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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  Amazing Car Packs A Punch - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Kyle Cook - August 28 - 4:50 am

  This car goes way beyond expectations we have used this car as a get way car (toilet papering) and the stability and traction control are amazing it hugs the road great and the car goes the way you point the well unlike leading competitors such as the corOlla my focus has 87k+ miles and still running like a champ well built and economical design lacks some comodines like power seats but the handling is spurb compared to other cars in its segment

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  Well made little economy car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Eric by the Bay - August 27 - 11:50 pm

  First, never buy a new car that is used by rental companies. After 1 year these rentals flood the market and while you have one that isnt a rental the value of the car depreciates 50% 23k car worth 13k as a trade in. Thats my main gripe with the car. Now those that complain about fit/finish... My interior is leather and it is super comfortable. and all the interior parts except the part the door are quality. Go drive a Toyota or Honda (quality/fit not happening) It also has sound proofing. I have had larger expensive cars that are more noisy than this car. Door closes with clunk not a hollowed clang like the Honda I traded in to purchase. Mine isnt a base one but one with all the goodies except a sun roof (not a Titanium) I would say the Navigation system has a lot to be desired. Voice activated and sometimes (most times) it dosent get where I want to go.. My IPhone is easier to operate for this function. Sony stereo is great and duel A/C is nice. My interior is black so it gets hot and the a/c cools down the car nicely. I commute to work across the SF Bay Bridge each day and this car has plenty of pick up and no problems getting around others when needed. Its actually a quick little car and very comfortable. It has a funky engine which you get used to its semi auto transmission routine. Kinda has its own little personality. It does as people mention here get jerky and some hesitation in stop/go. It reminds me of a manual transmission in an old VW. Mine has now 5200 miles on it and no real problems.. I dont know that i will keep it more than 1-2 years/or when warranty expires. I would recommend if your thinking about buying one to maybe look for 1 that is a year old with low mileage as its cheaper than buying new. Car easily gets over 30-35 mpg on freeway. Around town a bit less, but who does in City traffic or hills of SF.

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  Not Impressed at all - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Hypan - August 27 - 5:30 pm

  The transmission is a pure failure. Shutters like crazy under standard acceleration. The dealership and Ford are reluctant to provide a viable solution to this problem. I fear this car wont last at all. It will literally start shaking itself to pieces. Very dangerous when turning into streets as it just shitters and wont accelerate. During my research I have concluded that most (if not all) of the recent Focus models with auto trans suffer from this horrendous issue. Ford has been less than helpful in getting this straightened out. Very disappointed in the overall performance of this model as the looks and interior are top notch. Just steer clear of this one and save yourself the headache.

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  I Love this Car! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Nile - August 24 - 6:21 pm

  Okay a lot of people harsh on this car because it had a clutch recall, but seriously people if you take your [non-permissible content removed] to the dealrship the replace it for free! For free people! Once you have that done the car is great! Mine gets in the 40s mpg. I drove a round trip from Salt Lake City to the grand canyon and got 43.5 mpg average. The bluetooth system rocks! Its so great taking calls hands free! The car is zippy and I have driven it through a blizzard in the middle of Wyoming. When I traded my subaru for this car I was a bit timid. In fact I named my focus subi in hopes that some of my old cars reliability would wear off on it. This is by far the best car I have owned. I have put 40,000 miles on it in one year and it has treated me so good through it all.

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  not reliable!!! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Don hune - August 23 - 1:20 pm

  I brought this car for work. Im a uber driver so I put a lot of miles on it in a short time. After driving it for a while it jerk a little and the dealership said that the way the car works. But after a few months pass the engine light came on and the car wouldnt pass 40pmh. I couldnt get on the high or work. I been to the shop 3 times and each time I get it back the same problem come back up. It only has about 28,000 miles on it. Dont buy this car, I also heard fiesta has the same problems.. It allow on the dual clutch system they have in the transmission.

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  Piece of crap - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - August 22 - 8:48 am

  Beyond what is considered normal grinding noises and hesitation to accelerate by ford, my 2012 focus decided to just stop in the middle of the road while driving. I commute and this could have been a serious safety concern if I would of been on a major highway. Other problems was the interior plastic was shaking and not put together well, coming apart only after a few months. In the winter my drivers side window does not open. And it is the worst car I have ever driven in the snow!!!!! Dont waste your $$$ buying this overpriced POS.

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  Great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Matt - August 21 - 11:37 am

  I bought this car new when I was 19 and it never failed me. Outside of regular maintenance I did not have to do anything else. Nothing broke or stopped working and I traded it instead uear for a 2014 Focus ST.

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  automatic transmission is junk. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By tuch - August 21 - 4:25 am

  Ford needs to hire some engineers that have some technology. The automatic stick shift transmission as they call it is a joke and dangerous to drive. Still Ford wont man up and recall and replace the transmission. It slips, shutters, and mine has had the clutches replaced already, still is no good! The dealer keeps making up excuses like the car is supposed to shudder, or it has to learn your driving. What a joke! Its a shame because its a fun car to drive until it hit 7000 miles, the service dept told me upfront that they get at least one car in a day with this same complaint! FORD MAN UP AND RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM!

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  Great college car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By no noburt - August 20 - 1:50 pm

  Im in college. I was gifted this car. It was the bare bones model. It had an engine and tranny with the stock radio. The manual windows and locks were annoying but they worked. I replaced the radio and drove from 88K to 120K until i was rear ended and totaled. It gave me 0 mechanical problems. It ran and had A/C. It was great. It looked like shit(due to previous owner) but it got me everywhere with no problems. It was loud when going 80 on the turnpike but I didnt care. I had a radio to listen to. My passengers dealt with the the rear seats so I cant vouch for them. Comfortable, fun, great steering, great brakes, good mpg, good on tires. Would buy again

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  I love my Focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By JP - August 19 - 6:08 pm

  Reading about cars is my leisure activity. Because of that, I knew to avoid My Ford Touch and the dual clutch transmission. Equipped with a manual and My Ford, my focus is the best car Ive ever owned. It has some issues, the voice control button works only about 80% of the time, and the dash rattles during winter. However, the car is comfortable, quiet, fun to drive, has great speakers, has functional space, the transmission is very smooth, and has a nice interior. Additionally, the fuel milage beats the EPA estimate of 28 mpg combined. My Focus averages between 30 and 36 mpg combined. I recommend the car to all of my friends and family.