2007 Ford Focus gets an extra 3 mpg from the EPA
In spite of a pending redesign for the 2008 model year and a 9.2 percent drop in sales so far this year, the 2007 Ford Focus is getting some updates to boost its mileage ratings. Ford has made changes to the Intake system on the base 2.0L engine keeping the charge motion valve closed longer. The changes to the engine control software account for half of the 3 mpg boost on the highway. The rest comes from the use of new low rolling resistance tires supplied by Korean manufacturer Hankook. The Focus has the highest EPA ratings of any domestic branded car built in North America, matched only by the Korean-built (and smaller) Chevy Aveo. The 2007 Focus is now rated at 27/37 city highway. Whether anyone will actually notice the difference on the road rather than just the EPA dyno is questionable, but every little bit helps.
[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Scott 3:26PM (3/15/2008)
I recently bought a used '06 Focus. I am really happy with the car. It is fun to drive and gets good fuel economy. Sure it's built a bit cheap, but it is an inexpensive small car. The engine is made by Mazda which is why I think it is so zippy to drive. As far as fuel economy goes, it depends on how you drive. If you accelerate and brake hard all the time you won't get good mileage. I'm getting 26-29 city and around 35 highway. I have the manual transmission which also gives better mpg and is much more fun to drive. Automatics are lame, in my opinion.
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carol brown 10:30PM (2/11/2009)
Purchased new 2009 Focus and got 32-33 MPG hwy and city.
After 1st service, never not more than 26-27. Could they have done something that reduced MPG?
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Tony C 5:55PM (10/30/2006)
Kinda "too little, too late" there, Ford... I wonder what those improved mileage ratings will drop to when the new EPA testing standards go into effect...
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Infinihertz 7:34AM (10/31/2006)
My 2005 Focus gets 26/32, and in my use (~65/35 highway/city), I consistently average around 30.6mpg - and that's in Michigan, where the driving conditions are less than ideal for almost half the year. The only thing non-standard is Mobil 1 for my oil. I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers are fairly accurate. Also, I don't really think that increasing mpg - even marginally - is ever "too little, too late." Maybe you won't consider buying a Focus, but this act should be a *good thing.*
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Paul K. 7:46AM (10/31/2006)
My understand is that they have a different ECU tune for the 2007, and you can actually get a 2006 retuned at the dealer to get the better highway gas mileage.
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Robert 11:49PM (11/02/2006)
If Toyota tuned its cars to get better gas mileage, no one would say "too little." The truth is that every little bit helps (if it helps at all - because the EPA rarely tells the truth for any vehicle... I've never had anything better than 30 in a Corolla that's rated at 31/38). That said, my 2005 Focus averages about 30 in thick rush-hour traffic. I've had as high as 40 in a rental Focus and my friend gets 33 in his manual (mine's auto). So, I would assume that it does help, if only 3-4%, but that's still less consumption.
More importantly, to me, it signals that Ford now gets the concept of continual improvement. You don't just let things sit - you improve them. So, cheers to them, and many improvements to come.
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Gary 7:19AM (11/09/2006)
37 MPG? The best I can get with my 2007 Focus with manual transmission is 33 MPG and that is with long freeway trips. I expected a few more miles per gallon. I gave up 35 to 37 MPG when I sold my 1995 Escort to get the Focus. Do you have to drive downhill to get the stated EPA MPG?
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Bryn Noble 9:57AM (1/23/2007)
My expectation of the new Focus was high, even though the styling is bland, it is a good drive comfortable with vroom but I have to say that in this eco environment, Ford has got it totally wrong in terms of Mpg I have had 3 brand new 1.6 cc Ford Focus (driving instructor) in the last 7 months and all were dissapointing, a high of 34.5 and a low of 31 but consistently around the 32.5 thereabouts,
So Ford get your finger out post haste & ptonto and sort out your Mpg problem
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Bill Bakker 3:11PM (7/10/2007)
Just bought a nice driving 2007 ZX% SES with AUTO Xmission. After checking mpg on two tanks I am very disappointed in the fuel economy. I get 26 mpg at 60% freeway and 40% suburban driving.
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Tim 7:09AM (8/28/2007)
I recently purchased a 2007 Focus. The federal government (Canada)gas rating on the car displyed 49 mpg (imperial gallons).
After 2 trips I am getting 30mpg. I called the salesman and he suggested that after 5000 km mileage would improve. Can you believe this?
Otherwise, I am pleased with the car.
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jim 8:52AM (11/09/2007)
My normal commute is 5 highway and 3 city miles one way, and I get somewhat under 30 mpg. But - I just finished the car's first real "road trip" (rolled over 5000 miles during the trip), driving 75 to 85 mph most of the way, and got right at 36 mpg. Would've been better if I didn't have such a heavy foot.
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