Overview & Reviews

Introduced more than a decade ago, the Ford Focus was one of the first small cars from a domestic automaker that was truly competitive with traditionally more dominant models from Japan. An affordable price, sharp handling, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.

Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce second and third generations of the Focus. Sadly, the second generation lost a lot of the mojo built up by the original, first-generation model and is hard to recommend as a used car. However, Ford has refocused its efforts for the latest Focus, and as such it stands as one of our top picks for a small hatchback or sedan.

Current Ford Focus
Available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, the Ford Focus boasts eye-catching styling and a sharply designed interior fitted with high-quality materials. There are three main trim levels: S, SE and Titanium, as well as an electric version. The high-performance Focus ST is reviewed separately.

The only engine available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, the latter actually being a dual-clutch automated manual. Fuel economy is very good no matter what you pick, and with the available Super Fuel Economy package, the Focus earns a 33-mpg-combined estimate from the EPA.

If you don't want to use any gas at all, there's the Focus Electric, which is strictly battery-powered like Nissan's Leaf. Propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143-hp) electric drive motor and powered by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Focus Electric has an estimated range of about 76 miles between charges. It can be recharged in just 4 hours from a 240-volt power source. Owners can also keep tabs on their electric Focus' charging state via smartphone integration.

Even the base Focus S comes with air-conditioning, full power features, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Moving up through the trims gets you luxuries such as Ford's Sync voice-activated phone/audio interface, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. There's also MyFord Touch, which features a large center touchscreen that minimizes button clutter. Options include a navigation system and an automated parallel parking assist system.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Focus' refined road manners. Handling is sharp, with little body lean in the corners, while the steering is communicative and fairly quick. The ride is firm but well controlled over bumps. The 2.0-liter engine deserves praise as well, as it provides above-average performance and fuel economy. Changing gears with the five-speed manual transmission adds to the fun, though a sixth gear would be appreciated on longer freeway jaunts. The automatic is the one fly in the Focus' driving ointment, as it upshifts too quickly and is reluctant to downshift unless the throttle pedal is mashed to the floor.

Inside, the Focus boasts excellent materials, supportive seats and a hushed environment. Relative to its competitors, though, the backseat is a little cramped and the electronics interface can be unintuitive. But all in all, the Focus is a well-rounded, well-built economy car that is easy to recommend.

Used Ford Focus Models
A complete redesign of the Focus took place for 2012, and this generation represents massive improvements in the areas of cabin quality, overall performance and high-end features availability. Apart from subsequent minor equipment and trim level shuffling, these Foci are similar to the current model. The Focus Electric debuted for 2012.

The second-generation Focus ran from 2008-'11. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles until the final year, when only the sedan was offered. More squared-off styling distinguished it from the first Focus. Motivation was provided by a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 140 hp (130 in California-emissions states) hooked up to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Originally, the trim levels included base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES for both body styles. Ford's Sync system, which allowed voice control over cell phones and the audio system, was available and unusual for the economy car segment.

The following year the coupe's front fenders lost their glitzy chrome trim, and the trim levels were shuffled. Coupes were available in SE and SES trims, while the sedan came in S, SE, SES and leather-lined SEL trims. Stability control became optional but then was made standard for 2010.

A used Focus from this generation makes for a value-packed choice, but most competitors were stronger vehicles overall. It offered solid and reliable transportation with a few notable perks like the available Sync system, but the cabin lacked the more upscale materials quality that segment front-runners had. And although it offered a reasonably pleasant driving experience along with excellent fuel economy, its handling wasn't as finely honed as that of some sportier rivals such as the Mazda 3.

When the Ford Focus debuted for 2000, it was available as a two-door hatchback (ZX3) or as a sedan (ZX4) or wagon (ZXW). The base engine was an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 hp, or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These earlier Focus models went through a variety of changes, many of which are important to pay attention to if you're looking for a used Focus. In particular, Ford continually tinkered with the car's trim levels and availability of standard and optional features. From 2000-'04, the trim levels were typically base LX, midgrade SE and high-line ZTS. Antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags were optional equipment, and stability control was offered for a few years starting in 2001.

For 2002, Ford added a four-door hatchback (the "ZX5"). Starting in '04, the Focus gained an available 2.3-liter inline-4 that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a hatchback from 2002-'04. For 2005, the Focus got a more modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and an updated engine lineup that included either a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp (sedan only). The trim levels were renamed S, SE and SES. The wagon and hatchback were dropped after the '07 model year.

Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider the first-generation model a good, inexpensive buy on the used market, the Focus' reliability record hasn't been ideal, particularly regarding the 2000 models.

User Reviews:

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  Terrible Experience for a first car purchase - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Eboni Cumberlander - September 23 - 3:00 pm

  Well I purchased this vehicle in 2012 with excitement for my first new car! What a disappointment I have nothing but problems with this cars transmission, air conditioner, clutch, electrical fuses and now the transmission mount. The transmission mount broke and cause the engine to fall/shift while driving. I was scared to death with my 1 year old son in the car and the engine falls in mid motion. This car is a joke. FORD THIS UNACCEPTABLE!!! RECALL PLEASE

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  Attorney mails letter to about my car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Maybe alive ? - September 23 - 5:02 am

  We bought this car for the gas mileage and the cargo space of the hatchback. Little did I know, we bought a brand new night mare! It goes forward when it wants to, not when it needs to. Hit the gas and it stutters surges and stutters. Now u have moved 10 feet and about to be hit by incoming traffic. As our grandchildren grow, the second stage car seat can not fit behind the driver. Went to trade in for a car with a larger back seat and the dealer did NOT want to take in trade, do to the transmission issues! 2014 is worth half of what I paid for it and it is in mint condition! Than a letter comes in the mail saying the can help with the Ford Focus transmission problem !! What the heck, we were told it was because of two different driving habit, the computer needs to readjust ! This is criminal . Currently driving the car waiting for parts! Hope the come soon.

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  Focus is next after VW fall - 2014 Ford Focus
  By FredGoose - September 22 - 7:34 pm

  Focus auto transmissions need to be replaced. Shame on ford for selling these cars when they know they are broken.

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  Ford should recall these transmissions - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Kim rice - September 22 - 7:40 am

  The transmissions in these cars are junk I totally feel like the sales people are aware and instructed to hide everything and get rid of these cars at any cost .... I got totally screwed..... I feel ripped off and lied to I pay cash for this car and its been in the shop 4 times in less than a year 2 new clutches have already been put in. I wanted to trade it in and Ford refused by saying I would not get half of my money back on the trade in that I paid cash for this car ...one week after I bought it. Ford needs to recall these transmissions or at least stop making them if youre buying one get ready to be treated like its not fords problem. I bought this car for my daughters graduation for her to use in college and its sitting in my driveway right now I dont even want her driving it its so unsafe Thanks ford thanks

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  Ford Focus Long Term Review - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Jon - September 21 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this car summer of 2013 with 36,200 miles on it. Fast forward over two years later, i am at 90,600 miles and have had absolutely NO issues with this car mechanically! Smooth ride, great on gas, and love the upgraded stereo that my focus has. The only problem I have had are the 17" 16 spoke wheels. The finish is peeling off badly on all 4 wheels. I will soon either have to get them replaced, or paint them myself (though that may go horribly). I also wish my car had the 5 speed manual transmission. The 4 speed auto is just a little sluggish at times. Overall would recommend this car 9.5/10

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  Great not so small car. Great milage - 2015 Ford Focus
  By John - September 21 - 11:26 am

  Love this car. Primary goal was to get a vehicle that got great mileage. Wasnt aware that Focus got this kind of superb mileage until I started researching. LOVE this car. Backup camera, Bluetooth, SYNC hands-free and a really nice sounding radio. The radio gets outstanding long distance reception that surpasses any radio in the past thirty years. Im a very large man and I fit into this car very easily. Drive an hour each way to work and an not cramped up and tired afterwards like I was in a 1998 Nissan Altima. Trunk has more usable space than my Lincoln MKS. Very happy I found the 2015 Focus. I have an Automatic transmission.

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  Im losing my job and livelihood over this thing! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By John the car guy - September 20 - 10:03 am

  WARNING: 6 Paragraphs Long! Patient/caring readers only The number one thing you have to watch out for is that ridiculous auto/manual/automatic transmission. In all due honesty I absolutely love everything else about this car. I love the seats, I love the handling, I love the entertainment system, I love the engine, and I love the color and style. But that transmission is such a negative that it takes away all the positives. I cant enjoy the rest of the car when the transmission never shifts correctly. Its most annoying habits to me were the loss of acceleration in 3rd gear and up. 1st and 2nd gear pulled just fine. Whenever it shifted into 3rd, there would always be a nasty chattering sound and acceleration would drop. Next, the transmission would not let me accelerate to passing speeds on the highway, especially on an incline. I put the foot down, the transmission downshifts, the car starts to accelerate, and just as soon as the engine picks up in RPM, it up shifts, killing the acceleration. I found that to pass effectively in this car I had no choice but to give it full throttle. Not what I call an economical pass. Now, this is ALL bad news about the tranny... now let me explain the title of my review. My car is sitting at my workplace, collecting dust and God knows what, because the transmission cant figure out what gear it was last in and therefore IT WILL NOT START. This is a major issue that I have read HUNDREDS of reviews on from loyal Focus owners. Its just 2000 miles out of its powertrain warranty, so Ford is giving me the middle finger and has the audacity to tell me that its a normal issue (a normal problem... who would have thought) and that Im already looking at roughly $2000 to get it fixed. Problem is... Im a low level bachelor who doesnt exactly have the largest savings account built up in my young existence. I know it may have been stupid to finance a car without a respectable financial foundation, but Ive always known the Focuses to be very good cars. I got a decent deal with my non-existent credit, and I could afford it, and then some. Paying for preventive maintenance is not a problem for me. Paying for extensive repairs when Ive done my part in keeping the car stays in tip-top condition IS a problem. So right now, Ive got a dead car sitting at my job 24 miles away, my bank account is getting thinner, and lets just say my family and friends are too busy to help out a brother in a time of great need. I am in good with my boss, but he called and told me that he cant keep flexing for me and will have to let me go and hire someone else. If I lose my job, then I lose the car. And if I lose the car... well... fat chance getting another job to buy another car with because with no car and cant transport myself to and from a job and this is just a spiral of doom developing before me. All of this... because Ford basically released an overly-complex, software-dependent, unproven and flawed transmission design to the public that can and WILL fail. After reading so much dirt on the transmission, I drove to work everyday feeling fearful that it would let me down... and it happened. I cant hate the car as much as I can hate Ford for such an asinine support. Expensive repairs... failed repairs... DEATHS. I have come across so much material from other Focus owners that has made me decide to NOT have it fixed. Hopefully I can find some way out of the loan and get myself in something with a good old fashioned manual transmission before I lose my job and/or my life over this mess.

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  do not buy select shift 6 speed auto - 2014 Ford Focus
  By jerry m. - September 15 - 11:58 pm

  This vehicle shifted fine for 2-3 k miles then started acting crazy. I took it back to the dealer they said it just needed the computer reprogramed - on the way home it was still doing it. I took it to a different dealer a few weeks later with the same results. The two Ford dealers keep the car overnight both times and would not give me a loaner- one of them did have a shuttle to take me home and pick me up the next day. I dont think they know how to fix them and just tell they did something and send you on your way. This is a great car otherwise. I have tried to trade it in but at three dealers (different brands) I was offered 11,000 on trade in -very sad ! It is embarrassing to have friends ride in it. Ford needs to recall these cars and FIX them. I bought a Ford because my son-in-law works at the Louisville assembly plant but this is my last.

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  nothing to write home about - 2013 Ford Focus
  By vince smyth - September 14 - 4:45 pm

  Ive owned this for about 4 months and I was having difficulty with the auto transmission. I looked up some reviews/ technical information and found that Ford has a fix for the transmission issue and has even extended the warranty on these to 100,000 miles. Since buying it Ive learned to get around the transmission problem that I was having by feathering the accelerator or hammering it (heavy footed). This vehicle has adaptive learning and it takes a while for it to understand the way you drive (1500 miles) no matter if youre the first owner or the tenth. Overall the cars fit and finish is just ok, nothing to write home about. This is my first automatic tranny small car and I just had to figure it out. Check out that warranty, no BS on that.

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  Ford should be ashamed - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Dale Smith - September 11 - 11:29 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!! The dual clutch transmission is a joke. Ford has had chronic problems with this for 5 years yet they continue to produce this transmission. The transmission has as much trouble getting in and out of 1st gear as a 15 year old with a learners permit. I honestly cant tell what the 2.0L engine can do because whenever you jump on the gas the transmission hesitates trying to figure out what gear to use or the clutch starts slipping as you are trying to merge into a tight spot on the freeway. I drove the car for 2 painful years and just traded it in for a Prius. With 29K miles I only got half what I paid for it and I consider myself lucky to have gotten that much. I will never buy a Ford again!!!