The 2011 Ford Focus is a barebones grocery getter. So, if you’re looking for sporty or luxurious, the popular compact car won’t satisfy. But if you can manage your expectations, the ambient interior lighting in the SEL is a nice touch, and so is the SES’ voice-activated radio.
Key Points
- The 2011 Ford Focus comes in four trim levels, all with the same basic mechanical specs and safety features.
- Sedan and hatchback body styles are available for every trim, whether the S, SE, SES, or SEL.
- The SES and SEL effectively tie for the best value, depending on whether you prefer cloth or leather seats.
- Being a budget-priced, decade-old car, safety features are pretty sparse even on higher trims. So, don’t hope for parking sensors or lane-keep assist.
- AC is manual, even in the top-tier SES and SEL. We think the SES offers the most value overall unless leather seating is a necessity, then go with the SEL.
Ford Focus S Trim Level is Four Wheels and an Engine, and Not Much Else
You already know that the 2011 Ford Focus isn’t the most exciting car in the world. It’s an efficient, hassle-free grocery-getter, and not a whole lot more. But if you don’t mind a boring car, it’s… adequate.
Here’s what you’re getting in the entry-level S trim:
- SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
- Manual AC
- MyKey system with audio volume limiter and programmable sound chimes
- 17″ alloy wheels
- Keyless entry
Under the hood, you’ve got a 2.0L DOHC engine cranking out 133 lb.-ft. of torque and 136 hp with a four-speed automatic configuration, or 136 lb.-ft. and 140 hp with a five-speed manual. The 2.0L is the only engine available no matter the trim, and all are front-wheel drive.
You’re getting the same mechanical specs in all four trim levels, and the same body style options (sedan or hatchback) regardless of trim level. The upgrades are mostly down to interior features.
The S level 2011 Focus starts at around $4,800 as shown on Kelley Blue Book. Dirt cheap, but incredibly basic.
SE’s Front Map Lights and Power Mirrors Might not Justify the Price Bump
You’re getting a few minor upgrades with the next trim level up, but it’s up to you whether they’re worth the extra $600 on the starting price.
Here’s what the SE adds on top of the S:
- One-touch down for the driver window
- Front map lights
- Perimeter alarm
- Power exterior mirrors
The SE is hard to recommend. If you want to save money, you’ve got the S. If you want more features without spending a lot of extra cash, you’ve got the SES. The SE is neither here nor there. It’s in that marginal middle ground where you wonder why they bothered with this trim level.
SES Justifies its Price Tag with Cruise Control and Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
The SES is where we start getting into “actually worth the money” upgrades, for just a hundred bucks more than the SE.
Here’s what’s included:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls
- Ambient interior lighting
- Cruise control
- Sync voice-activated communication and entertainment system with Bluetooth
No major mechanical upgrades, no difference between safety features. The door handles are black, rather than body-colored, and that’s about it for exterior differences. So there’s not much going on in the body design or under the hood, but for less than a thousand bucks on the used market over the S, the interior bonuses do make for a worthwhile upgrade.
The SES could be the best overall deal for the dollar, but it’s neck and neck with the SE in terms of overall value. So, if you’re looking for something better than the S you’ll want to contrast and compare both trim levels before making a decision.
SEL Might be the Best Trim Level, Depending on How Much You Like Leather Seats
For another $200 on top of the SES pricing, the SEL might or might not be worth the money. It’s down to personal preference. You’re getting everything the SES offers, plus:
- Leather seating
- Chrome door handles
- 16″ Euroflange alloy wheels
Everything else is effectively the same, from mechanical specs to safety features to entertainment options.
If you like leather and chrome, the SEL is a fair upgrade for the price. If you don’t care about the color of your door handles and you prefer cloth seats to leather, go with the SES. There’s nothing about the top trim level that makes it a must-have, but the price bump won’t break the bank, either.
Ford Focus SES Trim Wins Best Value Overall by a Nose
No matter what trim level you wind up with, you’re not going to be spending very much money compared to similar sedans and hatchbacks. We’re looking at a Kelley Blue Book difference of less than $1,000 between the entry-level S and top-tier trims.
So “best value” may be splitting hairs on this one, but in terms of most features for the lowest price, the SES just edges out the other trim levels as our favorite.
Photos: Ford
