With four trim models starting under $18,000 (the S model starting under $15,000) the front wheel drive 2009 Ford Focus is competitive on price. Ford Focus 2009 SE, SES and SEL are each a step up, but all very reasonable. At 24 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, it holds the line on gas mileage as well. Economy is not hurt by the warranty, which is competitive, if not outstanding. And to protect your investment further, Ford throws in a standard theft-deterrent system.

Economy is what drives the Ford Focus 2009. This is a car with a limited audience. First time drivers, college students, new families, or established families needing a dependable, but cheap, second car will find the Focus interesting.

But economy only goes so far. No matter what you pay for a car, you want to feel safe inside. That’s always a challenge for small cars, but the Focus answers adequately. For one thing, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags and a built in tire-pressure monitor are all standard.

New for this year is an available antiskid system, as a part of the available antilock braking system, which includes traction control. The Focus gets mostly fours and fives (out of five) on the NHTSA crash tests. It’s not a tank, but for the money it is a solid safety investment.

Competition for the Focus includes the Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliber, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, among others. The 2009 Ford Focus is among the shaper looking compacts with its wrap-around front, beltline reminiscent of the Mustang and aerodynamic rear. Likewise, the inside seems well laid out, with an instrument panel that’s easier to read than most and seating for five (four comfortably).

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