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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  Great 1st Car for a Teen - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Firefighter254 - March 10 - 9:10 am

  Trying to find a reasonably proced low mileage used Honda/Toyota/Nissan is impossible, so we tried the Ford Focus and it was the best thing we could have done. We found our 2005 ZX4-SES complete with every option except leather seats for under $9300 w/tax/prep. Just a great car for a first timer like my teenage daughter- came with ABS and side air bags. Great MPG as well-she loves it ! Cjeap to run, cheap to keep and it just goes and goes and goes.

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  Fun and Can Carry Like a Wagon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By nightbird7 - March 9 - 9:46 pm

  Ive owned my car for 6 years and have had only a couple of problems with it, which were fixed and over with. There was a leak of hydraulic fluid into the driver footwell that required the alternator and master cylinder be replaced (I didnt recognize the signs before the alternator started to go). Later parts of the front suspension had to be replaced as they were locked up and noisy (about $200 for each of these jobs). Ive never had the tire troubles people write about - you need to get the Lifetime alignment at Discount Tires and take it in as soon as you get the car as Ive read it came out of the factory with the rear tires out of alignment - this may be causing all the tire problems.

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  Too Awesome of a car! TOTALLY WORTH IT! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jarrett - March 9 - 6:54 pm

  I wrote a review on here not too long ago and I have read some of the reviews on here. Im sorry to hear that some people had problems with Pirelli tires. I didnt have to replace 2 of them until I was just over 45,000 miles on my car, and thats after my driving like a bat out of hell . Besides regular maintenance, I only had to replace a tail light bulb. The performance of the car is awesome- I can outrun many cars when I need to! Its always fun to drive, especially fast! With all of this, Im getting on average 30 to 32mpg and when I chill out from going fast I get as much as 38mpg. Totally worth the purchase! Im not planning to buy another car anytime soon. I made a great choice.

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  my red focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Berenice - March 9 - 8:33 am

  when i first bought the car i was like its nice it looks cool its cheap , then i took it for a test drive it was a very smooth i liked it a lot

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  YOU CAN TOW WITH A FOCUS!!!! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By pythonkiller - March 8 - 4:00 pm

  Almost didnt buy my Focus because they couldnt find a tow hitch to fit it, but did at the last minute. I pull a retro-looking hard side trailer filled with my possessions as I move across the country for my work (wildland firefighter). Total weight 1500 lbs and the car pulls great. Only had to downshift a couple times up the passes in CA. Sync is cool! Just hope it doesnt crash like my microsoft laptop, but so far so good. One negative is a weird gap where the trunk meets the rear quarter panel, no leaks but it may be an early assembly glitch. (I got one of the first cars of the line) My baby has been from MN to FL to CA and back to FL in this year alone, all pulling the trailer!!!

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  Very impressed and would of thunk it. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Badaboom - March 6 - 4:33 am

  Well, I have only owned the car a very short time and still is in break in phase. But I have to say, very impressed with the performance and comfort and interior styling. I am not huge on the looks, but I will get used to it. I love the handling of it and the 5 speed is very responsive. Awesome tires grip the road and the factory system is very nice as well. Overall a very good car that is fun to drive and quite quick. I love blowing past 2 door coupes in a sedan, lol!

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  A SPECIAL CAR - 2007 Ford Focus
  By MAT FROM MESA, AZ - March 5 - 9:14 pm

  Ford did a good thing with the ST. It handles like a dream and is fun to drive. My wife and I love it! Too bad Ford stopped the ST. It has been good on fuel with a high of 37 Hwy and averaging 28-30 in town. This car eats the mountain roads in Arizona and is a real road car! We are in our 60s and would like to see Ford do something with the new Focus, turbo, etc. Just because you are a senior doesnt mean the younger generation are the only ones to have fun driving! Bring it on, Ford!! Well be looking (and hoping).

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  ROBERTOS TOY - 2002 Ford Focus
  By roberto sanchez - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I AM VERY PLESE WITH THE VEHICLE. IT HAS A GREAT PERFORMANCE. I GET 30 MPG ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS A GREAT FIRST CAR FOR ANYONE. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY 15 YRS. SON AND HE ENJOY THE HANDLING AND THE STYLE. GREAT LITTLE CAR. THE RROFLINE IS EXCELLENT. I AM 6FT TALL AND I COULD LOOK OUT WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM.

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  Do not buy! Terrible transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By T. Walston - March 4 - 6:11 am

  I love the Bluetooth capabilities but this does not outweigh the transmission problems. The car shudders terribly especially upon take off in the city. It never happens on the highway. I bought it in Aug 2014. Since i have taken it to the dealership more than once to fix the problem. The transmission has been reprogrammed multiple times. They told me it is just aggravating and not a safety issue. From some the posts Ive read that is not true. Im trading this in asap!

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  stat focused - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Phil - March 4 - 2:56 am

  I was never aware of The transmission issue before I bought the Ford Focus. I enjoy driving the car it is great handling and driving on the highway,with the constant repairs being made. I have informed the dealership and they have ordered the required parts. Lets see if they hold to the workmanship of the repairs. If not the games will start.