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:

• 

  LooK carefully at your next purchase. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jake - June 15 - 7:29 pm

  List of what is bad. 1. PAINT. 1. NO PAINT- the inward s entire body. 1) panel face inward. 2) trunk 3) inward doors. 2. Carpet. Cut under neath front seat. The Floor. See the cord to the seat. 3. Cover over wheel/ cover for body next to wheels. 1. made of werid fabric that just comes lose. 4. Lights. 1.Head light not bright enough, before turing on HIGH BEAMS. 2. NO BACK LIGHT IN CAB. 5. Engine. Make a werid sound. Cant see trans fluid. 6. Hard to control driving , off road and in high winds, or construction road. 7. Only on key door entrace. 8. Bar holder for engine hood. Come on, it 2009 get with the times. Could of had better featuer for $16,000 car.

• 

  2000 Ford Focus LX - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Matt - June 14 - 10:44 am

  Just bought this Ford Focus, and so far am quite impressed. I have already replaced the ignition coil pack, a simple 1 hour repair. Has a 140,500 miles on it, and still runs strong for a 4 cylinder. This is my first car, and so far, for the 1000 dollars I spent, (including purchase price, and the coil pack.)I am pretty happy. Car is quite and runs smooth. Good gas mileage, and very fun to drive.

• 

  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Bernie - June 13 - 8:51 pm

  I have owned this car for over 5 years now and its been overall a great experience. The car has over 82,000 miles now and I still get over 29 miles per gallon and the engine still runs strong. never had a problem with it other than a faulty spark plug, but that is maintenance. one and two year old domestic cars are the way to go!! you get a new car at a fraction of the cost.

• 

  4dr Sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By allee - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car end of June 2003 and so far I love it...I traded in a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta that gave me nothing but problems the day I bought it...I am hoping that my Focus gives me a much happier life... I am alittle hesitant to give my focus a full rating on reliability until I have had it a year or so...then I can give a true rating. But thus far its fun to drive and I am happy at the moment!

• 

  Best decision Ive made in a while - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Laurabel - June 10 - 6:55 pm

  I purchased my Focus in June of 08, after driving a gas guzzling minivan for 5 years. After looking at Toyotas, Hondas, Chevys and Mazdas, the Focus was just the best idea for cost and reliability. Im at 17,500 miles and have no issues. The gas mileage got up to 41mpg highway, but also as low as 27mpg city. Being a musician and a sort of music junkie, its just amazing how seamlessly my Zune works with Sync. Its a good looking car with lots of options and features it just gets you where you need to go - in style.

• 

  Buy It! Great handling and comfortable! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Targetdisco - June 10 - 8:29 am

  Gave an 8 for Fuel Economy because it used to be good, now it is average. Lived in suburban DC, with no huge hills, for 1.5 years. Did the long trips, commuting, and around town all great mileage. Moved to "real" WV with lots of huge hills 13 months ago, and mileage is not good at all. The imitation Euro handling is certainly there and is great. Seats are comfy, lots of room, and good storage. Mine has a sunroof/moonroof and 6 cd changer. I think the Cd changer finally conked out. In 2.5 years, Ive taken it to the shop for tires, and oil changes. Oct 06, I bought the car with 30k miles. So its been an outstanding and problem free car.

• 

  Love my new Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Wendy CT - June 8 - 5:43 am

  My 2008 SES ford Focus is the best. The only thing I did not get was the leather seats. The car is great on gas. I am getting 27 mile a gallon around town and 32 highway cant complain about that with todays gas prices. I tested many other cars but keep coming back to the Focus. Its got the get up and go I was looking for. Would tell anyone looking to buy "its a great car". Thank you Ford.

• 

  Dollar for Dollar - 2002 Ford Focus
  By flazx5 - June 4 - 11:10 pm

  i bought a ZX5 last november and for the price paid this is the best vehicle i have ever owned. it is solid, comfortable and handles/drives better that anything comparable. i suggest the 5-speed unless you cant drive one because it enhances the overall driving experience of this fun car. the car feels like a much larger vehicle as far as the ride quality goes. ive had no problems and have 3000 miles on the car. the sound system is way above average for a stock system as well. i would recommend anyone at least test drive a focus before you buy any other comparably priced vehicle.

• 

  Great car, fun to drive, ZX4 ST Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jim Monk - June 4 - 10:10 am

  Great car loaded with features if you get the ST. Fun to drive 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds. Car listed for $19,790 loaded up, got it for $15,000 with rebates and employee pricing. Had to tint the windows darker. Get the side air bags for extra safety. Has a great sound, you can hear the exhaust, unlike Hondas and Toyotas. Who wants a car that does not sound cool? This car has it all, looks, speed, great sound for a 4 cylinder.

• 

  Very Unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Berry - June 3 - 1:55 pm

  This car has been the most expensive piece of junk. Ive replaced: the master and slave cylinders, shocks and struts, fuel injector pump, alternator, rack and pinion (TWICE!!!!). The front doors stick horribly. The air conditioning unit rusted out. The enire muffler system fell off. The ABS brake system only sometimes works and now I cant use the parking brake because it seizes my rear passenger tire and wont allow it to rotate. It wears unevenly on my tires even though I have had them rotated and balanced. The air conditioning needs to be recharged every summer. Im a mechanical engineer and I take excellent care of my cars. I will never buy another Ford again.