DecodedCars2009 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses, 4dr Sedan FWD S/Se/Ses
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,586–2,621 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2009 compact car (22.2 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,586 lb (2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 26% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Focus — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Focus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses | 175.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.7 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,586 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD S/Se/Ses | 175.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.7 in | 102.8 in | 58.3 / 57.1 in | 2,621 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +26% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +22% | $2,500 | 329 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Ford Focus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ford Focus (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Focus.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,323 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 837 |
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2016 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,194 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2013 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,759 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2008 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 104 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
| 2006 Focus | 26 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 49 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →