With a one-year delay to an anticipated and much-needed redesign, the 2011 Ford Focus remains essentially unchanged from 2010. Preparatory to the 2012 reworking, however, the Focus coupe is dropped from the 2011 lineup, leaving only the five-passenger compact sedan. Of course, the traditional four trim levels, the base S, lower-midlevel SE, upper-midlevel SES, and top-shelf SEL are retained for 2011, as is the inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, standard five-speed manual transmission, and optional, though outmoded, four-speed automatic transmission. Trunk space is a respectable 13.8 cubic feet, while interior space is better than adequate in front, if a bit cramped in back. Traditionally, major competition for the Focus has included the MAZDA3, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf, and Hyundai Elantra, with Kia adding its popular Forte in 2010. All are worth a look, though nearly all are considerably pricier than the Focus.

Under its hood, the 2011 Focus continues to feature an adequate 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that puts out 140 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque when managed by the standard five-speed transmission. Additionally, a four-speed automatic is optional for the lower trim levels and standard with the high-end SEL. Mileage is a better-than-decent 24/35 mpg with the standard gearbox, and 24/34 with the four-speed automatic.

The 2011 Focus merits a considerable part of its bang-for-the-buck advantage with the plethora of standard appearance features and creature comforts offered. The base S trim includes 15-inch wheels, trip computer, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, remote power door locks, tilt-wheel steering, power mirrors, air conditioning, simulated alloy trim on the center console, front and rear floor mats, and a single-CD player with four speakers as standard equipment. The SE adds standard 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows, Sirius satellite radio, and auxiliary MP3 audio input, with the SES adding 17-inch painted alloy wheels, rear spoiler, heated outside mirrors, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and SYNC/Bluetooth infotainment and hands-free communications technology. The top-notch SEL, meanwhile, tacks 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and premium 190-watt audio with nine speakers onto the list of standard amenities.

Options for the S and SE trims include a universal remote garage door opener, as well as many of the standard amenities on the upper trim levels. The SES and SEL trims, additionally, offer an available power moonroof, with the 190-watt upgraded audio system available for the SES.

Perennially rated a five-star performer from a safety standpoint, the 2011 Focus is equipped with standard four-wheel ABS (front disc/rear drum), traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags at the S and SE trim levels. The SES and SEL add a standard remote anti-theft alarm and front fog/driving lights, which are optional for the lower trims. Additionally, daytime running lights are optional for all trims.

Owners of the virtually identical 2010 Ford Focus are divided in their opinions of its handling, as well as acceleration, with some lauding its road manners and performance, and others pining for a tighter suspension and a bit more horsepower. A few things that don’t sit well with a number of owners include cut-rate interior materials, cramped rear seating, and the outdated four-speed automatic. Owners do, however, praise its cabin layout, roomy front seating, economy, quietness, and the always-popular SYNC voice activation system for phones and audio. Finally, nearly all owners mention the good, old-fashion value they receive from their Focus.