If you’ve got around $15,000 to spend, the 2010 Ford Focus is a great choice, especially if you are prioritizing safety or comfort.

Overview of 2010 Ford Focus
The 2010 Focus is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger family coupe, or family sedan, available in 6 trims, with MRSP Price as following:
S Sedan — $15,995
SE Coupe — $16,875
SE Sedan — $16,875
SES Coupe — $18,485
SES Sedan — $18,485
SEL Sedan — $18,485

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2010 Focus is a carryover from 2009.

Index of 2010 Ford Focus Expert Reviews

• thecarconnection—STYLING:The 2010 Ford Focus returns with confusing and muddled exterior looks, but all is forgiven for the gorgeous cabin;PERFORMANCE:With a good compromise between ride quality and dynamics, the 2010 Ford Focus retains its position as one of the better-handling economy cars—although the brakes let it down with their poor stopping power;QUALITY:Generous passenger room and comfortable seats can’t quite make up for only fair quality in the 2010 Ford Focus;SAFETY:The 2010 Ford Focus is a major improvement over last year’s model in regard to safety—thanks to ABS, stability control, and MyKey fitted as standard on all models. That’s not the case with most of its rivals;FEATURES:The higher-trimmed 2010 Focus comes with a plethora of standard equipment, but there are still options available for those buying lower trim models.
• Edmunds.com—”The 2010 Ford Focus is a good value among small sedans and coupes, but it lacks the level of refinement and performance found in other top models.—Pros:Innovative Sync system, good fuel economy, plush ride quality, low price.—Cons:Budget interior materials, lacking in polish and refinement, no telescoping steering wheel.”
• CarGurus—”While many owners opt for the Ford Focus because of its value and fuel economy, many are pleasantly surprised by its other features, including its performance, handling, styling, and roomy interior. Owners especially like the layout of the dash and controls, the driver’s seating position and visibility of the road ahead, the Focus’s ride and handling, and the SYNC system. The lack of some standard features, such as cruise control, on lower-end trims remains a problem for some owners, and some note the use of inferior materials in the cabin. However, most owners are pleased with the Focus’s fuel economy and call it an excellent commuter car.”

Buying Tips:
With plenty of Ford dealerships competing for your business, you should be able to negotiate a deal well under sticker price on a Focus, especially if you’re in a major metro area.

Competitors Box

• Kia Forte
• 2010 Honda Civic
• Mazda3
• Hyundai Elantra
• Toyota Matrix