Is a 2007 Ford Focus a good year?

Owning a popular make and model is one thing (it makes it easier to unload in a few years, for instance, but if you want to buy a bargain used-car in the first place, look no further than the under-rated, over-looked vehicles out there.

You'd imagine that Ford's Focus would have – based on the runaway success of its Laser models – immediately drawn an admiring crowd when it was launched in 2002.

But no, the marketplace seemed to forget about the Focus, even though it was, in some respects, a class above most of the competition.

But even if that edgy looking first version was ignored, surely the more mainstream looking Focus that replaced it in 2005 would enjoy more popularity.

Er, no, not really and the Focus remained one of the best cars not to get noticed by mainstream buyers.

But was it a bad car? Hardly; it was then and still is one of the better offerings in its category.

Which, in fact, means that as a used-car proposition it's even better because prices have dropped further than they should have thanks to that marketplace indifference.

So what's the catch? None really, and if you're looking for a solid, value-for-money hatchback that happens to drive better than the majority of the rest, then the Focus should be high on your short-list.

There was plenty of choice including the five-door hatchback and the slightly ungainly looking four-door sedan.

The most common engine fitment you'll come across is a 2.0-litre petrol unit with a decent 107kW of power.

But from 2007 onwards there was the very tempting turbo-diesel version with plenty of squirt thanks to a beefy 320Nm of torque.

But while the petrol version could be had as a five-speed manual or the more popular four-speed automatic, the earlier versions of the turbo-diesel were six-speed manual only.

A six-speed automatic for the diesel became available in 2009 and, to be honest, it's the pick of the lot, combining a flowing, relaxed feel with the potential for phenomenal fuel economy.

The highlight of the Focus' driving equation, however, was its handling and steering.

Being designed for the European market meant that it was attuned to the demands of keener drivers in a way that some small hatchbacks just aren't.

And even though it was a conventional car in terms of it being front-wheel-drive, enthusiastic drivers shouldn't be put off, because the Focus steered like a proper hot-hatch.

He ride was also quite compliant and the whole suspension system spoke of engineers who really knew what they were doing.

It's this element alone that makes us wonder how the Focus remained such an overlooked vehicle but, equally, suggests that Ford dealers simply didn't put enough bums on seats when the car was in showrooms.

Shopping for a second-hand Focus now is not the minefield it can be with some makes and models.

The vehicle has shown itself to be fairly durable although like any second-hand car, you're better off paying a little more money for an example with low kilometres.

That should also ensure you don't accidentally buy an ex-fleet car as plenty of small businesses and local councils got great deals on new Focuses back in the day.

Under the bonnet, the Focus has a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so that's one maintenance job you don't need to worry about.

But it's worth checking for oil leaks as the Focus has been known to mark its territory overnight.

During the test drive, find a safe place and apply the brakes firmly from a decent speed.

You're feeling for any vibration through the car or pulsing through the brake pedal.

Either of these conditions suggest that the brake rotors are worn out and need replacing and this is a relatively common complaint with the Focus.

Actually, before you try this test out on the road, make sure the brake lights work before leaving the driveway as these have also been known to fail on some Focuses for no good reason.

What tyres does the car ride on? Plenty of owners who wore out the first set fitted pretty cheap replacements and these can ruin the Focus' otherwise good handling and ride quality.

Inside, make sure all the electrical switches and buttons are working as, again, silly little electrical faults are not unknown in Focuses of this era.

The first recall for these models concerned the turbo-diesel version, a batch of which built between 2007 and 2009 could have been released from the factory with an exhaust system heat-shield missing.

Obviously, this could allow other components to become too hot, especially in Australia's climate.

The other Focus glitch requiring a recall was for some cars built between 2008 and 2009 which had a potentially faulty brake booster which could fail.

If it did, the brakes would still work, but the pedal effort required would increase and that could lead to longer braking distances in an emergency.

Nuts and bolts

Engine/s: 2.0 4-cyl/2.0 turbo-diesel

Transmissions: 5-man/4-auto

Fuel economy (combined): 7.1 litres per 100km (2.0)/5.6 litres (turbo-diesel)

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au): 4 stars (5 stars with curtain air-bags and ESC)

Our rating: 3.5 stars

Likes:

·         Good package especially in hatchback form.

·         Overlooked by the market, so good value.

·         Dynamically at the top of the heap in its category.

·         Turbo-diesel version a fuel sipper.

Dislikes:

·         No automatic for early turbo-diesel model.

·         Sedan is an ungainly looker.

·         No real sex appeal.

·         Build quality not perfect.

Competitors:

·         Toyota Corolla – The default choice in this market sector. Like the Ford, hardly an object of desire, but durable and reliable as they come. Easy to unload come trade-in time. 3.5 stars

·         Volkswagen Golf – The car everybody wants but more expensive because of that. A quality drive and well made but watch out for DSG glitches that could cost plenty to put right. 4 stars

·         Mazda 3 – These older 3s seem like good buys now and have a great reputation. But many have been driven hard by younger owners and fuel economy is anything but a highlight. 3 stars

What to pay (courtesy of Glass's Guide):

Model   Year       New      Now

CL           2005       $22990  $4100

CL           2006       $22990  $4600

CL           2007       $22990  $6200

CL           2008       $22490  $6500

CL           2009       $23990  $7900

CL           2010       $23490  $9000

CL           2011       $23990  $10600

LX           2005       $26990  $5100

LX           2006       $26990  $5700

LX           2007       $26990  $7200

LX           2008       $25990  $7500

LX           2009       $26290  $8800

LX           2010       $25490  $9800

LX           2011       $25490  $11300

Zetec     2005       $27490  $4600

Zetec     2006       $27490  $4400

Zetec     2007       $27490  $7100

Zetec     2008       $26490  $7700

Zetec     2009       $27290  $9100

Zetec     2010       $26490  $10100

Zetec     2011       $26490  $11800

TDCi       2007       $27990  $7500

TDCi       2008       $27990  $8100

TDCi       2009       $28290  $9600

TDCi       2010       $27790  $11000

TDCi       2011       $27790  $12500

Morley is a long-time senior contributor to Drive, and our regular used-car expert. As an avid car collector and tinkerer, he knows what to look for - and look out for - when buying a new car.

Read more about David Morley

Are 2007 Ford Focus a good car?

What problems do 2007 Ford Focus have?

How long will a 2007 Ford Focus last?

What year did Ford Focus have engine problems?

Does 2007 Ford Focus have a timing belt or chain?

What generation is a 2007 Ford Focus?