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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  I like my Focus better than my Civic! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bob - June 22 - 3:09 pm

  I gave my daughter my standard Civic and planned to get new Civic. I test drove the automatic Civic and I remembered why I got the standard. During acceleration, Civics bog at low speeds, and it is less noticeable in the standard. I test drove a Focus, and it was quicker to start (the 0-60 specs are equal but the Focus has more low- end torque). The FocusÂ’s cloth seats arenÂ’t as nice, but you can get Focus heated leather heated seats for the same price as Civic cloth seats! Also, the Focus has less road noise the headlights are better (Consumer Reports backs this up) the reliability and safety are the same it comes with Bluetooth phone (very cool!) and it is less expensive! Try a Focus!

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jay - June 21 - 2:06 pm

  Traded a 98 Blazer that got 16mpg. My Focus SE 5 speed gets 28mpg. Had the car 3 weeks and got rearended. Other than the trunk lid, car held up nice. Fun car to drive. Nice sound system. Wish it had a another power outlet or two.

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  SVT Focus a best buy! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By SVT4ME - June 21 - 2:00 am

  It handles like its on rails - yet you dont sacrifice ride comfort for handling prowess. The steering is tight and firm yet supple. The engine rocks - you wont win any stoplight drag races against a V8 Mustang or Camaro, but youll surprise a lot of Honda owners. And it has a nice exhaust tone, too. The six-speed is fun and works well, although occasionally the first- to -second gear change seems a little clunky, and the reverse lockout can be a little hard to overcome. Interior much nicer than previous Ford compact car efforts, although even with only 10,000 miles, already a little squeaky but turning on the excellent stereo cures that problem!

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RB - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fine auto, superb handling and ride. Great interior for my 6 ft frame with plenty of space for other riders and luggage. Terrific engine producing quick response and good highway speeds without effort. Very good mileage both around town and highway driving.The new edge design with a europian flair is outstanding. An overall excellent value for the price.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Eddie - June 20 - 11:20 pm

  I have to say that I am 100% satisfied with this car. All around I think Ford put together a well built machine, from the way it drives to all the standard features in the SE model and up. When people ask me about the car and if I like it I highly recommend it. I test drove Hondas, Hyundais, Toyotas, and it all came down to bang for my buck, this car was the best, i drive over 750 miles a week so i wanted something fun to drive and to be reliable over the years, every review i said that it was a great car, and so far, i agree. Good job ford

• 

  Great Little Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ellen - June 20 - 6:14 pm

  I love my new Focus. We rode to the beach which is about 600 miles round trip and I got 42 MPH. I drive 84 miles per day round trip to work and back and normally get 35 MPG highway miles. The only complaint I have is there isnt a button to open the trunk which I thought was unheard of and the arm rest for the driver is back too far. The last thing is there isnt an interior light in the back seat so its really dark back there at night when you are trying to look for something. Other than that it is a wonderful compact car.

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  2009 Ford Focus Coupe SES - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ty - June 19 - 10:16 am

  The first drive of the focus coupe was decent. I was impressed with the amount of features you get for the price. I searched for cheaper new cars and finaly picked the focus. Ive grown to really like it. Its a good looking car with a sporty appeal. The interior is comfortably roomy and I love the sync and other toys ford has installed in the focus. It has enough power to do the job without a sacrifice in fuel economy. However the computer MPG is wrong by about 2 mpg to many which is a little misleading. Otherwise everything seems to work properly.

• 

  A good choice with one exception.... - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Gary G. - June 17 - 4:51 pm

  With only 400 miles on it so far, Im very impressed with my new Focus in all respects except one (the tires...see below). Its roomy despite being small, performs well (very peppy), is comfortable and quiet (except for the tire noise), gets excellent gas mileage (30 mpg city vs the 24 mpg EPA estimate) and has lots of standard bells & whistles. I opted for a fully loaded (with automatic) model, and for the small incremental difference in cost (only $2,000 or so) you get a whole lot more. There are some great incentives ($3,000 in rebates) on this car right now too, which makes it even more appealing.

• 

  Good car. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dirkaelder - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I have only driven the car 2000 miles but it has done a good job. The engine is weak but sufficient. Gas mileage drops off drastically at speeds above 65 mph. At 72mph I was getting about 25 miles per gallon. This is only slightly better than my WRX. The car rides great but seems a bit floaty. The handling is excellent. I wouldnt try to many passes on a two lane highway. Overall I am satisfied so far. I was a bit hesitant at first with reading some of the prior recalls and problems with the brakes. This seems to have been resolved.

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  focus converter - 2003 Ford Focus
  By carproblem - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a very impressive wagon for the $. Previously owned a forester and outback vdc. Both were very good vehicles. But its hard to justify the $CDN difference though. The outback was 15k more, the forester 9k. AWD is nice but not worth that money. The ZTW works great in the winter with the proper winter tires. Advance trac excellent. Highly recommend that option. 0% finance, find another wagon with all those features. It does not exist.