. One unique feature sets the car apart: Ford's Sync system. Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, this system functions much like Bluetooth, but is simpler to operate.

Though its handling isn't as finely honed as that of the segment's performance leaders, theFord Focus offers a reasonably engaging driving experience; additionally, fuel economy is excellent. Factor in its amenable price, and it becomes clear that the current Focus has much to offer in the area of value, if not refinement.

Past Ford Focus Models

The Ford Focus is still in its first generation, but it's seen a few changes since it first appeared on showroom floors. Focus models sold from 2000-'03 were available as a two-door hatchback sedan or wagon, and came with either an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 horsepower or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. In 2004, Ford added a 2.3-liter inline-4 to the lineup that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. The 2.3-liter was optional on all 2004 Focus models, except in California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, where it was standard across the line.

A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a two-door hatchback in 2002, and as a two-door and a four-door hatch in '03 and '04.

In 2005, the Focus got a modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and a new engine lineup: a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp, and a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A five-speed manual transmission was standard across the line and a four-speed automatic was optional on most models. By this point, a five-door hatchback had been added to the body-style lineup; it was discontinued after 2007, as were the wagon and two-door hatch.

Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted Award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider it a good buy on the used market, the car's reliability record hasn't been perfect, particularly the 2000 models, which were plagued by recalls. We'd advise a thorough mechanical inspection before you buy. Additionally, shoppers looking at the SVT Focus should pay special attention to the quantity and quality of any aftermarket modifications the previous owner may have made.

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