My review after 6 years of driving a 2009 Ford Focus SE

Discussion
1

I’ve been driving my 2009 Ford Focus SE automatic for about six years now, and it has 90k miles on it. Here’s my honest review:

Pros:

  • Fuel Efficiency: I average around 35 mpg with my commute (20 miles highway, 5 miles city). I don’t even try to drive efficiently, but the car delivers great mileage.
  • Low Maintenance Costs: Parts are affordable, and repairs are straightforward. The throttle body and a couple of motor mounts have been my only major issues.
  • Good Handling: Despite some body roll, it handles corners well. With decent all-season tires (Goodyear Eagle RSA), it grips well in rain and feels safe unless there’s heavy snow.
  • Mechanical Parking Brake: A nice bonus for enthusiasts.

Cons:

  • Cheap Interior: The cloth seats and plastic trim are hard to clean and not very visually appealing. Seats are okay comfort-wise but hold onto dirt and pet hair.
  • Cabin Noise: Highway driving at 70-80 mph gets very loud. Conversations and listening to the radio can be challenging.
  • Transmission: The automatic transmission makes the car feel sluggish, especially during acceleration. Passing and merging require extra effort. A 5-speed manual would probably solve this issue.

Would I Recommend It?

  • Yes, but with caveats: It’s a great first car—reliable, economical, and easy to maintain. However, it lacks modern safety features like ABS and traction control, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

As a car enthusiast, I have a sentimental attachment to this car. Even when I upgrade (probably to a Mustang or Taurus SHO), I plan to keep the Focus forever.

2

@Jo
Can confirm—mine’s an Ohio car, and there’s no rust.

3

Hutton said:
@Jo
Can confirm—mine’s an Ohio car, and there’s no rust.

Same here! I’ve got an ‘09 with 84k miles in central Ohio, and it’s still rust-free.

4

Oakley said:

Hutton said:
@Jo
Can confirm—mine’s an Ohio car, and there’s no rust.

Same here! I’ve got an ‘09 with 84k miles in central Ohio, and it’s still rust-free.

Lucky! Up here in Cleveland, the roads are salted for months, which is brutal on cars. I wish we used beet juice like Pennsylvania does.

5

Same here! I got mine in 2015, and it’s been great. I only have about 55k miles on it, and the only major issue was the A/C. Cabin noise is definitely a problem, but it’s so economical that I don’t mind. I think it’ll last me until at least 2025.

6

The little Duratec engine is fantastic—so peppy!

7

I had the same car but with the 5-speed manual. Drove it for over six years and loved it!

8

That generation Focus is probably the best if you’re talking about automatics. Solid car.

9

I had a 2008 Focus and loved it! Owned it for seven trouble-free years. Replaced a motor mount, brake pads, a battery, and tires—nothing major. Got 38-39 mpg on road trips. I only traded it in for my Focus ST after 150k miles, and the only issue was a small A/C leak. Amazing car.

10

I drove a friend’s Focus SES with 180k miles on a mountain road trip. It handled steep gradients well, though the seats were uncomfortable for long trips. A beaded seat cover would help.

11

Lex said:
I drove a friend’s Focus SES with 180k miles on a mountain road trip. It handled steep gradients well, though the seats were uncomfortable for long trips. A beaded seat cover would help.

Good to know! I’m planning some trips through the Appalachians and want to get photos of my car in front of famous landmarks. Sounds like it’ll hold up well.

12

I’m looking at a 2010 SES with 183k km for $4k in Canada. I know Toyota and Honda are more common suggestions, but I think the Focus might be cheaper for insurance. Any advice on the SES and how it handles in snow?

13

Traction control is the first thing I turn off in any car. On ice, it can make things worse by cutting power when you need it most.