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 So far - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jimmy DeLoche - February 22 - 10:00 am

  There were some problems when I first got it with the timing. After two computer upgrades, its running stong. Fun=value=10

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  First Ford - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Canada10 - February 22 - 8:40 am

  Bought my first Ford. Read up on issues. They were true. Not impressed as Ford states quality. Cheap feeling car. Original owner replace fuel pump, front brakes and front struts. I replace ignition switch, which should never, ever fail. Fuel mileage not very impressive in city. Have rattle in exhaust system, suspect cataytlic converter.

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  So far so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hoos - February 18 - 8:24 pm

  I got this as my first car. Normally I never buy American cars but I needed a car badly. I spent $1100 fix it and I still need to fix the electric and also need to replace the rotors. Aside from all that its very comfy and I really hope it wouldnt leave me stranded. I shouldve gotten a Honda.

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  This Car Is a Blast - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Proud new owner - February 16 - 8:18 pm

  In January 09 I found this 4-door ST with manual 5 speed in like new condition with only 6.5k mi. and have been smiling ever since. This car makes me smile every time I fire it up and head out. Very responsive engine with nice low-end torque for a four cylinder, smooth clutch, great taut steering, tight, rigid feeling chassis, and sweet handling make this car a blast to drive. Feels, sounds, and drives European but for $1000s less. So far getting 25mpg around town and have not taken highway trip, yet.

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  The Horror Story - 2012 Ford Focus
  By daisy83 - February 15 - 2:24 am

  Shortly after purchasing our 2012 Ford Focus, we noticed a shuddering noise, coming from the front end. Had it checked several over and over. We were told it would stop approx. after 1000miles.Surprise, Surprise...4000 miles now and STILL making noise.. Spoke to FORD CORP, several times.. We were told it is within standards and is normal... How can a car that draws attention when shifting, be normal??? FORD has a problem!! I guess they dont know how to fix it.. THANK YOU FORD!!! for making our life totally stressed and exhausted.. we are at our wits end and are ready to surrender the vehicle. O by the way, noise in the gas tank area as well.. grandkids wonder what the noise is!!!

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  First Time Focus Driver - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Maddie - February 15 - 1:10 am

  A fun car to drive. Very sensitive steering. This is a nice zippy car, especially when it has most of the options. I am a new driver and this car is easy to learn.

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  THIS IS MY SECOND FOCUS - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dogboy2140 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Focus. I got the Sony Edition 4-door-sedan in 2000, and had such a great experience with it that when I decided that I wanted more room, I opted NOT to get an SUV. I LOVED my car but wanted more space, a sunroof (not an option in 2000), and the ability to listen to more than 1 CD. I know that there have been recalls on the Focus in the past, but my new one was NOT part of any of them so far. Now if they only made a convertible version.....

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  MY EXCITEMENT OVER MY 2003 FORD ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By EXCITED 2003 DRIVER - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH MY FORD FOCUS ZX3... IT IS THE MOST FUN VEHICLE I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND THE MOST FUN ONE TO DRIVE AS WELL.. THE HANDLING IS AWESOME- LIVING IN A PART OF THE NORTHEAST WHERE WE GET ALOT OF SNOW THIS CAR HANDLES TERIFICALLY THRU IT....I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER CARS IN THE SNOW AND NONE OF THEM PREFORMED AS WELL AS THIS ONE DID...IT IS A SOLID CAR AND BUILT WELL.. AND I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR..I MYSELF HAVE NEVER BEEN A BIG FORD PERSON BUT THEY HAVE SINCE CHANGED MY MIND AND WILL BUY ANOTHER ONE WHEN THE TIME COMES ALONG ANYONE LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR PICK UP ONE OF THESE U WONT BE DISAPPOINTED... I WASENT

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  Stay Away. Loaded with features, poor execution - 2013 Ford Focus
  By E Man - February 6 - 11:44 pm

  The "automatic" transmission gives a terrible feeling of no confidence, makes the car hard to drive and requires updates and warranty appointments. Weve had many excuses on fixing the issue including that our new transmission parts were given away to others, and then told we did not qualify for the warranty transmission repair. Even when fixed, driving this car is erratic and just not good. Other poor quality items likes interior water leaks and getting stuck from push button start make this a car to avoid. Pick any Honda, Toyota, Mazda and avoid these poor quality issues. We bought the car thinking it would be a great car for our kids, but it is not.

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  Great after the first year - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HS in FL - February 5 - 8:02 pm

  Purchased this car new in 2000. In the first year, we suffered through a few recalls and had the fuel pump replaced a couple of times. However, it seems everything has been fixed, because there have been no problems with the car since the warranty expired. It has only been in the shop for oil changes and other regular maintenance. Its not new anymore, but I cant justify getting a newer car when the old one is still reliable and gets very good gas mileage for an 8-year old.