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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  Car shut off at 70 mph - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jessica - September 11 - 5:22 pm

  First let me say, I love my car. Except for one small problem, it keeps trying to kill me. My problem started in August of this year, the car would turn itself off while driving but would immediately turn right back on. We took it in for repairs at the dealership we bought it from. They kept it for 4 days and then called us to come get it. They said they couldnt fix it because they couldnt duplicate the problem. I called Ford Corporation and talked to their regional service area manager. She seemed very pleasant and arranged for my car to stay with the dealership for awhile longer and even made sure I had a rental. At that point I was very pleased with the service I had received. I bragged to everyone about it. I get a call from the dealership staring they reprogrammed the transmission control module on my car and I could come and get it. After four days of having my car back, I continued having the same program. This time I had a video of the incident. I started recording the driving of the car after the issue happened a second time. I took the car back into the dealership. Theyve had it for over a week now. They cannot duplicate the issue and all but ignore the fact there is a video. I called the Regional lady back and she was horrible. She told me to drive my and that the issue will just eventually get worse. I asked her how long was I suppose to drive it, until the warranty was up or I died in an accident? While this issue has gone on, the car has stopped dead on the highway while driving it. No control, no power. Just dead. This car is very dangerous.

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  Should be better - 2014 Ford Focus
  By james carlson - September 9 - 3:26 pm

  This car mostly delivers as expected. It has great gas mileage, up to 40 mpg hwy, and decent power from the 2.0L 4 cyl. The ride is quiet, but rough. Visibility is poor, as this car sits very low to the ground, and has obstructive A pillars blocking the view to the sides at intersections. Rear seat is unsuitable for long rides. The trouble areas are the quirky My Touch entertainment/navigation system, and the faulty 6 speed automatic transmissions (expect a recall). If Ford would just fix a few things, it would be a really good small car.

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  Worst mistake Ive ever made - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Kabasta Edward - September 8 - 1:21 am

  I cant begin to say how much I hate my car. The transmission gets fixed all the time, the alternator fail, battery failed, sterling failed, interior melted and my plastic door closer broke while making a high speed turn. I have had to use Fords roadside assistance 4 times in 3 months. Worst car Ive ever owned and Ive bought some cheap cars!

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  Fun to drive! - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - September 7 - 2:35 pm

  I love driving my focus. It grips the road nicely and its light frame makes for easy lane changes and highway entries. This car has some ZIP to it. I would feel comfortable driving this across country due to its reliability and comfort. The interior doesnt feel cheap. I expected a little better fuel economy, but its ok. For a small car, I dont feel low to the ground.

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  Very poor transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Ken Harrington - September 6 - 10:53 pm

  I have a 2014 Ford Focus, and the transmission is terrible, it is very tight and jumpy has shuttered for the entire 15 months Ive had the car. When I go up a hill it stalls, and in traffic, I get the 6 minute "transmission overheating" message. I wish I bought another car.

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  Good Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Chad Hutchinson - September 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had my car for 7 years bought new, longest lasting car Ive owned. Being a home owner I have the same demands for maintenance, so I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer put a hitch on the focus. Ive pulled 50 sheets of drywall, lumber, ATV up north hunting, Ice fishing, car handles it just fine. Without the trailer Ive drive through 4 inches of fresh snow fall, on federal land. My brother owned one, a guy who was blinded by the evening sun pulled out in front him, he hit him at 60, and walked away! The only reason Im writing this review is because Im looking at buying a newer model, but still keeping the 08 and putting snow tires on it

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  What Ford calls normal is dangerous - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Americas guest - September 4 - 3:47 pm

  Afraid to pull out. The car lurches between gears in the low gears. I hate it. Worst car I have EVER driven. Lots of bells and whistles but...the seats are too small for my 6.2 husband. The noise and rattles are numerous. Water pools in the ridges of the trunk and hood. And the gas mileage for the size is only fair. I wish I had purchased the corolla instead for the same price. BIG mistake.

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  STAY CLEAR OF FORD FOCUS, ALL HAVE TRANNY PROBLEMS - 2014 Ford Focus
  By GRD123@YAHOO.COM - September 3 - 7:14 pm

  Research complaints, shifting transmission, dangerous

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  Traded a 2014 for a 2015 - 2015 Ford Focus
  By SJ - August 29 - 10:55 pm

  This is our third Focus. First was a 2005 which was very economical to drive. Bought a 2014 SE automatic last year and liked it but there were a couple of options I wished Id gotten with it. A couple of things I didnt like about the 14 were no 12V plug on the dash and no lock buttons on the doors. Traded it in for the 2015 SE this year and glad I did. Everything I didnt like on the 2014 was corrected on the 2015, 12V plug on the dash, lock buttons on the doors, etc. I had no problems with the shifting on the 2014. Not as smooth as a full size car but it it shifted fine for the 12,000 miles I had on it. You have to realize even though its an automatic you feel it shift like a standard. If you dont like power shifting get a Fusion. The 2015 does seem to shift smoother than the 2014 and has the manual shift paddles which I tried and they work but for me the Focus shift points are fine in automatic so I wont use the paddles much if ever. I got the 2.0L engine for the power with larger wheels and get a steady 34 mpg around town. Longer trips on the highway I get a little better (mid to high 30s) but dont hold back on the speed. This car handles great. I drove others in this class Toyota/Honda/VW and this one is the most fun to drive. Electronics work fine and blue tooth and USB work as they should. Sync voice commands are still a challenge if you dont speak clearly. I like having both the analog and digital gauges on the 2015 (the 2014 only had an analog spedo). The heat/AC controls are great on the 2015 as there is a individual on/off button for everything including each vent/defrost. No more trying to figure out which position on a dial to use to heat your feet and the windshield at the same time. All in all the 2015 hatch is fun to drive, handles and looks great, and has enough room for our two large dogs in the back.

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  This car had run its course - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Marie - August 28 - 4:45 pm

  Im driving my dads old Focus now and hate it. Its not well-made inside and even with a Bluetooth, connectivity is iffy. There is nothing comfortable about it. Now looking for a Mazda or other, newer Ford.