The Corolla is Still a Better Value Than the Focus
American car makers have worked hard to put an offering on the economy car market that can compete with imports. The Ford Focus comes close, but is still edged out by the reliable Toyota Corolla. Find out why Toyota offers a better product in this Corolla vs Focus comparison.
The Ford Focus SE
This compact car has been a staple in the Ford lineup for over a decade. It has gone through several changes, and the most recent model is closer to the competition than ever before. It has a powerful 2.0 liter 4-Cylinder engine that gets an EPA estimated 36 MPG on the highway. Ford supports new owners with a basic warranty for the first three years or 36K miles of driving.
The Toyota Corolla
Toyota vehicles have a reputation for reliability and economy. The current version of the Corolla is equipped with a 1.8 Liter engine that produces 132 horsepower. The EPA estimates that some models can get as much as 40 miles per gallon on the freeway, but most will average 37 mpg under similar driving circumstances. The Corolla also has a three year or 36K mile warranty, but the car rarely gives owners trouble even after this basic protection expires.
The Little Things Add Up
Under closer observation, careful shoppers discover that the small differences end up tilting the scales in the favor of the Corolla.
Not only is the Corolla’s fuel economy better, the fuel tank is larger. The Toyota has a capacity of 13.2 gallons, but the Ford can only carry 12.4 gallons. Drivers can travel farther and make fewer stops in the Corolla.
The Corolla also makes better use of interior spaces. Passengers have more leg room to work with than they do in the Ford, and the Corolla’s layout is designed for comfort. The Ford offers 90.7 cubic feet of interior space, but the Corolla has 97.5 cubic feet.
Replacement parts for the Corolla are also less expensive. The smaller battery, tires, and engine oil capacity result in lower maintenance costs throughout the life of the car. Even after the warranty period expires, Toyota parts are readily available and supported for longer than the average Ford.
True Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price of similarly equipped vehicles is lower for the Corolla. This saves buyers on the financing, tax, and registration fees. Owners also retain the value of their Toyota vehicles longer. The expected depreciation rate for the Ford Focus is much faster. When it comes time to trade or sell, Corolla owners have more value to work with. All of these savings make the Corolla a much better option.