2011 Ford Focus.

2011 Ford Focus

The 2011 Ford Focus lineup shrinks pending a redesign due as a 2012 model. Focus comes as a 4-door sedan in S, SE, SES, and SEL trim levels. The 2-door coupe has been discontinued. The only engine is a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, SE, and SES. A 4-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on the SEL. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Ford's Sync voice-activated control interface for cell phones and MP3 players is standard on SES and SEL and available on SE. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on the SEL and optional on the SES. Remote engine start is optional on SE, SES, and SEL models equipped with the automatic transmission. SES versions have a sport suspension.

2011 Ford Focus

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

2011 Ford Focus

Today's Focus dates back to 1999, when Ford planned a "global" car that could please buyers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. It didn't quite work out that way, and in 2008, when the rest of the world had moved on to a new platform, the American Focus got a quick reskin. The 2011 Focus is evidence of that long life cycle: the styling's a mashup of new themes appliqued to a dated silhouette. The Focus Coupe, which suffered even more ungainly styling, has been euthanized for 2011.

2011 Ford Focus

The powertrain in the front-drive Focus mates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. With 140 horsepower (136 hp in a California-clean-emissions version) the Focus won't stun any driver with its straightline performance, but it can achieve as high as 35 mpg highway fuel economy.

2011 Ford Focus

The cabin is roomy enough, and it's quiet and pleasant inside. The styling works better here, more upscale and more tightly integrated than the sheetmetal. The front seats make up in room what they lack in sporty bolstering; rear-seat room is decent, and trunk space is a bit larger than normal.

2011 Ford Focus

Last year, Ford added standard anti-lock brakes to the Focus lineup, along with stability control. Dual front, side and curtain airbags also are standard, along with MyKey, which allows parents to limit the car's top speed to 80 mph, keep traction control on at all times, and restrict the volume on the stereo to 44 percent of its loudest setting.

2011 Ford Focus

Among the key features are SYNC, Ford's Bluetooth-and-voice controller for entertainment and phone systems. The Focus also has a USB port for music players.

2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Focus