2010 Ford Focus | Best Price Strategy | Invoice Features Coupe Sedan SES SEL SE S

The 2010 Ford Focus has a lot going for it. With its affordable pricing, compliant ride, strong fuel efficiency, impressive feature content, innovative Sync system, and low cost to maintain, the 2010 Focus is a serious contender in the small car segment.

In addition, Ford has made the 2010 model still more appealing by adding keyless entry, antilock brakes and stability control as standard features on all Focus models. Ford's impressive Sync system has also been further enhanced with the capability to provide directions, traffic and information.

The 2010 Ford Focus is offered in both sedan and coupe forms. The four-door body style is available in four trims, while the two-door comes in two.

Standard Features And Options:

Standard features on the base Focus S sedan include 15 inch steel wheels, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The only available option on the S is satellite radio.

The SE model adds full power accessories, 15 inch alloy wheels and a choice of many optional features. They include the Sync electronics interface (includes Bluetooth and iPod integration), an upgraded stereo with a 6-disc CD changer, a sunroff, foglamps, a rear spoiler, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, customizable interior lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The SEL model is for the sedan only and it comes with all the SE's features and options except the the spoiler and sunroof. It also adds a sportier suspension, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 16 inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and chrome exterior and interior accents.

The SES model, the sportiest trim, adds 17 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, exterior dark chrome trim, a unique front fascia on the sedan, and a performance-enhanced suspension.

There aren't many available options on the already well-equipped SEL and SES models, but they include the sunroof as well as a premium nine-speaker audio system.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering the 2010 Ford Focus is a 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. There's also a cleaner version of the same engine that earns PZEV tailpipe-emissions certification for California-emissions states that produces 132 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque.

In either case, the engine is coupled with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The automatic on the SES coupe is geared slightly shorter to enhance acceleration.

The EPA estimated gas mileage for a manual Ford Focus is a solid 24 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. With the automatic, the highway estimate drops slightly to 33 mpg.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all Focus models includes front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants, antilock brakes (ABS) and stability control. Also available is Ford's MyKey system, which permits parents to set speed and sound system volume limits for younger family drivers.

In government crash testing, the 2010 Ford Focus sedan earned four stars (out of five) for front occupant protection in head-on collisions. In the side-impact testing, it received five stars for front occupant protection and four stars for rear.

The 2010 Focus coupe received five stars for head-on collisions but just three for front and rear side-impact protection.

Interior:

The interior of the Focus is well-designed and attractive. The use of plastic is about what you would expect from a vehicle in this segment. That said, after dark the Focus cabin has a more high-tech and upscale look and feel due to its blue glow gauges and optional customizable ambient lighting.

Seating comfort is better than expected, even on longer trips. Luggage capacity is also decent coming in at almost 14 cubic feet, which can be expanded further with the 60/40-split-folding rear seats.

The available Sync system is also a big plus, offering a voice activation system for hands-free operation of mobile phones, iPods and other MP3 players.

Drive:

The overall ride quality of the Focus is a pleasant surprise for a small, economy car, offering a relatively quiet and smooth drive with respectable engine performance. While not trying to impress a driving-enthusiast, the 2010 Focus possesses commendable steering response and grip when driven more aggressively.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Focus Prices:

Ford's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.

They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.

Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.

How To Buy A New Focus At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Ford Focus, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Price:

2010 Ford Focus Sedan:

S: listed retail price: $15,995, invoice price: $15,071
SE: listed retail price: $16,875, invoice price: $15,711
SEL: listed retail price: $18,485, invoice price: $17,177
SES: listed retail price: $18,485, invoice price: $17,177

2010 Ford Focus Coupe:

SE: listed retail price: $16,875, invoice price: $15,711
SES: listed retail price: $18,485, invoice price: $17,177

Other Resources

2010 Ford Focus Features And Prices