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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  100,000 miles in 3 years - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Kurtdoubleday - February 2 - 10:00 am

  A great car with a few problems, most recalls fixed things that I had replaced already. Fantastic summer & rain handling but buy top grade snow tires for winter. Fuel pump needed to be replaced because of a design flaw that Ford fixed in replacement. Still have original brakes with no troubles. Be careful slamming back tailgate, you may dent the door like I did. Avg. 28 MPG with highspeed (79 MPH) driving and hauling more stuff than I should.

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  Focus-love it! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jade - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car, my first new(used) car!Only problem was left brake light out. Got it fixed right away,have seen 1 or 2 with same light out...makes me wonder. Other than that I love it. It zips around and picks up when I need it to.

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  Not too shabby - 2008 Ford Focus
  By alisajg - February 1 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my Focus to replace my nightmare VW Beetle. Overall I like it .Im at 14,000 miles. It does well in all weather. I find the seats to be very comfortable. The seat backs are high, which is great because Im on the tall side (for a female). The moonroof is nice, but cuts a lot of headroom in the backseat. The back seat is hard to get into with the coupe. SYNC is pretty neat, but hard to use sometimes. The brakes are terrible, and are very underpowered. The headlights are not very bright, and Im probably going to put in some HIDs. I have beige cloth that I have worked very hard to keep clean, but I should have gotten leather. I get better than estimated MPG. Nice, smooth clutch.

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  Im loving my 2015 Focus SE - 2015 Ford Focus
  By lamondjohnson76@gmail.com - February 1 - 1:04 pm

  I have read all the so call complaints about the Focus, now I have own Lexus,BMW,Acura and Honda this is my first Ford I wanted something not to big and not to small and thats great on gas and can move when 2.0 liter I have is good I mean Ive never own a 4cyl car, but this little car movies the Style on it is nice and I love the Sync works great with my Android and my IPhone on and gas mileage is awesome and it does break my pocket to fill it up. So with that being said I love and enjoy my Focus

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  Merkur XR4TI Reborn as Ford Focus ZTS - 2002 Ford Focus
  By swampfox - February 1 - 2:00 am

  As a former owner of a Merkur XR4TI, I could not help noticing the similar shape and design of the 2002 Ford Focus ZTS. At 64" I fit in the drivers seat snug, but comfortably. Plenty of headroom. The dash and instruments look like a work of art. You either love it or hate it. Have put 6,000 miles on it so far through snow storm, sun and rain. Drives beautifully an tracks like a true sports car. Suggestion: Use premium gasoline only. It increased my mileage to actual: 25 City/34 Highway. 34 average on a 2,000 mile trip. The increase in fuel cost is compensated by the increase in actual miles per gallon. Wanted a new 2005. New design stinks. Very, very, happy with my 2002 model instead.

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  Lovin it! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Crystal - January 30 - 12:40 pm

  I just downsized because I travel via hwy extensively and wanted less car expense each month. After too much research, I landed in this Focus and love it! In some of the other downsized cars I test drove, I felt downsized. I wanted to save money, but not comfort. With the Focus SES, I am saving money and have most of the comforts of my previous car plus Sync and Sirius. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Alex - January 28 - 11:14 am

  Since my wife and I have had this car, weve had several issues with it. Fords build quality is poor. Weve had issues with the air conditioner leaking, after its rained the back of the car has had large amounts of water in it, the ignition where you put the key in broke and had to be replaced, the plastic (let me reinforce plastic) thermostat housing unit was leaking coolant, also the hoses arent sufficient enough to carry the coolant since they eventually balloon up, the car jerks when you back up, etc. The radio always shut off and you have to push in the radio/cd area to turn it back on. Other than maintenance issues, the car is pretty comfortable inside and is fun to drive.

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  MORE TROUBLE THAN WHAT ITS WORTH - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Amanda H. - January 28 - 10:11 am

  You will have to take this vehicle to the dealer for repairs numerous times. I have had to take my car in at least six times in less than two years. It has several recalls and needs several other recalls done to make it safe to drive. The transmission computer module reset had to be done on my car several times, Ford reset it twice and replaced it three times on my car. It is in again with transmission issues that was not part of the recall by they are replacing it free of charge. Parts for this vehicles have been on back order numerous times leaving me without a car for several days up to a week without a vehicle. I have several children and this car makes me afraid to transport them in the car. It will not accelerate when you need to at times. I have been getting onto the highway, pushing the gas pedal as far as it will go and it refuses to go. This car is a DANGER TO THE OWNERS AND ANYONE ON THE ROAD. There are very few good qualities about this car so it is not worth the hassle and risk. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME ON THIS CAR!!!

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  focus on fun - 2004 Ford Focus
  By rhbaker1995 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The ford focus is a well built fun to drive inexpensive vehicle and for all you hot rodders there are also an abundance of performance parts for this vehicle I highly recommend the focus for anyone who is looking for inexpensive transportation that is reliable fun to drive and looks good

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  Focus wagon Excellant to the travler - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dthatsme - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I normally drive a C 5 Vette but on the road for work I drive the Focus Loaded wagon interior all leather excellant gas saver and a lot of space for hauling what I need in the work force.Im a Quality Rep. and highly recomend this car.