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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  Ford is a good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Artemenko Aleksandr - January 1 - 2:00 am

  When I saw this vehicle I knew that Im going to get it. Than I went to dealers to find one. I found a good deal in Ford of Montebello. Its a really beautfull and nice car. Its smooth,fast,nice looking vehicle. I love it. It was a good experience!!! thank u Ford.

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  Good Looking and Zippy - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Michael. E - December 28 - 6:56 am

  I decided to go for The 2016 Ford Focus SE Hatch, this is my first car and I think this was a good choice for the following reasons 1- Loads of safety features (back up cam and parking sensors) 2- electronics, sync is great it helps keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road and 3-ease of operation, this car isnt complicated, during my permit phase I was learning how to drive in a fiesta, I LOVED that car. The fiesta reminds me of the focus (except the focus weights more) so if you drove the fiesta then you will be very familiar with the Focus. Now the juicy details : ENGINE - Peppy, good amount of grunt but the computer is laggy when you need to put your foot down to quickly change lanes or merge on the highway (i believe if your in manual mode you wont have this issue). INTERIOR - Not bad, no squeaks or raddles (yet) every panel seems to fit. I have the appearance package so I have leather seats, they are OK but nothing to shout about. There is a lack of storage cubbys but this forces you to keep your car clean so I am not complaining to much. My car also was equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel gives you the feeling of driving something that is more luxurious. EXTERIOR - looks great, I like the aggressive look that ford is giving their new line of cars, I opted for black on black theme which means the black 5 spoke wheels and black paint (the leather seats are also black) It has a police interceptor look. I also love the LED running lights on this years model, it makes the car look futuristic in the day and a bat out of hell at night. DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND DAILY USE - I do a mix of city and highway driving and I was very impressed with its highway performance, the cabin noise is low, ride quality is OK (not to stiff or bouncy) and the hatchback and fold down seats are awesome. Overall great first car but i am debating on returning it at the end of the lease. I want to keep it but accessory support seems to be limited to Factory parts at this time and I am very scared of the troublesome for power-shift transmission. I guess time will tell.

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  good; but not a Honda - 2005 Ford Focus
  By JIMC - December 28 - 3:36 am

  Good inexpensive car. I dont think it will prove to be as dependable or have the same quality or resale value as the 3 Japanese imports of Nissan, Toyota, or Honda.

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  Ford Gets It Right with the Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Tom_the_reviewer - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Focus SE used about a month ago and and I love it. Handling and braking are superb. Acceleration is very good with the 4 spd automatic. Suprisingly comfortable and quiet on the inside for a 4 cylinder. I bought this car for my son and I keep trying to take it from him!

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  Best car Ive owned yet - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hatched - December 21 - 8:20 pm

  After owning a Nissan Sentra (a lemon) this car is a joy to own and drive. Responsive, reliable, and all around, a great car. Tons of storage, lots of get-up-and-go, and a good price all led me to buy the ZX3. I never though I would own a domestic nameplate (Id always owned Mitsubishi, Honda, or Nissan) but his Ford has changed my way I think about Ford Motor Company.

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  A few problems here & there. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KaitlynK383 - December 21 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my car from a used car dealership. Its been pretty good. I keep having trouble with its engine though. Somehow the tps sensor, or something like that isnt reading anything from my engine. So my acceleration reallly really stinks right now. My horn also stopped working--not good, at all. I had a little problem a couple months ago with my abs--it ended up to be a loose wiring problem. Which has been happening a lot. Other than that, I love my Ford Focus. I think it is acting up just cause it has a lot of miles on it. It gets really good gas mileage. I drive it a lot. And I still only have to fill it up, on average every 1 and a half weeks.

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  Nice Gas Sipper - 2008 Ford Focus
  By focus - December 21 - 1:36 pm

  Like everyone else, gas prices pushed me towards an econmical vehicle. I drove the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Cobalt. For the what you get for the money, Focus wins easily. I have the Automatic SES. The suspension on this car makes it fun to drive. It doesnt lean much through the turns and provides a comfortable ride. Im still on my first tank of gas and the computer is reporting 35mpg of mixed driving!

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  Great car. Fun. Cheap! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By James C - December 17 - 7:37 pm

  I bought it used with 3000 kms on it. Black 2door with the dark interior. 5 speed. Fun and nimble in turns. I am planning to add the 2009 2door coupe rear roof spoiler and a 3d carbon body kit to it for looks. Other than that its an excellent car that is easy to drive and I send anyone I know that is looking at a new car to go look at it and test one! The motor is not a barn burner, but will hold you at 140km/h all day and not think about it! would love to add a 6 speed (overdrive) but hey- its a $15000 car not a $25000 one. Its handling is not a Lambo but it takes everything I toss at it and I havnt gotten it on 2 wheels yet!

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  Value, Value, Value! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Snapp - December 17 - 6:53 pm

  When I test drove my Focus, I really wasnt planning on buying it. I was going to keep looking at the Dodge Stratus and Hondas because I didnt think a Focus would be big enough for me. Im 62" 235lbs and have drove full size trucks all my life. After the test drive I was ready to make a deal. This car is a great car for the price. My first 2 tanks of gas averaged 34.5MPG. The car has good power and is very nimble. I would encourage you to choose a Focus over a Civic or Corrolla. For the price, you just cant beat a Focus.

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  The problems unfold - 2006 Ford Focus
  By J - December 16 - 8:58 pm

  So I bought this car in September and it was awesome until two weeks ago. The battery light stayed on. One morning I went out to my car and heard the radio playing inside. I hit the unlock button and it stopped. The car wouldnt start so I had to tow it in. There seems to be a lot of electrical problems like the trunk button, back windshield wiper, radio/clock, and cruise control button dont work properly or at all.